Chapter 146: Ladi’s Analysis

Chapter 146: Ladi’s Analysis

TL: Etude

After finishing his inspection of the shipyard and staying a few days in Port Fran, Paul planned to start his journey back to Lakeheart Town.

Before his return, he organized an award ceremony to provide significant material rewards to the soldiers who had made great contributions in the battle against the pirates and in previous fights against wizards. Depending on their evaluated merits, the soldiers received rewards ranging from 10 to 25 silver coins.

In fact, even without this ceremony, these rewards were already prepared to be given to the meritorious soldiers. The Alda military had already established a comprehensive system of military honors, where the evaluation of merits and the amount of rewards were determined by established regulations, not by the whims or personal preferences of superiors.This chapter is updated by nov(e)(l)biin.com

However, organizing an award ceremony further boosted the morale and sense of honor within the army.

The entire military was buzzing with enthusiasm.

The preparations for the Southerns departure were also underway, scheduled to set sail in two weeks. The female advisor planned to return to Lakeheart Town with Paul first and then come back to Port Fran the day before the Southerns departure.

Soon, Paul bid farewell to Mayor Theodore and others and embarked on his journey back to Lakeheart Town. Considering the attack they encountered on their way there, Austin dispatched a team of musketeers to escort him back.

Accompanying Paul on his return, besides the musketeers and the second squad of internal guards, were 18 coffins. In the battle on the way to Port Fran, 15 soldiers had died on the spot, and three more severely injured had succumbed to their wounds after being brought to Port Fran. The first squad of the internal guard had lost half of its members.

The remaining half who were injured were still recuperating in Port Fran, many likely to be left with disabilities. The guard captain Victor, who had his ribs broken, was still bedridden.

Seeing these coffins, Paul felt immensely heavy-hearted, and the excitement of opening new trade routes dissipated instantly.

These fallen guards were from Lakeheart Town, and since their mission to Port Fran wasnt kept secret, their families would undoubtedly be waiting by the roadside to catch a glimpse of their returning sons or husbands. It would be another scene of sorrow upon their arrival.

Riding alongside on a horse, Ladi noticed Pauls demeanor and spoke with a sense of guilt, Im sorry, Lord Grayman. I should have reminded you to be more prepared, or even directly stopped you from traveling. If we had stayed in town, perhaps things would have been much better.

Paul shook his head and replied, No, you did warn me. Its my responsibility for not being adequately prepared. Im sorry for not believing in your divination before.

If we had stayed in town, given that wizards madness and capabilities, he might have caused many civilian casualties. It was best to deal with him in the wilderness.

Some changes?

Becoming more radical, hostile towards groups other than mages, just like that attacking mage exhibited.

Ladis face showed a trace of seriousness as she spoke.

I have another worse conjecture. That mage said Gaden and his pirates were his subordinates, and their sudden and rapid rise recently corroborates that someone powerful is backing them. However, mages rarely interact with commoners, let alone go to great lengths to support a pirate group. So, based on two points

The female advisor listed them:

1. A mage, no matter how powerful, cannot replace an army.

2. Considering the quasi-military nature of the pirate group

Hearing this, Paul also began to grasp her implication.

Youre suggesting that the Arcane Society might be planning something in the Northwest Bay?

Ladi nodded, The Church, which is most hostile to mages, has relatively less influence here than in other places. If they do have some intentions, Northwest Bay is an ideal location.

After listening to the female advisors analysis, Paul inwardly cursed the Arcane Society: Cant you find somewhere else to cause trouble? Ive just managed to bring some prosperity to my territory, and now Ive attracted these calamities.

Seeing Pauls increasingly grim expression, Ladi comforted him, Lord Grayman, all these are just my conjectures; the reality might be different.

No, when theres a possibility of something bad happening, its bound to happen. I firmly believe in that.

Paul whipped his horse, That wizard and the Arcane Society: I will eventually investigate them thoroughly.

He disliked enemies who sneak around in the shadows the most. If they had the guts, they should face his army head-on in a battle!