Although summoning a large army at this time would definitely affect spring plowing, Ryan and the others couldn't care less.
If Matthew Bard captured the capital, it would be a catastrophic consequence.
Fortunately, Ryan had a contingency plan. He had previously simulated how to summon serfs and how many to deploy if the situation turned unfavorable. So, after giving an order, the kingdom knights Lops and Olivier, who stayed behind in the territory, immediately responded and summoned the army as per the original plan. Veronica, who had been prepared for a long time, also brought a team of witch apprentices to the front line.
After spending a considerable amount of time resting and gathering the southern chivalric army, Ryan finally ordered the troops to prepare for departure.
But even Matthew Bard did not expect that the speed of the southern chivalric army would surpass his. When Matthew Bard entered the Duchy of Le-Angoulême, still about a hundred kilometers from Curona, Ryan's army had already crossed the Arden Forest, camping on the edge of the forest, less than fifty kilometers from Curona.
Why was Ryan's army able to move so swiftly?
This was thanks to the involvement of the wood elves. The Forest King Orion and the Forest Queen Ariel both understood that if Matthew Bard succeeded in becoming the King of Bretania, the kingdom would turn into a land ruled by the undead, which the wood elves could not tolerate. So when Ryan and the others were still discussing whether to detour through Lyonnais or cross the Arden Forest, Orion appeared and indicated there was no need for such trouble.
"We'll take a shortcut."
Bretania was once one of the most important colonies of the Elven Empire in the Old World. The wood elves had chosen to stay in the forest when the high elves withdrew from the Old World, leading to their division into wood elves.
Therefore, the wood elves left guiding stones in many parts of Bretania, and the roots of the World Oak Tree spread all over the world. Although some roots had withered and decayed due to chaotic influences, most of them remained alive. The wood elves could use these roots to travel to most parts of the world.
The wood elves opened up the roots of the World Oak Tree, revealing the path to Curona before everyone's eyes.
It was a sea of green. As the roots of the World Oak Tree made way, a mysterious underground world unfolded before them. The voices of forest spirits echoed in the tunnel, pure life energy resonated within, leaving the imperial army speechless with astonishment as if discovering a new continent. The knights of Bretania had a deeper appreciation. For years, they had always considered Athel Loren a haunted and abominable land, never imagining that its inhabitants possessed such formidable power, allowing them to traverse Bretania's sacred land freely.
Naturally, since they were using the wood elves' paths, both humans and dwarves had to obey the wood elves. A single spell from these forest dwellers could bury the entire army underground. While dwarves might survive by tunneling out, humans certainly would not last a few days.
As humans and dwarves entered the underground, the wood elves issued a stern warning: if anyone dared to chop wood, start a fire, or harm the roots of the World Tree, they would be cut to pieces and used to nourish the land.
Particularly wary were the dwarves, whose history showed many expeditions into Athel Loren seeking high-quality hardwood and gemstone veins, all ending in annihilation.
As expected, the dwarves marveled at the environment upon entering the underground. Their minds buzzed with thoughts of taking samples back for study, though previous commitments prevented them from acting on it. Belegar closely observed the roots of the World Oak Tree, muttering, "Such high-quality hardwood—how many tools could it make? A little cutting wouldn't hurt; it would grow back quickly."
"If you dare touch the World Oak Tree, I'll cut off your head," Alaroth said threateningly, walking beside him. "I mean it, dwarf."
"Hmph, let's see who cuts whom," Belegar grumbled, realizing that they were still allies. If these elves left him underground, he was doomed.
"I mean, elf friend, even though your ears are long and pointy like your spears, your archery skills aren't bad, just a bit worse than dwarves," Belegar quickly added.
Alaroth's face darkened. He almost wanted to stab Belegar with his spear. Was this dwarf praising him? It sounded more like a provocation. If not for the need to maintain dignity in front of the goddess Lilith, Alaroth would have challenged Belegar to a duel.
The two were evenly matched, both near the peak of their legendary status. Alaroth was young, while Belegar was battle-hardened. Wood elves, with their longevity, had truly found a way to coexist with nature. Among elves, wood elves were the longest-lived, many reaching two to three thousand years old.
Meanwhile, Ryan was speaking fluent High Elvish with the Forest King Orion, which most couldn't understand. Judging by Orion's expression, their conversation seemed pleasant. Nearby wild riders and sisters of the thorns faintly heard Ryan mention terms like "green hills and clear waters over gold and silver mountains," "sustainable development," "down with all beastmen," and "kill Morgur, add two attacks to treemen," which made Orion nod repeatedly.
"Trevorick, you seem exhausted from this war," said the sorceress Veronica, who had arrived at the front line. Holding the Udine Staff, she eyed the pale and unsteady female warlock playfully. "Used up your mana again?"
"This war was unexpectedly tough. We fought the Chaos Demon Army, and that two-headed monster bird was too strong," Teresa recalled with some fear. "Ryan, Lord Kalad, and Lady Morgiana together couldn't defeat that Chaos Great Demon. I didn't dare go near, only watching from afar."
"Of course, what did you think a Chaos Great Demon was?" Veronica scoffed, though she too was apprehensive. "Damn, encountering a Chaos Great Demon while attacking Mousilon—if I had known, I wouldn't have stayed in the wizard tower."
"Winter in Mousilon is cold and damp; how many spells could you cast in such conditions?" Teresa sneered at Veronica's bravado.
Their witch apprentices also stood divided behind their mentors.
Despite this, they exchanged intelligence.
Teresa learned that Lady Sulia's belly was gradually growing, and the territory was temporarily peaceful. Ryan's brother Angron had stopped farming to patrol and protect his unborn nephew.
Outside the High Tower of the Lady of the Lake, the entire body of a large tree hung with Skaven assassins, all killed with one blow, proving the existence of the Skaven.
Veronica learned that Ryan had already obtained the title of Duke of Mousilon, awaiting the formal decree from the Knight King.
"He's a duke now," Veronica said, tucking her black-brown hair behind her ear. "Can you imagine, Ryan was just an ordinary ranger knight over ten years ago?"
"Yes, time flies," Teresa agreed. "It's been nine years since we left Nord with Ryan to chase Belt."
Their conversation caught the attention of others. Duke Francois of Winford and Duke Berhemond of Bastogne joined in. Francois, as Ryan's father-in-law, was familiar with the two witches.
"Lady Veronica was Ryan's earliest adventuring partner, right?" Francois smiled warmly. "Forming a deep friendship and relationship with a man before he made it big—Lady Veronica, you have a good eye!"
"Hello, Lord Francois, Lord Berhemond," Veronica and Teresa greeted respectfully.
"A man like Ryan is truly a gem," Berhemond said gruffly. "Francois praises you while praising himself. Everyone knows Ryan is his son-in-law now. People say Francois chose a good husband for Sulia!"
"A true man of quality should be pre-booked. When I allowed Ryan and Sulia to date, he was just a baron," Francois said proudly, stroking his beard. His daughter was now a duchess and possibly a future queen. "Lady Veronica, when you met Ryan, he was just a young knight."
"Yes," Veronica sighed. "We were both poor. When I chose him as a partner, all the formal witches laughed at me for being a fool. Ignoring lords in their thirties or forties, I picked a young warrior in his twenties. He couldn't help me on the path of magic or financially. They laughed at me for wasting my youth. The only notable thing was his godfather, Duke Ivan of Griffon, but Ivan had many godchildren. Ryan was just an insignificant one."
"Haha, that's typical of wizards," Francois laughed. Wizards, respected yet watched for their power, were practical and focused on immediate benefits. They chose partners who could help them in magic or improve their social status and wealth. At that time, Ryan met neither criterion, offering only potential.
"Those witches never considered that Ryan might think the same way," Teresa added self-deprecatingly. "Looking back on our adventures, it's clear why he wasn't interested in me. I couldn't help his future career or assist him when he struggled. Naturally, he wouldn't love me."
"I feel like I'm being talked about," Ryan said, appearing behind them and startling everyone. The newly appointed Duke of Mousilon had heard their conversation. "When I first started, I had no plans to find a partner. If needed, I'd spend a silver coin to find a suitable place or attend a banquet to meet a widow. That's how I handled it before meeting Veronica."
"Veronica was a surprise. I never expected such a beautiful formal witch
to offer partnership. Young me was both happy and touched, agreeing instantly. I vowed to help her achieve her dream of having a wizard tower."
Ryan humorously added, "Times have changed. If a formal witch now asked to partner with me, I'd smile and refuse, no matter how nice she spoke. Clearly, she just wants to get rich off me and change her social status."
"Haha, me too," Francois laughed. "Men shouldn't rush to marry young. Focus on improving yourself first. When you're excellent, you won't lack women."
The female warlock was unhappy, realizing she was too late. Teresa also knew she couldn't compete with Sulia, whose marriage brought Ryan significant benefits. Ryan was a rational person.
"So, that's why you married Sulia to Ryan?" Berhemond grumbled at Francois. "You crafty old fox, you got ahead of us all!"
"Haha," Ryan laughed in agreement, his expression turning serious. "Let's end this war. To protect the land the goddess gave us, Bretania's knights have shed their blood. It's time to end this chaos."
"Indeed! Time to end this turmoil," Berhemond agreed, filled with hatred. "Matthew Bard, that viper, traitor, undead lackey, and Chaos pawn, will get his due!"
"Time to end it all!"
...Divider...
In early May, after more than two weeks, Matthew Bard finally reached the banks of the River Sarnes, only to find a heart-stopping sight.
Outside the capital of Curona, a massive allied army composed of Bretania knights, Imperial Nuln mercenaries, Angrund clan elite warriors, and wood elves awaited him.
Having fought Chaos demons, this army had transformed. Their ranks were tight, their killing intent intense, and there were five Sanctuary powerhouses, along with the demigod Green Knight and Forest King Orion.
The Lady of the Lake's chosen champion, Ryan Macado, rode his pureblood elven horse Grape at the forefront.
Seeing Matthew Bard, Ryan spoke coldly, his voice as icy as winter and as fiery as summer.
"Matthew Bard, the serpent of Mousilon, you've finally come."
"I am the Lady's chosen champion. I must save this land the goddess gave us from your schemes."
"So, serpent, today is your end!"
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