[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-city-of-desire-kingdom-building":3,"chapter-city-of-desire-kingdom-building-city-of-desire-kingdom-building-chapter-761":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","City of Desire [Kingdom Building]",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1846891,2449,"Chapter 765: Plans and Politics II","city-of-desire-kingdom-building-chapter-761",761,"\u003Cp>Proofread by Thomas F\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's time,\" I said, and turned to Cardin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I will not disappoint you,\" he replied, and a moment later, I felt his skill activating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Split,\" he commanded, and immediately, a large part of the army began to split. Within a minute, Cardin separated with fifty-two thousand men.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He will lead them to Panar, where they will rest for what is coming, while I keep following the undead as I promised the other two.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, I couldn't even see them. It will take them less than an hour to reach the Panar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I want to go there as well, but it's not the time yet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, I lead my army forward, following behind the undead. They are about forty-five minutes ahead of me. So, if they were to turn, I would have ample time to run away with my army.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though I don't think they will do that. They have other things to be worried about\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two hours passed, and I looked at the sky. It's dark, but full of stars. It's quite beautiful. I wish I could stop and admire it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I can't stop, but I could admire it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There is a message from the Lord of Inam. The army led by General Karjan had moved out of the Wildhelm,\" she informed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It surprised me, but soon my heart started to beat wildly. I didn't dare to hope as I turned to Zela.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Direction?\" I asked. \"Northwest,\" she replied simply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Northwest of Wildhelm is Riverbell, the city controlled by the Lord of Deerpond. As I heard it, a big smile appeared on my face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When I failed to gather a unified army, I made the second plan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I asked Lord of Deerpont and Port Midlet to attack the undead cities. It will help me in two ways: first, it will remove the undead from these cities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The second benefit is that it will create a sort of buffer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It won't stop the undead from attacking me when they want to, but it will create a buffer or force, something that they will always have to be careful of.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There is a third use, which is the trade, but I didn't think about it as it hasn't happened yet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only Zanav had started attacking, which is not surprising. Bilgas is close to him; he arrived in less than four hours and began his attack on the city.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While Deerpond's forces are still moving, although slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They don't want to directly come into the path of retreating undead. They will attack, Almin, after the undead pass by it, and I hope the undead won't place reinforcement there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More than Bilgas, I want Almin captured. It's on the side of Panar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What made me extremely happy was Grimvale's forces moving toward Riverbell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Grimvale's forces captured Riverbell, it would be difficult for Deerpond to ally with him against me in the future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Zanav will think carefully before allying with Grimvale.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grimvale is the biggest threat to me after the undead, and this action of his will destroy his nascent alliance, but I could understand why he did it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Riverbell is a river city, and it will give him access to a big trade route. He will no longer be entirely dependent on the land route alone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not to mention the income from the taxes for the route.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It will also provide him with his base in the centre of the region; he wouldn't have to depend on his allies for it. Not to mention, it will be a great launchpad for the attack against the north and west.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lord of Deerpond wants to talk to you,\" informed Zela suddenly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing that, a smile couldn't help but appear on my face, and I took her hand; this will be a great conversation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deerpond\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fuck!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I cursed as I finished the call with Silver.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It is because of him that I have sent my forces to attack Almin, and now this bastard is unwilling to help me capture it from the undead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unless retreating undead attacked me, like he promised me earlier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had hoped that with Silver joining my army, I would be able to send some of my forces back into Riverbell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now I am stuck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I can't move the forces from the Deerpond, and the ones in Riverbell might not be enough to stand against Grimvale forces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That left the army, which I had sent to conquer Almin. It will take hours to return.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By that time, Grimvale's forces would be attacking Riverbell. There are also forces of Wildhelm, Peguix, and Brimbale standing at the gates.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The warning is clear. If I move my forces, they will move theirs as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I took a deep breath and calmed down. I am panicking; things aren't as bad as I am making them out to be.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It took me a minute to organise my thoughts before I turned to Lambdis. \"Connect me to the Lord of Riverbell,\" I said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Riverbell has to hold, while my army needs to capture Almin. Once they finished with it, they could send back the part, and I would send another part from Deerpond's forces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That way, I will be protecting Riverbell from getting captured, but for that to happen, it needs to hold Grimvale's forces back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Banmir Liorian\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are we not going to send any forces to Almin, Knight?\" asked Lomos, looking at Almin at the far.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No, Ashton Harbor is more important,\" I replied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The forces in the region are divided, and they likely won't be able to form a coalition to attack Ashton Harbor, but that's not the main reason.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The higher-ups won't be happy if these cities in our control are recaptured, but they shouldn't be too worried about them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From what I could tell, they have not found the thing they are searching for in the city or the surrounding area.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They did not find it in Ashton Harbour either, but it is our base. We have fortified that place, and it would be a massive loss to lose it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That doesn't mean the other two cities will be conquered, though.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wraithhearth might have pulled forces from these cities, but there is still a large number of undead in those cities. They could resist the attack if they remained entirely defensive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It will give me enough time to deal with those things after I sense the mood from high command.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I shudder when I think about it. The only saving grace about it is that Wraithhearth had made all decisions. Still, I won't escape unscathed either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was in my thoughts when expressions on Lomos's face changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What happened?\" I asked. \"A Lv. 4o appeared in Bilgas,\" he replied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Taren Zanav\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Charge at the gate!\" I roared and moved my beast forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom Boom Boom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My cavalry moved with me. Shooting cannonballs as we charged toward the gate, I had to reveal my trump card for it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Lv. 40 powerhouse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My father had sent her to the region to protect me, but I had to use her to open the gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For nearly four hours, the undead had put up a strong defence. Seeing the way they were using the undead, I knew we wouldn't be able to enter the city anytime soon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That won't do; I need it. Those three each have two cities, and I want that as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My father finally gave me the respect I deserved. I had wanted it all my life, especially after I got my hands on Port Midlet. It wasn't easy, but I got it, and now I want another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If I capture Bilgas, he will be even more proud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I need to carve out my own territory; this is the only place where I can, understanding the empire's current dynamics.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The nobles are fighting for every small piece of land. It will be nearly impossible for me to get control of a territory as big as the one I currently control.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My father could get me a small one, but it would be nothing compared to what I hold right now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If I compare the size, it's about the same as what my father holds. If I capture Bilgas, I will be doubling my territory effectively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Port Midlet has greatly benefited me, and Bilgas will benefit me even more. The desire for levels, wealth, women, and much more; I want all of it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My spear moved, cutting through any undead that came at me, and my mages defended me from unseen attacks, while my cavalry blasted through everything that dared to stand against us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, our progress is slower than I liked. The undead are resisting hard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Time passed, and we fought for every inch till we reached the gate and a few minutes later, got it under our control.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It made me smile, but the battle is far from over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"To the city!\" I commanded and moved my beast toward the city. That weak bastard Silver had dealt a heavy blow to the undead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It would be a shame for me if I weren't able to capture this city by midnight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If I couldn't do this, then how would I conquer Greltheaven and punish that bastard and his whores, for the greatest shame of my life!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lt. General Lawson, Mirador Hold\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Meeting dismissed,\" said Lord Commander Dane, and immediately everyone began to leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aside from me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You barely spoke in the meeting.\" He said, turning his pale green eyes toward me. \"I didn't need to, since everybody was speaking the same thing,\" I replied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knows I hate Silver more than anyone, but even I think attacking Greltheaven is madness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He might have taken the majority of his forces, but that doesn't mean it is unprotected. Many details had come out, including how he used alchfire to burn over 80% of the Great Horde.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There is no saying he couldn't do it again, and he would need a fraction of their number to destroy us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even without Alchfire, it would be hard for us to conquer Greltheaven.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The fortress can't sustain us; we need a city and need it soon, or it won't be long before we will have an army at the gates,\" he said, looking at the window.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Trying to hide the desperation he is feeling. He isn't the only one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone is increasing their forces, and now Grimvale has arrived in the region. The man is ambitious, and he has already expressed his desire for the fortress.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I know, but this is not the chance,\" I replied. \"We will get it. We just need to be ready enough to take it when it arrives,\" I added.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Our best bet is still the baronies. We do not need to capture all or even Lauryl. It would be helpful if we capture a quarter of the baronies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It will not be that hard, since we are more prepared this time and understand the strength of our enemies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only thing we need to do is wait for the chance, and it is going to come soon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Can’t wait for updates? Get 50+ chapters ahead on Patreon!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Read what others haven’t even seen yet!\u003C\u002Fp>",1870,"2026-06-09T06:55:06.199Z",1,"novelbin.me","daccf9495eff64c259d101f8231cc0c373a19d1d29f31b5fb672c8eceab420e8","city-of-desire-kingdom-building-chapter-762","city-of-desire-kingdom-building-chapter-860",917,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fcity-of-desire-kingdom-building-cover.jpg"]