Chapter 434 - 182: Centaur Royal Court
Chapter 434: Chapter 182: Centaur Royal Court
Robson lifted the cover draped over the carriage. Beneath the cloth was iron armor that glinted with a silver light.
However, unlike chainmail, this armor was a special design that Robson had specifically requested.
The armor on the carriage was mostly of a modular design, with bracers and breastplates.
This body armor was vastly different from form-fitting armor like chainmail. Chainmail had to be worn to be seen to effect, but the armor on the carriage held its own shape.
The moment Ais saw the armor, he envisioned it being used in battle.
When an enemy’s hammer struck, this armor would absorb a considerable portion of the force. There was sure to be a gap between the armor and the body, offering the Soldier maximum protection.
"The craftsmanship is quite good."
Robson couldn’t help but praise it, running his hand over the plate armor.
’The artisans of the Fengman Clan and the Edward family are truly skilled. I only gave them the general requirements, and they’ve already produced something nearly perfect.’
’This stuff is great in every way. The only flaw is that the manpower and resources required to forge it are several times that of chainmail.’
’At Affleck’s current production capacity, we can only make one set of plate armor a day, whereas we could produce three sets of chainmail.’
’But these are just temporary problems. Once the war is over, I’ll begin the grand construction of my territory.’
’With the vast number of Kobolds and the support of those Energy Transmitters, the industrialized production of iron ore will cause Affleck’s productivity to skyrocket.’
"Distribute all of this to my Personal Guard Team," Robson said.
Good steel should be used for the blade’s edge. Robson’s Personal Guard Team was composed almost entirely of the Extraordinary. If they put on this Steel Armor, their combat effectiveness would instantly double.
.....
The Beastman Grassland can be divided into three regions: the coastal west, the central plains, and the east near the Demon Beast Mountain Range.
The Centaur Royal Court was located in the eastern part of the grasslands, at the foot of the Demon Beast Mountain Range.
While the humans had won a great victory and were preparing to march on the Beastman Grassland, things were not going well for the Centaur Royal Court.
Upon receiving news from the front lines, the Centaur Prince, Feiseli, immediately convened a meeting of the entire clan, summoning all the chieftains who were still in the Royal City.
Everyone arrived at the Centaur King’s courtyard to find Feiseli sitting at the head of the assembly, a grim expression on his face.
At first, the Chieftains were confused. But when Feiseli distributed the battle reports from the front, the faces of the Centaur Chiefs all changed drastically.
"Everyone," Feiseli sighed, "I don’t know... what do you all think we should do about this?"
’In recent years, the Centaur Royal Court has truly been declining day by day.’
’Previously, I received letters from both the Emperor and my father, warning me to be wary of the Gray Dwarves to the south and to guard against their potential rebellion at any moment.’
’Recently, spies from the front lines have also been reporting that since the Gray Dwarves’ return, they have been frequently mustering their troops, posturing as if they’re about to revolt.’
’I never expected this. Before one crisis could be resolved, another has appeared.’
’The eastern front! The eastern front, where the Beastmen have been safe for hundreds of years!’
’For centuries, no matter the circumstances, no one had ever been able to launch an attack on the Beastman Grassland from the east. I never imagined that precedent would be broken today!’
Feiseli felt truly helpless, with nothing but despair left in his heart.
Enemies to the south and the east. They were caught between two fires.
The most crucial part was that their own elite troops were all on the central front, holding the line with the Emperor.
After receiving the news, the Chieftains argued for half a day but couldn’t reach a conclusion.
Feiseli looked toward an old man who had been silent off to the side.
"Chieftain Zaven, I wonder, do you have any brilliant insights?" Feiseli asked.
Zaven had originally come from the elves of the north.
That’s right. The elves also had centaurs, and the centaurs within the Beastman Empire had migrated from elven lands.
The current system of the Beastman Empire was modeled after the elves’. The only difference was that the elves commanded powerful military strength, while the Beastmen had messed it up for themselves.
With Feiseli calling him out by name, Zaven had no way to hide, even if he wanted to.
"His Highness Prince," Zaven said, "if I may be blunt, the only solution right now might be to seek help from the Gray Dwarves to the south."
"How is that possible?" Feiseli said, shaking his head. "The Gray Dwarves have a century of grievances with our clan. They’d be overjoyed to see us die at the hands of those humans."
Seeing Zaven’s silence, Feiseli’s heart tightened.
"Is there... no other way?"
Zaven looked as if he wanted to speak, but then hesitated.
’The best solution is to pledge allegiance to the Gray Dwarves,’ he actually wanted to say.
The Centaurs’ only advantage now was the terrain—the humans were attacking from the plains up to the highlands.
Once those humans charged up here with ease, the outcome of the subsequent battle would be a foregone conclusion.
Feiseli’s expression was intense. Of all the officials in his court, Zaven was the only one he could rely on now.
"Sigh... Prince, you could send an envoy to the Tiger Race Royal Court in the west to persuade them to dispatch troops to help us.
With their reinforcements, perhaps we can hold out a little longer."
"As for other matters, I ask that you Chieftains quickly assemble your forces. Strive to complete the assembly before the humans reach the grasslands.
At that time, the troops outside the city can coordinate with those inside. This may make the humans more cautious," Zaven said.
"Yes, an excellent plan!"
At this moment, Feiseli just wanted to do something—anything—to quickly remedy the situation.
Feiseli looked around at the Chieftains.
The Chieftains exchanged glances and muttered, afraid to speak up.
The warriors from their tribes were all on the front lines; now, only a group of vassal clans remained.
Feiseli’s expression turned grim as he watched the Chieftains hesitate.
"Everyone, is it possible or not?!" Feiseli roared.
Finally, the chieftain of a large tribe, unable to bear the pressure, stepped forward.
"Prince, our clan’s main army is currently on the eastern front. Even among us, many chieftains are still on the battlefield; elders from their tribes are here representing them in council.
At this time, where would we get the troops to put at your command?"
Hearing this, Feiseli turned to look at Zaven again.
Zaven sighed helplessly.
"In the current situation, the Royal Court faces the danger of being overthrown."
"Everyone, this time is different from the past. Before, when human armies charged onto the grasslands, they would at most pillage and plunder."
"But now, with struggles erupting throughout the Empire, if we fail this time, will the Gray Dwarves spare our lives?"
"Therefore, this old one must trouble you all. Regardless of tribe, men and women, old and young, all must take up arms to defend the city.
Our Centaur Clan has always been a people where all are warriors. At a time like this, aside from tribal differences, there can be no other distinction," Zaven said.
’Is he asking us to fight until our clans are wiped out?’
Although the Centaur Chiefs knew that every word Zaven spoke was reasonable, who could actually bring themselves to make such a painful, personal sacrifice?
"Well, gentlemen? What do you think? My Royal Family will certainly not fall behind!" Feiseli said.
’What else could they say, now that it had come to this?’
The assembled Chieftains could only murmur their assent.