Chapter 1107 - 168: Astonishing Reinforcements · Eternal Light Knight Order (Part 3)

Chapter 1107: Chapter 168: Astonishing Reinforcements · Eternal Light Knight Order (Part 3)

Oerstein’s eloquent speech was interrupted by the entrance of Hilude, who cast an apologetic glance at Oerstein before walking to Su Li’s side to report something discreetly.

Su Li immediately gestured and said, "Speak directly; with our Marshal, I have no need for secrecy."

"It’s a personal matter, my Lord." Hilude didn’t insist but explained the delicate reason, then continued, "Our reinforcements have arrived. The garrison on the westernmost side of our territory, near the Dusk Mountain Range, reported that a Knight Order of 1000 people requested entry into the territory."

Su Li raised his head in surprise, confirming with Hilude that he hadn’t misheard: "A Knight Order of 1000? Our reinforcements? From where?"

Oerstein also furrowed his brow, unable to fathom where these 1000 reinforcements in the territory came from. Recently, he had been reviewing and counting all conceivable troops for restructuring, making it impossible to overlook such a substantial force!

Hilude’s heroic face revealed a pleased smile and said, "That’s why it’s your personal matter. The Eternal Light Knight Order sent by Princess Philis."

Su Li stood up abruptly, causing the high-back chair behind him to make a muffled thud. His face froze with shock, tinged with disbelief.

"Eternal Light? Archibald?" He repeated these names, enunciating each syllable heavily, as if verifying if this was reality. "The one in the Bauhinia Manor conference room, who almost clashed with us... the Sword of the Virena Goddess?"

"Indeed, my Lord." Hilude nodded affirmatively, a complex smile lingering at his lips, "Princess Philis’s envoy accompanied them, bringing a handwritten letter and... a sizable diplomatic delegation. They’re now outside the western checkpoint, awaiting your entry permission."

Silence briefly enveloped the study. Even Marshal Oerstein rarely showed an expression of astonishment. The Eternal Light Knight Order! This is one of Virena Church’s most renowned core forces, akin to the Flame Sun Knight Order, one of the church’s most formidable knight orders.

Such a powerful church Knight Order, which once had friction with the Hesse Territory, is now sent by Prince Philis as "reinforcements"?

The significance behind this extends far beyond the thousand elite knights themselves.

Su Li took a deep breath, forcefully suppressing his tumultuous emotions. After the shock, he felt an indescribable joy and a strong sense of political acumen. Philis’s act was akin to handing over a sharp sword of the Virena Church to him! This wasn’t just reinforcements but a very powerful political signal, indicating that Sulande Province, and even the Virena Church in the empire, was leaning towards the Hesse Territory.

Logic dictates that Su Li had no real grudge against this Knight Order, his hatred solely targeted Archibald. From a benefits perspective, he should highly appreciate this Knight Order since their vigorous support escorted Philis to rule in Avalon Palace, becoming one of the most esteemed Electors.

So, without hesitation, Su Li contemplated for just a moment before deciding.

"Permit them! Let them in immediately!" Su Li’s voice was decisive, eyes reflecting excitement, "Hilude, arrange a reception personally, with the highest standards! Welcome them to... hmm, place them near the Virena Goddess’s cathedral, at the military academy in Heisen City. Also, immediately notify the Provincial Affairs Council chief and all key officials in the territory to prepare the welcoming ceremony!"

"Yes, my Lord!" Hilude received the command and swiftly departed.

The study door closed, and Su Li turned to the equally stirred-up Oerstein: "My Marshal, it seems our previous estimation was still too conservative."

Oerstein stroked his chin, eyes gleaming: "Conservative isn’t even the word! My Lord, the Eternal Light Knight Order is a standard top-tier church knight order, all equipped with rune plate armor, mounts are chosen Northern war horses, their combat power definitely surpasses the Heisen Guard Knights, possibly even rivaling the Sun of Vengeance Half-Lion Griffin Knight Order! Their arrival greatly enhances our church armament’s strength!"

Su Li walked to the window, looking towards the direction of the Dusk Mountain Range, as if he could pierce through space to see the approaching iron wave. "Philis... this ’dowry’ is truly substantial."

The news of the impending arrival of the Eternal Light Knight Order spread rapidly through the central areas of the Hesse Territory like wings.

Soon, numerous academy mentors and scholars, led by Provincial Affairs Council Governor Oliver, arrived at Bauhinia Castle. Even the cold and heartless face of Oliver showed immense joy as he asked, "My Lord, I heard the Eternal Light Knight Order is entering our territory?"

Su Li smiled and nodded, saying, "That’s right, Grand Prince Philis sent a sizable diplomatic delegation, including the Eternal Light Knight Order. It seems the ascetic saints mentioned reinforcements before, and that must be them."

Oliver quickly responded, agreeing, "That’s certainly the case. The Eternal Light Knight Order must have come from Marle Castle. Dante saw them, but the Eternal Light Knight Order is large in scale, so crossing territories wasn’t as swift as Dante. Hence, Dante arrived first. I guess they might have set off simultaneously."

Avowing, Oliver chuckled, "This is also Princess Philis’s return favor, since you sent Gilles to deliver 120,000 Golden Crowns to His Highness the Prince, greatly alleviating Sulande Province’s financial pressure."

Su Li’s lips curled upward, feeling that supporting Philis had become the most successful investment since entering this world!

Every time he invested a bit with Philis, she’d return with a wealth of support.

With Sulande Province, as an Elector’s Territory’s strength, any reward to Su Li represents unprecedented opportunity and aid to him.

Last time, she gifted Su Li the Earth Vein Compass.

Su Li had recently adjusted from Forging Fire Resonance to [Condensation Cycle], a setting that significantly boosted water resources throughout the territory and slightly increased magic power in the water, bringing comprehensive enhancement to fisheries, irrigation, quenching, medicine-making, and more, even resulting in a notable rise in the probability of conception across the territory.

This effect became evident with the transition into autumn and winter.

Firstly, the water itself. All rivers, streams, lakes, and even deep wells within the territory began slowly and steadily increasing their levels. Initially trickling water flows became abundant, and dried-up shallow areas were once again covered by flowing water. The water quality improved significantly, and under sunlight, a faint bluish hue, almost imperceptible, was visible—indicative of magic power integrated into the water.

Fish and shrimp in rivers and lakes noticeably multiplied in number and seemed grew larger. Fishermen’s netting harvests increased noticeably. The slight magic power in the water subtly stimulated the growth of certain magic-sensitive aquatic plants.

Simultaneously, it enormously benefited industries requiring vast amounts of water. The quenching pools in smithies were always filled, as the improved water quality stabilized the quenching effect, slightly enhancing the quality of weapons and armor. Water-driven mills exerted increased strength. Certain workshops requiring purified water, such as initial leather treatment or specific potion preparations, often needed fewer purification steps.

Residents’ daily water collection became much more convenient, as wells were less prone to drying up, significantly reducing the pressure on settlements near water sources for household water usage. Abundant clean water sources also promise potential health benefits, potentially preventing illnesses and bringing respite during the desolate winter.

What’s subtly noteworthy, yet widely whispered among the populace, is the higher frequency of newlywed couples conceiving compared to previous years. Many believe that it’s the body-nourishing clean water infused with magic power, promoting conception. Although hard to accurately tally, the trend is noticeable to many.

All this greatly aids the rest and recuperation policies in Hesse Territory, making this winter less harsh, with Violet district’s lifestyle showing distinct differences from Yurik district.

Thus, Su Li eagerly anticipates what treasures Philis will send this time. Of course, even if she doesn’t send anything, he can understand, considering Sulande Province only possesses 8 treasures, with a few lost to millennia of warfare.

Philis can’t possibly send all of her treasures to the Hesse Territory, right? Doing so would face enormous societal pressure.