Chapter 59: Reinforcements and Responsibilities

Chapter 59: Reinforcements and Responsibilities

"By the Dragon God's mercy!" Reynold's exclamation cut through the air as he stood by the tent's entrance."Your Highness! You need to see this!" Reynold urged, half his body still outside the tent.

"What's going on?" Vervill asked, poking his head out in curiosity. His expression quickly shifted from confusion to shock.

 The previously spacious street outside was now filled with soldiers clad in cyan chainmail, barrel helmets, and holding five-meter-long cavalry spears.

These were the Swiftstream Infantry, their tower shields and maces strapped to their backs."Who are they? When did they arrive?" Vervill turned to Reynold, his voice tinged with awe."They're Lagrand's finest, the Rapid Stream Infantry Corps.

 They've just arrived to support us!" Reynold responded proudly, his eyes fixed on the dragon emblem on the soldiers' chests.

Your men?" Vervill asked, still trying to grasp the situation. He could see the seemingly endless line of infantry—there were at least a thousand of them."I thought we weren't expecting any reinforcements," Vervill turned to Roland, puzzled."We weren't," Roland replied, shrugging.

"But sometimes, unexpected things happen, like this.""So... does this mean our chances of victory just improved?" Vervill's voice was tinged with excitement."Are there any other reinforcements coming?" Vervill pressed, looking at Roland with hope in his eyes."I honestly don't know," Roland admitted.

"Our people are scattered across the continent. It's hard to coordinate, and not everyone can make it here.

""Your Highness! Your loyal servant Lance requests an audience!" A voice called out from the mass of soldiers.

 A man stepped forward, distinct from the others.Roland studied the newcomer carefully. Unlike the other infantrymen, this man was a second-order warrior, his armor clearly crafted from rare metals.

The carbine in his hand shimmered with magical energy, and his tower shield, despite its plain appearance, bore the unmistakable signs of adamantine reinforcement.

"Who are you, warrior?" Roland asked, intrigued."I am Lord Lance, former lord of Aklie in the Lagrand Empire," Lance responded, giving a respectful bow."A noble from Lagrand? How is that possible?" Roland thought, surprised.

"Why have you come here?" Roland questioned, curious about the sudden appearance of this nobleman."I heard that the king was here, and I came to offer my service," Lance replied with a humble bow.

And what about this Swift Stream Infantry Corps?" Roland inquired."I command this legion. We've been wandering in the extreme north, losing nearly half our men.

When we learned that you had raised the banner of Lagrand once more, we came to defend your honor and the glory of the Empire!" Lance declared proudly.

The story seemed plausible enough, thanks to the system's implanted memories.

 But Roland couldn't help but marvel at the absurdity. How could a minor lord with a small town's resources command a 3,000-strong legion? The thought of having more such lords under his command in the future was tempting.

So, you've ruled a territory before?" Roland asked, recognizing the potential in Lance."Yes, Your Highness, but my experience is limited to managing small towns," Lance responded modestly."That's more than enough. Rapid City isn't very large right now, so from today onwards, you're its administrative officer!" Roland declared, handing over the responsibility for the city's governance to Lance.

Lance bowed deeply, accepting his new role with gratitude.

Roland quickly opened the city's status page, eager to see how these changes had affected Rapid City. The evaluation had improved, a sign that things were finally moving in the right direction.Rapid City:Area: One-kilometer radius.Construction Units: Dilapidated lord's castle, 80 crumbling dwellings, 20 weak dwellings, mid-level magic-patterned city walls, stone wells, blacksmith shops, military camps.Generals: Carlos (Tier 3), Reynold (Tier 4), Ladir (Tier 4).Special Personnel: Ivy (Tier 3).

City Defense Officer: Marcus (Tier 4).Administrative Officer: Lance (Second Order).Troops: 2,110.Population: 894 (Trainable civilians: 183).

Evaluation: The once lonely king has led his people back to their homeland, establishing a city with tall walls. Though the population is small, progress is being made. The military is strong enough to defend the city, but not against greater threats.

The arrival of a city defense officer and an administrative officer has improved the situation. Note: A tribe of prairie elves is stationed in the city, and their skills may prove invaluable.Abilities:As the only territory of the Lagrand Kingdom in Middle-earth, it attracts remnants of Lagrand. The system will guide a wave of wandering Lagrand civilians here daily.

Allows the recruitment of civilians to train as Swiftstream infantry."

Finally, the city's status isn't so dismal anymore," Roland sighed with relief. Being a king was difficult; being the king of Lagrand was even harder. But being a capable king of Lagrand? That was the real challenge."Your Highness, I would like to rebuild the lord's castle," Lance suggested quietly."

It's long overdue," Roland agreed. He shot a glance at Reynold, who quickly turned away, pretending not to notice."I'll leave all governmental affairs to you, Lance," Roland said, clapping his hands and handing off the responsibility."And these houses need repairs as well," Lance added, already drafting plans on a piece of parchment. "If they collapse, they could seriously injure someone.

""Whatever you think needs fixing or improving, go to Reynold for assistance. You can also hire the town's residents to help. As for payment..." Roland dragged out a chest full of gold coins, a reserve he had kept for emergencies."I can't let my people work for free, can I?" Roland smiled, feeling a sense of relief as he handed over the reins.

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