The merman prince got what he wanted, returning with a full bounty. He was certain he would visit this territory often.
This Viscount of Roses had indeed exceeded his expectations. His gains were considerable, and he had even forged ties with the elves.
With such connections, he would have more confidence in his bid for the Merman King position.
After several years of recuperation and rebuilding, Lin Yan felt she was ready to begin expanding outwards.
Therefore, after instructing her scribe to inventory her wealth, she began to plan the next step of her external expansion.
Sir Will had been relentlessly training the troops; their drills had never ceased.
Lin Yan had equipped them with all necessary gear, and they had all become at least Level 2 Knights. The junior mages in the academy had also awakened their abilities. Despite their young age, their strength was improving rapidly.
Lin Yan tallied everything she possessed and decided to commence her outward expansion the following spring.
"Prepare sufficient grain and fodder." Before any army moves, provisions must come first. Though the territory enjoyed a bountiful harvest each year, war would necessitate far greater quantities of food.
"I have already contacted the merchant caravans, and they will deliver the grain as soon as possible. Because our order is so large, the price of grain has already risen considerably."
"A rise in grain prices is a good thing," Lin Yan said with a smile. When grain prices increase, some people will begin to hoard it. "Take more money with you. We will make the grain prices rise even higher."
"Yes, my Lord."
"How are the weapons prepared? Do we have enough arrows?" Lin Yan asked another person.
"They are sufficient. The blacksmiths have suspended all other work to serve us exclusively."
"Still, let the blacksmiths continue with their other jobs. Otherwise, it might cause panic."
"Yes, I will have someone inform the blacksmiths."
Lin Yan inquired about other matters before dismissing them.
"Angelina, are you absolutely sure you want to go to war?" Egbert asked hesitantly after hearing all of Lin Yan's arrangements.
"Of course, brother. Aren't you going to help me?"
"How could I not?" Egbert immediately retorted.
"Brother, do not cling to Father's title. I will give you something better. However, this title might require you to win it yourself. Do you have confidence in yourself?" Lin Yan said with a smile.
"I will help you, and I will also rely on my own abilities to achieve all this. But Angelina, have you considered who your enemies truly are? Are you truly prepared to face them?"
Egbert was very worried about his sister's impulsiveness, as her enemies were far too powerful. Not to mention the number of nobles in the empire, or how many private soldiers those nobles commanded.
Every noble family with a history of many years possessed their own deep foundations. They were by no means simple to eliminate.
If Lin Yan confronted them directly and harmed their interests, they would surely retaliate with full force. Therefore, this war would not be as simple as Lin Yan imagined.
"I have thought it through very clearly. Expansion is imperative. I know your concerns, brother, and I know those people are not simple. But you must believe that I also have my own trump cards.
Although the dragon race will not participate in the war, the people I have trained are more than sufficient. I do not intend to take the lives of those nobles, but I will no longer allow them to lord over humans and other races."
From the moment she learned of the so-called "right of the first night," and from the moment she witnessed the lives of ordinary people, she had made up her mind.
The nobles no longer considered themselves human, nor did they view ordinary people as their own kin. They treated commoners and other races as cattle or even less, which she found unbearable.
Even in current society, disparities in wealth are unavoidable, and there are always dark corners untouched by sunlight. However, at least almost everyone lives like a human being.
"Since you have made up your mind, then I can only accompany you. After all, we are family! I will always be by your side and help you achieve your goals!"