The red wine in the crystal glass swayed in the candlelight, reflecting Harrison Abbott's slightly constricted pupils.
He sat silently in a corner of the banquet, surrounded by the lively conversation of the generals, but at that moment, his thoughts were like the sea in a storm, churning with turbulent waves.
He underestimated Paul Greiman.
No, it wasn't just an underestimation; Harrison even felt a lingering sense of fear.
He originally thought that Northwest Bay's strength was nothing more than a few elite legions and advanced firearms, plus Paul's dazzling inventions.
When the Royal Army was training at Crystal Radiance, he was amazed by the power of flintlock volleys, impressed by the accuracy of the Cannon's range, and raved about the value of linear tactics.
He believed that this was all the military strength Northwest Bay possessed.
But now, he has witnessed firsthand what a real war machine is.
In the arsenal, firearms, shells, and uniforms were produced at an astonishing rate, seemingly endless. The most ordinary farmers, after just two or three months of training, could become qualified soldiers, carrying rifles. Steam trains transported soldiers and supplies day and night, unleashing enormous war potential.
Even more frightening is that Marquis Glaeman's war strategy has long since transcended the purely military level.
Harrison's gaze unconsciously swept across the map—control of water resources in the northern grasslands, the assimilation and utilization of Forest Orcs, the long-range deployment of the naval fleet... This was not a battle at all, but a complete strategic crushing. No matter how brave the Abar orc warriors were, they were just struggling in vain in this giant net that had already been woven.
He took a sip of wine, his throat tightening slightly.
If Paul Greiman wanted to, he could overthrow the entire Aldor at any time.
The thought struck him like a bolt of lightning!
Giles had dominated the southern region for years, and Veblen held sway over Paradise Basin, but they were probably no match for Paul.
The Royal Army was able to defeat Giles because of the instructors sent by the Northwest, and the King was able to secure his position as Crystal Radiance because Paul chose to support the orthodox line.
Now Harrison finally understands why Rodney XVIII relied so heavily on the Marquess of the Northwest, even going so far as to marry Princess Catherine to him.
This is a wise move.
" General Abbott?" Paul's voice suddenly came from beside him, tinged with a faint smile. "The wine isn't to your liking?"
Harrison snapped back to reality and found that Paul was already standing in front of him, his dark eyes staring directly at him.
He immediately stood up, raising his glass slightly: "No, Marquis, the wine is very good... I'm just thinking about the battle."
Paul nodded slightly, a smile that he couldn't shake: "With a general like you who is always so loyal to his duty, His Majesty the King must have nothing to worry about. I look forward to the Kingdom's new army performing brilliantly in the battle against the orcs."
Harrison's heart skipped a beat, and he nodded, saying, "We will certainly not let Marquis down!"
The banquet continued, and Yuriko Rodney, holding a wine glass and with concern on her face, stopped Catherine, who was about to go find Paul.
"My dear sister." He leaned slightly forward, his silk sleeves gleaming luxuriously in the candlelight. "Are you settling in well in Northwest Bay?"
Catherine smiled faintly. "Thank you for your concern. My mother, Eileen, and I are all doing well."
Yuriko sighed, and said with a hint of sorrow, "Thinking of you three, mother and daughters, far away from the prosperity of the capital, in that kind of rural place... Uncle in heaven must be blaming us brothers for not taking good care of you."
"The countryside?" Catherine chuckled, tapping her fingers lightly on her glass. "My brother, when was the last time you went to Lakeheart Town?"
Yuriko paused, then her expression turned to one of reminiscence: "About five years ago, I went with my brother to discuss the procurement of military supplies with Paul. At that time, Lakeheart Town was just beginning to take shape as a city, but it was a mess of construction sites everywhere, with this and that being built."
" Lakeheart Town now …" Catherine interrupted him, her eyes gleaming with pride, "has the largest library in the entire kingdom, the most advanced schools, and the plays performed in its theater are just as good as those in Crystal Radiance." She leaned slightly forward, "Nearby Port Franklin is home to merchant ships from all over the world. The countryside you speak of is making history!"
Yuriko's smile was a little stiff: "Really? It sounds... pretty good."
"As for us!" Catherine continued, her tone gentle yet authoritative. "Paul is incredibly kind to me, and we have a very close relationship. My mother and Eileen have also found their own careers—my mother is setting up a music academy, and Eileen teaches at Weiss Academy. In short, our lives are fulfilling and comfortable!" She gave Yuriko a meaningful look. "You should really visit Northwest Bay sometime and broaden your horizons."
Yuriko's facial muscles twitched slightly. He nodded and said, "I'll try to make time to go, but the affairs in the capital are too busy. I also have to lead the Guardian Knight Order. Maybe, um... I'll wait another two years."
Catherine gently shook her head. "It's a pity you'll miss a lot—like the newly built observatory or the soon-to-be-opened railway—not the rudimentary tracks hastily laid for war that you just saw, but a proper railway built for long-distance travel by residents."
"Then I really have to go and see!" He raised his glass in a gesture of respect. "I wish you happiness, sister."
After chatting with Catherine, Yuriko was about to pour herself another drink when Emerson Wilde appeared like a shadow.
"Your Highness," Emerson said in a low voice, his lips barely moving, the wine glass in his hand concealing his sinister expression, "did you see Glaeman's face just now? As if this victory was all his own doing."
He sneered, "A country lord dares to be so arrogant in front of the royal family? Oh, and look at our General Abbott. Look at the way he acts when he faces Glaeman, putting our great royal army in a subordinate position."
Yuriko's fingers tightened slightly, causing a subtle ripple in the red wine in his glass. He glanced at Paul, who was surrounded by his generals not far away, calmly discussing strategic plans, his every move exuding an infuriating confidence.
Sigh, although it really annoyed him, but...
" Emerson!" Yuriko said in a very low voice, "Watch your words!"
His words carried a hint of reproach. Although Emerson did share his interests, couldn't this guy be a little more mindful of the occasion when he spoke?
Perhaps because he was used to being casual with Yuriko, Emerson didn't notice the subtle displeasure in the prince's words.
"Your Highness, you are the rightful prince of Aldor, the heir of the noble Rodney Family. As for Glaeman …" He curled his lip in disdain, "He's just a nouveau riche who got lucky. How can such a crucial matter concerning the fate of the nation—the war against the orcs—be entrusted to someone like him?"
"Shut up!" Yuriko pulled him into a corner.