Your Majesty's money, why don't you engrave my name on it?

As if afraid that Angrita might refuse, the elf added another bargaining chip: "If you allow it, I might be able to apply to the Queen for assistance, of course, in your name. The elf does not want war, but neither does she want neighboring countries to be shrouded in the shadow of prolonged civil war. However, Her Majesty has always refused our requests for assistance."

Grand Duke Lance did send messengers to the Elven court, but as a wise leader, the Elven Queen would never agree to aid a rebellious subject. If she did, the Elven kingdom and the human empire would never have a good future.

But Angelita was different; as a member of the royal family, her request could bypass conventional diplomatic channels and achieve the desired outcome. Furthermore, Amansa's other assessment was that, given the current momentum displayed by this side, victory was likely only a matter of time.

“I am glad that the Elven Kingdom has offered its assistance,” Angelita nodded slightly. “To end the war, we need all the power we can.”

She retrieved the crown she had fished out of the deep sea. Even the most knowledgeable elves were amazed by her story and immediately decided to stay. She used a special magical device to send a message back to her homeland, reporting on her progress and requesting the Queen's assistance. Meanwhile, in Leslaufer, after estimating that their momentum was sufficient and the recruited spellcasters were mostly in place, the Kingmaker issued the order to advance.

In Eastern Inassus, Central Inassus, and even on the borders of the East Sea and Corazond, massive teleportation arrays, capable of allowing armies to enter in batches, were activated one after another within half a month. A massive army, numbering in the five figures on paper alone, traversed all geographical barriers and gathered on the plains on the side of the Goringoto Mountains. Such a terrifying mobilization of military force and the distance it covered silenced the nobles of the Inassus kingdoms who had not participated. Even the most frugal king contributed a portion of his personal treasury to support this expeditionary force, which was assembled under the banner of the Imperial Princess and the Kingmaker Raslaufer.

The reason is simple: if they don't contribute a single penny today, it's fine if the expeditionary force returns victorious in the future, but if something goes wrong, can they continue to stand by and watch? Destroying their kingdom and themselves, and having one king would probably be enough!

The snow in Eastern Inassus has not yet melted, but Western Inassus, which is not on the border with the Empire, is now covered in green grass. The expeditionary coalition forces are united under the banners of their respective leaders, with their military bearing neat and ready for battle. Each army formation subtly protects the most conspicuous banners.

These flags are embroidered with the coat of arms of the Matt royal family, the imperial banner, the banner from the time of Richard the Great, and the coat of arms of the Matt family at that time. In addition, there is the unified banner of Inassus from that era. Any one of these flags would be enough to serve as the main symbol of this army. But today, above these flags, there is a huge banner that is half a head taller, casting its shadow over all of them.

It was a black flag, without any patterns or decorations, with only three blood-red inverted triangles forming the shape of a human face converging on it, as if it were inspecting the entire army and everything around it on behalf of the Kingmaker himself.

It was as if all those who dared to obstruct this expeditionary force would ultimately be left with only the same pained expressions as those on the flag.

“I never imagined that one day I would be in this position, re-examining an entire army,” Raslaufer said, riding on the Grey Nightmare. He turned and looked around, whispering to Angrita beside him, “I’ve always been in that position—or perhaps I’ve always been there.”

Angelita looked in the direction Raslaufer was pointing to several Doppler positions ahead. With the financial resources of Dieter Superman, the ratio of these Dopplers to the ordinary infantry in front was almost one to three or even one to two. Those positions could certainly be called "Doppler positions".

Over the years, thanks to Raslaufer's activities, the Dopplers' salaries had risen accordingly. But this time, these elite soldiers, who were receiving double or even more salaries, dared not ask for a single extra gold coin. In order to participate in this war, they were even willing to give up a portion of their rewards. The reason was simple: Raslaufer was now synonymous with the Dopplers. If he won, then the Dopplers won; if he lost, then the Dopplers lost.

No one wants to go back to the income level they had back then, and the vast majority of people would rather have more.

“You are different now,” Angelita smiled. “Ms. Amantha is leading one of the forces, and I think you no longer need to charge into battle as before—you now have more formidable enemies to deal with.”

As she spoke, Angelita glanced at her companions and the dragonborn who had also come to join the battle in the distance. As the saying goes, soldiers fight soldiers, and generals fight generals. Ordinary soldiers and armies are certainly important, but these are the ones who can truly influence the situation.

"The last force has also arrived from the East Sea. It is a mixed force of East Sea dwarves and various races, including humans, led by the Zhakot clan," a huge owl silently flapped its wings and flew down from mid-air, transforming into Bella's appearance. "Although the Rebellion Realm will not participate, Esmir gave us the key to the vicinity of its old lair. If we cross back like we did back then, we will not encounter any obstacles."

“No, Bella, if that’s the case, we have a more covert method,” Angelita shook her head. “This time, I am no longer the little girl who fled her homeland and her emperor father. I am the imperial princess who is about to return home.”

"Order to set off, we'll take the main road. Also, notify all the commanders at the passes ahead to allow us to pass, otherwise..."

"It will be considered treason."

Chapter 760 The Mighty Pass Blocks the Way

With the army's siege weapons, which had also overcome geographical obstacles, arrayed beneath the Xinan Pass, the vanguard connected the plains to the north with the edge of the Goringoto Mountains to the south, linking the formidable passes, fortresses, and castles that formed a pincer-like formation on the opposite side.

Even so, after five sunrises and sunsets, these majestic passes, weathered by time and even reduced in height, still stood before the Allied forces, showing no signs of collapse.

“It seems the Mad King isn’t as mad as the rumors say,” Felix strode into the main tent, removing the chainmail from his head to reveal hair covered in dust and blood. “No wonder there’s been such a long war within the Empire—he probably hasn’t touched the border troops at all!”

Raslaufer and Angelita were standing in front of a map, the pieces and markings on it echoing the siege outside. Hearing the voice, Raslaufer looked up: "What happened today?"

Felix bared his teeth, wanting to lash out, but in the end he could only sigh: "A whole Eagles unit! This is unbelievable! Even Bella couldn't find them. I just can't understand where they hid those five hundred-plus men!"

“Five hundred men?” Angelita raised an eyebrow. “That General Pasha is quite composed—how many losses did he inflict?”

“Both siege positions have been bombed and are now half-crippled,” Felix shook his head in frustration. “Although they didn’t fare any better—Swampthroat and his dragonborn friends have taken down about 80% of the positions—the siege is going to slow down again.”

There was no disagreement among those present about whether they could capture this formidable pass; the only question was how long it would take. The allied forces were not a monolithic entity, especially with a large number of mercenaries among them. Although victory was already predetermined, a lack of a convincing or swift victory would still be a blow to morale and make subsequent advances more difficult.

“Your Highness, I suggest we adopt Bella’s strategy,” Felix said after waiting a while and seeing that Angelita and Leslaufer had not said anything. “We can send a force to go around from the Goringoto Mountains and insert it behind the fortress complex at the Sinan Pass. We can attack from both sides. Even if that Pasha’s defense is very solid, there will inevitably be loopholes—after all, his military strength is limited.”

“Uncle Felix, you’re right, but this is a matter of war, and we need to consider other factors when we use force this time.” Angelita initially agreed with Felix’s plan, but then her tone shifted, making the king somewhat disheartened. “We are legitimate. I am the real princess. Perhaps Verveti and his imposter puppets can use underhanded means to infiltrate the empire again, but I cannot. If they do that, or use any methods that evoke similar scenarios, it will greatly diminish our legitimacy.”

"Therefore, we must advance from the front. If anyone insists on stopping us, they must die, even if General Pasha's family has always been responsible for guarding the western border of the empire."

"Did today's letter urging surrender yield any results?"

Mary stepped forward and bowed slightly: "No, Your Highness, I've thought this far, and it's probably not easy to get him to surrender now."

Angelita nodded, indicating that she understood. She thought for a moment, then looked at Raslaufer beside her: "Uncle Raslaufer, it seems that we have no choice but to take a more radical approach."

“Good thing,” Doble smirked, quite pleased with his freedom of action. “Don’t worry, our flag will be raised at Fortress No. 3 by noon tomorrow. Once the magical connection is broken and weakened, ordinary high walls won’t be so difficult to breach.”

On the expected timeline for the offensive, Raslaufer and Angelita agreed that the allied forces must formally enter the empire within ten days, declare war on the fake princess who was negotiating with several neutral lords, cut off her retreat from the rear, and Angelita would then contact her second brother at the front to encircle and annihilate her, and then complete the merging with the army under the emperor's command.

In any case, Angelita was ultimately named Matt, and she had no conflicts with most of her family. The rebellious Grand Duke had to be quelled first, and the specific strategy for what followed could be decided later.

“Then tomorrow’s main target will be Fortress No. 3, but we should still deploy a sufficient number of troops in the direction of Fortress No. 5 to launch a feint attack and draw their forces there as much as possible,” Angelita moved the pieces on the map, and suddenly looked at a somewhat inconspicuous piece behind the fortress complex. “Have we confirmed the origin of this reinforcement? Judging from their marching speed in the past few days, they should be arriving soon.”

“Tomorrow morning or tonight,” Felix said after a glance. “They move very fast, and if Callistra and her scouts are not mistaken, it should be a light cavalry force—not very useful.”

The Empire has never been known for its light cavalry. Among the mercenaries from the Empire, crossbowmen are a much greater threat, and the organized spellcaster units and heavy cavalry of the Imperial Guard are far superior to light cavalry.

More importantly, this is a battle of offense and defense, and the other side is even on the defensive. With an absolute advantage in all aspects, even ten Felixs couldn't imagine what role a group of light cavalry could play.

Perhaps it's just that the support arrives faster...

As he was thinking this, suddenly, the tent flap was lifted, and Skadi, also dressed in military uniform, walked in and nodded to the group.

“There’s been a reply,” she said, getting straight to the point, handing a letter tied to an arrow to Angelita and Leslaufer. “It was after their reinforcements arrived. Callistra said the light cavalry had just entered the city not long ago.”

"Ha, could they really be some kind of pillar of support?" Felix found it utterly absurd and couldn't help but say, "What did they say? A challenge, negotiations, it couldn't be a surrender, could it?"

If that's the case, then he'll be completely baffled.

“It wasn’t written in General Pasha’s name, and it wasn’t addressed to me,” Angelita unfolded the letter and glanced at it, her brow furrowing involuntarily. “It’s from the leader of that light cavalry mercenary group. He says he has connections with the Kingmakers, and that I… I’ve met him once before. He hopes to mediate between them. The meeting place is tomorrow at the pass, and the time is early morning. What does this mean?”

There's probably no room for negotiation here. Pasha either has to give way or he'll be crushed by the allied forces; there are only these two outcomes.

"He has a connection with me?" Leslaufer asked curiously. "I've never gotten along well with the cavalry mercenaries. What's his name, and what about his mercenary group?"

Angelita glanced at the letter's signature: "It's from the Horseshoe Mercenary Group. The leader's name is... Benjamin Russo."

...Benjamin?!

Chapter 761 The Pre-Match Meeting

Even the best memory can hardly remember someone who can only play a supporting role, especially when the person appearing with them is Raslaufer.

Unless, he later gained fame himself.

“The Horseshoe Mercenary Group,” Raslaufer recalled, especially remembering how they, along with two veterans, had tried to steal his newly received salary. “Interesting. I didn’t expect it to be him—what was his relationship with the former leader?”

“There are no clues in this regard,” Skuld said. “I specifically asked that elven lady, who has been in the Empire for a long time, but even she doesn’t know the specific details. She seems to be just a young man who was valued by the former leader.”

What's your impression of this person?

“A little better than Felix, but not by much,” Raslaufer glanced at the knight who was now king and said without hesitation, “It’s not that simple. Even in the Empire, becoming the new leader of a mercenary group isn’t something you can do just by being ‘favored by your predecessor’.”

"Reply with something like, 'I'll talk to them tomorrow.'"

On the sixth day of the siege, the incessant whistling of machinery that had been heard for the past few days was unusually silent. Instead, the drawbridge of the Xinan Fortress was lowered, and General Pasha and Benjamin Russo, the fortress's commander, rode out one after the other, accompanied by several squires and a few light cavalrymen, to the agreed location.

"Honestly, aren't you worried they might attack you?" Benjamin looked at the old nobleman with graying hair and beard in front of him, one hand hanging casually at his side, the other resting on the hilt of his sword. "The Kingmaker is no pushover. I've dealt with him before, and for years his image haunted my nightmares. I only gradually calmed down after hearing that he had actually returned to Eastern Inathas."

He required absolutely no reins control, a technique extremely rare even among most cavalry, yet Benjamin was renowned for it within the Imperial mercenary circles, earning considerable prestige in recent years for the Eastern Light Cavalry, who had long been ridiculed for their poor performance. Legend had it that he was not only a skilled swordsman on horseback but also ambidextrous, like the nomads of the tundra. It was a pity he hadn't taught these skills to his cavalrymen; otherwise, the Horseshoe Mercenary Company's pay might have been even higher.

“If he were just a mercenary, I would never take your advice,” General Pasha snorted. “But he now carries a title that is far too heavy for him to bear, and besides, Her Highness the Princess is by his side. Considering the extra weight of this title, he wouldn’t dare to do anything.”

"You know the other side is a princess?" Benjamin paused, "Then what about the one currently within the Empire, who recently failed to capture Shinwood City..."

“A fake,” the general replied with the crispness and decisiveness of a soldier, “without a doubt.”

"Then why—"

“My family and I have a duty to guard the frontier, Mr. Benjamin,” Pasha frowned. “How can the honor and loyalty of the family be tarnished in my hands? She must pass through here to prove the purity of her bloodline, and I must hold this place until the moment I can no longer hold it—we both have our reasons for doing so.”

If he stopped Princess Angelita Matt, it wouldn't be his problem whether she crossed the nearby Goringoto Mountains, found another pass to enter, or returned empty-handed; but conversely, if he allowed her to lead her allied army of barbarians into the Empire, even if they were perfectly disciplined and did nothing wrong, his family would be disgraced, and he himself would be questioned, both in life and after death. For a nobleman who had maintained his integrity for over sixty years, this was absolutely unacceptable.

“I would rather die by the sword of His Highness or the Kingmaker,” Pasha murmured to himself, but Benjamin could hear him clearly.

Benjamin wanted to say something more, but at that moment, he saw the shield bearers in the siege formation part to the sides like a tide. Nightmare, burning with gray flames, strode forward with powerful steps, carrying Raslaufer all the way to the front of the formation. A little behind him, half a horse's head behind and slightly further away, Angrita sat astride Veruna and followed behind.

Skadi, Felix, Edward, and the other kings of Inasas remained at a more distant location. Although their status was high enough to speak with the imperial general opposite them, in this situation, they could only enjoy the status of attendants.

Benjamin gazed with some astonishment at the girl sitting atop the unicorn, clad in a silver-white breastplate and robe. He recalled his vague memory from years ago; that still-childish face gradually overlapped with her current appearance, convincing him that this was indeed the true imperial princess. Furthermore…

“A unicorn… even if she’s fake, she could be real.” General Pasha glanced at the mercenary leader’s words, but he had no time to condemn the other’s attitude. Instead, he immediately spurred his horse forward and moved closer to Raslaufer and Angelita.

"Good day, Your Highness," the old nobleman bowed from his horse. "I have long heard rumors that you have left the empire for some reason. It is a great relief to see that you are in good health."

"However, this military uniform is probably not suitable for your status."

“My lord, I am also pleased to see you in such good health,” Angelita nodded slightly in response to the other party’s courtesy. “When I was young, I remember you taught me archery skills, but unfortunately I was not talented enough in this area and was unable to learn it.”

“Your Highness was still very young then,” the general said, his tense face relaxing slightly. “That was my last audience with His Majesty Henry. I never expected to drink too much and lose my composure, forgetting the rules of being a subject. Although His Majesty Henry and your father did not blame me afterward, it still makes me uneasy whenever I think about it. Now that I see it… I’m afraid it did have a bad influence on you.”

Angelita looked at him. In fact, she could hardly remember those details from back then. She just wanted to set the tone for this meeting and persuade the general to make an exception and let her army pass through.

This was not easy, but she had many reasons. Unfortunately, after nearly an hour of back-and-forth negotiations, the conclusion remained unchanged.

“It seems I cannot persuade Your Highness to abandon force no matter what,” the general sighed, abruptly turning his horse around. “Then let’s let the facts speak for themselves, Your Highness! My fortress, you cannot pass!”

"Mages, make your move!"

As soon as he finished speaking, General Pasha's vision blurred, and a fast horse suddenly charged out from his own camp. The rider did not hold the reins, but instead swung his sword straight at him.

"Roger that!" Benjamin's loud laughter rang out amidst the hurried clash of weapons.

Chapter 762 The Honor of Nobles and Mercenaries

"Benjamin, are you insane?!"

General Pasha proved himself to be a man of great strength despite his age. Even under such a sudden and urgent attack, he still drew his sword and engaged the enemy in battle. At the same time, or even earlier, at his command, dazzling magical light shone on the city walls. The mages, who were already prepared, aimed at the attacking troops below and unleashed their most powerful spells, even at the cost of their own lives.

Unfortunately, this little trick could not escape the plans of Raslaufer's side. After all, there were ruthless characters like the Dark Elves in the Allied Forces who were used to using schemes and tricks. Even though the Evans family paid the price of casting spells to be immune to sunlight, just the guidance was enough for the Allied Forces' mage mercenaries to set up a protective barrier in time and block most of the first wave of attacks.

“General, I’m sorry to say that you would go to such lengths to stop me,” Angelita shook her head slightly, gesturing for Veruna to step back. “You made the first move.”

"Uncle Leslaufer."

In General Pasha's terrified peripheral vision, the grayish-white flame vanished in an instant. Although the surrounding knights reacted quickly, the mercenaries from the Horseshoe Mercenary Group also drew their weapons at their comrades who had been riding alongside them.

In fact, their actions saved the knights' lives. Just moments ago, the etherified Raslaufer had almost decided to take advantage of these unimportant knights first, but the sudden change made him shift his target and appear behind Pasha on horseback.

Without a lance, a greatsword, or even the dueling sword known as the Kingslayer, Raslauver simply stretched out his arm, weaving through the gaps in Pasha and Benjamin's battle, easily grabbing the old general's belt and lifting him off his horse. The general tried to struggle, but Raslauver's slap was already upon him; a casual slap nearly sent him to the "Astral Plane"—the poor old nobleman's vision went black, and stars filled the sky.

"Oh!"

Raslaufer easily slammed his opponent to the ground. From behind, a dark figure no taller than a horse darted out, its clawed foot immediately landing on the general's chest. Pasha tried to struggle, but all he heard was a sharp screech. The long, pointed mouth opened and spewed a foul stench onto his face, almost making him faint.

“Alright, Blackclaw, don’t make a move yet.” Raslaw stopped his animal companion. He had brought the Deinonychus with him on this expedition. As he spoke, he turned to the general, “Lord Pasha, you’d better be smart. Otherwise, although we all know what’s good for us, the animals may not understand the complicated negotiation process.”

"You—" Pasha glared at Reslaufer, then turned his anger on Benjamin standing to the side, "You despicable hamster, the reputation of the Imperial Mercenaries is going to be ruined by you!"

To turn against one's employer in the face of battle, especially when the employer is completely innocent, is utterly outrageous! Especially considering that Benjamin's mercenary group has for decades been known as the Horseshoe Mercenary Group, whose strength and loyalty are inversely proportional!

Unbelievable, even incomprehensible!

“Strength and loyalty are inversely proportional, old man,” Benjamin said, looking down at him with an indifferent expression. “Since the chapter’s strength is different under my leadership, other rules naturally need to be changed as well. Especially in ‘special’ circumstances.”

Without waiting for the old man's shocked expression, he dismounted and knelt on one knee before Raslaufer and Angelita's horses: "Benjamin Russo, leader of the Horseshoe Mercenary Group, has come to pledge allegiance! I offer the Sinan Fortress as a gift to declare my and my group's loyalty to Her Highness the Princess and the Kingmaker!"

"You're speaking too soon!" Ignoring his shock at this shamelessness and the increasingly tight claws gripping his chest, the marquis, already pinned to the ground, roared, "Did you think I wouldn't be fully prepared? My three sons, my sons, and my grandsons are still on the city walls! Come on, kill me! As long as one member of my family breathes, you won't get away with this—"

Snap, snap.

Benjamin knelt on the ground, but moved closer to the general. He glanced cautiously at Black Claw, who was unresponsive, and then reached out to pat the general's cheek: "Sir, do you think I don't know? Why don't you take a look at the city walls?"

At this moment, the soldiers on the side of Raslaufer had caught up. Several men grabbed General Pasha by the shoulders and arms, pulled him up, tied him up, and pressed him down so that he faced the city wall.

There, the mages' magical barrage seemed to have completely fallen silent, and in the general's sight, he saw a pale, horned figure. It appeared to be a woman, and a very rare one at that—a Tiflin. She noticed Pasha's gaze, smiled at him, and then…

He saw his family members, more than a dozen people, lined up and pressed against the city wall, peeking out from between the battlements.

"This...how is this possible?!" Pasha looked at Angelita in utter shock and fear. "You just received the letter last night, how could this be—"

“It will only take a few hours of hard work, working together from the inside and outside, and then working together from the inside and outside again,” Benjamin whispered in his ear, in a voice only the general could hear. “If even you can’t make up your mind, how can you guarantee that your younger generation will also work together to defend the city?”

"Stop struggling. All you want is a way out, right? I'll give you one, but my dear, please don't slip and fall."

The old general's gaze gradually shifted from anger and shock to emptiness and disorientation, and his stiff neck and proud head drooped.

What else can we do? Although the entire fortress complex has not fallen, only one of it has been infiltrated. If any of our men are willing to resist, they could certainly continue to cause trouble for Angrita and the others, but... let it be.

He and his family have done their best; as for the rest, let them... let whoever wants it, take it.

“A wise decision, General,” Angelita smiled as she observed Pasha’s change in demeanor. “While rebuilding here may take some time, their owners will remain the same, and I think…”

The already sweet, heavenly voice deliberately shifted, causing even the heartbroken Pasha to look up, and then he heard:

"Perhaps the rebuilt Xinan region won't need such elaborate fortifications anymore, and your burden will be lighter in the future?"