"Hehehehe~" Laine wrapped one arm around Veronica's waist, giving her time to ponder.
Veronica took five minutes to think through the causes and consequences, and then said, "Laine, I think attacking Blackstone Stronghold can't be rushed. You must make ample preparations—very ample. It's best to wait until Trovik has healed from her injuries, and your territory and the whole kingdom are completely recovered from the exhaustion of war."
"That would take at least a year," Laine nodded.
"Then a year, or a bit longer. The Undead Grand Mage Heinrich Kemler has been operating inside Blackstone Stronghold for years. You must be ready before attacking. I understand Lady Surya's thoughts because her grandfather, the former Duke of Winford, died in Kemler's first attack on Brittania. There's a blood feud between the Duke's Family and Kemler, but you need to keep a clear head and avoid fighting an unprepared battle. Blackstone Stronghold is deep within the mountains, not on the plains," Veronica continued, "Your army needs to train to cooperate with the Dwarves. This takes time, and you must not be hasty. You are the Divine Chosen Champion of the Lady of the Lake and a model of the Knightly Path."
"Hmm, sensible advice." After listening to Veronica's advice, Laine made his decision—to prepare thoroughly before striking Blackstone Stronghold and avoid a rushed attack.
"As for Trovik, I also advise you to let her heal properly before attacking Blackstone Stronghold. Having a Legendary Ice Element and Mind Element female sorcerer gives more assurance in warfare. As for the Light Magic Riding issue... we're already sharing a man, and discussing it on the Magic War Chariot isn't impossible, " Veronica sneered, "It benefits you, but all of Light Magic Riding must belong to me."
"My Great Witch, I just love how you grasp the larger picture."
"Then why don't you personally cook me a grand lunch?"
"Right away!"
...
Old World, Brittania, Boldro capital, Bodlukes.
Manannan Shipyard, as always, was extremely busy, with merchant ships from the majority of Order races worldwide docking in and out, extremely bustling. Ever since the Axe Bite Pass trade route was cut off, Brittania's main area for foreign trade has been jointly undertaken by Le Anglong and Boldro, with Manannan Dry Dock serving as a premium deep-water port even capable of berthing the High Elf's ocean fleets. Many believe that, in Tygris's visit to the Old World, Duke Boldro Bodrick is among the top beneficiaries, with the lucrative trade with the High Elves filling Duke Bodrick's vault with gold.
At this moment, an Imperial grand ship docked at Boldro, loaded with substantial Imperial goods and quite a number of Imperial Army troops. After presenting trade licenses and the Duke's signed permits, it was swiftly granted passage.
A few people disembarked from the grand ship.
The first person, if Laine were present, he would surely recognize—he's Rick Guard (now officially ranked), Nuer's Master of Engineering, Mr. Wagner.
The second person is tall like a brown bear, over two meters in height, clad in a black Dwarf Vibranium Plate Armor inscribed with various runes, with Nuer Badge—a golden lion holding a scale on a black background—draped over his shoulder and a rune magic sword hanging at his waist. His brown long hair and meticulously groomed long beard make him appear immensely imposing. He's a taciturn, stern, ruthless giant.
The third person is a slender woman with a scarf on her head, dressed in a robe, holding a gigantic scythe. Wherever she passes, it's like a phantom, enveloped by visible magic in darkness. Even at noon, people nearby feel an intense chill, unable to see her features clearly.
The fourth person is clad in worn Sea God Knight Plate Armor decorated with turquoise and enamel stone. With brown hair and the family crest of Sea God Trident on his shoulder, carrying a scimitar at his waist, this person is suffused with the Lake God's glory; his eyes are blood-red, and his skin radiates light. Apparently, he is no longer a mere mortal: "Welcome to my hometown, Boldro, Lady Elspeth, Mr. Theodore, Mr. Wagner."
"What a beautiful place. If not for finding Emmanuelle, we would certainly stay longer to explore," said Wagner, shaking hands with the Sea God Knight.
The appearance of this group raised the dock guards' alertness. As Sea God Knights briskly approached ready to question, their staring mouths turned from initial hostility to delight: "Lord... Lord Fidmund! You have finally returned!!!"
"Tell Father, by the Lady's grace, I completed the Holy Grail Expedition and have returned."
