Starting as the Baron of the Lonely Island

Chapter 410: Chapter 405: Continue the Attack?

A piercing cry echoed over Scorching Wind Castle as a Wind-Singing Eagle folded its wings and dove from the sky, arriving outside the castle at extreme speed.

Count Kais sat on the eagle’s back, sizing up the castle before him.

He had never expected Duane to lead an army and occupy the entire Starfall Islands in less than a month.

The sudden descent of the Demon Beast put the Guards on high alert. Some had even drawn their bows and nocked arrows, ready to defend.

However, someone with sharp eyes recognized the Count on the eagle’s back and shouted for them to stand down.

Everyone sighed in relief. Their expressions then changed, eyes glinting, especially those of Count Kais’s vassals.

They couldn’t wield Level 7 Magic like Duane, but owning a Flying Demon Beast... that was a fantasy that felt within reach.

"Count, you’re here." Duane flew out to greet him with a smile.

Count Kais laughed heartily and patted the Wind-Singing Eagle’s back. "What do you think, Duane? A fine mount, isn’t it?"

Duane sized it up. With a wingspan of over nine meters, the Wind-Singing Eagle looked incredibly sturdy. It carried Count Kais, who was clad in Armor and armed with weapons, completely without effort.

"Impressive!"

Duane added, "You should consider raising a Wind-Singing Eagle Legion."

"That’s exactly what I’m planning!"

Count Kais was very tempted. "It’s just that eagles are proud creatures. It would be even better if you had more Contract Scrolls."

Duane laughed. "As long as you provide the Beast Hide of a Level 7 Demon Beast, or materials of equivalent strength, I’ll make them for you for free."

Although the material requirements would lessen as his Skill Level in crafting Contract Scrolls improved, he was still only at the Entry stage. Level 7 Beast Hide was a necessity.

The Black Bear hide he had was already more than half used, and he wasn’t sure if the remaining material would be enough to raise his scroll-crafting Skill Level to the Skilled Level.

"That’s asking a lot of me."

A bitter look crossed Count Kais’s face. "Level 6 might be possible, but Level 7 Beast Hide is just too difficult to obtain."

The two descended from the sky as they spoke. Duane led the Count through the main gate, explaining the castle’s layout and briefing him on the recent battle as they walked.

Cruz, Jick, and the others also came forward to pay their respects, admiring the Level 4 Wind-Singing Eagle mount. Their words revealed a deep longing to have one of their own.

Duane watched silently from the side as Count Kais introduced his mount, showing it off like a prized treasure—

Having a Flying Mount was truly a rare thing; even the usually calm Count couldn’t resist showing off a little.

During the conversation, Duane learned that the Wind-Singing Eagle’s flight capabilities weren’t enough to fly from Sea Cliff Castle to the Scorching Wind Territory in one go. The Count had stopped near Flowing Silver Fjord to give the eagle a Stamina Potion and rest for a night before continuing.

After all, the Wind-Singing Eagle was only a Level 4 Demon Beast; its ability to fly long distances while carrying a heavy load wasn’t great. Making the journey from the Silent Shore to here in just two days was already quite an achievement.

"Alright, you can all get back to your duties."

After showing off for a bit, the Count dismissed everyone. "Duane and I have some important matters to discuss. I’ll come find you all later."

Cruz and the others respectfully withdrew.

Duane knew the Count’s visit had a purpose, and it was surely more than just discussing how to divide the spoils of war.

"My main reason for coming is to convey a message from His Majesty the King."

Count Kais stated his purpose directly. He had originally planned to send the message using a Silver Gale, but considering its importance, he decided to come himself. At the same time, he also wanted to test the Wind-Singing Eagle’s maximum flight capabilities.

Duane’s interest was piqued. "Does His Majesty have a new task for me?"

Count Kais nodded. "From the looks of it, apart from your front, the war is progressing very poorly on all other fronts. In the northeast, our king not only failed to suppress Sean, but was actually pushed back. Sean has retaken the two Secret Realms the Royal Family briefly occupied. The Haydon, Bloom, and Holmes families suffered heavy losses."

"On the western front, King Tyron personally led the charge, securing two major victories with his flying Warriors. It was only after Severus arrived at the front that things were brought to a stalemate. However, the Kasa Kingdom’s army is watching like a tiger stalking its prey, so it’s unclear how the situation will develop."

"And although Kelvin is advancing, his progress is slow."

Hearing this, Duane couldn’t help but remark, "Our king wants too much, and as a result, he hasn’t gained any real advantage."

’If it were me,’ Duane thought, ’I either wouldn’t have moved against Marquis Sean at all, or I would have thrown everything I had into taking Lintao Territory the moment the Kasa Kingdom made its move. I would have absolutely avoided this current situation where we’re stalled on all fronts.’

"Yeah, His Majesty came up empty-handed this time!"

Count Kais sighed in agreement, then looked at Duane with a serious expression. "So, our king has asked me to relay two things to you. First, regarding the Akutas Kingdom’s Sun Stealer Legion. Including King Tyron, they have at least three more Ascension-level Warriors. If we want to completely control the Starfall Islands, we must completely dismantle Akutas!"

Duane was surprised by the number of Ascension-level Warriors, but then he remembered that Veselar was an Ancient God Incarnation, and it wasn’t so surprising after all.

"So he wants me to continue on and attack the Akutas Kingdom after I’ve secured the Starfall Islands?"

"That’s right!"

The Count said gravely, "He wants you to land at Twin Bay in the south of the Akutas Kingdom and attack Sun Stealer Castle to the north! As support for this extra task, he is willing to raise our noble ranks and grant us the Magic Crystal Stones and the Black Iron Secret Realm from Lintao Territory."

Duane couldn’t help but laugh. "But didn’t Marquis Sean already take back those two Secret Realms?"

"Haha, yes..."

A trace of mockery tinged the Count’s laugh. He was clearly very unhappy with King Eric.

Even if Sean hadn’t retaken those two Secret Realms, if he and Duane had actually gotten their hands on them, they would have been dragged directly into the vortex in the northeast.

"Our dear king schemes at every turn, yet loses control at every turn. And his biggest failure was assuming the Four Nations Alliance was too solid. On the surface, they were dividing the spoils together, but in reality, the Kasa Kingdom was already in communication with Akutas."

Duane nodded and said, "Yes, the Kasa Kingdom would never want to see itself besieged by three nations under the Holy Radiance Court’s arrangement. They would inevitably protect Akutas."

"The fragility of the Four Nations Alliance, combined with the disaster in Lintao Territory, means King Eric has already lost the strategic initiative."

’Eric’s tactical adjustment—having me capture Twin Bay—is reasonable enough,’ Duane thought. ’But strategically, he’s already lost.’

It was also fortunate that the Holy Radiance Court held great influence in the Asando and Fidun Kingdoms; otherwise, the situation could have devolved into the Pruck Kingdom being carved up.

"What are you planning to do?" Count Kais asked.

Duane walked forward, deep in thought. The Count followed behind without disturbing him, waiting quietly.

After a long moment, Duane said, "The fighting in the Starfall Islands has just ended. My troops need time to rest and recuperate. They are exhausted, the wounded haven’t recovered, and there are still remnant forces in the Starfall Islands that haven’t been cleared out. As much as I’d like to attack Twin Bay, now is probably not the right time."

Hearing this, Count Kais couldn’t help but burst out laughing. "You rascal, why are you beating around the bush with me? Just say you don’t want to follow the order!"

Duane chuckled. "I can’t just openly disobey his orders. After all, I still need to rely on the Kingdom for now."

There are two ways to expand a territory: one is to build a solid foundation and advance steadily, the other is rapid expansion.

In his current state, Duane couldn’t achieve rapid expansion; it would be easy to get caught in a cycle of suppression-rebellion-suppression. Therefore, steady advancement was more suitable for him at this stage.

If he chose this method, he needed to ensure a grace period. Breaking away from the Pruck Kingdom at this time would be an unwise choice. Therefore, Duane needed to play along with King Eric’s ideas to secure benefits for himself.

"You’re right. In that case, let’s talk about how we’re dividing the spoils from this war."

Count Kais stopped walking. "I’m not going to ask the King to name me a Marquis."

Hm?

Duane stopped and turned to look at the Count, completely surprised. "Why?"

The corners of Count Kais’s mouth curved up slightly. "Because I want to have the King directly name you a Duke."