Real Mount and Blade Game

James emphasized the key point: "Especially for the humans of Blue Star, this sends a clearer and more powerful message. We can say to the outside world that everything Lord Shen Mu has done, regardless of the means, is ultimately for the survival of Blue Star civilization, to secure a foothold for Blue Star humans in this cruel Twilight Realm! Even former enemies can be incorporated into the system as long as they can contribute to this goal. Lord Shen, this is standing on the moral high ground, a righteous banner that unites people's hearts, and in the future, it will be more effective than a thousand words in recruiting exiled Blue Star elites and technical talents."

Shen Mu turned around, the torchlight reflecting in his deep eyes, which seemed to gleam with cold calculation and understanding.

He spoke slowly, his voice low, yet like cold metal striking a stone wall: "Very good, you understand very well."

He paused, the cold smile returning to his lips, his words carrying a chilling command: "Buying horse bones is just a facade for outsiders. As for the bones themselves, have they ever left my grasp?"

He took a step forward, the oppressive feeling intensifying: "Manid, place Zhang Bo and Yang Di under the highest level of surveillance. Their residences are their cages. They are forbidden from contacting any non-designated personnel. All their words and actions must be recorded daily, without missing a single word. Their food and lodging will be handled by designated Lake Rat Gang saboteurs. If there are any signs of unusual activity... you know what to do."

Shen Mu's gaze swept over the two like an icicle: "They are a banner proclaiming the 'all-embracing' and 'for the future of Blue Star' of my Deherim, but the life, death, honor, and disgrace of this banner are only in my hands. Letting them live is to squeeze out the last bit of remnant about the Green Leaf Group, about the Wood Elf plane, and about all the relationships behind them, and at the same time..."

He looked up into the darkness that led deeper into the dungeon, as if his gaze pierced through layers of stone walls: "...It's also to appease the hearts of some of my 'kind,' to tell those Blue Star people who have doubts that under my Shen Mu's rule, even enemies have value, as long as that value serves Deherim's grand blueprint and the continuation of Blue Star civilization."

Manid and James bowed deeply at the same time and said in unison, "Yes, sir! All for Deherim!"

The two men showed no confusion, only respect and awe after a deep understanding of the power struggles.

Shen Mu said no more and disappeared back into the deep shadows of the castle corridor, leaving the steward and physician in place, with no more doubts about their lord's profound methods.

Didn't talk much.

Shen Mu's figure disappeared completely into the shadows of the castle's inner corridor, as if his will had once again sunk into a deeper and grander blueprint.

Manid and James exchanged a glance, understanding without words the heavy responsibility in each other's eyes.

Zhang Bo and Yang Di, these two "horse bones," will be the new banner raised by Deherme, as well as two sharp blades hanging overhead. Their value must be firmly guarded by themselves before it is completely exploited.

The somber atmosphere in the castle area had not yet dissipated when a message, like a pebble thrown into a pond, came from the direction of the towering eastern walls of Deherim, breaking the heavy silence.

"Report——!"

A Swadian light infantryman, acting as a messenger, nimbly leaped down the steep stone steps and ran to Fatis, who had just emerged from the castle's dungeon area. He knelt on one knee, his chainmail heaving, and after his breathing calmed slightly, he quickly reported:
"Commander Fatis! The eastern watchtower reports that a sizable cavalry force is rapidly approaching! About three hundred riders! They are about five miles from the castle! Their attire is in the style of the Khergit steppes, and although their formation is somewhat loose, their imposing presence is fierce! It is speculated that the leader is... Knight Elean!"

Fatis was slightly taken aback: "Is Eleanor here?"

Previously, Shen Mu had dispatched Eleanor to New Rivadin in the east, to garrison the newly built Vaegir castle, and arranged for a number of Swadian light infantry and infantry, as well as Vaegir archers, including the recruitment stables for the Khergit grassland bandits.

This shows that he values ​​Elaine highly.

In particular, they needed to guard against the hellish demons to the east, so even when they conscripted troops to attack the Greenleaf Group, they did not send Eleanor back.

Now, Eleanor should be aware of the battle that has taken place.

That's why I rushed over to take a look.

The bonfire danced merrily in the spacious courtyard of Deherem Castle, illuminating the smiles of the generals and soldiers gathered around it.

The air was filled with the rich aroma of barbecue, the mellow taste of ale, and the boisterous laughter of people celebrating their decisive victory over the "Green Leaf Group".

This is a victory celebration banquet.

The courtyard of Deherim was filled with the joy of victory. The campfire crackled, the grease from roasting meat dripped into the fire and sizzled, and the air was filled with the aroma of caramel, ale, and the carefully prepared seasonings of the halflings.

Elaine arrived, travel-worn, and the moment she appeared, she felt the jubilant atmosphere of someone who had survived a calamity and won a great victory.

Fatis was the first to stand up and greet them, his laughter hearty: "Eleanor! Even the fiercest prairie winds can't outrun your horse's hooves! It's a pity that the protagonists of this celebration are us, the blood-soaked veterans!"

His tone was tinged with good-natured teasing, yet it couldn't hide his affection.

Bestur, brandishing his glistening roasted deer leg, gruffly said, “Latecomer, Vegia Eagle! Sit down, the chill of New Zivadin shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the warmth and wine of Deherim!”

Manid and James also raised their glasses in a toast with smiles, their faces showing genuine welcome and a hint of victorious pride. Eleanor strode to the campfire and bowed to Shen Mu, whose expression was calm yet whose gaze was profound, saying, "My lord! Hearing of the great victory at Deherim and the absence of any threat warnings from New Rivadin, I immediately dispatched three hundred elite troops to offer my congratulations and to you and all the brothers who fought to the very end!"

His gaze swept over the faces of the crowd, still radiating a tired yet excited glow. His tone was sincere, yet it also carried a hint of regret for not being able to participate.

“You’ve come at just the right time,” Shen Mu said with a smile, gesturing for him to take a seat. “The bounty of Deherme should be shared with all the heroes. Manid has made ample preparations, and the feast is in full swing. Try the culinary skills of the halfling chef; you will not be disappointed.”

Elaine sat down as instructed, and immediately a waiter brought out a steaming plate of food—thick-cut lamb chops roasted to a golden brown and dripping with juice, venison glistening with honey, fragrant carrot and cabbage stew, and a piece of roasted pumpkin that was crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Next to it were slices of bread drizzled with golden honey, smoked fish, dried meat slices, and large oak cups filled with foamy ale and clear beer.

The enticing aroma instantly dispelled the fatigue of the journey. Eleanor exclaimed in admiration, forked a large piece of mutton, and the rich meaty flavor melted in his mouth, with just the right amount of spiciness. It was indeed a rare delicacy.

He ate heartily while chugging down refreshing beer. The warmth of his body dispelled his envy, leaving only an urgent curiosity about the war.

After a few bites of warm food and fine wine, Eleanor could no longer contain himself. He turned to Fatis, who was directly opposite him, his emerald eyes shining brightly in the firelight: "Fatis, tell me quickly! The news from the east is fragmented. All we know is that those 'green leaf' fellows dared to launch a sneak attack on our heart? And even attracted the undead legion? How did you hold them off, and how did you finally bury them completely?"

Fatis put down the half-eaten deer leg, wiped his greasy mouth, and his expression became serious and earnest.

He used a twig to sketch the outline of Deherim on the sandy ground in front of him: "Ellen, those guys' audacity and plan are truly unexpected. They chose the most unlikely and dangerous move—taking advantage of the darkness and thick fog, they gathered elite troops to strike straight at the core of our city's defenses! And they're doing it in twos: one force is driving a massive undead legion from the outside to assault the city walls, creating chaos and pressure; the other is the most elite sword dancers and the Blue Star elites under Yang Di's command, who have secretly infiltrated using some secret method, heading straight for the castle area where the lord is located! Their intention is to 'decapitate' him!"

Elaine gasped, gripping her glass tightly. "That's insane! And then? They...broke through?"

He glanced at Shen Mu, who sat at the head of the table with a calm expression, and couldn't imagine what had happened.

"We held on!" Fatis slammed his fist into his knee, his voice low but powerful: "But almost! The battle on the walls was incredibly fierce. Waves of the undead, carrying a decaying chill, surged in, and grappling hooks pounded against the stones! Our brothers held their ground on the arrow towers and battlements, enduring the relentless barrage of boiling oil, boulders, and arrows! Many brave soldiers fell that terrifying night. Although we managed to repel that assault, it cost us dearly and revealed their desperate determination and infiltration capabilities."

At this moment, Bestur, who had been silently munching on sausage and chugging beer, looked up, a cunning and fierce glint in his hawk-like eyes. He licked the grease from his lips and interjected, "Haha, Eleanor! The best is yet to come! Those self-righteous fools, thinking they've gotten a little advantage? Dream on! The Lord has already laid a trap, just waiting for their 'brilliant move'!" He let out a low laugh, "They want to pull off a surprise attack and decapitation? We'll show them what 'closing the door to beat the dog' really means!"

Fatis nodded, picked up the conversation, and pointed to the simple map on the ground: "That's right. It was this seemingly dangerous infiltration operation that allowed Lord Shen Mu to see through Yang Di's desperate nature! He concluded that after this setback, the Green Leaf Group's main force was crippled and its morale was shaken. What's even better is that within the opposing camp, Yang Di's self-righteous general agent, Zhang Bo, was already completely under our control and had become our pawn without even realizing it."

Rezarit, who was standing to the side, put down his iron spoon and ate a plate of well-stewed vegetables, maintaining the proper table manners of a Swadian knight.

His voice was clear and calm as he added tactical details: "Through the 'information' conveyed by Zhang Bo, coupled with the Lord's accurate prediction, we are certain that Yang Di will demand 'peace talks' as soon as possible, attempting to buy time for a respite and a possible chance to turn the tide. We will play along. On the one hand, we will send a 'deterrent' force, mainly composed of new recruits, to set up camp in the direction of New Uxhall, making it appear as if we are waiting for the outcome of the negotiations; on the other hand..."

A fighting spirit flashed in Fatis's eyes, and he suddenly drew a huge arrow on the map:

"On the other side, shortly after Zhang Bo and his 'peace negotiation team' set off for the Wood Elf village, our main force! The real elite—Swadian sergeants, veteran Rhodok spearmen, the Holy Tree Knights, heavy archers… under the cover of night, poured out of Deherim! Following a pre-surveyed secret route, taking advantage of the necromantic aura obscuring their remaining vision, they marched straight towards the Wood Elf village! Like a sharp knife, they tore through their weak outer defenses!"

Bestur took a smug gulp of beer and slammed his glass down: "Those pointy-eared bastards are still dreaming! They think our 'deterrent force' is watching them negotiate from afar? I led my cavalry like wolves pouncing on a flock of sheep! Their arrow towers? No match for them! My men just threw burning oil canisters at them! Their walls? They couldn't withstand a single strike from me! In the chaos, those once-proud wood elf archers were scattered before they could even muster an effective volley of arrows! My infantry brothers followed up with a devastating attack!"

James listened quietly, then spoke gently, “Eleanor, you have no idea how busy the castle was back then. When Fatis and the others returned exhausted and wounded, my operating table was full. The light of Holy Light didn’t go out all night. But it was thanks to the ‘bait’ that Lord had laid out in advance that their main force crashed into the castle’s strongest defenses, and their foundations were completely destroyed from the outside. Otherwise, the cost would have been much greater.”

Manid laughed and wiped the last bit of gravy off the plate with bread: "Bestur is right, he deserves a big mention in the credit book! Of course, there's also our excellent commander Fatis and the arrangements made by Rezarit."

Elaine listened with rapt attention, her fists clenching unconsciously as she asked repeatedly, "What about Yang Di and Zhang Bo? Yang Di... is he dead?"

Bestur snorted coldly: "Hmph, that idiot Yang Di! His stronghold was about to be destroyed, and he tried to run away? But the lord's mole in the negotiation team... uh, anyway, he didn't escape! As for that two-faced Zhang Bo? Yang Di's dying counterattack pierced him through the heart, but now he's hanging on by a thread in prison. Those two troublemakers can't cause any more trouble!"

He seemed to gloss over Yang Di's true condition, but emphasized the ending.

Aurean let out a long breath, his eyes filled with shock, envy, and even more so with admiration for Shen Mu's skill and the bravery of his colleagues.

He raised his enormous oak goblet, his voice booming: "Fantastic! This was a textbook counterattack and a complete wipeout! Although I couldn't fight alongside my brothers, hearing of such a triumphant victory is a joy! To Lord Shen Mu! To the warriors who fought so bravely!"

He downed the malt liquor in one gulp.

The crowd responded in unison: "Homage to our Lord! Homage to victory!"

The atmosphere in the courtyard grew even more lively. (End of Chapter)