Chapter 326: Chapter 292: Visit from the Earl_1
Marquis Anderson, through a series of maneuvers, firmly seized control of Storm City and completely dominated the Wildwind Highlands Legion.
The next step was naturally to annihilate the Elf remnants trapped in the Wildwind Highlands and thoroughly dissolve the secret alliance between the Snow Elves and the Silvermane Principality.
In doing so...
Although the Orcs had taken Frostleaf City and gained a strategic advantage in the Snowland, they had also stretched their battle lines thin. For Marquis Anderson, the Wildwind Highlands now offered even greater strategic flexibility.
Regarding the Silvermane Principality, he could continue to let their troubles persist to enhance his own indispensability.
After this incident, any last vestiges of loyalty and sentiment between Marquis Anderson and the Silver Mane Duke were completely severed. This freed Anderson from any psychological burdens, allowing him to take further action without hesitation.
If the Silver Mane Duke did not want a de facto division of the Wildwind Highlands, which would impact the entire principality’s strategy and structure, he would have no choice but to appease Marquis Anderson.
The supply of materials to the Wildwind Highlands would not be cut off.
On the surface, the appearance of a benevolent ruler and a deferential subject would be maintained.
Towards the Barbaric Orcs, Marquis Anderson had gained a strategic advantage.
The Orcs, having fallen out with the Elves, would by no means easily abandon Frostleaf City.
The support the Barbaric lands could offer the Wildwind Highlands was limited. The forces previously sufficient to defend their modest territories would struggle to hold such a vast area.
Therefore, the Orcs could only concentrate their forces in Highland City and Frostleaf City, while ensuring the security of the supply routes between the two cities.
The Wildwind Highlands Legion had already reclaimed all lost fortresses. Their rear was supported not only by the Silvermane Principality but also by Nuta City, a mature logistics hub.
If the Orcs did not want to suffer a major loss of face in the Wildwind Highlands, their only option was to covertly cooperate with Marquis Anderson through Shortgun.
Towards the Snow Elves... there was also room for negotiation.
After all, with the Elves’ military strength, attacking the Wildwind Highlands from the outside—attacking uphill—made recapturing Frostleaf City nearly impossible.
If the Elves wanted to recover from their strategic disadvantage, their only option was to seek a solution through Marquis Anderson.
Thus, this isolated Elf force in the Wildwind Highlands had to be eliminated swiftly.
Delays breed complications.
After gaining control of the Wildwind Highlands Legion, Marquis Anderson began preparations to annihilate the remaining Elf forces. He ordered the troops on the eastern front to prepare for an offensive while secretly instructing Shortgun to coordinate with the Orcs for a pincer attack on the Elves, intending to utterly eradicate this hidden threat.
In this Wildwind Highlands war, he had repelled the Orc attack on Storm City in the west and completely annihilated the elite forces of the Snow Elves in the east.
News of such military achievements, once it spread within the principality, would undoubtedly elevate his prestige to a new pinnacle.
However, Shortgun had received news from the Orcs just the day before yesterday.
The remaining Elf forces were moving toward Thunderous Swamp...
Upon receiving this information, Marquis Anderson immediately notified Count Theodore: Thunderous Swamp was very likely to take in the main Elf force. He demanded that Yan Xing hand over the Elves, warning that otherwise, Yan Xing’s safety in the Wildwind Highlands could not be guaranteed.
After confirming this through his own intelligence channels, Count Theodore decided to meet with Yan Xing personally to discuss the matter.
Upon meeting Count Theodore, Yan Xing knew that Marquis Anderson must have learned about his dealings with the Elves. He just hadn’t expected him to find out so quickly.
Considering the secret alliance between the Silvermane Principality and the Snow Elves, Yan Xing chose not to involve Lady Karol, taking all the responsibility upon himself. After all, accepting favors put him in a compromised position. The Silvermane Principality had given far too much.
"Tutor, as you know, my estate has always been short of labor." As Yan Xing spoke, he had a maid pour Count Theodore some honeyed wine to soothe his throat. He then explained, "The Werewolves and Lizardmen in Thunderous Swamp aren’t particularly bright. They’re mostly incapable of complex tasks; they can only work on road repairs and ditch digging. Now, with more and more industries in my territory, the labor shortage is truly immense. A few days ago, while patrolling Thunderous Swamp, I stumbled upon some homeless Elves at the northern edge of the swamp and took them in to work on my land."
"Stumbled upon homeless Elves," indeed. Count Theodore didn’t believe Yan Xing’s tall tale for a second.
"I know you’re smart, and I can guess why you took in the Elves... but in this matter, you’re playing with fire," said Count Theodore, glancing at Hibel, who sat to one side. His dearest daughter should understand politics by now; the heavy burden of protecting the family legacy would eventually rest on her shoulders.
Seeing Hibel listening intently, Count Theodore knew that the war at Anjik Fort had also helped her mature.
In a low voice, the old Earl spoke to Yan Xing, "In the Wildwind Highlands, you have positioned yourself against both humans and Orcs. Anderson is furious that you’ve taken in the Elves. My visit here is your last chance."
Yan Xing could hear the genuine concern in the old Earl’s voice.
He countered, "If I didn’t take in the Elves, would I be safe? If you were Marquis Anderson, would you tolerate the current Thunderous Swamp existing so close to you? How much influence do you still hold over Marquis Anderson now? One day, when you are gone, how will I survive, surrounded by him and the Orcs?"
Yan Xing’s barrage of questions left Count Theodore speechless.
Recent events had made him feel the growing distance between himself and Anderson. He was getting on in years, and his value to Marquis Anderson was rapidly diminishing. Although a familial connection remained, Anderson kept many things secret from him. Yan Xing was right. Marquis Anderson would never allow a Thunderous Swamp, with its burgeoning potential, to develop right under his nose; he would surely crush this potential threat before it could mature. And the Theodore Family, too, might be seen as a tempting morsel in Anderson’s eyes. Especially Hibel, the Champion Knight who had shone so brilliantly at Anjik Fort. Once he died, he would no longer be able to protect her. Indeed, while Marquis Anderson currently seemed to be at his zenith, he was also standing on the edge of a precipice.
Count Theodore had seen the rise and fall of too many families.
"What do you intend to do? What is your purpose in doing this? You must tell me your true intentions so I can make a decision based on my own interests." These words from Count Theodore conveyed a great deal of information to Yan Xing.
After briefly considering Count Theodore’s current stance, Yan Xing shared his true intentions.
"I simply wish for the Wildwind Highlands to enjoy lasting peace, rather than periodic outbreaks of war. War brings no benefits to Thunderous Swamp. The closure of trade routes has caused me significant losses. At the very least, my new auction plan for Ice Jade Porcelain had to be put on hold. I want to turn the Wildwind Highlands into a free zone. If humans, Orcs, and Elves do not use the highlands for military purposes, then its strategic value will cease to exist."
Upon hearing Yan Xing’s vision, Count Theodore shook his head. "Your ideal is very noble, but nearly impossible to realize. The Wildwind Highlands don’t have many resources; its primary value lies in its military applications. It’s unlikely that all three races would give up their claim on this strategic location. The war won’t stop unless one race achieves complete control."
"Then I will fight until all three races abandon their struggle for it."