Chapter 316: Chapter 316 First Transport
"Alright, we’ll follow your suggestion. Thank you," Addison said.
"Princess, there’s no need to thank me," Alpha Hue replied. "We’re only doing what we must to ensure our hard work doesn’t go to waste. These grains, the crops, the animals, they are the lifeblood of this territory. If we lose them, then all our sweat and toil will have been in vain."
As he spoke, his gaze swept over the granary before he gently guided Addison toward a more secluded corner. It was quieter there, away from the clamor of men hauling sacks and crates.
With their heightened hearing, even the muffled grunts and murmurs carried easily to their ears, and Alpha Hue knew they needed a space where they could focus solely on their conversation.
"Alpha Hue, your foresight in purchasing so many magic crates year after year has been an immense help, especially since most of the cost came from your pack’s own funds. The Royal Family is truly grateful," Addison said, dipping into a graceful curtsey.
"Please rest assured, His Majesty will see that such foresight, so crucial in this time of crisis, does not go unrewarded."
Alpha Hue nearly tripped over his own feet in flustered haste, waving his hands as if to stop her. The unexpected show of respect from a princess left him both shy and overwhelmed.
"Princess, please," Alpha Hue said with a light laugh as he steadied her. "This is nothing more than my duty to my people. Just think of it as me looking after my own interests."
Though he joked, Addison was genuinely grateful. Thanks to Alpha Hue’s foresight and preparedness, she hadn’t needed to bring any magic crates with her when she came to the West.
Instead, the crates from the Royal Capital were lent to other packs that couldn’t afford them in the past. Those packs rented them and repaid the debt with extra tribute at the end of every harvest season.
This arrangement allowed the Royal Capital to gather more supplies from the West, reserves that the Royal Family could draw on in times of crisis aside from their own needs. Much of the support sent to the South and North came from these tributes.
By purchasing his own magic crates, Alpha Hue had lessened the financial burden on the Royal Family. After all, magic crates were too expensive, yet the Golden Hue Pack still managed to give not only the required tributes of grain each year, along with the taxes, but he still managed to give more than any other pack in the West.
But Addison wasn’t merely speaking grandly to pacify Alpha Hue. His foresight and preparation truly made a difference, because of him, they could transport the supplies efficiently and save nearly everything stored in the granaries, ensuring little to no loss.
Rewarding such diligence was not only fair but wise. With proper recognition and support, Alpha Hue could continue expanding and strengthening his territory. In the long run, both he and the Royal Capital would benefit, making the reward less a gift and more an investment.
After their pleasantries, Addison immediately got to the point. "Actually, Alpha Hue, I came here to confirm the exact number of people in your pack, along with their age brackets. That way, we can properly arrange the transport and determine how many from the young, the elderly, and the young adults can be sent along with the supplies each journey."
"We need to ensure the guards assigned to the caravan aren’t overwhelmed protecting everything at once. At the same time, we can’t afford to leave the people who remain here vulnerable either."
"That’s why we need precise groupings. We can’t send all the young and elderly in a single batch, or it would place too heavy a burden on the guards, especially if something were to happen along the way."
Addison made sure to explain clearly, so Alpha Hue wouldn’t misunderstand her intentions.
Alpha Hue nodded thoughtfully, rubbing his chin before replying. "Actually, Princess, your plan makes a lot of sense. It wouldn’t be wise to place all the elderly and young pack members in a single journey, since both age groups are the most vulnerable in times of crisis."
"I have detailed records organized by age brackets in my office, and my Luna can also assist you in arranging the transport. She often looks after the young and the elderly, keeping them company, so having her involved will help ensure the children remain calm when grouped together."
"That is a good idea, Alpha Hue. Then I’ll expect the records from you, and I’ll speak with your Luna regarding the arrangements," Addison said with a satisfied nod. She was relieved to see that Alpha Hue’s pack was under such capable leadership; most matters were already organized with care, which made her own task far easier.
Not long after, Addison received the data as promised. From then on, she moved tirelessly, darting from place to place like a spinning top, working alongside the Alpha and his Luna to ensure every arrangement was thorough and precise.
After three grueling days of talking with the neighboring alphas and countless hours spent arranging matters within the Golden Hue Pack, Addison finally succeeded in coordinating the transport.
She also scheduled the pick-ups from the surrounding packs, ensuring everything moved in order. With preparations complete, the first caravan set out, while those who remained behind busied themselves harvesting the last few acres of vegetables, while awaiting the caravan’s return to continue the transports.
"Is everyone ready?" Addison called out from the front of the line, her voice carrying over the steady shuffle of hooves and wheels. She sat tall on her horse, leading the first caravan. This group consisted of twenty-five children, aged eight to ten, who were old enough to manage themselves without constant fuss from the adults, and thirty elderly people, who rode safely in mule carts placed in the center of the caravan.
At the front, a dozen cattle were tied to a horse-drawn cart laden with magic crates, while an identical cart followed behind with the same arrangements. Guards marched along both flanks, always ready to shift in their wolf form if necessary, eyes sharp. Addison rode ahead, with Zion positioned as her escort.
Since he had scouted where the settlement would be built earlier, he already knew the safest route that would safely avoid the monster dens.
Meanwhile, Maxwell, Levi, and Lance had stayed behind to reorganize their defenses along the border, filling the gap left by Zion’s absence. Their duty was to ensure the pack’s borders remained secure while Addison led this first mission outside.
Alongside the children and elderly were the teenagers aged fifteen to eighteen, accompanied by a number of seasoned warriors. These teenagers had already begun warrior training at thirteen and were more than capable of protecting themselves.
With their strength and discipline, they would help secure the new settlement upon arrival, while the younger children and elderly looked after one another, and the others focused on unloading the crates as planned.
Traveling with them was Alpha Hue’s eldest daughter, who joined specifically to help maintain order. Her presence ensured that if Addison and Zion became occupied with the initial setup of the settlement, she could oversee the internal affairs, safeguard the supplies, and manage the younger and older members.