Once the order for war was issued, the gears of Sedona City began to spin at high speed. That very night, a heavy military presence moved into the city, with soldiers stationed at every gate and along the walls.
These measures startled the inhabitants, causing those with ulterior motives to retreat into the shadows, terrified of drawing lethal attention to themselves.
Inside the castle study, Lucas was hunched over a map. Ben, his sons, and all the key figures of Sedona City were gathered; tonight was the final council before the march.
"The knight order is three days away from Sedona City. This spot here is where we will intercept them," Lucas said, pointing to a mark on the map.
"Master, that's open wasteland. Are we not setting an ambush?" Aiden asked.
"No. This time, we meet the enemy head-on. We won't always have the luxury of an ambush," Lucas said in a low, firm voice. He wanted the new recruits to see blood; it was time to temper the army in preparation for their eventual push into the inland territories.
"Understood," Aiden replied respectfully.
"Aiden, get the recruits ready. Let them get a good night's sleep. We march tomorrow morning at eight o'clock sharp."
"Yes, my lord!" Aiden offered a crisp military salute.
"Master, are we not going to take Liberty City directly?" Annie asked softly from the side.
"Of course we are." Lucas's lips curled into a cold smirk. "Since they've made the first move, it's only right we return the favor. Liberty City is a critical gateway."
Liberty City held a vital geographic position; once passed, it opened one of the primary routes to the inland, much like Pentos City served as the gateway for the Whispering River. One land, one water—both cities were essential pieces Lucas intended to claim.
"Master, why not just take Pentos City as well? That would unify the entire Western Lands in one stroke," Annie suggested, her brown eyes sparkling. Controlling both would effectively sever the West from the rest of the kingdom.
"No rush," Lucas shook his head. Pentos City was one of the four naval ports he envisioned for the West. If he moved too aggressively, the other cities in the region would panic and potentially unite against him—an outcome he wanted to avoid. He would secure the ports first, then gradually absorb the rest of the West, replacing the old nobility with the talent he had trained.
Ultimately, the lack of personnel remained his biggest bottleneck. Without enough trained administrators, it was impossible to govern so many cities effectively, especially when implementing reforms that stripped the nobility of their interests.
Reform was the only way to breathe life back into a decaying kingdom, but it required a new generation of thinkers. Old-guard officials would only stifle progress. Because of this, Lucas didn't dare overextend. His recent graduates were still in the middle of their entry-level internships within Sedona City's various organizations; they hadn't matured yet.
A few months ago, he had selected over a hundred refugees from Maplewood City—impoverished youths between fourteen and eighteen—to enter his academy. They were his fast-track talents, but they still needed at least 3-4 years of schooling. This was Lucas's only true weakness: he simply hadn't had enough time.
"James, ensure the logistics train keeps pace. The first wave can depart with the army; the rest should follow in steady intervals," Lucas commanded.
"Mission accepted. It will be done," James replied solemnly.
"Emma, have this published." Lucas handed a document to Emma, who was sitting in the corner. Certain warnings needed to be made public to prevent any accidental interference.
"Yes... my lord," Emma replied nervously, taking the file handed over by Gaba.
"Master, are you really going personally again?" Mina asked hesitantly, a bad premonition gnawing at her.
"Yes. Liberty City needs a proper inspection," Lucas said casually. He needed to see the major cities with his own eyes to plan their development effectively.
The people in the room exchanged looks of concern, but no one knew how to talk him out of it.
"Annie, Uncle Ben—while I am away, you two will lead Sedona City," Lucas said.
"Leave it to Miss Annie," Ben said with self-awareness. "I'm a soldier, not an administrator."
"Fine, Annie it is." Lucas nodded, then turned to Freya. "Castle security is your responsibility. If anyone tries to force entry, kill them without hesitation."
"Understood," Freya replied coldly. She glanced at Annie, who looked like she wanted to protest, but Freya remained silent. In her heart, protecting Annie was the absolute priority.
"Helen, regarding the academy—accelerate the teaching of those administrative subjects I gave you," Lucas said to the rabbit-eared girl.
"Ah? Yes! Right away!" Helen's ears twitched as she nodded frantically.
"Accompanying me will be Elisa's sniper squad, Rhea's airborne unit, and Mina's Security Department," Lucas concluded.
"Lucas, let Jones go with you," Princess Lucy interjected.
"No need, I have Mina," Lucas declined gently. He glanced at the stoic leopard-girl; it wasn't right to ask her to march out when she had only arrived a few days ago.
"Where is Liberty City? I can support you by destroying enemy ships from underwater!" Florence shouted, raising her hand. She was enjoying life in Sedona City so much she almost didn't want to go back to Mermaid Bay.
"There are no rivers near Liberty City, and no ships for you to destroy," Dahlia whispered.
"Oh..." Florence lowered her hand sheepishly.
"Do not worry. We will win this war. Your job is to mind the home front," Lucas said, crossing his arms with a confident grin. "The person capable of defeating me hasn't been born yet."
"Yes!" They shouted in unison.
"Master, you've forgotten one thing," Nicole reminded him softly. "If you leave, what happens to the banquet? The meeting with the City Lords is in seven days."
"Postpone it. We'll talk when I return. Besides," Lucas waved it off, "A little shock and threat will make them much more cooperative."
"Understood," Nicole replied obediently. Catherine opened her mouth to speak, but seeing his resolve, she swallowed her worries.
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