Heroes of Might and Magic: Grand Consul

Chapter 59 Accompany Me Again

Su Mu and the others returned to Cang Mu. Forrest excitedly reported to him on the progress of the town's military training, but when he saw nearly a hundred shield soldiers, he was instantly dumbfounded.

"How come there are so many fresh troops?"

"Sir, have you searched all the surrounding guard posts?"

Seeing Forrest's surprised expression, Su Mu couldn't help but chuckle.

Orling recounted what had happened in White Stone City, and even showed off the two new spells she had learned, much to Forrest's dismay.

In fact, the protective stone skin was a great enhancement for Forrest, who possessed intermediate earth elemental magic. It was just that the occupation of White Stone City was too short this time, and he didn't have time to cultivate it.

"What did Baron Eugen say?"

"Nobles from all over the country organized their guards to come to the rescue. Locke Kyle repelled several waves of enemies and then retreated into a cave. Garfield recaptured Longleat Castle."

"What about Maggie and the other nobles? Weren't they captured?"

"Rex, who was defending the city, was killed in action, and I heard that the president of the Magic Guild also died. Lady Maggie was rescued and is currently taking refuge in the surrounding area. As for the other nobles, some were lucky enough to survive, but most were killed when the city fell."

This is already the best possible outcome. As long as Maggie doesn't die, the Garfield Eagles' banner will remain standing. Although in chaos, they can still maintain their position.

"Now the population of Cangmu Town has surged to more than 10. Carpenters have set aside some of their time to build houses to accommodate these displaced people. The market is also gradually becoming more active, and merchants from all over the country are flocking here."

"Urban construction must be planned, with residential areas, commercial areas, and defense zones each having their own functions. You have to plan ahead, otherwise it will be difficult to demolish them after they are built."

Forrest patted his chest and assured him, "Don't worry, sir. You don't even know what my profession is. I guarantee that we will build a sustainable and expandable city. In the future, there will be enough space for the main camp, the castle, and even hundreds of thousands more people. We have already reserved special locations for the construction sites of the barracks in the military area to ensure easy access."

Even your manor and castle have been planned.

Su Mu waved his hand: "Everything is in need of rebuilding now, there's no need for large-scale construction. I have a spacious courtyard, which is convenient for military meetings. You know what to do next."

He still trusted Forrest when it came to urban development.

However, the architect has some problems to solve: "With the increase in population, the town's security has declined, and theft and robbery occur frequently, so it is necessary to improve the town's security forces."

Previously, Kuraki Town was just a remote little town, inhabited by local residents who knew each other well. The guards only needed to control a few troublemakers to solve the problem.

The situation is different now. Nearly half of the people in Kuraki are refugees, a mixed bag of people. Without sufficient guards, it is easy for chaos to break out.

Su Mu brought Midra forward: "Captain Midra, commander of the shield soldiers, you will lead the way from now on. First, quell those troublemakers."

As for the Thieves' Guild, they contacted people in the refugee camp, recruited a group of reliable thieves, established a formal guild in Kuraki Town, and collected intelligence for the town.

As for the rest, in chaotic times, harsh measures are necessary; I don't need to teach you that, do I?

With a two-pronged approach, one overt and one covert, Su Mu's bluntness is sure to unleash a bloodbath.

Forrest turned to look at the shield-bearer commander after the earth elemental baptism and nodded in satisfaction.

Mead: Attack 12, Defense 16, Damage 6-6, Health 60, Speed ​​6, Medium Size.

Loyalty: 70, Element: Earth.

Characteristics: Shield bash, conservative.

Shield array, giant shields that reflect shock.

Shieldbearer Commander: You have incorporated thrusting techniques into the defense of the Rock Shield, taking minimal damage on the first block (maximum damage taken is 30) and inflicting additional recoil (fixed value +10).

Shieldbearers are naturally skilled at defense, and Mead is one of the best among them, making him an absolute master at guarding the city's defenses.

"Work hard in Kuraki Town! You'll have a good life ahead of you!"

Forrest was one of the earliest heroes to follow Su Mu, so he was naturally aware of the methods of Governor Su Mu. There might be many reasons why the lord had not yet taken action.

However, Kuraki is currently short of manpower and resources. If Mead performs well, Su Mu will definitely be willing to give him a chance. It all depends on his luck.

After arranging this, Forrest continued, "Baron Eugen is coming to Kuraki, and he's bringing a letter of commendation with him."

Su Mu waved his hand dismissively: "The appointment is a pretense; the real purpose is to send troops to attack Baishi City. However, since we launched a surprise attack on Baishi City, we are already locked in a life-or-death struggle with them, so we must eliminate them to prevent future troubles."

The Kyle family has incurred the wrath of the masses this time and will surely be condemned by everyone. It's a good opportunity to send troops together to deal with them.

But what we need, we'll have to get from Baron Eugen and Longletburg!

Forrest didn't actually want to send troops at this moment; he just wanted to develop Kuraki peacefully. However, the surrounding situation changed drastically, and Kuraki was forced into the vortex.

After the three leaders finished their discussion, their short-term goals were determined.

Su Mu returned to his courtyard and was about to sit down in the meditation room to rest when a simply dressed maid walked towards him.

Valentine?

The sheet music features a maid outfit in white lilac blossoms, with light green lace stockings on the lower body, and legs slightly bowed, exuding youthful energy.

"My lord, here is your tea and refreshments. Lord Forrest said that I will take care of your daily needs from now on."

Su Mu took the tea and sipped it. It tasted good, sweet and rich.

“Miss Valentine, you are the heir to the baronship, there is no need for you to do such menial work. As for your status, since you have not yet been married into the Kyle family, I can report to the Marquis and explain your predicament.”

"Thank you, Lord. In truth, the Kyle family only coveted my title. As for their second son, who spends his days indulging in debauchery, we've hardly ever met him."

The kingdom is in chaos now, and the Valentine family's legacy is long gone. I don't want to wander any longer. If I can settle down in Kuraki, I will be deeply indebted to you.

That's a bit of an understatement. Natasha is, after all, the heir to a baronship; whoever marries her will immediately receive a title. Keep in mind that old Eugen, despite his life's hard work, only achieved the rank of baron; higher titles are often the result of generations of struggle.

But now that chaos is about to break out, empty titles are indeed useless and are easily coveted by others.

Su Mu currently has no title and is an energetic young woman. Perhaps someone said something to her behind her back, or perhaps it was her own consideration. In any case, Valentine decided to come here to be a tea server.

She was willing to do whatever the lord needed. Su Mu stared into her beautiful brown eyes, trying to see through her thoughts, but Natasha shyly lowered her head, not giving him the chance.

Smelling the sweet, delicate fragrance of jasmine, and glancing at the shy girl with a slight sheen of sweat at her temples, Su Mu thought to herself, "Good heavens. Using this to test the cadres, is that it?"

He nodded and did not refuse Natasha.

Valentine's original territory was in the southern part of the Marquisate, bordering the Valley. The family's territory was only temporarily mortgaged and managed by other lords.

This would be a perfect excuse should Kuraki want to head south.

As Natasha said, her greatest role was her title, not herself.

Of course, having a fresh and fragrant young girl swaying in front of you is much more pleasing to the eye than a bunch of smelly soldiers.

But that's all. With Langlit Castle fallen, the morale of the Kingdom's army is probably even lower, and a decision will likely have to be made.

At a time of life and death, who has time to enjoy life? We must develop the town first!
……

On the hills of Luxembourg, Raven, in the commander's tent, clutched a letter, his expression grave.

"Langlit Castle was attacked! The dwarves had been lying in wait in White Stone City all along, waiting for the kingdom's army to leave, and then taking advantage of the reduced number of castle guards to capture the city!"

Upon hearing this news, the other generals were first stunned, then began to curse.

"What is Rex good for! He's a complete waste, how could he be defeated by little Kyle?"

"Locke Kyle, the kingdom has treated him well, yet he led a rebellion. He deserves to die! Let the surrounding nobles gather their guards, storm White Rock City, and enslave the men and force the women into prostitution!"

"Garfield shouldn't have been captured, right? If that's the case, the situation isn't too bad. We can organize a counterattack!"

People have all sorts of opinions, with most condemning the situation. However, a group of people have remained silent since they arrived, and most of them come from the Xilin Plain.

They didn't care when the northern lands were attacked; they sympathized when the valleys were ravaged by centaurs; but when their own homeland was threatened, they were somewhat unable to withstand it.

After all, the plan was to pacify the Xilin Plain, and everyone brought almost all their troops to support the Kingdom's army. Now, however, they heard that even the Marquisate had been captured. What about their small castle? It would be even more vulnerable.

Conrad looked around and stepped forward, saying, "Marshal, we can't afford to waste any more time with Isildur. They are clearly reinforcing their forces that are attacking the heartland. Otherwise, how could Ivo's small force have captured so many cities?"

If this stalemate continues, the valley will surely collapse. At that point, Lloyd might even be able to bypass our direct confrontation and launch a direct attack on the capital along the southern river!

Urgent reports arrived from the Ella Valley: the number of fallen castles had risen to five. The hastily assembled siege force was overwhelmed by the highly mobile centaurs pulling a long battle line, and was subsequently defeated one by one—a truly horrific sight.

The North is currently the most stable region, but who knows what will happen in a few days?

To put it bluntly, the Kingdom's army couldn't hold the continuous hilly front, allowing Isildur, as the attacker, to infiltrate from any remote location. Previously, they thought the Hillin Plain was impregnable, but now that Langlit Castle had fallen right under their noses, no one dared to claim their own position was secure anymore.

If this drags on any longer, the soldiers will probably lose all will to fight.

"Oh!"

Raven slammed his hand on the table, and everyone fell silent, turning to look at the marshal of the kingdom.

"The Iron Knights, leading the Royal Knights and the Fourth and Fifth Knight Orders, charge into the enemy's jungle front."

The Cold Iron Crusaders, leading the Northern Wolves, Ice Blade, and Snowfield Swordsmen, launched a frontal assault on the hill fortress; the Royal Griffin Legion, in conjunction with the Aegis, Thunderhammer, and Gale air legions, followed closely behind, charging straight into the fortress at the opportune moment to restrict their ranged forces.

The Light Priests and the Flame Priests provide long-range fire support and relief; the front line needs to be moved forward.

The 7th, 10th, 12th, and 16th halberdier armies charged up the northern slope, dismantling their still-unfinished fortifications. The Silver Archer Regiment and the Wrathful Archer Regiment followed, occupying the high ground, carrying sufficient ammunition supply wagons, and unleashing their magic power to suppress the central army's counterattack.

The Brilliant Spear and the Iron Cross Army, as reserve forces, will guard the north and south flanks respectively, and remain stationary!

Raven's loud voice echoed throughout the entire arena, and all the generals forgot all their troubles at that moment, focusing only on the marshal's orders.

"General Dylan, the ballistae and catapults are all yours. Aim them at the dwarves' fortifications and fire with all your might. Make sure to create an opening before the main force arrives!"

"No problem! It's no big deal!"

General Dylan was a royal general, and no one knew what abilities he had. He seemed to be idle and doing nothing. Unexpectedly, at this critical moment, the marshal personally appointed him to operate the catapult.

“Select a few more heroes who are proficient in earth element to accompany Dylan.”

After giving all the instructions, Raven looked around and said, "Did all the generals understand? Repeat it for me!"

The generals spoke in turn: "The Iron Knights..."

After Dylan patted his chest and assured him that it was done, Raven said, "Rest for one night, and tomorrow morning dew will be the time to draw the sword!"

"promise!"

All the generals withdrew, and Raven slowly rose, touching his beloved armor and knight's sword, and carefully put them on.

His expression shifted from nostalgia to determination, with none of the previous hesitation and uncertainty remaining.

"choke!"

The sword is drawn, and the dragon roars and the tiger howls.

【Fire God Sword (Tier 3 Treasure): Heroes wearing it gain +6 attack and have their fire elemental magic cost reduced by 30%.

Evaluation: You wander through the ruins of a battlefield and find a mysterious sword in a barren tree struck by lightning.

"The kingdom is in imminent danger. I alone am not afraid of death, but a single move could affect the whole situation, so I have been thinking about this for a long time."

"Now that the decision has been made, I have no more worries in my heart!"

"Old buddy, come with me one more time!"

The greatsword that had been with him for many years burst into flames, shooting straight into the sky and dispelling darkness and fear.

(End of this chapter)