Shadow King Chronicles: Building a Kingdom From Behind the Scenes
Preparation
Issac had gathered in one of the meeting rooms in his mansion. The meeting was attended by about 20 people. Among those in attendance was Charles Hill, a man in his late 30s who became the leader of the SDF.
Although he was not too old, he had ventured to the corners of Lantos and plunged into various wars. His experience in leading and fighting need not be doubted.
Then there's David. Because he was a commoner, he did not have a family name. But Issac gave Willard's name behind his name. You could say, he did not have the talent to become a farmer.
His physique was weak and he himself was quite often sickly. But his knowledge in matters relating to agriculture was unrivalled. He knows very well the cycle of harvest, pests and diseases that commonly attack plants and how to overcome them, besides, he knows very well how the quality of grain is good and bad quality.
That was why Issac raised him to head the agriculture department so knowing his extraordinary talent. Thanks to David, agriculture throughout the Starfall region was progressing rapidly.
Then, there was the secret police chief who guarded the security of the Starfall region from behind the shadows, his name was Hokuto. Certainly not a real name but he often uses that name in his daily activities.
Not much is known about his identity. All one knew was that he was just a guard in a bar usually visited by adventurers after they were on missions from the guild. Of course, he is an agent of VIESTA.
The rest were the head of the finance department, Richard Rossberg, a Heinz student who had graduated from the imperial academy and the third son of Earl Rossberg who was an ally of Duke Balzaac. Rossberg was indeed not a knight noble but their prestige lay in the muscles they had. Because Richard was far from that impression, he was abandoned and banished to the empire.
Fortunately, his talent in managing finances is extraordinary. That's why Issac gave him a finance department seat. He is a strict and honest man. It really is suitable to be some kind of treasurer.
The rest, there is a head of the defense and security department named Olive. The ability to manage his troops was very reliable even though he could not fight because of his poor physique. But it doesn't matter.
Others, they were all expert staff brought in by each department head to help them. This meeting may not be appropriate if it is said to be a war council. Let's just say this is a meeting that will discuss the war.
All agreed that the war should be resolved soon or that dangerous implications would soon befall Versailles.
"The agricultural department was able to provide supplies for soldiers who would go to war later. Although it was not the best quality food and drink, but at the very least, it was enough to raise the morale of the troops."
Last year's autumn and spring harvests were in massive surpluses. It was all more than enough to become a food reserve for the soldiers.
"Just calm down, the defense department has prepared its war and support equipment for the soldiers. Of course, they were all of good quality and ready to use."
"What matters is the fact that our soldiers do not yet have any real experience in warfare. Their abilities were indeed not to be underestimated, but without any real experience, they would mentally fall as soon as they saw blood and corpses being scattered."
That's what Charles said. It was true that at that time his army conquered three territories, but it was a bloodless battle as the ruler of the region in question immediately surrendered.
But this time it'll be different. This battle was a real bloodbath. There will be no mercy for those who are silent and kneeling.
"All right, I'll sort this out later. Next, I want to hear something from you, Hakuto."
"Alright sir. In general, security in the city was no problem as the Knights were routinely conducting patrols and inspections. Or at least that's what it looks like. But actually, the espionage activity of each faction has increased lately.
"That all happens especially when we announce our neutrality. They are trying to find the loophole we have to make it a US card so they can intimidate us and force us to join one of them.
"Of course I've overcome them. But those people are sending more of their agents into our territory. That's why, maybe there's a blind corner in this area where they belong."
Issac nodded and asked Hokito to spread false information through the informant he would appoint later. Something like this was more effective than killing small fry like them.
"Master, sorry to cut. I don't think we can continue to prolong this war. Let's say if we start our military campaign later in the spring, then our limit is late autumn or early winter. More than that, Starfall's finances will be overburdened.
"Of course I can set it up if that happens. But it would be nice if we can solve all this with the deadline I gave earlier."
Issac agreed with that. He has no intention of buying any more time. Once the preparations were completed, he would immediately set off for the Battlefield with Aurellia.
After discussing a few more details, the meeting was finally over. Early in the spring, he will launch his military campaign.
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Again lazy update eui. Out of inspiration. Maybe tomorrow won't update first. All looking for inspiration.