Chapter 364: Preparing for War
In the days that followed, life remained calm as usual.
Ever since expelling the demon race, Li Meng had become the undisputed ruler of Goblin Forest, the Southern Wastelands, and the Ogre Mountains.
The goblins' expansion in the forest continued unabated.
To the west, they reached the Misty Mountains, and to the south, they extended to the coastline. Goblin villages and tribes sprang up one after another.
Goblin Forest was vast, capable of supporting a population of millions, yet the goblins only numbered a little over 300,000 at present.
---
Half a month later, Iron Cavern
"Should I introduce the steam engine?"
Standing by the underground river, Li Meng pondered as he observed the scalding waters.
The principles of a steam engine were simple.
With the current level of industrial development, creating a rudimentary steam engine wasn't impossible.
"Forget it. Better to focus on improving water-powered mechanisms first."
Turning to the bustling riverside, where the sound of metalworking filled the air, Li Meng made up his mind.
The Iron Cavern was enormous, with a constant flow of water from the underground river.
If the water flow could be harnessed effectively, it would significantly enhance steel production.
For instance, water-powered bellows could replace manual ones, and water power could also be used to operate large casting equipment.
With large-scale casting tools, it would become possible to produce precise components.
"Will goblins developing technology eventually become a new species, like 'gremlins'?"
The possibility existed.
Unless goblins were entirely replaced by their more intelligent mutant counterparts, the innate limitations of goblin intelligence would hinder technological progress.
Li Meng had no interest in becoming a "god of technology."
With that, he threw himself into water engineering projects in the Iron Cavern.
---
Time passed day by day as Li Meng prepared for war.
Meanwhile, on the borders of the Irisis Principality, humans were far from idle.
Massive armies were gathering at the Garrison Fort, with logistical supplies pouring in from every border lord's domain.
Responding to calls from the border lords, numerous adventurers flocked to the Garrison Fort.
For adventurers, war was an opportunity to get rich.
Though the battlefield carried the risk of death, surviving meant substantial rewards.
---
Afternoon, Garrison Fort, Earl's Estate
In the garden's gazebo, Sandra sat at a stone table, staring absentmindedly at the flowerbeds outside.
As the war approached, her unease grew stronger.
She didn't know what awaited her in the future.
Perhaps she would lose even the life she currently had.
Lowering her gaze, Sandra looked at her belly, her eyes flashing with hatred and humiliation.
She had to act. Even if it meant her death, she had to ensure the Goblin King disappeared.
Otherwise, she would live the rest of her life in its shadow, constantly fearing its return to claim her.
She swore she would never again bear children for a goblin.
---
"Madam, what are you thinking about?"
A voice interrupted her thoughts.
Turning, she saw Maurice, dressed in noble robes, approaching the gazebo with a smile.
Sandra took a deep breath and shook her head.
"My dear, have the routes for the invasion been finalized?"
Maurice sighed and shook his head.
"The best route would be through the Ogre Mountains, but because of the oath, that path is out of the question."
"The Goblin River route is still under consideration, but the Sword King Carlos's previous defeat has left the border lords wary of it."
"Although the river would ease logistical transportation, its terrain isn't suitable for large-scale operations. If another battle occurs along the Goblin River, the army won't be able to deploy effectively."
"The lords are leaning toward advancing through land routes into Goblin Forest."
Advancing overland into Goblin Forest?
To the south of the border territories, the Ogre Mountains acted as a natural barrier, isolating the outer regions.
Within the Irisis Principality, only two routes led to Goblin Forest: the Wind Valley where the Garrison Fort was located, and the Goblin River.
Finding a third route would require exploring the Ogre Mountains.
"I've posted tasks with the Adventurers' Guild. Many adventurers are more familiar with the Ogre Mountains than we are. Perhaps they can find another route across the range."
"My dear, has the timeline for the invasion been decided?"
Maurice shook his head.
"Recruiting the army will take time. Many border lords have become overly reliant on adventurers and neglected their own forces. Right now, they're scrambling to expand and prepare. I've given them six months."
---
"Sir, Madam!"
A maid approached the gazebo, stopping a respectful distance away. She bowed with her hands clasped over her abdomen.
The maid's interruption caused the couple to pause their conversation and look at her.
"Come in."
The maid entered the gazebo quickly.
"Madam, there's a letter for you."
"A letter?"
Sandra took the letter from the maid, puzzled.
Her mother had just left—who else would write to her?
Looking at the envelope, Sandra's pupils contracted.
The signature read Gobumeng.
It was his name.
"Madam, is it a letter from home?"
Lady Gloria had only recently departed. It was likely a message from home reassuring them of her safe arrival.
Sandra forced a smile and nodded.
"Yes, it's from my father, saying my mother arrived home safely."
Sandra's parents were honorary nobles of Obenlo, holding titles without lands.
Such honorary titles were often given to adventurers by the king as a way to reward and recruit them.
Maurice smiled slightly and stood.
"It's still early. I should inspect the barracks. Madam, I'll return later."
Sandra nodded absentmindedly as Maurice left.
Watching his retreating figure, she lowered her head and opened the letter.
Inside was a single sheet of paper with a crude drawing of an ugly goblin.
Nothing else.
Sandra understood immediately—it was an invitation from the Goblin King.
Her hands clenched into fists as her expression shifted between rage and despair.
She knew exactly what would happen if she accepted the invitation.
But could she refuse?
With war imminent, she had to stall the Goblin King.
If she severed ties with him now, he would surely bring his army to her gates.
She had to buy the alliance as much time as possible.
---
That Night, Earl's Estate, Dining Room
Under the soft glow of magical lamps, Sandra and Maurice dined together.
"My dear, I need to return to Obenlo for a while."
"Has something happened at home?"
Sandra nodded, hesitating.
She considered lying about her father's illness but worried the truth might be discovered later.
Instead, she left her explanation vague.