News of the Chantilon victory hadn't yet reached Mousillon. Although the new canal system had improved communication, it would still take two or three days. After discussing the situation, Lauen and Carad agreed that the recent victory meant a full mobilization wasn't immediately necessary. They doubted the Norscans would be eager to return anytime soon after such a heavy loss. Instead, they sent a report to Ryan, who was in Mousillon, detailing the battle and noting signs that this might be a prelude to a larger conflict, and waited for his decision.
While the messenger made his way back, Ryan was preparing to visit Freya's Old Church District in Mousillon, where he planned to check in on his childhood friend and current High Priest of West Bretonnia, Alfred.
Since the Eight Peaks Expedition, Alfred had been less involved in Ryan's circle. With his marriage to Ingrid, witnessed by the Archbishop Vikmar, Alfred was busier than ever. Now a High Priest and leader of the Freya's Old Church district, Alfred's responsibilities had grown, and he wasn't as close to Ryan as he once had been.
Moreover, Ryan had noticed that Alfred faced a certain level of polite exclusion among the knightly nobility and the Lady's Church. They didn't oppose him outright, but social contact remained limited.
As they traveled toward Freya's Old Church District, members of the Old Guard kept careful watch along the road, with the dragoons leading in front and infantrymen patrolling on either side. Ryan rode comfortably on his purebred elven steed, Grape, chatting casually with his men and commanders, including Bertrand and Davout.
"Sire, the Arden Forest has been relatively quiet lately, though we occasionally see beastmen," reported Bertrand, Commander of the Old Guard. "Over in Bastogne, Lord Berchmond's idea of fun is leading the Red Dragon Guard to clear out beastmen hiding in the forest. Occasionally, beastmen raiding bands appear near the Old Church District, so Alfred has organized his own small force: two units of paladins, two units of monks, and a small militia. He also encourages the residents to attend weekly drills after services."
"How many people live in Freya's Old Church District?" Ryan asked.
One of his Mousillon attendants quickly answered, "Around thirty or forty thousand, Sire."
"That's enough to maintain a modest force," Ryan replied thoughtfully. "Given the occasional skaven or beastmen incursion, a dedicated defense force is necessary."
Bertrand nodded, and Davout added, "The situation in Mousillon is complex, especially in the eastern Old Church District. It's mostly populated by immigrants from the Empire, with fewer native Bretonnians. Thankfully, the Lady has blessed us, and there haven't been major conflicts—only minor disputes here and there. Alfred has sought assistance from Lord Juan and others to help with mediation."
Ryan pondered the challenges of managing an immigrant population. While immigration had advantages and disadvantages, it was undoubtedly beneficial for Mousillon's recovery. When Ryan reclaimed the territory, only about 100,000 locals remained. Even after adding the 300,000 immigrants from the Empire, the total population barely reached 400,000, well below the area's capacity to support up to two million.
Ryan needed these immigrants. They provided labor for farming, manufacturing, and construction.
Another advantage of Empire immigrants was their shared ancestry with the Bretonnians, as both descended from common origins. This reduced cultural friction and increased the potential for integration. The faiths of the eight major Old World churches were also widely shared, making assimilation easier.
Even so, shared ancestry hadn't prevented past conflicts between Bretonnia and the Empire, highlighting the challenge of fostering unity. Ryan was grateful that current relations were good and that his own leadership and victories bolstered his authority. Over time, many immigrants identified themselves as "Mousillon citizens," and with proper management, their integration would improve.
In this regard, Ryan admired Emperor Wu of his previous life.
Many believed the Han Chinese identity was founded by Emperor Qin Shi Huang, but this wasn't entirely accurate. While Qin Shi Huang unified China in form, regional distinctions persisted; people still identified as Qin, Chu, Qi, or Yan. The question of whether the Qin conquered the Six States or vice versa remained hotly debated for centuries.
The true sense of shared Han identity came with Emperor Wu's unification and campaigns against the Xiongnu. His victories solidified the Han Chinese identity, laying the foundation of Chinese culture, faith, and spirit. Emperor Wu's legacy was so monumental that it earned him the title of "Saint Emperor," establishing the foundations of Han identity that would later spread globally under the Tang Dynasty.
"It's wise to avoid extremes," Ryan mused. As a king, he couldn't afford to oversimplify complex issues, reducing them to "pro-" or "anti-" rhetoric. While slogans might appeal to the masses, Ryan needed a more nuanced approach to leadership.
In his own world, humanity's genetic origins in the Caucasus were well understood. From this root, Indo-European peoples diversified into Aryans, Tocharian, Latins, Greeks, Anatolians, Armenians, and many others. Over time, the Romans lumped all northerners under the label of "barbarians," but these barbarians splintered into various tribes, including the Germans, Slavs, and Celts. Each subgroup fragmented even further.
The key, Ryan realized, was forging unity. Ancient China's leaders, from Emperor Wu to Tang Taizong, excelled at building cohesion.
Reflecting on his own role, Ryan chuckled inwardly. Emperor Wu had the vast Chinese empire, while he, as King of Bretonnia, was grappling with a mere fraction of that scope. Still, Ryan could appreciate the sheer determination it took to unite diverse factions, as even his father, the Emperor, had faced such monumental challenges.
Lost in thought, Ryan glanced behind him at the luxurious carriage. Inside, the Lady of the Lake was chatting with Suria. He wondered what the goddess and his queen were discussing so intensely.
Inside the carriage, the Lady of the Lake, Suria, and Olica were sharing a lively moment. Seated on a small plush seat, the goddess was dressed in a delicate Asur-style floral gown. Her golden hair was held back by a simple clip, revealing her slender legs beneath sheer stockings. Adjusting to married life, the Lady now preferred Suria's company when with Ryan, feeling bashful when alone with her champion.
Suria, clad in a regal gown and warm fox-fur cape, exuded elegance. Olica wore her classic black-and-white maid outfit. Together, they played a game of miniature war with tiny figurines, with Olica as the referee.
"Suria, I wonder if you're blessed by Rannold," the Lady teased. "You're on quite the lucky streak."
"Maybe, but did you even try to balance your pieces, Lady?" Suria replied, smiling. "Without a decent roster, you'll always be at a disadvantage."
"Call me Lilith when it's just us," the goddess whispered, placing a finger on Suria's cheek. "We're close friends, aren't we?"
"Yes, but…certain limits are needed, Lilith," Suria replied, blushing. "You don't have to always include me and…force me to start with Ryan."
"Well, I don't know why, but watching you with him…really excites me," the goddess admitted, shyly. "Maybe I'll try being alone with him next time?"
Suria nodded. "Alright. I'll arrange some time for you two."
Olica, listening silently, smirked. She suspected the Lady's attachment was a side effect of sharing Suria's consciousness for so long. "Will the autumn feast go ahead as planned, my lady?"
"Yes, and Emilia will be joining us," Suria replied, showing a gold-edged letter from Nur. Delivered by the elven diplomat Detariel, the letter praised his work in the Empire, where he'd become a beloved guest at noble events. Known as "The Star of Nur," his charm and wit were invaluable in gathering intelligence for Ryan.
The journey passed pleasantly, and by nightfall, they neared the ancient city of Freya's Old Church.
The guards, recognizing the red, white, and blue banner and golden "L" symbol, opened the gates immediately without awaiting Alfred's instructions.
Ryan observed the city, his first time seeing Alfred's domain up close. The buildings were mostly simple wooden structures, two stories high. The residents appeared orderly, their surroundings clean and well-maintained. Symbols of the Hammer, Twin-Tailed Comet, and Scales of Justice were prominent, reflecting the influence of Alfred's office.
In front of the gate, a spirited young Kislevite was enthusiastically addressing a crowd. Curious, Ryan signaled for his Old Guard to pause and listen.
The Kislevite spoke passionately, his eyes wide with excitement: "Mousillon is the best! I absolutely love this place!"
"Borscht, not good!"
"Add Mousillon truffles? Delicious!"
"Wow, our Mousillon firearms are getting stronger and better! I'm so proud of Mousillon!"
"I will become a true citizen of Mousillon!"
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