In the spring of 1968, the army of the Empire's Western Expedition was reorganized and continued to march towards the hinterland of Crancia. Due to the large number of legions, this time the Imperial Prime Minister Edron and the Red Dragon Duke Leodo each led an army and attacked in two directions.
Among them, the Red Dragon Duke led the army northward, preparing to cross the hills and enter the former hinterland of the West Wind, while Edron led the army to continue westward, intending to completely annex the Verga Verga area, and then march into Falcon.
In May of the same year, the two armies clashed with Crancia's army several times. Although there were many casualties, they still won the victory by relying on several times the strength of the opponent.
At this stage of the war, the Empire's Western Expeditionary Army consisted of approximately 2.6 million troops, of which nearly 200,000 were stationed on the occupied lands and coasts to prevent the opponent's counterattack and to provide login support from the Hinatsuki Council.
Edron led an army of 800,000 men to the city of Hopeland and began to besiege it, while the Dragon of Desire led a black and red army of 1.6 million men to slowly cross the hills of the southern border of the former West Wind.
On the Crancia side, 200,000 regular troops and 150,000 troops supported by falcons were left to garrison Hopeland, a seaport city on the key road. In addition, the main domestic forces gathered inland to confront the Red Dragon Duke, and his coalition forces
The number is approximately 900,000.
In this nearly year-long strangling battle, the empire suffered nearly 600,000 casualties, while the Starlight Alliance suffered approximately 300,000 casualties. Although the exchange ratio was good, a new round of recruitment has begun within the empire, and it is expected that there will be another 150 in the second half of the year.
An army of about 10,000 people gathered south and headed for the front line.
According to the estimates of scholars in Crancia, after this conscription and support, the Canghong Empire still has the energy to instigate the last wave of support, so that it can reach its limit.
Faced with this great situation, the old nobles in the Canghong Empire who had been on the sidelines gradually became excited and expressed their willingness to participate in the empire's Western Expedition. As a result, many of the 1.5 million supporting troops emerged.
An elite regiment led by a noble noble.
In order to celebrate, and also to negotiate and distribute the interests of the occupied area, the emperor arrived in the southern province of Chixin in early July, which is the center of the Baskar family fiefdom, and prepared to hold a grand banquet here. This banquet also invited many new recruits
The military aristocrats and the established nobles intended to harmonize the relationship between the two parties and make unified arrangements for the future war.
On July 15, a banquet was held at the Pascal Duke's Palace.
The deep red dragon flapped its wings and soared under the sunset, pulling the luxurious rose airship across the sky. Its pale silver metal deck reflected bursts of golden light under the setting sun.
The originally smooth metal shell is now decorated with bright red and lifelike rose vines, which spread all over the corners and planes of the airship, adding an elegant atmosphere to it.
The owner of this airship is none other than the youngest daughter of the current Red Duke, Evitina Cang Pascal. Although she does not have the title of princess, this princess is more like a princess than any other princess and has the highest rank among the southern aristocrats.
He has a famous appearance, but what is more famous is his willful and egoistic character.
Although it was not easy to get along with, many nobles still said that this was the style of the Paskar family, bold and direct, and countless people rushed to pursue the daughter of the duke.
The airship descended slowly, and a girl wearing a palace dress with layers of flowers walked out of the hatch, and walked step by step into the Duke's courtyard with the support of many maids.
A ball was being held in the tall mansion hall, with groups of noble men and women dancing in luxurious dresses.
Under the splendid lights, the transparent and exquisite wine glasses were filled with intoxicating liquid. With the slight collision of the glasses, these rich and noble guests chatted with each other and burst into cheerful laughter from time to time. A whole band was playing on the high platform nearby.
The soothing music adds a pleasant atmosphere to the dance party.
"Oh, this thing seems good."
A wealthy noble looked at the small speaker playing sound beside him and said in admiration.
"These are made by those southern mages. How about you, do you want me to give you some? A few years ago, I recruited a few mages who had escaped from trouble to work for me in my manor. These people are actually very obedient.
"A blond man with a white scarf on his chest turned this small alchemy tool with his fingers.
"By the way, I also asked them to make some boxes that can produce ice and alchemical creations that can boil water by themselves. These are very comfortable to use in winter and summer."
"Count Eslan will indeed enjoy it, and I am moved by what he said. It's a pity that my fiefdom is in the north and I didn't seize the opportunity a few years ago. Not to mention, these gadgets are quite useful for these alchemists."
The wealthy nobleman continued to play with the small speaker at hand.
"Of course, it's not bad to make money."
"It seems that I will have to find a few alchemists as servants in the future to decorate my appearance."
...
"Status? Hahaha, aren't they just a craftsman playing with gadgets? What kind of status do they need? Letting them live in the empire is a gift."
"I think this is no different from those gardeners and masons who make houses. These lower-class people just learned some skills and think they are superior to others. It's so childish and funny."
"Noble bloodline and glory are everything."
The banquet lasted for an hour, and when the atmosphere gradually increased, several pairs of red-clothed attendants walked down the inner stairs. Although they looked young, these people were all rare elite extraordinary beings, almost all of whom were above Sequence 5.
"Your Majesty the Emperor has arrived~"
The servant's sharp and bright voice sounded, and then the music in the venue stopped, and everyone separated respectfully.
Before attending the banquet, many people already knew that the Emperor would appear, but many people were still a little excited at this time.
A young man wearing a gold and red luxurious dress led a beautifully dressed aristocratic girl slowly down the stairs and into the hall.
This is none other than the current emperor Aimank, and the youngest daughter of the Pascal family, Evitina. The two met when they were children and knew each other. Now that the head of the Pascal family is not in the fiefdom, it is natural that other
His wife, Lady Torantesa, entertained the guests, and the task of accompanying the emperor was left to Evitina. Perhaps it was the intention of both parties to bring this couple together.
If the emperor marries the Bhaskar family, the politics within the empire will be further stabilized.
After entering the hall, the emperor first spoke a few words briefly, describing the glorious expedition, the glorious situation, and the glorious results.
"For this, I would like to commend a general in particular, that is the leader of the Blood Spear Knights, Darcy." The emperor raised the sleeves of his luxurious military uniform and pointed to an officer not far from him. This uniformed officer
The erect man has a resolute look on his face. Although he has received awards, his expression remains calm and stable, which makes people admire and trust him.
"Congratulations~"
"Congratulations to General Darcy."
A burst of warm applause broke out. Although many nobles still despised Darcy's humble background, they were also smart people and naturally would not refute the emperor's opinion on the spot. And some nobles with a long-term vision also understood that this was the emperor's gift to those who were born in the common people.
Soldiers and officers have a hope that gives soldiers on these expeditions confidence and peace of mind.
Since Darcy, a commoner, can step up to the top of the empire with his military merits, why can't you? Compared with the past, the new emperor is indeed very cheerful in rewarding meritorious service, and this is why there are a large number of legions
Stand by his side, serve him and obey his orders.
The banquet was still going on. The emperor first danced a few dances with the eldest daughter of the Paskar family on the dance floor, and then talked and communicated with many big nobles in the south to win over and get acquainted with them.
At this time, the sky gradually darkened.
In a remote garden not far from the dance, in midsummer, the garden is quietly blooming with all kinds of flowers, mostly roses and roses.
Aimanke arrived here at a fast pace. At this time, he had taken off his stuffy and complicated coat and cloak, and was wearing a simple and breathable shirt. There were several red guards behind him. Suddenly, he stopped.
.
"Okay, let's go here. Ronald Edlen asked you to come here because he has something important to report." He turned back to look at an officer behind him. In fact, he was a close confidant of his brother Edlen.
.
The officer looked around and saw no one was around, so he spoke slowly.
"Your Majesty, Your Majesty Edlen asked me to remind you of some matters." Then, he approached Emmank's ear and whispered.
"Duke Pascal led the main army northward, constantly integrating his troops along the way, and once he finally captures a large area of Crancia's territory, the follow-up..."
The Bhaskar family is originally a branch of the royal family. If they succeed in the final expedition, they will have a large number of troops and a vast territory. It will be difficult to guarantee that they will not have any disloyal intentions.
After Aimanke finished listening, he looked at the orange sunset in the distance and remained silent for a while. "I understand."
Seeing that the emperor's back was motionless, Ronald was not sure what the other party was thinking. In line with the creed of doing less and making fewer mistakes, Ronald resigned and left.
"Prepare the royal golden-scaled red dragon for Ronald, and have him return to the Prime Minister's side quickly." Emmank ordered before leaving.
"Yes, Your Majesty." The imperial guard behind him bowed his head in response, then stepped back in small steps and left quickly.
Looking at the remaining ten guards around him, Aimanke continued: "You all should step aside. I want to take a walk in the garden alone."
"this..."
Among them, Derosa, the leader of the imperial guard, who is one of the few Sequence 7s in the current empire, hesitated a little. This thirty-year-old minister winked at Emmank and glanced at an apple tree in the garden.
Aimanke nodded, then waved his hand to let him continue to retreat.
"Your Majesty, I understand. I will wait for your Majesty's call at the exit of the garden." The man pressed the long sword on his waist and led a dozen guards to exit the garden.
After everyone left, Aimanke took a few deep breaths before slowly strolling through the flower-filled courtyard.
This is a relatively remote place in the Duke of Pascal's Palace. It is not the most popular garden in the Duke's Palace. Many of the flowers and varieties were popular in the last century, so naturally they are not loved by young ladies who follow the trend now.
But because it is a ducal palace, it has not been abandoned. There are always gardeners to maintain and take care of it.
Picking off a rose with a light pink gradient, Aimanke sat on a horizontal bench, looked up at the flowing clouds reflected in the red clouds in the sky, and leaned on the back of the chair to relax.
Although in the eyes of outsiders, the emperor was wise and mighty, decisive and extremely powerful, it was undeniable that he was still a young man in his 20s. It was just the aura and glory of his body that made everyone forget this.
As he takes charge of this huge empire, he has to make decisions and handle countless matters. After a long time, he will inevitably feel tired.
The legitimate daughter of the Paskar family is indeed touching, but it is a pity that there is nothing special about Aimanke, and it is not even as stunning as the one she saw when she first visited the Duke's Palace when she was 9 years old.
That year, he, Edron, brother Ansel, sister Tesslin... and other princes and princesses came with their parents to celebrate the wedding of the eldest son of the Pascal family.
Looking back now, almost 16 years have passed without realizing it.
Time is so ruthless, and for a moment he missed the carefree days of his childhood.
The Ansel brothers are actually good people. If they ascend the throne, they will probably become a pair of emperors with a good reputation. But now that they have reached this step today, he will not regret it.
Emmank closed his eyes and rested for a while, then stood up and continued walking slowly deeper into the garden.
Then, he stopped under the apple tree and looked at it with interest.
"Why don't you come down yet?" Aimanke looked at the light-colored skirt that was vaguely exposed between the branches.
"Wow!" came the nervous and surprised cry of the girl.
"Who are you? How did you find me? In fact, I just wanted to pick an apple, and then when I saw a group of you coming, I didn't dare to come down." The girl said in a low voice.
"Haha, actually I thought the dance was a bit boring and came out to take a walk. Also, are the apples delicious? Can you give me one?" Aimanke suddenly didn't want to reveal his identity.
"This one is sweeter. It tastes better than what I have at home." As she spoke, the girl threw down a bright red apple.
After catching the apple, Aimanke wiped it with his sleeve and ate it in one gulp, without worrying about any accidents.
Seeing the noble young man eating the apple she threw down, the girl seemed to feel relieved, at least now the two of them were accomplices.
"How did you climb up? It seems to me that the Baskar family doesn't like outsiders entering their garden." Emmank looked at the girl, who clearly didn't look like a descendant of the Dragon of Desire.
"This... this, actually I was just curious for a moment, because the banquet was very boring. Our family is not a big noble, and the eldest ladies are all very powerful. I couldn't talk, so I had to come over for a walk."
"Then you saw an apple tree and went up?" Aimanke felt a little funny.
"Yes, actually I am pretty good, and I graduated from Emenas." The girl said slightly proudly.
"After Emenas graduates, are you going to steal apples in the garden?"
"How can you call me a thief? You really can't speak!" the girl retorted slightly angrily.
"I just came here to pick apples and sit in the shade of a tree for a while."
The sunlight among the branches and leaves falls on the girl's caramel-colored hair, and her young face is also mottled and moving. The light pink and white dress sets off the slender figure, making people feel a green and pure beauty.
"Oh, is it true that you graduated from Emenas? I don't believe it. How about I test you?"
"You ask, hum~" The girl's calves wrapped in white gauze swayed gently among the branches.
"Then let me start. If a 100-pound object is placed on a beam, and only one side of the beam is supported by a column, and it is 20 inches away from the junction, how much stress will the column next to it be subjected to?"
"Ah, this, let me think about it, it's relatively simple..." The girl turned her head and thought, and then reported a number.
After hearing the answer, Aimanke continued to ask a few more questions.
"Hey, why do you always ask math questions? I'm too tired from calculations." After listening, the girl pouted dissatisfiedly.
"No, no." Then, she seemed to find something and shook her head repeatedly.
"Are you saying I'm very heavy? Why do all the questions use data such as my weight and height?" She finally discovered that there was something wrong with the data hidden in the questions.
"Haha, did you realize it now?" After teasing the girl, Aimanke seemed to feel a special kind of pleasure and relaxation.
"You bad guy." Looking at the laughing aristocratic young man below, the girl jumped down from the tree, ready to step on that arrogant face.
It's a pity that Aiman was superior in skill and easily dodged it, and even caught the jumping girl with both hands.
Feeling the closeness and aura, the girl became a little flustered and uneasy. What if this young man from a noble family was not good for her?
Looking at this face so close, Aimanke asked softly: "What's your name?"
"My, my name is Lily Esther."
In midsummer, the young man's face seemed to blend in with the blue sky behind him, making him beautiful and reassuring.