Knight Lord: Start with Daily Intelligence.

Chapter 485 The Conspiracy of the Electoral Council and Su Li's Composure
While Blackforest was preparing for war, news of Su Li Zijinghua's great victory over the undead army and slaying of the Lich King Jasper in the Valley of Memory in the Black Pine Forest swept through the entire Maleburg like a sudden hurricane.

The shock of this news was far more intense than any political conspiracy or market fluctuation, instantly becoming the sole topic of conversation in streets, alleys, taverns, and teahouses.

The troubadours were the quickest to react, keenly capturing the boundless charm and drama inherent in this epic subject. Almost overnight, countless versions of lyrics and poems began to resound throughout every corner of Maleiburg.

In the noisy hall of the "Hanger's Tavern," an old poet with white hair and beard vigorously plucked the lute, his voice desolate yet stirring: "Listen, all of you, listen to my song of the heroes of the South! Lord Su Li, the lord of Black Forest, wields divine grace like thunder! The winds of Memory Valley rise, the howls of the dead shake the mountains and forests, old Jasper, that skeletal king, brandishes cursed ice crystals! But the light of Holy Radiance Valley will never be extinguished, the blazing knights march on to the death, and then the lord's sword flashes—! The lich's crown falls to the ground, and the evil soul turns to ashes!"

In the salons of the noble quarter, the verses were more "elegant" and metaphorical, but the astonishment was no less: "...He came from the sacred fire of the south, his robes stained with the dust of the dead, and the fear that had lingered for a thousand years crumbled under his sword. Behold, the halls of the Electors are still embroiled in quarrels, but the true king has cleared away the gloom, and the banner of Blacksin will rise in the new era, guided by a new legend!"

These poems circulated rapidly, constantly being embellished and exaggerated. Su Li's image was depicted as almost divine, while Hilde—the newly crowned legendary female knight mentioned in the epic, promoted on the battlefield, and bestowed with the goddess's gift, the "Heart of the Holy Lily"—was shrouded in a dazzling and mysterious aura. Her name was inextricably linked with Su Li's, together forming the core of this legend.

The news elicited various reactions.

The common people and merchants were mostly excited and curious. The threat of the undead scourge was an eternal nightmare looming over the hearts of all humanity in the old world. Su Li's defeat of a powerful Lich King was undoubtedly a heroic feat.

They relished the details of the story, discussing the power of the Black Forest Territory and the heroic figure of the legendary female knight, as if this victory could bring them a sense of security and something to talk about.

The terms "Black Forest Territory," "Su Li," "Hilde," and "Holy Lily Knights" became familiar, and the image of a powerful southern force was deeply imprinted in their minds through this glorious victory.

However, within the high walls of the Electors' Council's office in Maleiburg, and in the mansions of nobles closely associated with the Council, the news brought not excitement, but intense shock, unease, and even panic!

"This...how is this possible?! Old Jasper...that ancient being that even the Imperial Legion couldn't eradicate after several sieges...was actually killed by a country bumpkin lord from the southern border?!" Baron von Kleist wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, his voice trembling.

“It wasn’t just the killing of the lich! The news says that one of his knights was promoted to Legendary during the battle! He gained the strategic-level trait of the Blessing of the Sun Goddess!” another person added, his face pale. “This means that the military strength of Blackforest Territory has undergone a qualitative leap! A living Legendary is worth far more than a city!”

They initially thought Su Li was just a border strongman who had gotten lucky and possessed some power, at most causing them some trouble. But now, that trouble has turned into a deadly threat.

Su Li not only possesses "evidence" accusing them of colluding with the dead, but now he also possesses terrifying force sufficient to put these accusations into practice!

Those factions that had secret dealings with Old Jasper were especially uneasy. If Su Li could kill Old Jasper, why would he be afraid of these "parasites" hiding in the council? He was raising the banner of "purifying corruption" and "seeking justice," marching towards Maleburg with the might of a great victory and legendary power… just thinking about it sent chills down one's spine.

Panic began to spread like a plague within the council. The arguments intensified, with voices shifting blame, attempting to distance themselves, and even contemplating a covert compromise with Su Li emerging. The once seemingly unbreakable council began to crack under this sudden external pressure.

Without a doubt, Su Li and the Black Forest Territory's prestige reached an unprecedented peak thanks to this battle. They were no longer merely powerful local lords of the border princely territory, but rising stars with overwhelming force, carrying the glory of victory and legendary color, enough to shake the southern landscape of the old world.

The entire city of Maleiburg felt the impending storm. At the eye of that storm was a lord from the southern border princely territory named Su Li Bauhinia, and his unstoppable Blacksene army, commanded by a legendary figure. The songs of the bards seemed to be the very drumbeats signaling the march forward.

“Perhaps… I have a solution.” Helmut’s voice was dry, as if every word was scraping his throat. “We can’t admit our mistakes, absolutely not! That document is already archived and irretrievable; denial and rejection are impossible. But… we can shift the blame!”

A sinister glint flashed in his eyes, as if he had grasped at a lifeline: "We can announce that the Black Forest Territory's promotion application has been temporarily suspended because of strong protests and 'reliable' accusations from its neighbors—such as Count Litanel of the Swamp Territory! Accusations against Lord Su Li... well... such as 'illegal expansion,' 'plundering caravans,' 'intending to destabilize the border,' and so on!"

A glimmer of hope appeared in Baron von Kleist's cloudy eyes: "You mean... to shift the blame onto that fool, Rittanell?"

“Exactly!” Helmut spoke with increasing confidence, as if he had found the perfect scapegoat. “We can tell the people Su Li sent that the council is impartial and needs time to ‘verify’ these accusations from ‘third parties.’ Let him confront Earl Litanel! Let them fight like dogs! Whatever the outcome, it will buy us time, and even… if both sides are severely damaged, that would be even better!”

The other committee members in the office exchanged bewildered glances. This method was despicable and insidious, but it seemed to be the only way to temporarily preserve their power and lives.

"Good! That's it!" Baron von Kleist slammed his hand on the table, as if he had regained some of his confidence, though his hand was still trembling slightly. "Draft a document immediately! The tone must be official! It must be vague! Put all the blame on the Swamp Chief!"

“But… what about his attacks and accusations against us? He claims there’s concrete evidence that we colluded with old Jasper, and if the Electors’ Council gets hold of this…” At this point, Baron von Kleist couldn’t help but shudder. If such a scandal were to get out, it would undoubtedly cause the Electors’ Council to lose face, and he couldn’t even imagine the torture the enraged Electors would inflict on him.

The empire has been able to fight against so many monsters and demons for thousands of years. While justice and order exist, countless dark and cruel methods have also been developed and preserved behind the scenes!
The Inquisition and the Imperial Court were utterly insignificant compared to his own. The thought of them possibly coming after him nearly made Baron von Kleist lose control of his bladder.

Helmut was also pale. He was the one who caused all these problems. If the Electoral Council really wanted to hold him accountable, he would probably be the one who suffered the most!

The Electors' Council doesn't listen to explanations or excuses. Whatever your initial intentions, if you cause problems and trouble for the big shots, be prepared to bear their wrath!
So Helmut forced himself to calm down, maintaining his last bit of caution and composure, and said, "Our communications with old Jasper have always been very careful. Neither the envelopes nor the messengers left any names. Apart from a stamp, there's no trace of a specific contact person. This means that even if the Electors' Council is angry, they can't find any specific person on our behalf. We can easily explain it this way: perhaps some low-ranking official in the Council secretly used the stamp without our knowledge."

"The problem now is that we must curb the continued growth of the Black Forest Territory. If Su Li loses his value and power, the Electoral Council will not pursue the matter too much. At most, they will raise the big stick high and then let it fall gently. On the contrary, if he continues to grow stronger, we will definitely be the scapegoats!"

"But...but he's already a legendary force!" Von Kleist simply couldn't believe he was going to have to deal with a legendary force! This was insane!

Although Su Li himself has not yet become a legendary-level commander, this does not diminish his legendary-level influence. After thousands of years of development within the empire, many forces have maintained this structure. Young heirs lack legendary-level strength, and many electors have never even reached that level. However, their guardians are legendary figures, capable of projecting influence and waging war on behalf of their respective factions.

For example, in the territory of Grand Prince Wessen, few people in the Empire remember the name of Grand Prince Wessen, but his guardian, "The Rose of the Cemetery" Elsbeth von Draken, is known to all. Her illustrious reputation is almost on par with that of Patriarch of the Imperial Church, Vokmar, and Marshal of the Imperial Hunters, Marcus Wofart.

As for Elector Phyllis Libovitz of the Surland Province, it's hard to say whether she's even at the elite level yet.

Therefore, the situation in Black Forest Territory is a very common one in the Empire, but the key point is that no one can guarantee that Su Li will not continue to advance to the legendary level!

His promotion was incredibly fast! Last summer solstice, he had just been promoted to champion level, and this year he's already god-chosen level!
Next year, or even before next year, who dares to say he won't be promoted to legendary level?

So, Helmut gritted his teeth and said, "If you don't deal with him now, when he comes after us, he won't just be a simple legendary leader! We must support some forces that can stop him... such as another legendary figure and a powerful territory that can cause him a lot of trouble. And I happen to have two candidates here; their interests align with ours, and I think they would be happy to cooperate with us..."

As they tried to fend off the impending storm with bureaucratic wordplay and intrigue, they were completely unaware that their desperate struggle provided Su Li and Xilude with a ready-made, seemingly "legitimate" excuse for their subsequent military operations.

A thunderous strike against the Swamp Territory is already imminent. Meanwhile, the parasites of Maleburg are digging their own graves. However, as a powerful leader, Su Li is not as flustered or anxious as they are.

In fact, a war or a political game often takes years, or at least several months, to show its effects and make the situation clear.

Only individuals who fail to see the bigger picture will engage in endless disputes and arguments over temporary or even daily victories or defeats.

Su Li had just finished a war with the legendary old Jasper. Although the number of casualties was not high, the army was exhausted, supplies were depleted, a large number of armors were damaged, and medicines were almost exhausted.

It was simply impossible for him to immediately pull the army, which had been exhausted in Raven Territory, from the far east of the territory to the far west, across the Twilight Mountains and the Blackwater Swamp, a forced march of thousands of miles, to attack Swamp Fortress.

His main force urgently needs rest and recuperation. This rest and recuperation refers not only to retraining and preparing for battle, but more importantly, to re-equipping the army!

The main force undergoing the refit was undoubtedly his air cavalry. These air cavalry were tasked with the vanguard role in the attack on the swamp territory.

Therefore, Su Li plans to equip all of them with the strongest Blazing Armor currently available in the territory!

This concerned the territory's future military preparations. After returning from the Blazing Sun Temple, Su Li led a group of officials to the Black Forest Armory in Black Forest City for an inspection.

Today, the town of Hesse truly deserves the name "Hesse City." Located at the confluence of the Blackwater and Brienne rivers, the city sits atop a rocky cliff to the north, nearly 200 meters higher than its southern counterpart. Its walls are thick and imposing, with imposing towers. Stone foundations are embedded in the mountainside, connecting to the great river.

On a distant hill, the main fortress's spire pierces the clouds, with houses and workshops scattered among the walls, their smoke rising and falling in the morning mist. Giant bridges span the abyss to the west and east of the city, their brick and stone arches connecting the two banks, with towers at the bridgeheads guarding strategic points.

Mist rose from the deep valley, enveloping the city walls and making the stone walls appear even more imposing and heavy. The city was surrounded by towering peaks and vast plains, with occasional sentry posts visible among the rocks.

The power of Blackforest City lies not in its ostentatious displays, but in the soldiers and armor hidden behind its stone walls and the vigilance in the hearts of its citizens—the frontier is in turmoil, monsters roam the land, but this city stands firm amidst the flames of war, like a pillar of stability for the entire Blackforest territory.

The Hessian Armory was situated on a high cliff in the northern part of this magnificent city. This perfectly reflects the nature of the dwarves, who always build their cities and structures near the highest points in the area, or near mountains and cliffs.

The only high ground in Blacksend City is, of course, in the north. Even before Su Li founded the city, the former city lord's stone house had already been built on the northern slope. Therefore, when Su Li first arrived, he could stand on the city wall, overlooking the southern territory in the pouring rain. At the same time, he successfully captured Ingrid from the tower.

Later, as the Blackwood Territory grew stronger, Su Li built a dock at the foot of the cliff and a castle and manor on the cliff face. The dwarves' most prized achievement was their automatic water supply system that spanned 200 meters in height to the castle. It was also the former passageway for the Chosen-level Aisin clan of ratmen to enter Blackwood Castle.

The dwarves have now further refined their armory in the north of the city. Perched atop the northern highlands, it is less a warehouse and more a formidable fortress. It makes full use of the steep cliff terrain, its outer walls constructed of massive, roughly polished gray-black rocks, giving it a cold, hard, and indestructible texture—a typical characteristic of dwarven architecture—placing practicality above aesthetics, yet possessing an imposing, mountain-like grandeur.

The cliff itself was cleverly carved and reinforced, making the main building of the armory appear as if it grew out of the mountain, becoming an integral part of the precipice. The towering towers were not delicate and ornate, but rather robust and sturdy, like armored giants, with crenellations and firing ports at the top, constantly vigilant against any threats from the air or from afar. The towers were connected by thick city walls, which were also riddled with crossbow positions and musket ports.

Most striking are still the four imposing chimneys of the King's Forge. Like black towers, they rise significantly above the other buildings in the armory, reinforced with sturdy stones and iron hoops. At this moment, three of the chimneys are continuously spewing thick smoke, forming massive gray columns that are clearly visible even from miles away. Approaching, one can hear the deep rumble emanating from within the forges, like the heartbeat of a behemoth, and feel the intense heat that even dispels the chill of the cliff top. The other forge appears to be in a silent state, undergoing maintenance or on standby.

Entering the armory revealed a completely different scene. The air was thick with the pungent smells of metal, coal, molten quenching fluid, leather, and grease. The vast space was rationally divided: on one side was the deafening forging area, where massive water hammers, driven by the flow of water (from the Blackwater River upstream), produced deafeningly heavy thuds. Dwarven master blacksmiths, dwarven craftsmen, and human apprentices toiled around the glowing furnaces, sweating profusely as they hammered at the red-hot metal blanks, sparks flying everywhere.

On the other side was a relatively quiet but equally busy assembly and enchanting area, where skilled dwarven rune masters led craftsmen to string together forged armor plates with rivets and leather, while rune blacksmiths carefully engraved tiny runes on nearly finished armor or weapons at their specific workstations, chanting incantations to enhance their properties.

The warehouse area was piled high with bundles of spears, crates of arrows, and stacks of polished plate and chainmail. Everywhere, the Empire's double-headed eagle insignia and the Blacksin territory's bauhinia emblem were branded or engraved side by side on weapon grips, armor breastplates, and chests, highlighting the ownership and output of this armory.

The armory thronged with both tall, uniformed human quartermasters and guards, and booming dwarven master craftsmen with thick beards, leather aprons, and booming voices. They communicated with remarkable efficiency, using a simple common tongue or dwarven language interspersed with gestures. The entire armory resembled a massive and sophisticated war machine, every gear operating at high speed to power the armaments of the Blackwood Territory.

Surrounded by officials and dwarf engineers, Su Li walked through the noisy yet orderly forging hall of the armory. The deafening hammering, the howling bellows, and the roar of the furnace intertwined to create an industrial symphony. He finally stopped in front of a dwarf master craftsman whose arms were thicker than an average person's thighs and whose beard was slightly curled from being singed by sparks.

“Master Boros,” Su Li raised his voice to drown out the surrounding noise, his gaze sweeping over the mountain of damaged armor piled up beside him, either being repaired or awaiting repair, “How is the army’s equipment loss and recovery status after the battle of Raven Territory?”

Master blacksmith Boros Dragonhammer was holding a red-hot shoulder armor blank in a pair of enormous iron tongs. Upon hearing this, he dipped the blank into the nearby water trough, producing a loud sizzle and a large amount of steam. He turned around, wiped his face, which was covered in sweat and coal dust, with the thick leather apron hanging around his neck, his voice booming like the forging of iron, carrying the heavy tone characteristic of dwarves:
"Ah, my lord!" He first pounded his chest and bowed, then his brows furrowed into a knot, as if recalling some unbearable scene. "Oh, that battle was truly a head-on clash on an anvil! It was brutal, utterly brutal!"

He waved his short, thick, powerful fingers, pointing to the piles of damaged equipment: "There are so many skeletons and rotting things! Although our lads are tough and well-equipped, they can't withstand the relentless attacks, scratching, biting, and slashing! The casualties of more than four thousand people mean that at least the same amount of armor needs major repairs, or even has to be melted down!"

Boros's voice was filled with heartache, as if each piece of damaged armor was his own child. "Look at these!" He picked up a shield that had been torn apart by some corrosive liquid or immense force, then kicked a dented and deformed helmet next to him. "The marks from sword cuts, the piercings from bone spears, and the filth and corrosion unique to the undead... They're going to be a real pain to repair! Many of them have to be purified in the Holy Flame Basin before they can be reforged!"

But he immediately puffed out his chest, his thick beard bristling with pride, and slapped his sturdy breastplate with a loud thud: "However! The lads in our dwarven community, and those old stoneheads in Grayrock." He glanced at Gerson Grayrock, who was supervising the rune engraving not far away, but the man snorted and ignored him: "With them working day and night, things are much better!"

"The furnace fire has never gone out! The water hammers are practically smoking from all the hammering!" Peros's booming voice was filled with pride. "We've repaired over three thousand sets of armor and shields of all types, and reforged over five thousand swords, spears, and lances! We guarantee that most of our lads will be properly dressed and gleaming again, and will never go to battle shirtless!"

He paused, then added, "The rune reforging process is a bit slow; this can't be rushed, you have to infuse power into it stroke by stroke. But by the end of the month at the latest, the base enchantments on all major equipment will be restored!"

Su Li listened carefully, a satisfied look on his face. He knew that there was definitely some dwarven exaggeration in Boros's words, but the core information was clear: the restoration of military equipment was proceeding efficiently and smoothly, and the main legion's combat power would soon be fully restored.

“Well done, Master Boros, thank you for your hard work.” Su Li nodded approvingly. “The Black Forest Territory will not forget your and all the craftsmen’s achievements.”

"Haha! For the sake of the lord and sturdy armor, this is nothing!" Beros laughed heartily, then rubbed his hands together, his eyes gleaming. "My lord, did you come with another new order this time? I heard... you're going to get some really good gear for the air cavalry?"

His gaze was already eagerly fixed on the blazing plate armor components being forged, shimmering with a unique magical luster. For a master blacksmith, nothing is more exciting than taking on a more challenging craft and creating more powerful equipment.

(End of this chapter)