21.

We stayed in the capital for almost a month. In those days, we started finding worthy allies and gathering them under my banner. Most of allies are neutral lords who didn't participate in the manhunt too deeply. I have met them one by one and made cooperations with each other like trade agreements and monetary support. I could say that they are worthy allies at the moment but those numbers will surely dwindle after facing a calamity.

Those who stayed behind me, will receive my utmost support while those who left us behind, will receive punishments.

The news of Blackwood Dukedom gathering allies scared some nobles because it threatened their positions and those below Marquis rank were panicking. Meanwhile those at the top were silent. They didn't even try to disrupt the talks of our cooperation.

I was suspicious about it and had Wilhelm check if they are truly allies or spies to monitor our actions. I even tasked Wilhelm to check the slightest relation of my allies with different dukes or any marquis.

I don't want to be stabbed in the back because they had to honor a promise or favor from someone outside my banner. If they turned their back on me on a crucial moment, it would be disastrous and would severely weaken me and my allies.

During the time we stayed in the Capital, we also visited the Royal Palace every now and then so that Felicia could play with Adjest. I would sometimes talk with Bridgette when she goes to teach Adjest.

We would sometimes talk about trivial things and she would sometimes share her headaches that she is facing. Because she is a commoner, they deemed her unworthy to teach Adjest and pressured the Emperor about it. The Emperor's response made their face turn green.

"Its my daughter and I have every rights to choose who's going to teach my daughter." He glared at the nobles causing trouble and made them shake in fear.

Meanwhile, I simply told Bridgette that whether a person is worthy or unworthy doesn't matter. She'll know the result of her teachings in the future. Whether she consider it a success or failure in teaching, it will depend on what she deems it to be.

While Wilhelm does his work, whenever I'm free, I would practice using the base form of Vasavi Shakti which is a golden spear with barbed edges.

I loved the feel of the spear because of its heaviness. The reason why I didn't want something like a spear made of Blankšum is because it was light as heck.

Some would argue that I should just use a greatsword if I want to use a heavy weapon but what I want is a weapon of surprise. If my weapon is a greatsword, they will know that my attacks will be heavy and they will dodge it easily, but what if my weapon is a spear?

Opponents will surely underestimate the spear because they only knew that they just have to avoid being stabbed then they would have the upperhabd. What they didn't know is that because the spear is heavy, slashing and slicing, is a possible attack route, catching them off-guard and dying.

Training my body is slowly moving forward as I started training with 1.5 times gravity. It was so hard to stand still and keep the same stance for a long time.

With my individual training slowly moving forward, I didn't have to worry about it. My attention was focused on the blueprint that I successfully restored.

My memory regarding weapons made by magic engineers were exceptional. As a person who always stood in the frontline, and the bane of enemy magicians, I had to study their weapon's structures, weakness, and how they were created. Thus, relying on my knowledge regarding the magic cannon, the results were accurate and I managed to restore the blueprint. There are two blueprints of magic cannons I created, the traditional one and the mobile magic cannon.

The mobile magic cannon came from the blueprint I took from the royal vault and I modified it to the traditional one. It will be a trump card I can use when the invasion started.

Although I'm knowledgeable about weapons regarding magic engineering, I don't have any knowledge regarding artifact creation that's why I have to commission the magic tower for items I needed for training.

After wrapping all of the things that needed to be accomplished in the Capital. I bade Uncle Gilltian farewell and I told him I'll return after the war. I also said my goodbyes to the mad dog, I mean Adjest and Bridgette. Felicia was sad that we had to go and even persuaded me to stay but I shook my head as we needed to prepare for the war.

After a few days of travelling, we returned to my territory, the Blackwood Dukedom.

Felicia was sad throughout the journey but it was replaced by surprise and awe when she saw how lively the place was.

"See? I told you, you'll love it." I said with a smug face.

We entered the mansion and I immediately had a discussion with Wilhelm.

"Uncle Wilhelm, we need time. At least 3 years to successfully defend against the western coalition's invasion. How can we do it?" I asked Wilhelm who is seriously thinking of a solution.

"Aegis, I think we should blow our strength out of proportion and create rumors out of it. We can say that we currently have 15,000 soldiers inside the territory.

From the information I received from the external spies, the Western Coalition has a total force of 20,000 soldiers. Its a total of their combined force from different kingdoms.

If we blew our strength out of proportion, they would recognize that they are at a disadvantage since they will be fighting a siege. It would make them prepare for more soldiers, effectively buying us time, but there's a downside to it as well.

We will face more enemies by the time they attack us." Wilhelm provided a suggestion and I had to think of the pros and cons of such a plan.

The soldiers inside my territory almost numbered to ten thousand. 30% of them were equipped with blankšum equipment making them elite warriors trained by a capable commander.

'I think that the western coalition not only wants to invade us but also occupy my territory which is a strategic location. Which means that their army must remain powerful even after a siege.' I thought and tried to predict the moves that the western coalition will make.

I estimated that they'll probably send a total number of 40 thousand troops or maybe even 50 thousand troops. It will be an uphill battle...

But I think we'll make it.

"Do it. I also want you to form a team of elite spies and assassins under me and cause troubles for the Western Coalition by sabotaging their armies." I said with a calm face and tone.

"Before you leave, here." I said as I gave Wilhelm a scroll containing the design of the magic cannon.

"This will be our trump card. Order the blacksmiths to focus on this one. The more magic cannons we have, the better." I said and Wilhelm knew the importance of this scroll. Wilhelm then acknowledged my orders and left to prepare for the upcoming war.

Two weeks have gone by after we returned from my territory. Wilhelm ordered the external spies to send out rumors about the strength of our army and say that it isn't wise to invade us.

The rumors caused a huge commotion to not only the western coalition, but also inside Hebrion Empire. Many nobles tried to convince Gilltian to strip my rank because they were scared that I will rebel but Gilltian just took a 'wait and see' approach about the matter.

'What's your plan, brat.' Gilltian thought about what I am thinking when I released the number of our troops which is a bluff right now, but if given time, that number won't be a bluff anymore.

Wilhelm also gathered a team of the finest spies and assassins who are trained, loyal and would follow whatever orders they were given.

I am in an underground base that I created for this regiment and stood in front of me are kneeling personnel that Wilhelm gathered for me.

"Rise." I ordered them and they stood up with their backs straight.

"I'm sure you've already heard of our situation. Because of the Civil War, the Empire was severely weakened. The western coalition will not pass up such a juicy opportunity to invade a weakened Empire." I said as I looked at them straight in the eye.

"Because we are bordering the western coalition, we will surely take the brunt of their invasion but we don't have time and enough numbers to fend them off. My orders will be few and simple, sabotage the army of those who will participate in the invasion.

Poison their food and water, destroy their logistics team, or assassinate capable generals in their sleep. I don't care what method you use, if they succeeded in their siege and take over our lands, I will not be the only one who will suffer, but also the people inside our territory." I said and they could feel the burden being placed in their shoulders. Cold sweat were running down their backs making it damp.

"Soldiers, listen! I'm not asking you to sacrifice yourselves. I want you to not only complete your mission but also get out alive without anyone noticing you. I will name this special regiment as 'Ghost'. Ghosts don't exist, they vanish. If you don't want to take part in this mission and value your life, you may leave. I won't force you." I said as I looked at their eyes one more time. I waited for a minute for them to back out but it seems like they're here to do it.

"Looks like we've got crazy people here." I said and my lips curved up for a smile.

"The current mission for the 'Ghost' right now is to buy time. Buy time as much as you can by causing troubles in the Western Kingdom. If we managed to prolong their preparation for 3 years, we can win this war with very few casualties. Now go and prepare, I will give you my full support." I confidently said and made the soldier's blood pumping. The soldiers looked at their Lord with respect and all of them have one thing to say in their minds.

'We are crazy for accepting this mission, but Lord Duke is even more crazier, and I like it!' They thought as their gazes followed the back of their ruler.