General Tobias-Schwaben of the Marinburg Iris Guard held the dwarves' letter, loudly reading it in the Upper House: "Dwarf King Loric believes the target of this massive orc army is humanity! He hopes we prepare early, as the dwarves might not be able to intercept them, and the orcs could reach Marinburg!
The atmosphere in the Upper House was grave, familiar with the dwarves' manner of speaking through long dealings.
If a letter from the dwarves claimed they could handle the situation easily, it meant the dwarves had a slight advantage, or at least were evenly matched.
If the letter vaguely stated the dwarves and orcs were evenly matched, it indicated the dwarves were at a severe disadvantage, and the situation was dire. The extent of which could be analyzed by scholars and scribes from the wording, writing pressure, and the paper's creases.
Now, King Loric's message that the dwarves might not be able to intercept meant only one thing: the dwarves were pessimistic about the battle situation, helpless, indirectly seeking human assistance.
All members of the Upper House understood this.
"Our only good news is, the orc army's assembly is very slow, giving us ample time to prepare," said the Sea God Archbishop, Odric.
The orc army's assembly was characteristically lengthy. When an orc warlord launched a grand waaagh!, it would attract many orc tribes and other warlords. However, in such situations, no warlord would bow to another, including goblins.
Inevitably, a "great chaos" ensued, only resolved through internal conflict, producing a true leader for the grand waaagh!. Marinburg had sufficient time to prepare.
"What's the use of preparing? We boast of over ten thousand mercenaries and eight thousand cavalry, but everyone knows the fighting strength of Marinburg's Iris Guard," said Duke Schultz of Marinburg, clenching his fist, "Only about two thousand are truly combat-ready, the rest are merely patrol units and mercenaries in name."
The Upper House members nodded in agreement. Baron Greymire added, "Facing spring plowing, it's difficult to conscript enough troops."
"At this juncture, we cannot rely on mercenaries; they may not be willing to fight to the death for this city," said Viscount Casanova.
"The dwarves are barely able to protect themselves; they won't provide us with more reinforcements," another member commented.
"If the High Elves were willing..." one member tentatively suggested, but the High Elf envoy, Temag, immediately shook his head, his tone dismissive, "Our soldiers are few and only appear to defend our city, without sending additional troops."
"We cannot defend the city! Absolutely not!!!" blurted the Archbishop of the Church of Wealth, a sentiment echoed by all.
Marinburg's prosperity must remain unaffected, touching everyone's vested interests.
There was always an option, unspoken until all others were dismissed. Now, only one viable choice remained.
Duke Schultz had to voice it, sighing as he interlaced his fingers, elbows resting on the sandalwood table: "Request reinforcements from the Empire... Prepare yourselves, gentlemen, our new Emperor's price may not be low."
"At this point, that's all we can do," sighed Sea God Archbishop Odric.
After the decision, a simple letter was instantly sent from Marinburg's Upper House to the Human Empire's palace in Brunswick via magical transmission.
However, Emperor Karl-Franz-Frederick wasn't at the palace today.
He was at the Griffon Knights' headquarters in the western territories of the Reich, Griffon Cliff.
The dense forests stretched into the mountains, shrouded in mist. February's footsteps had cleared most of the snow from the lands, but the peaks and slopes remained snow-covered, extending into the white mists.
Atop the mountains, many powerful creatures with wings on their backs soared freely in the sky, their wingspan declaring sovereignty over this airspace.
These legendary creatures, griffons, bore the body and claws of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle. With the lion's hindquarters covered in tawny fur and the eagle's head to forelimbs in golden feathers, these powerful beings combined immense size with agile, sharp movements. Their elegance didn't hinder their combat ability or become a weakness. Instead, griffons were not only skilled in using their strong claws and sharp beaks to tear apart enemies but were also exceptionally skillful and efficient fighters. Although they didn't indiscriminately kill, they showed no mercy or hesitation when hunting or defending their territory. They were fierce and cold but not cruel.
Griffons were among the most intelligent of beasts. If captured young and properly trained, they could become extremely loyal mounts, capable of understanding a variety of commands if trained well. Hence, in both Aosu and the Old World, griffons were the mount of choice for many heroes.
The Emperor's mount, "Death's Claw," was the largest griffon in the Old World. Following the Emperor's example, many Electors prided themselves on having a griffon in their menageries, though capturing and gaining a griffon's acceptance was exceedingly difficult.
Therefore, as the Empire's strongest knightly order, the Griffon Knights' existence significantly deterred surrounding powers. Founded by the Savior Ludwig after the Great Holy War, Ludwig selected a hundred of the most elite knights to form the Griffon Knights. Their terrifying strength and decisive impact in the Empire's campaigns proved Ludwig's foresight. The Empire needed such a force capable of instantly tipping the scales of battle.
Over a hundred and fifty years since the New Empire's establishment, the Griffon Knights had grown to three hundred members. Instead of diminishing in quality, the order became stronger by recruiting talent from across the Empire. Today, nearly thirty knights had become true "Griffon Knights," with the rest riding demi-griffons.
Hence, the Emperor specifically visited the Griffon Knights' headquarters, Griffon Cliff, within the Duke of Griffons' territory. If nothing unexpected occurred, Karl-Franz would spend the next two days here.
The Emperor was accompanied by only a few fully armed War Court guards and Reichsguard, who followed at a distance. The area was relatively safe, and the Emperor, being a strong individual himself, allowed his entourage to follow leisurely, chatting and laughing, letting the Emperor stroll and hunt in the cold forest.
Beside the Emperor was a tall man in dark golden armor, adorned with the golden griffon knight emblem in every corner, its glowing patterns speaking of the armor's excellence. Three holy seals indicated blessings from the Churches of Justice, Life, and Magic, making this armor comparable only to the Emperor's dwarven treasures and the "Silver Seal" full body armor once worn by Ludwig himself.
The man, with center-parted black hair and a handsome appearance, shared the Emperor's pure Aachen bloodline, indicated by their blue eyes. The Griffon True Silver Sword hung at his waist, and a white dragonhide cloak fluttered behind him. Despite appearing in his thirties, his fluent High Gothic accent was impeccable: "My Emperor, to quell a rebellion without deploying us, the knights are discontent. They believe it's time for the griffons to stretch their wings."
This man was the Empire's Duke of Griffons, the Grand Master of the Griffon Knights, Ivan-Ferdinand.
Emperor Karl-Franz, fully armed, walked on the frozen forest ground, breathing the fresh air and enjoying a moment of tranquility. Hearing the Duke of Griffons' complaint, Karl-Franz smiled, "My dear Grand Master Ivan, if quelling a few counts and viscounts' rebellion requires the Griffon Knights, then what do I need this emperorship for?"
The statement hit home, leaving the Duke of Griffons at a loss for words, only managing a smile, "Naturally, those rebellious nobles are no match for Your Majesty."
After quelling the barbarian invasion on the Nord coast, Karl-Franz immediately led his army back to the Imperial capital, publicly declaring all nobles who refused conscription during the war against the northern barbarians as rebels. They faced demotion, confiscation, or complete seizure of their lands.
Many already dissatisfied nobles openly rebelled, seeking support from other Electors and even demanding a new election for the emperor.
However, their hopes were dashed. Karl-Franz's victory on the Nord coast had proven his strength to the Electors, who remained silent and observed from the sidelines against the rebellious nobles' pleas for aid.
Thus, upon Karl-Franz's return to Brunswick, he didn't disband his army. Taking advantage of winter downtime when soldiers could serve longer, he directly led his forces to suppress the rebellion. The unprepared rebellious nobles were either killed or captured, and Karl-Franz swiftly quelled the rebellion with ruthless measures, consolidating his rule. The lands of the rebellious nobles were confiscated, some annexed to enrich the imperial treasury, while others were distributed to nobles and generals who actively supported the war.
Everyone was pleased, except for the suppressed traitors, but no one cared for their fates, enjoying a comfortable Winter Solstice Festival.
The new emperor's mature mindset, ruthless methods, and exceptional talent were evident.
Karl-Franz's visit to the Duke of Griffons also had its considerations. After a series of victories and quelling rebellions, he had finally secured his position as emperor. However, to realize his vision of commanding the entire Empire, he needed more support, with the Griffon Knights being one of the most important forces.
The Old World's three great knightly orders were the Grail, Griffon, and White Wolf, each with strong independence. The Grail Knights, for instance, only obeyed the commands of the Lady of the Lake or the direct orders of the lake nymphs, not even the Knight King. While the White Wolf Knights were more compliant, they prioritized the Great Archbishop of the White Wolf's commands.
Similarly, the Griffon Knights' loyalty was to the position of emperor, not to Karl-Franz as an individual. Thus, the emperor specifically visited the Duke of Griffons' territory after the Winter Solstice Festival, intending to foster closer relations with the Duke of Griffons.
The current Duke of Griffon, Ivan-Ferdinand, aged over ninety, was the emperor's friend and one of the strongest individuals in the Old World. The Grand Master of the Griffon Knights was a late bloomer, trained by renowned masters from a young age in swordsmanship and horsemanship, excelling in his era. Not only receiving military education, but he also attended the Imperial Royal Engineering College and studied extensively with the dwarves in the World Roof Mountains at the age of twenty-nine.
It wasn't until his late fifties that Ivan was appointed Imperial General, embarking on his military career. Following the previous Duke of Griffon's death, as the first in line, he smoothly inherited the title and actively participated in the Empire's battles as the Griffon General and Grand Master.
Despite being over ninety, Ivan showed no signs of aging. As a Holy Realm Knight, he could live for hundreds of years, technically still in his youth.
Such a powerful figure was essential for the emperor to win over.
The emperor himself, with a strong military background and excellent military education, was a legendary figure. Drawing his bow, a gift from the high elves, the magic-infused arrow accurately struck a moose, which fell with a wail.
Above, a giant griffon cried out, flying over the emperor and Duke of Griffons. It was Karl-Franz's mount, Death's Claw, the largest griffon in the Old World, also visiting today.
"My Emperor, excellent archery," the Duke of Griffon approached, smiling, "It seems tonight's banquet will have a richer menu, all thanks to Your Majesty."
"Wouldn't my Grand Master like to show off as well?" Karl-Franz had Death's Claw carry the moose away, teasing the duke, in a good mood.
"I'd better not. Griffons are meant to soar, but if we encounter a hippogriff or a manticore, I'd be willing to act," Ivan laughed, indicating his reluctance to participate.
The emperor's expression shifted, aware the Duke of Griffon was expressing his discontent. The nobles involved in the northern battles and internal suppression benefited, but the Griffon Knights' offers to fight were declined by the emperor, leading to discontent among the Empire's strongest knights.
"Sometimes, griffons fly lower than chickens, but chickens can never soar as high as griffons, my duke." Karl-Franz noticed a Reichsguard approaching with a letter, patting Ivan's shoulder before taking the letter.
The emperor's words moved the Duke of Griffon, who understood the reason behind the refusal to deploy them. After hearing this, his initial dissatisfaction dissipated.
Ivan believed this emperor could lead the Empire to unprecedented prosperity.
"Oh! What you wish for always comes," Karl-Franz remarked after reading Marinburg's plea for help, handing it to Ivan, "It seems Lady Luck always favors you, my duke."
"What's happened?" Ivan took the letter.
"A massive orc army is assembling at Goldpeak Mines, and Marinburg is asking for our help!"
A new powerhouse has emerged! How can we stop the votes? Begging for votes!
___________________
(Support with power stones, comments or reviews)
If you guys enjoy this story, In support me on Patreon and get access to +200 advance Chapters
Read Ahead
Patreon.com/INNIT