Chapter 387 - 383: The Gift List

Chapter 387: Chapter 383: The Gift List

Next, Duane spoke with Casio for a while longer, discussing matters concerning the Starfall Islands and the Akutas Kingdom.

For example, how Tyron and Howard planned to deal with the Four Nations Alliance.

Casio held nothing back, sharing everything he knew.

However, he was only a Noble Knight from the Scorching Wind Territory. His knowledge was limited to the information Viscount Freddy chose to reveal. He was completely unaware of more central secrets, such as the Kingdom’s troop deployments or His Majesty Tyron’s true strength.

Still, in his opinion, it was inevitable that the nobility would be gripped by panic.

Once the war began, if there was no turn for the better within four or five months, the Akutas Kingdom would likely face a total collapse.

After seeing Casio off, Duane returned to the bedroom.

Natalia had already returned from the storeroom and was sitting on the sofa, engrossed in a booklet. When she saw Duane come in, she merely glanced up and said,

"Duane, did you know? I can’t even get through all the gifts piled up in the storage room. Ralph told me the things in there are worth no less than one hundred thousand Gold Coins!"

She sighed in admiration. "And that’s not even all of it! Viscount Freddy was so generous, he actually brought five thousand pounds of Meteorite Iron and two thousand pounds of Mithril!"

At this, Natalia looked up. "When I think about how we’re about to attack the Scorching Wind Territory, I almost feel bad."

Duane couldn’t help but smile. "He only brought such a lavish gift because he wants something from me."

Natalia knew Casio must have proposed something just now, but she figured that was the sort of thing best left for Duane and her father to worry about.

"And Viscount Raul sent another young Star Velvet Mammoth."

"The Crown Prince and Danika also brought two Striped Tiger cubs and four Flame Horse foals."

"It’s a shame Marquis Sean didn’t send any Giant Shadow Wolf pups. If he had, we would have collected the unique Demon Beast mounts from all the great Lords of the Pruck Kingdom."

Marquis Sean didn’t come himself; he sent his second son, Keldert, in his place. The congratulatory gift he brought was quite valuable, just without any Giant Shadow Wolf mounts.

These nobles were quite interesting. Regardless of their current relationships or whether they might become enemies in the future, as long as Duane sent an invitation, they would send someone to offer congratulations.

This could be considered a unique social custom among the nobility—maintaining a basic level of decorum so that even if they drew swords on the battlefield one day, there would still be some room for negotiation, saving them from being killed outright.

"Alright, Natalia, put down the booklet you’re holding."

Duane hugged her from behind. "Today is our wedding night. It’s time to get down to business."

Feeling his warm breath by her ear, Natalia set the booklet down and turned with a radiant smile to embrace him.

「After their moment of passion.」

Natalia lay in the crook of Duane’s arm, recalling the words her mother had spoken to her.

"Duane... look, my older nephew Talande is already running around, and my little nephew Sam babbles all day. When are we going to have one?"

Duane was taken aback for a moment, then gave a slight nod.

He thought for a moment before saying, "There will be a busy and unstable period soon. I’ll need your help with many matters in the Territory. Now isn’t the right time."

They were both only twenty-one, very young, so there was no rush.

However, according to custom, it was indeed time to put the matter on the agenda.

Duane thought for a moment and said, "Let’s wait until the upcoming war has settled down. We can talk about it after we’ve taken the Starfall Islands."

Natalia snuggled against him happily. "Okay!"

Over the next two days, the guests gradually departed from Black Forest Island for their return journeys. Only Count Kais and Baron Uriel stayed for two extra days.

「In the meeting room.」

Duane called the two of them over to discuss Viscount Freddy’s proposal.

"I think it’s feasible."

Baron Uriel stated his position immediately.

In this campaign, Coral Island’s main task is to provide combat potions and treat the wounded.

In preparation for the war, his clan has already drastically reduced the volume of potions sold to the public, stockpiling them instead for the war effort.

If they managed to take the Starfall Islands, he stood to gain significant benefits as well.

"As long as Freddy doesn’t take the initiative to attack and doesn’t aid Duke Star Sea, we’ll be under much less pressure. And once we’ve taken down the Star Sea Clan, even if Freddy goes back on his word, we can just march north and invade the Scorching Wind Territory."

"If we attack the Scorching Wind Territory first, the Star Sea Clan might intercept our logistical ships from the south, causing supply problems."

Geographically, the Star Sea Clan was indeed in a position to do so.

"There’s more."

The Count continued, "Duke Star Sea is closer to us. We can reach him within ten days of setting out from the Silver Jade Territory."

"Of course, the most important thing is that Freddy has chosen to show weakness, which means we can reduce our combat losses."

All of this was predicated on Freddy’s willingness to surrender. If that weren’t the case, a swift capture of the Scorching Wind Territory would have been the best option.

The Count looked at Duane. "And what do you think?"

Duane said, "I also agree with attacking Duke Star Sea first. We should capture his port in the very first battle, coming at him with overwhelming force."

Here, his tone shifted. "However, to further reduce our casualties, it would be best not to let Viscount Freddy’s men just sit idly in their own territory."

Baron Uriel was suddenly puzzled. "You have another strategy?"

The Count, however, understood. He said with a smile, "You’re planning to use the forces you left behind in the Starfall Islands, aren’t you?"

"What forces?" Baron Uriel asked, surprised and suspicious. "You have other deployments?"

Count Kais gave a mysterious smile. "You’ll find out when the time comes."

Duane, for his part, nodded. "In any case, there’s no sense in blindly trusting an enemy’s promise on the battlefield. He can make his compromises, and I’ll proceed with my plan. Only by demonstrating our power can we make him submit wholeheartedly."

’Peace can be negotiated,’ he had always believed, ’but the threat of force must always be present.’

’If you don’t hit them hard enough to make them feel the pain, they’ll just think you’re a pushover. Then, if the Akutas Kingdom promises them some benefits and beckons, they’ll likely start having second thoughts.’

’Besides, even if Freddy submits and follows me, I’ll still have to limit his power.’

"You’re the Commander now,"

the Count said. "Since you already have a plan, just do as you see fit. Let us know if you need anything."

Duane nodded and looked at Baron Uriel. "I need a batch of Hemostatic Potions, as well as some intermediate and advanced-grade burst-type potions. Get them to me as soon as possible. My people will make their move before March of next year."

These potions would, of course, be provided free of charge; Duane didn’t need to spend any money on them.

After all, they were in the business of expanding their territory. When they eventually took the Starfall Islands, Baron Uriel’s share of the spoils would be determined by the size of his contribution.

"No problem. I’ll arrange for someone to deliver the potions after I get back in the next day or two."

Baron Uriel finally understood. ’Duane must have a force already in place on the Starfall Islands and wants to stir up some trouble before the war officially begins. This will reduce the pressure on our main invasion, and I’m more than happy to see it.’

This was the sort of thing that would reduce the pressure on their main invasion, and he was more than happy to see it.