Work Prophet

It hadn't been four days since their return to Green Field when some restless Lords found Miss Rabbit, hoping to set out on a campaign as soon as possible.

Ireya expressed her understanding. Many of their territories were still under the control of the Wing Tribe invaders and their allies, and with Tristan's army recently defeated, it was indeed a prime time to continue reclaiming their lost land with a renewed effort.

If they waited any longer, the scattered remnants of the defeated army could very well be regrouped by someone.

Therefore, the Lady quickly convened a meeting with the noble generals in the army to discuss the matters of the campaign.

Around a map they gathered, discussing the potential routes for their march. Yet, no matter which route they considered, there were two places they could not avoid.

One was Rock Snow City, occupied by the Figrola family. Ever since the Enríquez family had ruled this land, it had been the political center of the West territories, although it was known as Dragon Flame City back then.

Snow Claw Philip had renamed it to commemorate his Northern Territory homeland; subsequent to that, his family had relocated there, occupying the city for nearly a thousand years.

Before Solomon led his grand army to invade the West territories, the Lady had written several letters to the Figrola family, hoping they would join the Resistance Army, even offering the position of Commander to Clovis.

However, those letters had all vanished without a trace. Previously, there were suggestions to capture Rock Snow City before the Wing Tribe's arrival, but these were ultimately rejected by most, including Miss Rabbit.

The reason was simple; everyone was a sworn vassal of the Figrola Family, fighting alongside them since their ancestors' time, with oaths of fealty they naturally hoped to uphold.

This was not out of weakness or naivety, but rather the people of this land held a simple and straightforward sentiment.

Yet, the Figrola family had abandoned them time and time again.

From the giant dragon attack on the Lady's territory to Solomon and his army entering the West territories, Clovis had not only refrained from resisting but had consistently stood firm with the invaders, leaving more and more people feeling bitterly disappointed.

"Based on the intelligence I've gathered, there are still about five thousand troops garrisoned inside Rock Snow City, some left from Tristan's time and some remnants regathered in the past few days.

"Additionally, if necessary, they can call up able-bodied men from the city to assist in combat," the Lady roughly summarized the current situation.

The crowd fell silent for a moment, then a voice spoke up, "So if we want to continue advancing eastward, we must take Rock Snow City; otherwise, leaving such a force at our rear is too dangerous."

The speaker was Kamzi, who then addressed the Lady, "If you don't want to strike, give me ten thousand men, and lend me that... Italian Cannon as well; I can take Rock Snow City for you."

"Take Rock Snow City and then what, Kamzi, do you wish to seize the opportunity to become the new ruler of the West territories?" someone retorted instantly.

The significance of Rock Snow City to the West territories was clear to all, and because of this, the city had become a particularly hot potato.

Kamzi angrily said, "I am only going to attack the city, not claim it for myself."

"Then who shall Rock Snow City belong to after it is captured?" another voice questioned.

The crowd fell into silence once more, some stealing glances at Ireya in front of the map, yet no one spoke, uncertain of the others' thoughts.

In contrast, the other location, Lake City, where Solomon and his Wing Tribe Army were stationed, proved to be a little less controversial.

According to the message from a Sabbath warrior hidden there, Lake City has been closed for a full half month.

The prices of food, meat, and vegetables inside have more than doubled, causing several riots, yet there seems to be no sign of opening the city.

It's apparent that the Wing Tribe has indeed encountered very terrible events, and the news of the recent crushing defeat has already reached Lake City. However, Solomon has given no orders, and the Lady even suspects that the Wing Clan Commander might have died of illness.

The number of warriors left able to fight is probably not many, the only troublesome thing is that Azure Dragon.

But as long as the White Queen is present, it cannot stir up much trouble.

The Lady did not rush to make a statement but first had some captives brought over who were quite familiar with the situation inside Rock Snow City.

Besides Tristan and some senior officers of the Alliance Army, Ivan, the former Empire's head of intelligence and Solomon's Imperial Minister, was also brought over.

Miss Rabbit asked them, "Who is in charge in Rock Snow City now?"

"In charge should still be Clovis, but those three thousand we left behind are under the command of Old Oak Tree Vierstein."

"Old Oak Tree Vierstein?"

"He comes from a small family called Dormond. Previously, Solomon had forced some Nobles who came to support him to compete in martial contests, and Old Oak Tree Vierstein stood out, not only securing several pieces of land in one go but also winning Solomon's appreciation."

The one who spoke was a Noble prisoner named Bai De.

"In this current garrison of Rock Snow City, a majority are his men."

Someone's thoughts couldn't help but become active again, "If we could defeat this man named Vierstein and his three thousand defenders, perhaps Lord Clovis would open the city gates directly."

"Clovis will not open the city gates," Ivan suddenly said, and as the attention of everyone in the hall fell on him, the former head of intelligence continued calmly.

"Clovis is well-versed in history, believing firmly that the Vespasian Family's time is up. Although Tristan has been defeated by you, Solomon and his Wing Tribe army are still in Lake City.

"Moreover, they have numerous followers and have already occupied the majority of the Empire's territory. A single defeat means nothing to them; it's a loss they can still afford."

"So barring an absolutely necessary situation, Clovis will not surrender to you."

Ivan completed his speech in one breath, articulating clearly and with coherent logic, which made the Lady take a few more glances at him.

Ivan inwardly rejoiced, but he maintained an impassive facade, "If you really want to conquer Rock Snow City, you must capture Clovis, and it's better to kill him. Otherwise, given his and the Figrola family's prestige in the city, he will definitely cause problems for you later.

"On the other hand, Old Oak Tree Vierstein is unimportant. This is not his territory, and there's no need for him to fight you to the death. Also, from what I understand of him, he's not one to favor direct confrontation.

"If you attack Rock Snow City with the stance of sparing no expense while also leaving him a way out, there's a good chance he might choose to abandon the city and leave."