Chapter 230: Stockpiling Troops
The influence exerted by Kudore quickly dissipated after his demise. His corpse remained unattended for an extended period, as those who had accompanied him from Baron Kona's domain avoided even glancing at it, let alone burying it.
Ultimately, it was Rogna who organized a few infantrymen to transport the body to the outskirts, where they dug a grave and interred it.
Wilson adeptly managed the subsequent division of responsibilities. He stationed over 200 people in the swamp town. Despite the dense population there, forming gangs would prove fruitless.
Furthermore, Shanlin Town, Sanfang Town, and Heitu Town each received hundreds of troops. The news of Ronin's execution of Kudore spread swiftly throughout these areas, yet public opinion was overwhelmingly against Kudore. Common sentiment held that Kudore had brought his fate upon himself, and many viewed the newcomers skeptically, deeming them overly ambitious and reluctant to serve their lord.
Throughout this episode, no negative remarks about the lord surfaced.
Following these events, Ronin enjoyed a more relaxed lifestyle. His days consisted of riding his Cloud-Stepping Horse for leisure and honing the Explosive Flame Slash technique taught by Redal. This skill, more complex than the fifth-level Red Flame Fire Snake spell, demanded intense control and compression of fire-aligned fighting spirit. Although challenging, Ronin, who was no ordinary individual, mastered the Explosive Flame Slash after several days. While his control was not yet flawless, the skill had quickly become his most potent single-target attack.
Five days later, Riedal and his party safely returned to Black Soil Town, marking the end of their patrol and clearing missions. Now, their strategy shifted to periodic cavalry scouting along main routes, with the hunter team deployed as situations arose.
Despite the end of active patrols, the territory's inhabitants remained focused on enhancing their combat skills rather than production tasks. Ridar and McKen took charge of training the professional knights, who in turn trained the rank-and-file soldiers. Meanwhile, Chief Magician Elrond imparted magical knowledge and herbology to Jenny and Irene at the swamp castle, and even hired assistants to gather and prepare herbs.
Everyone in Wubei Territory, from the extraordinary to the ordinary, engaged dutifully in their roles, ushering in a peaceful developmental phase.
However, peace was not universal.
Atop a mountain in Chishan Town, southwestern Wubei Territory, two figures stood on a jutting rock, observing Cassil Town in the distance. Previously part of Wushan Territory, Cassil had fallen to the Polante Bandits.
"It appears the intelligence was accurate; they're bolstering their forces in Kasir Town significantly," remarked Baron Corian Hansen of Boulder City, leader of Wushan Territory's Fifth Knights, who had previously faced censure at Rulans' birthday celebration.
Beside him stood the brawny, blond knight Haan Freeman, his deputy. Though also a silver-level knight, Haan's prowess paled in comparison to Corian's.
Haan expressed his frustration, "We had an agreement to sell them iron ore, yet they continue to amass troops in Kasir Town!"
Chishan Town, while small, boasted an iron mine that, despite years of extraction, remained a vital economic asset for the Giant Stone Territory.
In recent years, the Polante Bandits Group has invaded the coastal city and crossed the Altai River to seize the towns of Sari, Liusha, Kalsi, and others, causing significant problems for the Fifth Knights stationed there.
To mitigate the conflict and alleviate pressure from Wushanbao, they privately negotiated with the Polante Bandits, selling iron ore at a reduced price in exchange for improved relations.
This arrangement persisted for several years until, unexpectedly, this year the enemy began stationing troops in Casir Town.
"Perhaps they no longer wish to buy our iron ore but intend to mine it themselves for greater profit," Corinne speculated, his eyes narrowing with hostility.
As the baron of Boulder City, Corinne also oversees Chishan Town, where a small but valuable iron mine is located.
"They have such a big appetite!" Hahn sneered, scanning the surrounding mountains.
To access Chishan Town, one must pass through the valley below. Hahn has prepared a rolling stone trap on the mountainside to thwart any potential attacks, ensuring heavy casualties should the enemy dare to advance.
After pondering the situation, Corian declared, "We must enhance our vigilance. Whether on the mountain or at its base, day or night, we need two teams stationed at all times!"
"Don't worry, I understand!" Hahn responded, determined not to lose the vital territory of Chishan Town.
While Corian managed the mining operations, he also owned a 30% stake in the mine.
"I'll draft another letter to update Wushanbao on our situation," Corian mused. He had reported previously, but Wiggins had only advised alertness without promising support. Indeed, sending additional troops prematurely seemed unwise.
Yet, as the local defender, Corian felt it crucial to inform his superiors at Wushanbao of the escalating border tensions. If a crisis ensued, he couldn't be faulted for failing to report timely.
Furthermore, even if Wushanbao couldn't send reinforcements, they should at least supply the Fifth Knights with food and horses for emergencies, right?
"I'll leave this matter in your hands," Corian stated gravely, trusting in the longstanding rapport with Deputy Head Hahn.
Hahn, who held Corinne in high regard due to the benefits he had garnered over the years, confidently accepted, "Leave it to me, Captain!"
With a full order of knights stationed here, they had contained the Polish bandits' incursions despite not reclaiming lost territories—a testament to their strength.
Hahn contemplated the Polante Bandits' motives in Cassil Town, suspecting their goal was to force a reduction in the iron ore prices.
"Why not negotiate instead? If they resort to intimidation, who would truly be intimidated?" he thought, questioning the wisdom of escalating to threats when dialogue might suffice.
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