The East Coast was vastly different from three hundred years ago.
Nine fortresses had been built along the coast, each manned by the Winged People.
Not only did they guard the fortresses, but the skies above these nine fortresses were also patrolled day and night by Winged People.
When Reinhardt arrived, he was quickly spotted and intercepted by the Winged People. He had to present his identification before he was allowed entry.
Years ago, Jano had given him a pair of winged jade as a token before he left, and he had kept it safe. Today, it proved useful.
As he flew over the skies of Losendas on his griffin, Reinhardt saw the peaceful, thriving lives of the Winged People who now inhabited the East Coast and surrounding lands.
There were villages, farmlands, and seven cities that served as regional hubs.
The transformation was striking—what once was a tribal area had become a kingdom.
Reinhardt couldn't help but feel envious. He hoped one day, humans would also be able to build their own kingdom on the lands of Ferland.
At that moment, he made a decision: whether Jano participated in the chaos or advised him to wait, Reinhardt would join the rebellion.
Not for personal gain, but to secure a land that truly belonged to his people!
As he flew across the land, Reinhardt was an odd sight in the Winged People's realm, but as humans were still considered an allied tribe, most Winged People merely glanced at him and moved on.
A few hours later, Reinhardt arrived at Mount Celestia.
This time, he let his griffin roam freely while he showed his token and walked up the mountain to The White Bastion.
The sun was shining brightly, and the mountain scenery was stunning.
Jano was not inside The White Bastion but was waiting for him on the grassy lawn outside.
It had been nearly three hundred years, and though they had maintained correspondence, Jano and Reinhardt had met only a few times due to Amigul's reign.
The last time they met was thirty years ago.
Seeing his son before him,
The once golden-haired youth had now become a dignified middle-aged tribal leader.
His golden hair, thick like that of a lion, was inherited from Fiona.
Jano had no feelings for Fiona, but for his blood-related son, he felt a deep connection.
Reinhardt had come all the way to the East Coast. He must have something important to ask for his help.
Indeed,
As soon as Reinhardt saw Jano, he immediately spoke.
"Father, I need your help!"
"I assume it's about the recent rebellion among the Goblin kings?"
"Yes, Father. The Nineteenth Prince sent me a letter asking for my help in his campaign, offering generous rewards. But I couldn't make up my mind, so I came to ask for your advice."
"Reinhardt, you must remember, you are no longer just my son, you are the leader of the humans! Getting involved in the kings' disputes is too dangerous for your people right now. If things go wrong, it will be disastrous!"
"Take me, for instance, even though the Winged People have developed significantly, I am still walking on thin ice. The reason for this is that we are too weak."
Though Jano didn't directly say it, he was clearly advising Reinhardt against taking any risks.
Reinhardt's eyes filled with frustration, but he knew Jano was right.
The contrast between reality and idealism left him breathless.
"Let me see that letter,"
Jano said.
"Here."
Reinhardt handed the letter to Jano, who read it carefully. When he saw the name of the Southern Duke, Maylo Azeba, his gaze sharpened.
"Reinhardt, what is the relationship between the Nineteenth Prince and Duke Maylo Azeba? Can we trust his support?"
"Father, I know that the Nineteenth Prince grew up with Duke Maylo like brothers. Maylo Azeba is highly respected, so I believe the support is genuine."
"Good, Reinhardt. I take back my previous words. You can fully support the Nineteenth Prince!"
"Father, you agree?!"
Reinhardt was overjoyed.
"Yes. Furthermore, if you encounter difficulties, you can seek the Winged People's help. If they are too strong, I will step in myself!"
Jano smiled, though in his heart, he was thinking,
"My foolish son... If only you knew the true weight of the name Azeba."
Azeba had been a central figure throughout the history of the Goblin Empire, spanning three thousand years.
That very day,
Reinhardt mounted his griffin and flew back to the edge of Proadas Plain, to the Rhine Territory, where he sent a response to the Nineteenth Prince.
By September of the 300th year of the Goblin Empire,
Autumn had arrived, and the winds were growing colder.
The Nineteenth Prince of the late Emperor Amigul, Asa Amigul, had raised an army in the South, with Duke Maylo Azeba leading his troops in support.