Heroes of Might and Magic: Grand Consul

Chapter 308 Recapture of Winter City

The Knight Commander led his army to retake Winterfell. Although the fortresses were capable of long-range teleportation, Isildur focused his efforts on the hill battlefield after Leven's defeat, resulting in fewer reinforcements to the front lines.

As it turned out, Isildur underestimated the human kingdoms, hoping to launch a blitzkrieg attack on the capital and directly destroy the human center.

However, Conrad, in alliance with Isaiah, held the Sunset Fortress, severely crippling the enemy's strategy of rapid national annihilation and dragging them into a stalemate.

Isildur has abandoned its plan to conquer the capital and occupy Elton within a few months. Instead, it has deployed a large army in the hilly region and is controlling the vast western area of ​​the hills, rebuilding the Fal Forest.

"I have heard that Isildur has been continuously settling free people around Fal and rebuilding the forests. This was arranged before the Battle of the Hills, and by now there are probably tens of millions of people."

Aren't they afraid of losing the hill battle and plunging the eastern region into war?

The cavalry lieutenant, standing around the sand table, posed questions to the knight commander. Murak had not accompanied them on this northern raid, returning to the southwest to guard the frontier, fearing a mutiny by the fortress corps.

The real culprit behind this incident was Su Mu. After the fortress troops were wiped out, tensions between the two sides remained high for some time, and they have not yet been able to fully lift their guard.

However, the Emerald Lands were not harmonious internally, and since Congress chose to protect Sumu, the matter was left unresolved. Conrad played a significant role in this, staunchly protecting Sumu, which deterred many in Congress from taking any action.

Therefore, a portion of the troops heading north was diverted, but Conrad's strength was still sufficient to keep the situation under control.

“Isidor probably doesn’t employ a strategy of mobilizing the entire population; they haven’t reached that point yet. Occupying the area east of the hills was a pre-planned strategy, most likely intended to relocate a large number of people.”

Conrad stood before the sand table, gazing thoughtfully at the eastern part of the hills.

The kingdom has long been puzzled by Isildur's military actions, but given the opponent's strength and the current council's aggressive and arrogant nature, it is quite possible that they might do something so reckless.

Over the past century, Elton has suffered more defeats than victories in its wars against its neighbors, completely depleting the kingdom's resources and making neighboring countries realize that Elton is an easy target for anyone to bully.

Even so, Isildur's decision to launch a large-scale invasion still puzzled Conrad.

The kingdom previously experienced a month of calamity, which severely impacted arable lands, requiring logs to restore soil fertility and ensure food supplies. As a forest kingdom, Isildur will likely be even more severely affected.

Therefore, this battle was initially known as the Timber War, as Isildur had a strong need for timber.

It now seems likely that the situation within the Isildur Empire is not optimistic, and the population migration may not be to drive war, but rather to prevent some extremely terrible natural disaster.

Logically speaking, given the Barrier's magical research capabilities, altering celestial phenomena and earth spirits is entirely possible. If even they believe that migration is the only option, then the disaster will be terrifying.

Of course, all of this is speculation, and Conrad has no way of confirming it. The other party has done a good job of keeping it secret, and not much has been reported from within the country.

"Contact the Thieves' Guild and inquire around the Fal Forest to see what's going on."

The adjutant nodded, then hesitated, about to say something, when another nobleman interrupted him: "Give them more money, someone will go. I'll arrange it."

The speaker was Brody, the Northern Guard Officer. He had previously served the Salim family, but was dissatisfied with the cowardly Duke Rhodes. He held onto his own territory and finally waited for the Knight Commander's triumphant return.

This person is capable, but prone to impulsiveness and doing things outside the rules.

Considering his original status in the North, guarding a harsh and cold land, it's somewhat understandable.

Conrad glanced at Brody: "Thieves have many methods; don't reveal your identity."

Brody patted his chest and said, "Don't worry, my lord, I've got it covered." Brody did have some influence in the North, and he was perfectly capable of handling these small matters.

Having resolved one issue, the adjutant continued with the more pressing matter: "The Arcane Empire has amassed troops on the border, demanding that we relinquish Winterhold, claiming they will escort Duke Rhodes back to Winterhold. They also stated that if you renege, the kingdom will open another battlefield!"

Hearing such arrogant words, Conrad's face instantly darkened: "When the Sunset War Kingdom was at its most difficult, they stood by and watched, not daring to send even 100 men to the North. Now that the battle is won and Winterfell has been successfully recaptured, the Arcane Empire has jumped out. Do they really think we can be easily bullied?"

Brody cursed, "If you ask me, if the Arcane Empire dares to come, we should fight them. They won't be extinguished by their greedy desires unless we hurt them badly."

"That good-for-nothing Rhodes! He abandoned the North first, and now he has the nerve to come back? The people and nobles of the North will never acknowledge a lord who abandons his city and flees!"

The knights around the table cheered. Most of them were knights and heroes from the North. They might have been somewhat loyal to Saliman before, but ever since Rhodes lost Winterfell and fled to the Arcane Empire, no one has been loyal to him anymore.

Brody glanced at the Knight Commander: "If you ask me, the North should be granted to the Knight Commander, so that we Northerners can defend the border with peace of mind."

"Exactly. The Knight Commander of the Sunset Campaign made such a great contribution, but it all went to his subordinates. Since Rhodes cut himself off from the North, why did he come back?"

"Let alone the Duke of the North, if it weren't for the Knight Commander's heroic efforts in the heartland, the capital would have fallen long ago. I think the heartland should be granted to the Knight Commander!"

Brody's words garnered widespread agreement, regardless of whether they were from the North or not. Apart from Conrad's elite troops, everyone else pledged their loyalty.

Conrad suddenly stopped the commotion: "I appreciate everyone's kindness, but although Levin is dead, the national crisis is not yet resolved. Human heroes should not only think about rewards."

The nobles I've recommended for credit have all performed unparalleled feats. Take Su Mu, for example; with just a few thousand troops under his command, he single-handedly intercepted and annihilated tens of thousands of dragon knights, saving the Battle of Sunset.

Led by Murak, the valiant knights charged back and forth with unparalleled speed, slaying Isabel.

If any of you can achieve what they have, I will also report it to Congress.

Conrad knew exactly what these people were thinking. He didn't care about the position of Duke of the North, but he couldn't stop them from their ambition to achieve great things.

But credit is always awarded immediately. If they are truly capable, there will be many more opportunities in the upcoming battles, and he will recommend them for credit as before. If they have other intentions, then don't blame him for being ruthless.

Seeing the knight commander's serious expression, everyone immediately fell silent and dared not say another word.

Some generals, however, were eager to make a big splash.

"Tell the Arcane Empire that they broke their promise first by not offering any assistance, and they shouldn't expect to send back a puppet anytime soon. If they can then take action against Isildur, then let them discuss it with the Congress!"

"Yes, my lord!"

As long as Conrad is around, the kingdom will not be easily bullied.

At least on this matter, the heroes' will is united.

After the scouts left, several others withdrew from the hall, seemingly also passing on some inside information.

The northern border is unlikely to be peaceful in the near future.

(End of this chapter)