Chapter 175

Maxi stiffened and shot Riftan a sharp glare.

Her husband kept his gaze fixed ahead and continued with remarkable objectivity, "How many soldiers are on standby in the northern castles?"

Unfolding his crossed arms, Sejuleu Aren replied, "We left around two hundred and fifty infantrymen in each castle. Since the walls were mostly intact, we thought that would be sufficient for defense."

"Send four hundred more and have senior mages dispatched with them as well." Turning to Calto, Riftan asked, "How many of your mages are competent in advanced defensive magic?"

The elder appeared to run some silent calculations. "Around thirty-four can summon wide-range barriers," he finally replied.

Lienna Moor Thorben was twirling a goblet of wine with a bored expression. She paused to grumble, "That means we can station about seven of them in each fortress — hardly enough to defend an entire city."