Page 99

Just after watching the military drill, Cassius returned to the cave, where the hobgoblin presented another secret report.

He browsed it carefully.

The report was titled “Notes on the Northern Three-Kingdoms Alliance.”

“In terms of direct strength comparison, the Duchy of Bosk is clearly far superior to the combined strength of the Lackman and Nort Duchies.

Bosk is the victor of the internal struggles within the Northern United Kingdom, securing a special status in the ‘Lionheart Covenant’ a century ago and has since held the title of nominal controller of the United Kingdom, stationed in the southern part of the Anzeta Wasteland.

However, its relationship with the other duchies remains delicate and distanced. The current Grand Duke of Bosk dreams of a unified, united kingdom, so he wouldn’t fully commit to aiding any one nation, instead enjoying the sight of his neighbors’ strength weakening.

Among this so-called thirty-thousand-strong coalition, Bosk’s forces amount to fewer than five thousand, all of whom are merely minor border guards. The Nort Family’s ‘Double-Headed Eagle’ requires Lackman as a buffer and is willing to help to its full ability, but limited by its own strength, it can only dispatch three thousand soldiers.

As for the bulk of this so-called alliance, it is the Lackman Duchy’s army. Since it concerns matters of survival, they are making a full-scale mobilization.

My aim with these notes is to record the military condition of the Lackman Duchy.

At the lowest level of the army, the most common soldiers are conscripted laborers. Before the war, they were likely farmers, with no systematic military training. Besides low-grade weapons, they barely have any armor, or rather, their main job is not to fight but to feed horses, transport supplies, or serve as cannon fodder ahead of the elite forces.

In the Lackman Duchy, they are often tenants or serfs under local gentry and landlords. They are pitiful people without personal freedom, lacking even the right to own spoils; any merits or loot they gain are recorded in the name of their masters.

A bit better are the second-tier soldiers—those who join the army as free men under military service. They can keep their own spoils; though limited financially, they often fight with weapons passed down through generations.

Within the duchy, they are self-sustaining farmers gathered under the lord’s service. Military service is their duty to their lord. In theory, they hold equal status with the local gentry, as these individuals are essentially self-sustaining farmers with more land and no need for manual labor.

The third tier comprises soldiers closely connected to the lord, true professional soldiers whose combat enthusiasm far exceeds that of conscripts. They are often the lord’s retainers or local gentry. Supported by the lord’s stipend or their land’s income, they possess enough wealth to afford quality weapons and equipment, obtaining further benefits through warfare.

There is also a group between the second and third tiers: mercenaries. Although they don’t own as much land as the gentry, due to their long-term combat experience, they prefer to convert their current wealth into better weapons and equipment to survive on the battlefield and secure more victories.

Conscripted soldiers from peasant backgrounds, after gaining spoils, often spend them on daily life. Though mercenaries lack systematic training like third-tier soldiers, years of fighting serve as excellent military training—provided they survive.

The fourth tier, the most elite soldiers, have enough wealth to afford top-grade weapons and equipment, and their military education qualifies them for low-ranking officer roles.

Only this group can produce large-scale cavalry. They often serve as knights or low-ranking nobles like barons under the lord. Their representation is in the ‘Northwind Eagle Guard’ knights.”

The final signature reads, “Your loyal servant, whom you have not met, the lowly pureblood serpentfolk, Darenna Poisoness.”

“Interesting…”

Cassius observed these words, thinking to himself.

This is no mere military report; it’s a comprehensive summary of the social conditions in the northern kingdoms, or more accurately, a showcase of one’s abilities.

Whatever Darenna’s intentions may be, she has successfully piqued the Red Dragon’s interest.

After a moment of thought, Cassius commanded, “Dolo, bring me the report’s author.”

Dolo quickly responded, “Master, that serpentfolk has been waiting at the door for a long time. I was considering driving her away…”

“Let her in.”

“Yes, Master.”

Moments later, Dolo brought her inside.

Cassius scrutinized this pureblood serpentfolk carefully. She wore a heavy headscarf and a purple robe that accentuated her fine figure, making her appear no different from a human.

Facing Cassius’ piercing gaze, Darenna removed her headscarf, unhesitatingly raising her head with a flirtatious smile.

Her beautiful face exuded a hint of danger. Her slit-shaped pupils, sharp fangs, and forked tongue betrayed her serpentfolk identity.

“Lord Cassius, it’s an honor to meet you. I knew you’d let me in.”

Her voice was charmingly seductive, with a hint of serpentine rasp.

Cassius looked down at her from above.

“Writing something like this shows your skills are decent. You could easily find a good post among humans, so why come to this desolate Ember Nest?”

A flattery-filled smile instinctively appeared on Darenna’s pretty face as she replied with enticing charm, “Lord Cassius…”

However, her words were cut off.

“Do not use your lowly charms for humans on a noble dragon.”

Cassius’ tone was dangerously serious, exuding a subtle aura of draconic might.

It was at this moment that she truly realized she stood before an authentic, ruthless Red Dragon, not some gluttonous human lord.

Overwhelmed by the intense pressure, Darenna felt instinctive fear, trembling as she lowered her head, kneeling.

“My identity…”

“In serpentfolk society, I’m a lowly outcast, and among humans, my bloodline prevents me from displaying my talents, so I came here…”

Cassius said calmly, “See, you can speak straightforwardly.”

“I prefer straightforward words. So tell me—what do you seek from Ember Nest?”

Darenna hesitated briefly before responding with gritted teeth,

“Power, status.”

She fell silent, kneeling, awaiting her final judgment.

The air nearly solidified. Beads of sweat trickled down her forehead as she waited.

Cassius glanced at her, his golden pupils flashing faint magical light.

【Detect Lie】

The spell showed she wasn’t lying.

Cassius’s calm voice resounded again.

“Good, you didn’t lie to me. Otherwise, you’d already be a pile of ashes.”

Darenna sighed in relief.

“At Ember Nest, we always welcome talent. I don’t mind ambition; in fact, I encourage it—as long as you prove your worth…”

“Do you understand?”

Darenna quickly nodded in agreement.

“Go to that ugly tower and find my steward, Langpu. He’ll assign you an appropriate task.”

“Yes.”

“…Master.”

*************************************************