Chapter 277: Ironvale
Ironvale, located near the Silverback Range at Center Ease, was responsible for guarding against threats from the Skyreach Mountains.
Besides the Skyreach Mountains, it also served as a defense line that blocked the Black Mire’s monsters from approaching the Aldros Empire’s territory.
Henceforth, it held the heaviest military force to sustain and control the situation.
"You want me to take over the military power in Ironvale?" Leonard raised an eyebrow. Such words weren’t supposed to be said aloud, but there was a barrier that prevented sound leakage.
Moreover, he felt like Eleanor had purposely planned for this when she first revealed the existence of the Dark World Tree at Black Mire.
Sure enough, Eleanor didn’t play any word games or conceal her intention.
"The geography in Black Mire is cursed swamplands, corrupted forests, and haunted ruins. Many of its inhabitants are undead, witches, and exiled cults. Only ruins and war camps were there." She softly explained the general situation.
Leonard nodded his head.
He knew about this matter already when he studied geography.
The so-called black fog also originated from Veil Marsh within the Black Mire. Veil Marsh was perpetually foggy and filled with illusions and will-o’-wisps.
However, that was only one part of the danger. Aside from the Veil Marsh, there was Oblivion Crater, a ground zero of an ancient cataclysm.
The treasures at Oblivion Crater were said to be powerful, which was the main reason war camps were set up, with people risking their lives to explore the ruins.
Due to numerous lives lost at the Oblivion Crater, it gave birth to a new region, The Wailing Spires. It was a tower that appeared out of nowhere and emitted magical screams during the night, rumored to be the deceased who lost their life at the ruin.
To summarize, the Black Mire was truly a place where only the most desperate and those with nothing to lose would enter.
"It’s dangerous, but opportunity comes from danger," Eleanor emphasized.
"The Ironvale didn’t exist for so long because of luck. But its military was profoundly strong. Even our Xundreath army would have a hard time trying to break through them." She added, not failing to mention that her continent’s military was not weak by any means.
"You might as well give me your military power if you are really supporting me." Leonard joked, unaware of the colossal implication.
"If I give you the Xundraeth military for your journey, I wouldn’t mind it at all." She curled her lips upward, but reminded him.
"You will simply be regarded as a traitor and join forces with the Xundraeth Continent."
How humorous was the joke!
The Valdoria Continent’s Crown Prince using the military from the Xundraeth Continent.
If such news were to spread, what would the Valdoria Citizens think of that?
Valdoria’s military power was inferior to Xundraeth’s military?
Leonard also quickly realized the severity of his joke. He cleared his throat and feigned ignorance.
"I suppose you can keep your military power to yourself as a means of self-protection." He said calmly.
"Hah, and here I thought you were gutsy." She mused.
Though even if she wanted to hand him military power, it was still too far-fetched. Those deployments were strategic, and she would be heavily censored by the officials back at Xundraeth.
Some time later, Eleanor cut the conversation short and told him to be cautious.
No matter how important a task was, nothing was more valuable than surviving.
"Relax, I’m a coward," Leonard said calmly. He had learned a valuable lesson once already.
So what if he won the inheritance war?
So what if he could have all the wealth and power in the palm of his hand?
The moment he lost his life, all those would cease to exist.
"Good," Eleanor nodded. "I’ll wait for your return. I’ll keep things stable here, and you can improve your strength."
With that said, she rolled her wheelchair away from the library. Their conversation lasted approximately 10 minutes.
It was just 10 minutes, but that time alone was enough to inform certain people of their unusual relationship.
Leonard remained at the library for another few minutes.
’Nothing valuable here. If I want more information, I can only head to Lioren.’ He closed the book and sighed. Lioren was known as the city of songs and histories. Lioren was the central hub filled with theaters, libraries, and universities.
Although the Imperial Aldros Academy was the most famous, the difficulty of entering was too great. Hence, Lioren became the most sought-after city for many scholars, bards, and playwrights to advance their career path.
Some time later, Leonard exited the academy and was greeted by a few guards.
"Evening, Crown Prince." A Crimson Guard approached him and greeted him.
"So it’s you, Curtis." Leonard recognized them. Curtis, code name Cobra, was the Crimson Guard who had gone with him to Velastra previously.
"I suppose you already got the notification?" He questioned. The information traveled in the fantasy world was not to be trifled with.
There might not be any electronic devices, but the magic equipment replaced them.
Moreover, the transmission was untraceable.
"That is correct, Crown Prince," Curtis replied solemnly.
A few seconds later, Curtis glanced around the surroundings.
He then whispered. "Mr. Reed said the journey is perilous. If the Crown Prince wants, he could accompany you as well."
Leonard was wrecked with a mix of delight and sorrow. Spencer’s skill was evident. But precisely because of his skill, that made things difficult.
For such a skillful person to leave the capital, not to mention his brothers, his own father would start to suspect him.
’Ugh, these kinds of shackles really suck.’ He thought to himself.
"No need. Spence is better off staying in the capital."
"Is that so?" Curtis’ tone contained no disappointment, almost as if he had anticipated the answer in advance.
[If the Crown Prince hesitated and wished for my company, then it meant he’s not confident. Once that happens, you are to prevent him from departing.]
Those were the words that Curtis received from Spencer. He thought it would become a big problem for him because preventing the Crown Prince was harder than disobeying his Master’s words.
But who could have imagined the Crown Prince would pass the test with flying colors?