Chapter 368: Multiple Shifts
Irisis Principality
Border Territory, Garrison Fort
Afternoon, on the high wall.
Morris, clad in full armor, stood atop the wall, gazing toward the distant end of the canyon.
War was on the horizon, and the future of the Garrison Fort had become uncertain.
Whether the future was bright or grim remained unknown.
But there was one thing Morris was certain of:
Unless the Goblin King was eliminated, it would eventually become humanity's greatest threat.
Although he still couldn't understand why the goblin army had retreated during the previous battle with the demon army—why they hadn't pressed on to conquer the Garrison Fort—their retreat made Morris even more fearful of the Goblin King's intelligence.
What others saw as a false alarm and the demons' retreat as humanity's victory, Morris saw differently.
Unlike most of the principality, only the Holy Church shared his perspective: they understood the gravity of this looming threat.
The Holy Church had sought to organize a crusade to eradicate the savage tribes of the Outer Domain once and for all.
Unfortunately, the envoy sent by the Holy Church to the Irisis Principality had been ambushed en route.
Of the entire envoy, only High Priestess Tabitha had survived.
Because of the attack, the organization of the crusade was indefinitely postponed.
"Count, all the lords have arrived!"
At that moment, a soldier hurriedly approached Morris, saluting with his hand over his chest.
Morris turned and left the wall.
Garrison Fort, Count's Estate
Meeting Hall
The gathered lords filled the hall.
"Everyone, we've found a new route for the march."
The lords turned their attention to Morris, seated at the head of the room.
Morris rose from his seat, gesturing to a large map hanging on the glass wall behind him.
He pointed to a specific location on the map.
"This is the Kanderdas Territory, under the control of the Anton family. Here, there's a large canyon leading deep into the Ogre Mountain Range. While the route may be winding, it traverses relatively flat terrain and avoids crossing over mountains."
"In the coming year, I plan to establish multiple outposts along this route to serve as logistics hubs."
"An army's movements depend on logistics. Without timely supplies, the army won't be able to advance."
"While building these outposts, we'll also need to construct roads to facilitate the transportation of resources."
The challenges of war were numerous.
Providing food and drink for tens of thousands of soldiers was a monumental task.
Food wouldn't fall from the sky; it had to be transported continuously from the rear.
If logistics failed, even the strongest army would collapse.
Not even a hero could fight on an empty stomach.
"Count, why not consider using floating ships to transport supplies?"
Floating ships were not uncommon in the southern continent.
The lords often saw them flying over their territories. Occasionally, one would even land in their towns.
Morris sat back down, his expression calm.
"If the Duke supported us, floating ships wouldn't be an issue. But after the Demon Cult incident, Obenlo City was left in a weakened state and lacks the funds to support the coalition army. The Duke does not support this war and believes now isn't the right time to march into the Outer Domain. He won't offer us any additional help."
In the Irisis Principality, only the Duke possessed his own fleet of floating ships.
Floating ships held immense strategic value.
With a fleet, troops could be rapidly deployed, a capability unmatched by the slow pace of ground forces.
However, building and maintaining a fleet of floating ships required an astronomical amount of money.
Simply keeping the ships flying was a significant financial burden.
Aside from kings, most lords couldn't afford to sustain a floating ship fleet.
Morris's explanation left the lords with varied expressions.
If the Duke wouldn't support them, they would have to fend for themselves.
"Count Morris, can't we seek assistance from the Holy Church?"
Another lord posed a question.
Morris's expression darkened, and he shook his head.
"Heroes belong to all of humanity, but financial and military aid are another matter. We cannot grow too reliant on the Holy Church."
Morris's response made the lords' faces turn serious.
They understood his meaning well.
Although the Holy Church's influence spanned the southern continent and intertwined with many nations through religious faith, any attempt by the Church to overreach and gain political power would be intolerable to humanity's kingdoms.
"Though it will be challenging, once this route is established, it will become the principality's third access route to the Outer Domain. It will be a vital strategic path, and the time spent will be worth it."
"I have no objections. We need sufficient time to train our troops."
"Expanding the army is easy, but turning soldiers into effective fighters isn't. More training time is essential."
The lords unanimously agreed to advance into the Outer Domain along the newly discovered route.
With that, the coalition army finalized its future marching plans.
The meeting lasted a long time.
Morris and the lords discussed countless logistical details.
Building outposts and roads required significant funding.
Since it was a coalition army, all war-related expenses had to be shared.
Simply contributing troops without funding or supplies was out of the question.
Goblin Forest
Throne Tribe, Royal Palace
Night fell, and the Goblin Forest welcomed another evening.
In the royal chamber, Margarita and her three daughters lay languidly on the massive bed.
After an intense session of passion, the four women were thoroughly exhausted.
The king's strength and seemingly boundless energy always left them drained first.
"Your Majesty, this child I'm carrying feels different from before."
Margarita, her fair upper body resting against the king's chest, spoke softly.
Though she and her daughters all shared the bed, this privileged spot was not up for competition.
Margarita glanced down at her equine abdomen.
More than a month had passed, and by now, she would usually have given birth.
But this time, there had been no movement.
Her belly wasn't as large as it usually would be.
Though slightly rounded, it wasn't conspicuous.
Li Meng gently wrapped his arm around Margarita's waist, grinning.
"It's still early. At least two years will pass before this child is born."
"Two years?"
Worry flickered in Margarita's eyes.
How large would the child grow in two years?
Would it even be possible to give birth?
"Don't be afraid. Goblins are naturally good at birthing. That trait won't disappear."
Li Meng seemed to sense her concerns and patted her waist reassuringly.
Margarita blushed, lifting her gaze to the king's handsome face.
Though he was a fearsome Goblin King, his occasional moments of tenderness were irresistibly charming.