RNP Chapter 261 Central Community
Chapter 261 Central Community
Chapter 261 Central Community
"Elders,"
A wizard wearing a wolf-fur cloak bowed to Chris.
Upon hearing this, Chris rolled his eyes at the wizard in front of him, then reluctantly got up from the witch who had been using his lap as a pillow.
I've heard that this witch is very powerful; she knows ancient witchcraft and possesses a power that is harder to defend against and counter.
But no matter how amazing she is, she can't refuse to become Chris's pillow for the night.
Ha, that's even an honor for that woman.
The male wizard in front of me looked to be about sixty years old.
These cloaked monsters, though only middle-aged among wizards, are practically as long-lived as those chanting monks.
This person's name is Ainar, and he is a high-ranking member of the Holy Meeting.
He may be of noble status and quite prestigious in the wizarding world, but he still has to bow when speaking to Chris.
Why?
Because I'm an elder! Chris thought smugly, I'm the king!
However, one should not reveal one's emotions in front of subordinates; this is a basic quality of a leader.
He asked coldly, "What is it?"
"The people of Grayleaf Square have all accepted your fame and are willing to kneel at your feet. Furthermore, we have developed two thousand wizards in this square."
Upon hearing this report, Chris was overjoyed:
"So, our military strength will be expanded again?"
Einar shook his head: "Not yet. They have only gained the qualifications to become wizards. We still need to match them with suitable magic so that they will have combat power."
"How long will it take?"
“At least a month,” Einar said. “We didn’t have wizarding schools in the areas we used to control, otherwise that time would have been much shorter.”
Chris remembered that there were three wizarding schools on the frozen continent, located in three different communities.
These are the Ice Palace in the Northern Community, the Phantom Society in the Southern Community, and the Central Academy in the Eastern Community.
He immediately said, "In that case, we should prioritize capturing a wizarding school. I recall the nearest one, isn't it the Phantom Society in the Southern Community?"
Upon hearing this, Ainar waved his hands repeatedly:
"Elders, you mustn't! The Wizarding Academy is the most densely populated area of wizards on the Frozen Continent. If we attack rashly, the outcome is unpredictable. And if we fail, it could shake our very foundations!"
In any case, a month goes by quite quickly.
Even in the kingdom, it would take several months of training to train a light infantry regiment.
If it were an archer regiment, cavalry regiment, or elite corps, it would take even longer, not to mention a knightly order; it would take several years to complete.
"I know, I know," Chris waved his hand impatiently. "So, you just came here to ask me for praise?"
"If that's the case, I'll praise you a few times now, then I'll go. I still need to discuss witchcraft with the Solai witch."
"Please forgive me for disturbing you," Ainar said, bowing. "But I would appreciate it if the elders could grant me some time, as there are a few matters that need to be discussed."
"Then stop beating around the bush and just say it all at once," Chris urged.
"Yes, Your Excellency," Einar bowed. "First, there is a letter from the Herald Academy, which states that the governance of a regime requires the assistance of herald masters."
Chris smiled; he had been to the Herald Academy once.
It was there that Chris obtained "The Guide to Destiny Interpretation" and, guided by destiny, gradually rose to his current position, becoming a senator and then a king!
Therefore, upon hearing the name "Herald Academy" again, he felt a sense of familiarity.
"So, the Herald Academy has accepted us?"
"In my opinion, this is typical of the Herald Academy," Einar said. "They have no fixed allegiance; they are loyal to the region, not to any person."
"This area has changed hands, but it's still the same area, which is why they're sending people to help as before."
Hearing this, Chris was a little annoyed:
"Those bookworms are too self-important. No one is absolutely neutral forever. Similarly, even without the help of heralds, the governance will not be chaotic. Enar, so far, you have done a good job."
"Forgive my frankness, Elder, but I find myself quite inadequate in this matter," Ainar said, bowing. "I am a qualified wizard, but not a qualified elder. I have considerable knowledge of witchcraft, but I am a novice when it comes to governance."
"To be honest, there are many things I simply don't know how to decide. Therefore, Elder, please agree to the Herald Academy's proposal that you need a Herald Master to be your assistant."
Chris's pride prevented him from readily agreeing to the Herald Academy's proposal.
However, since even Ainar had said so, he had no choice but to give in.
Having a sufficient number of capable and competent employees is indeed essential for being a hands-off manager.
"Alright, alright, then reply according to your own ideas."
"Yes," Einar bowed, "the other matter is the reports from the other squares."
Chris frowned: "What is it?"
"Rock Square and Weaving Square indicate a need for food, while Clear Creek Square and Bell Sound Square indicate a need for meat and vegetables, respectively."
The Snow Square is short of warm clothing, and almost all the squares are short of funds. You know, the eerie night has just passed, and celebrating the festival is a huge expense.
Hearing this, Chris got angry:
"That's why I said those people are idiots. It's wartime now, yet they insist on celebrating holidays. They should save every penny and spend money wisely."
"Elder, I have already explained this to you. The Night of Gloom is the most important festival of the year on the Frozen Continent. If we do not hold a ceremony and consume the ice ball, the entire army will immediately fall into unease, and the residents will fall into panic. At that time, it may shake the foundation of our community."
"That's incredibly superstitious!"
No matter how loudly Chris cursed, he couldn't change the stubborn beliefs of these Ice People.
"So now they're coming to me again, asking for this and that? And I'm supposed to give in?"
"My lord, your Saddle Square is also experiencing a shortage of supplies. Even if you were willing to provide them, you would be unable to do so."
Chris tensed up: "What do you mean?"
"The permafrost continent has been barren since ancient times, and winter has not yet ended, so there is no harvest within our territory. However, we currently do not occupy any ports and cannot purchase supplies from overseas. Moreover, on the continent, there are only our enemies, and we cannot replenish our supplies."
"A solution!" Chris stood up anxiously. "Don't tell me all that! I just need a solution!"
"Only plunder."
Einar's answer was brief, but Chris found it effective:
"Let's start the war! Wizard, do you have a next target?"
"My original plan was for a square with a monument," Einar said, "but that plan will probably have to be put on hold for now."
Why?
"This is the fourth thing I want to tell you," Einar said. "Now, the people in the southern and eastern communities have realized what's happening and they are already amassing troops on the border."
"In other words, we are facing attacks from two forces simultaneously, and we also have to pray that they haven't joined forces."
Otherwise, the consequences would be disastrous.
"As for the North Plaza, although they are not adjacent to our land, no one can say for sure what their influence is on our Central Community."
It's impossible to predict their exact attitude or whether they will take any action.
"To put it bluntly, Ennar," Chris said, "when will they attack us? Can our army hold out?"
"It could happen at any time, the situation is unpredictable, Elder. I have already dispatched troops to confront the enemy, but it will not be easy for them to take us down. After all, we have a large army of wizards."
"So, there's no immediate danger?"
"Unless they use some surprising strategy, it will be difficult for them to pose a significant threat to our army in a short period of time."
"The Frozen Continent is not a kingdom. There has been no war here for a long time, so there are no generals or military commanders to be feared."
"And the most renowned loyal dog of our time seems to have recently perished along with the navigator. And if they don't use any strategy, they are indeed not in danger."
"But the greatest danger is the lack of danger."
"What do you mean?"
"As I said before, there is a shortage of supplies in the territory right now. If we don't get supplies, our community will fall apart on its own. Therefore, they don't need to fight at all; they just need to hold on."
"That's why I'm asking you, what's your offensive plan!" Chris roared.
"The Southern and Northern Communities have troops stationed on the border, which poses a huge threat even if they do nothing. If we send troops to garrison the border, we don't need to worry about being overrun, but if we don't send any, we can be surprised by whatever they do."
"Therefore, those troops had to be sent. But once troops were sent to defend, it was impossible to concentrate forces to attack the new square."
Our supplies could not be replenished.
Hearing this, a sense of despair welled up in Chris's heart:
"Isn't this a vicious cycle?"
Damn it, isn't it just fate that gets stuck in a cycle?
"Yes," Einar nodded, "but it's not unsolvable."
Upon hearing this, hope rekindled in Chris's right eye:
"Speak quickly!"
"Once the new wizards become part of our fighting force, we will have enough resources to compete for the next territory."
"Okay, okay! But you just said it would take another month?"
"Yes, it will take at least a month."
"But you yourself said that supplies are already scarce?"
"But we should be able to hold out for a month. Of course, this will affect public opinion and morale," Ainar said. "Therefore, we must encourage the people and the soldiers. Elder, you should find an opportunity to meet with the people and the soldiers and give them some hope."
Chris didn't care about other people's hopes, but it was ultimately about his own position.
"Okay, okay, you arrange the itinerary for me, and I will do as you say."
"Yes, Elder, I will arrange it quickly," Ainar bowed.
Chris asked, "Is there anything else?"
"There's one last item."
"explain."
"Elder, have you communicated with Grellara's apostle recently? Has he given you any instructions other than making you an elder?"
Chris became wary, narrowed his eyes, and said coldly:
"Of course. But it's not the right time for you to know these things."
"Elder, you know that we, the members of the Holy See, are all worshippers of Grellara—no! Every wizard worships Grellara! Therefore, please tell that messenger that we need his instructions on witchcraft, and we are willing to go through fire and water for it!"
“I will,” Chris said. “I would even ask him directly to teach you the most profound and ancient witchcraft.”
Upon hearing this, Ainar instantly shed two streams of tears.
Solai, who was behind Chris, also knelt down before Chris with an "Oh."
They cried out in unison, "Elder Chris, you are so generous!"
"Alright," Chris finally lost all patience. "Let's go, and you too, Soray. But little one, don't go too far. I might want to see you again soon."
"yes,"
The two bowed to Chris and then left the house.
After the door closed, Chris got up and went into the inner room.
In the very center of the room, there was a soft cushion.
In the center of the cushion, a cane was inserted.
This is a wizard's staff.
It is also what these wizards refer to as Grellara's relics.
Of course, their words have now been confirmed.
The staff was being held tightly by a hand covered in fish scales.
Chris was once the owner of this hand.
It was neatly cut off.
The person who cut it off was a wizard who used the power to control the wind.
Chris was grateful to the wizard, so he rewarded him with several women.
Chris also hated him, because of this man, he lost his entire left arm.
So, early the next morning, Chris ordered the wizard to be executed.
Of course, it was in the name of the Apostle Grellara.
When Chris asked the women, he learned that the wizard had been studying witchcraft all night and hadn't paid any attention to them at all.
Chris felt sorry for these women, so he condescended to take care of them for a few nights.
When he got tired of them, he sent them to a brothel.
Regardless, this staff in front of him is the key to Chris's current status.
Fate led him to the staff, and also bestowed upon him the promised privileges from the beginning, making Chris a senator and then king.
Although, in the end, Chris had to resort to his old tricks—fraud—to finally achieve his position.
But at least, he got it.
Fate is either cyclical or ascending; he broke the cycle, paid the price, and reached the ascent.
What he needs to do is maintain the upward trend.
Therefore, he cannot relax yet.
He has already fallen several times and doesn't want to fall again.
Chris was content; he didn't ask for more, only to maintain the status quo.
That's why Chris immediately came to the staff, which he had falsely claimed was the "Apostle of Grellara":
"Tell me, what should I do next?"
Suddenly, a piercing sound came into my ears.
The fish scales all popped open, and countless eyes lurking beneath them all looked at Chris.
A mouth also sprouted from the crease of the elbow, revealing its teeth in a mocking manner:
"Hehe—don't rush—"