[{"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-822":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},1846992,2449,"Chapter 826: Fate of Baronies I","city-of-desire-kingdom-building-chapter-822",822,"\u003Cp>Proofread by Thomas F\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Baron Lockridge\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We would have worked together so well, General Jarvis,\" I said and sighed, looking at the man who was getting shackled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He resisted, leaving me no choice but to take action personally to suppress him. He is one of the strongest people we have, and the Baronies' army respects him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His help would have been tremendously useful, but unfortunately, he is unwilling to help.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man didn't say anything and just looked at me. I shook my head and walked out of the cell, before walking out of the keep where my army of thirty thousand had gathered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lysand submitted,\" informed Schafer. \"Seventeen more to go,\" I replied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There are thirty-two baronies, and fifteen have submitted. All from the south and central, but not a single one from the north had submitted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Forget the three; even Nightingale, Moss, and others aren't submitting as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Inform them what will happen if they don't submit,\" I replied. He nodded and turned to his mage, and I turned to my mage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Anything?\" I asked. \"The same. He is not taking calls,\" he replied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Bastard!\" I cursed. Husk is making things difficult. Now that he knows, he has truly become valuable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He is clinging to his position,\" said Schafer. He is technically the head of Baronies, but he is a compromised candidate with the least amount of power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Be that as it may, he seemed to have become attached to the position, or it might be a negotiation strategy to get more benefits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Keep trying to contact him,\" I ordered, before stopping in front of the army.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The army of thirty thousand was looking at me, waiting for their orders. This is an army loyal to me and my allies. There is not a single bloody non-human in here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is a pure blooded human army.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I am opposed to non-humans in the army, but I had accepted the others' proposal due to the need. With Grimvale, I won't have to worry about not having enough men.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My people, they have betrayed us,\" I said, my voice reaching every ear due to Loud Voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They are the northern Barons and their allies; the snakes that sit on the council. They have sold our baronies to Silver, and became his slaves,\" I took a deliberate pause, studying their expressions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Today, we're going to march in there and liberate the city and punish the enemies so they will never think about doing something like this again!\" I finished, and a moment later, the earth began to shake under their feet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A minute later, we are marching toward Lauryl.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I have gotten the support of the southern barons and a few central ones. I now need to conquer Lauryl before moving to the Northern Barons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It would be best if Husk bent the knee and yielded, but if he will not, I will not hesitate to use force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Worse yet, should Husk bind himself to the northern barons, the danger multiplies: his ten thousand and another ten thousand marching from the north will fall upon the city before we can. Despite the greater distance they must travel,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They are using beast carriages; there are a lot of them at the fort due to the constant supply of goods coming and going from there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They could easily squeeze ten thousand people in them. It would be much harder to squeeze in the thirty thousand that I am marching with.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There is also ten thousand Silver sent from Greltheaven. They will arrive before Grimvale and Dane's forces reach the city.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though by then I would have surrounded the city; no, not surround, but conquered the city. Because once Leila Silver and Harrods dealt with monsters, they would come, bringing thirty-five thousand men.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Our numbers will still be much greater than fifteen thousand by then, but that is not a huge number.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There is also Silver; he might make things difficult.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter what, I have to take Lauryl as soon as possible. Once I have that, my way to conquer the baronies will be cleared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leila Silver\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He is asking too much,\" I said as I finished talking with my brother. I have been in constant contact with him, but more than them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Do we have any choice?' asked Baron Homer from the link. \"No, we do not,\" replied Baron Harrods.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The deal is not good, but it's not the worst, either. Yes, we will lose a lot of our authority, but in exchange, we will get the aegis of Greltheaven Dominion.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We won't live in constant fear of monsters breaching our territory, killing our people, and destroying our crops.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'We will also get access to the Greltheaven market for our goods, access to Velvet Garden, and the essence potions that could save a lot of lives.' Baron Homer said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In exchange, we will have to give up our independence, give precedence to Greltheaven laws over our local laws, and many other things that are painful, but bearable.\" Added Baron Harrods.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, then?\" I asked and got affirmation from three.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good, I will accept the offer and give orders to Alaric to leave with ten thousand men,\" I said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The monsters are coming in an hour, and I could only spare ten thousand. That is only after five thousand coming from the fort.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, there will be a difference of five thousand. That is huge, considering we are already working with less force than we needed to deal with the monsters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The battle is going to be extremely difficult, but there is no choice. Not only will I have to fight them and repel them, but then lead the army back into the baronies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ten thousand is coming from Greltheaven, and Remus promised some from Mirador Hold as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had already sent ten thousand from our forces here, the moment Lockridge announced his intentions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Husk is undecided; he is not even meeting Homer. I need his support and support of his ten thousand, not to mention Lauryl; we can't let it fall into the hands of Lockridge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was thinking that when a message came from Homer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What happened?\" asked Baron Harrods. \"Husk has sealed the city; he is not letting anyone leave or enter,\" I replied with a frown.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had refused to talk to me. I don't know his intentions or what he plans to do. I hope he hadn't submitted to Lockridge; that would be terrible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only because it's the only city in the baronies, but also because it's the financial and political capital of the baronies. Many nobles and their children are there, including a few from the north.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If they get captured, it will be terrible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Baron Homer\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I stepped out of my office and saw more guards than usual.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had been fifteen minutes since Husk had sealed Lauryl, and now there are guards everywhere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had declared martial law.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most people are still sleeping, but soon they will start waking up. It will be a completely different city from the one they had gone to bed in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had already come three times and was sent back each time. I have to meet Husk this time, no matter what.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lockridge is marching toward Lauryl. Thankfully, ten thousand are coming from the north, and another ten thousand are coming from Silver, but they will not all arrive before Lockridge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, I reached Husk's office, guarded by even more guards than before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I want to meet Baron Husk,\" I said, like I had said the last three times. \"He is waiting for you,\" replied the red-haired guard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I\" I opened my mouth to insist, but stopped midway as I realized he was willing to meet me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I closed my eyes and assumed a graceful posture. I am noble, not a damn merchant. Even after years, I sometimes forget that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I nodded and walked toward the door, controlling myself not to run toward it. This is very important. I have to meet him and convince him to join our camp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without him, we will be in big trouble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The door opened and I walked inside. There I saw Husk, sitting in his usual seat, and I opened my mouth to greet him when my eyes fell on a person sitting in front of him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I only saw him a few times, but I could never forget him. That one-handed man is quite hard to forget.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Baron Homer, I am sure you have met General Hiren,\" said Husk with a smile on his face, while all I could do was close my mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thaddeous Stone\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Best of luck, General,\" said Lady Carla. \"Thank you, my lady,\" I replied and turned to Cardin. He knows what he has to do: keep the fortress under control.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn't have to say anything to him. So, I just nodded and turned toward the gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Forward,\" I ordered, and rode out of the fortress with the army of twenty-five thousand behind me. Fifteen thousand are our people, while ten thousand are of the fortress.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They are people under officers whom Cardin trusts the most. I wouldn't want to suffer what Dane had. We need to be very careful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My destination is the same as Vesbeil, the baronies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We can not let Grimvale conquer any of the baronies; that is out of the question. So, I am going there, taking the army of twenty-five thousand men. It is half of what is in front of me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What was left of Dane and Grimvale still amounted to fifty thousand strong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It is a big army, but my target isn't to fight them. I will follow. It would be good if they stopped and tried fighting with me, which I will not do; I will only retreat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That is why I waited forty-five minutes before following them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My purpose is to support our allies in the barony, which will become part of the Dominion if we can save it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They might have big numbers, but it is a window of a few hours once the northern Barions finish dealing with the monster in the north. An army of thirty-five thousand will be free to act.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, they have very little time to do what they want.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"General Stone, General Vesbeil wants to talk to you,\" informed the mage. I smiled as I looked up; there are beasts in the sky; I could shoot them down, but I want them to see me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ok,\" I replied and took his hand. Let's see what he wants.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Greltheaven\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"An army of thirty thousand had left, Dustorn Fortress,\" informed Zela, as I was looking at dawn standing by the window of my office.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I am not surprised about it; I am astonished that it happened so late. Well, I have to thank Tabes for that; they have kept Grimvale busy in exchange for some incentives.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They did only for a few hours, but these few hours will play a major part in the fate of the baronies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What I did was traitorous. It is why I will not be providing those incentives personally, but a friend would. I didn't even speak a single word to the other party; my contact was only my friend.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For this favor, I will do a favor for my friend.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is less traitorous and harder to prove. I made sure it remains secret, but I know very well that nothing remains hidden forever.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your sister will be long finished with their battle by the time they reach the baronies,\" said Robin, and I smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once they do, their army will be bigger, but the difference isn't big enough to make Grimvale do something foolhardy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The thing we have to do is defend Lauryl. Twenty thousand men against thirty is good odds with a strong wall. They will have to defend for around two hours before our army reaches them, and even the numbers,\" I stated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I think that is good odds with General Hiren,\" replied Robin, and I nodded. I would have been more relieved if there were already ten thousand of our men within its walls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I pushed those thoughts and looked at the map of baronies. I wanted it for so long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gaining it, I will have complete control over a trade route—a source of revenue and people, along with many other benefits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When did you turn Husk?\" asked Valentina. She had that question for a while. I am surprised she didn't ask it before. \"From the beginning, he was our primary source in council,\" I replied, and it genuinely surprised them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I had thought it would be your sister or Baron Homer,\" said Robin, and I smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It is why he was so great; nobody had suspected him. Everybody had thought it was Leila, Homer, and even Harrods, but not him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Too excited to wait? Jump50+ chapters ahead on Patreon and read what others haven’t even reached!\u003C\u002Fp>",2161,"2026-06-09T06:55:06.748Z",1,"novelbin.me","19d142e3d9cb425e1cf41a4c5d70f7e65ffe6ba4fb91f0e3912b8e8fbe0e8ce9","city-of-desire-kingdom-building-chapter-823","city-of-desire-kingdom-building-chapter-821",917,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fcity-of-desire-kingdom-building-cover.jpg"]