Heroes of Might and Magic: Grand Consul

Chapter 331 Trouble
"This is going to be a bit troublesome!"

Taverns are the most common buildings in cities, and they are not too difficult to build. You can even find them in the wild.

There were grand and magnificent taverns, as well as dilapidated and old ones; in short, they varied in quality, which stumped Forrest.

"Kuraki's Hero Tavern increases morale, enhances the ability of thieves to gather information, and also includes a brewer, making it a more comprehensive and well-rounded establishment."

But the towers are clearly different from those of humans. Could you tell me about the customs and culture of the Arcane Empire? If you have any relevant blueprints or scrolls, that would be even better.

Cedrus recalled carefully: "The tower's tavern was usually in a wide-open snowfield, and it looked like a thatched hut, but it was actually quite warm."

Inside, there's a large fireplace where alchemists can sit around a long table, order a warm drink, and exchange their insights and knowledge.

Typically, there will be a magic simulation board for everyone to demonstrate their magical skills.

Recalling his time in the tavern, Cedrus smiled, a rare sight indeed.

Setting aside the infighting and factional struggles, the sorcerers discussed academic matters and promoted magical research, something that Sederlos had always longed for.

Unfortunately, those days are gone forever. Therefore, he hopes that Silvertop City can remain more pure and attract more alchemists in the future.

Forrest nodded after hearing this: "It seems I still have to make a trip to the Arcane Empire to see the Tower's tavern for myself."

Sedros was slightly worried: "The situation in the North is not stable right now. If you infiltrate there, you must conceal your identity and never expose yourself."

"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing. Besides, the Level 2 Internal Affairs Hall and Headquarters also need to be put on the agenda, and we still need to acquire the construction methods."

Stealing alone isn't a solution. I'll try to establish a trade route and see if there are any partners willing to cooperate.

At this point, Cedros remembered that the other party was also a hero of diplomacy. Diplomacy can not only influence monsters in the wild, but also allow for trade and bargaining with other factions.

Forrest is prepared to personally engage in dialogue with the border cities of the Arcane Empire.

For now, at least, the two sides remain allies, but Sederlos is not optimistic about their future. The Arcane Empire is clearly making treacherous moves, so it's best to be cautious.

"I still suggest not revealing your identity; it might be better to go as a traveling merchant."

"Haha, then I'll have to pretend to be a merchant from the fortress."

……

In the solemn parliament hall of Elton capital, a special war council is being held.

The appointment of the new Marshal has been made, and Kenway Haytham, a member of the River Witchers, has been appointed. He has a very good relationship with Chancellor Quentin.

The recent struggle for the throne has taken a new turn, with the eldest prince, who was already showing signs of weakness, almost being excluded from the succession plan.

Nobody knew what had happened, but the situation was just that sudden.

The second prince, however, has the upper hand and has become the most popular candidate for crown prince.

Surprisingly, Gwen remained as the court minister. He had previously been a supporter of the eldest prince, and now, despite the change in status, he faced no obstacles and was even treated as an honored guest by the second prince.

However, compared to Gwen, the Speaker clearly received more royal support.

The Second Prince recently went to the trading city to reorganize things, but initial progress was extremely slow. Even though he was of noble birth, he only received superficial respect. If it came to matters affecting deeper interests, no one would pay him any attention.

Left with no other choice, the second prince had to ask the speaker for help.

So Quentin stepped in and asked the big merchants of the trading city to give him some face.

Many merchants relinquished their profits, donating grain, supplies, and a large amount of resources to help with the impending national crisis. The second prince reaped considerable benefits and also gained the Speaker's goodwill, thus entering a period of fruitful cooperation between the two sides.

The appointment of the new commander was met with almost no opposition, and even the royal family approved it smoothly.

"Haytsen has assembled the legion and headed to the hilly region. He will travel by boat from the river valley and should be able to reach the front line in at most half a month."

"The nobles cooperated very well this time, raising a total of 6 halberdiers, 4 archers, 2 griffins, 1 swordsmen, and 6000 monks. This includes a large number of elemental baptism troops. Although there are more basic troops, they are still capable of guarding the area."

Congress continued to recruit high-ranking soldiers and send them to the front lines for support. After the brutal Battle of Sunset, the interior entered a mass production mode, with low-level towns producing large numbers of Tier 1 and 2 units, which were placed under Haytham's command.

The opponent is a Witcher, capable of boosting special units; with proper coordination, they can unleash tremendous potential. Haytham's abilities are recognized; otherwise, regardless of connections, no one would entrust important national affairs to an unreliable person.

"It will probably take some time for Haytham to train these new recruits. Can Kuraki hold out?"

All eyes were on Gwen, since it was a court official who personally bestowed the title, so he must know a lot about Kuraki's situation.

However, facing Lloyd's massive army and the ever-increasing military strength of the fortress, no one dared to say they were absolutely certain of victory.

"You are all probably aware of Su Mu's achievements. Raven and the Knight Commander both speak highly of him. I have personally seen Kuraki's troops, and they are indeed the elite of the elite. If the tactics are appropriate, they can hold out for a while."

Moreover, according to news from the front lines, Lloyd seems to be possessed by the undead and may not be able to return to the plains.

Quentin nodded: "As long as Sumu can hold the plains and keep Isidore out of the hills, he can have whatever reward he wants. Isn't Kuraki short of boundary stones? If he can hold off Lloyd's army for two months, I'll give him double the resources!"

If he can wipe out the fortified army in the hilly region, I am willing to petition for him to be granted the title of Duke of War.

Upon hearing the speaker's words, everyone erupted in a clamor, discussing loudly and making a constant uproar.

"What merit or right does he, a mere country bumpkin, have to inherit the title of duke? Just because he was lucky enough to win a few battles?"

"Although the title of War Duke is not hereditary, it is still a very noble honor, requiring a tremendous contribution to the kingdom, at the very least expanding its territory. How can his recapture of lost lands be considered one?"

“Lloyd was haunted by the dead, which is why he didn’t go west. It’s a bit inappropriate for Su Mu to reap the benefits and receive a large reward.”

There was considerable opposition, after all, Su Mu had only just obtained the title of Marquis, which had already made the nobles dissatisfied. If he were to be promoted to Duke, what would happen?
Although everyone knows this is just empty promises from the Speaker, what if it is? Su Mu cannot be judged by common sense; he has already accomplished many incredible tasks, and it's hard to say what will happen next.

Many nobles spend their entire lives only to obtain the title of baron. Those who can enter the parliament are all important figures, figures that nobles throughout the kingdom look up to. They are at least earls, and this is a qualification accumulated through the efforts of several generations.

How long has it been since Su Mu started his career? He has almost accomplished what nobles have done in several lifetimes. How could he not attract jealousy?

Gwen glanced at the nobles but said nothing.

Whether Quentin's suggestion will pass is one thing, but Su Mu has become the public enemy of the nobility. Even if he achieves great merit in the future, he will likely still face opposition.

Controlling public opinion and manipulating emotions is what the speaker excels at.

The kingdom still needs Sumu, otherwise the situation will be even worse.

Quentin cleared his throat: "Since everyone has objections to the matter of Feng Gong, let's put it aside for now. Send someone to tell Su Mu that we can provide more boundary marker stones, as long as he can hold them for as long as possible!"

The kingdom is currently short of time. Sunset Fortress has been destroyed, and all the major cities urgently need to be restored. Recruiting soldiers will also take time.

Haytham was sent to the front lines, primarily to delay the inevitable, with the option of sacrificing the plains or valleys if things became unfeasible. Of course, this was a tacitly given order, but it reveals the kingdom's decision-making process.

It would be best if Su Mu could hold out longer than if there were only a few resources.

After all, even if you get the boundary stone, you still need to be alive to spend it against Lloyd's army.

"What's the situation in the north? Is the Knight Commander still unwilling to evacuate?"

"Conrad believes that the Arcane Empire has gone back on its word and must be made to pay the price. Winterhold cannot be given up for nothing."

This suggestion is actually quite normal. The Arcane Empire stood on the sidelines at a crucial moment, only stepping forward to claim credit after the humans destroyed Leven. Anyone would be dissatisfied in that situation.

The negotiations currently being led by Congress have already sold Winterhold at a low price, charging only a token fee, in order to keep the Arcane Empire out of the game.

At this point, Congress was unable to specify the price it was negotiating, so the situation remained deadlocked.

"For the sake of the kingdom's long-term interests, let the Knight Commander consider this further!"

After saying that, the meeting adjourned.

The heavy responsibility of persuasion fell on Gwen once again.

(End of this chapter)