"In the ancient Battle of Tero hundreds of years ago, the Holy City was the first barbarian army to convert to the Church of the Father, and it was also one of the strongest military forces on the entire battlefield at that time."
Holding a parish map, Cumberland analyzed to Todd, "Back then, Holy Guard City possessed the most powerful cavalry regiment on the entire plain. Their soldiers were fearless and disciplined. It's no exaggeration to say that half the credit for that Pyrrhic victory should be attributed to Holy Guard City. Therefore, after the barbarian war ended, the Church awarded Holy Guard City the most fertile land on Moonbrook Plain in exchange for the loyalty of its kings for generations."
Cumberland bent down and tapped a large area of land east of Watchtower with his knuckles: "The territory of Holy Guard City is located east of Silver Ring City, and it is smaller in size than the latter. However, Holy Guard City has a natural advantage in resources. In addition to a large amount of war resources such as wild horses and iron, there is a river in its territory that originates from the Falling Star Mountains and flows through its land."
"The advanced weapon and armor manufacturing industry in Holy Guard City, as well as watermills, horse breeding, and so on, all benefited from this river. These inherent advantages enabled the country located on this land to gradually develop into a military power second only to the Papal States in the entire diocese."
Looking at Cumberland's eloquent manner, Todd could not see any resentment from yesterday's argument in his expression.
That's just how the old man is. He'll immediately raise his voice if he's dissatisfied with anyone in power. But when it comes to national interests, he'll put aside all personal grudges and focus on his job and obligations.
Todd looked at the national borders on the map, pondered for a moment, and asked with a puzzled look, "I have a question. Since Holy Guard City is already so powerful, why did the Church still give the Silver Ring City Tribunal to them this time? This will further enhance Holy Guard City's strength, doesn't it contradict the Church's balancing act?"
“Your Majesty, that’s a good question!” Cumberland straightened up and gave Todd an approving look. “I’ve discussed this with Emerson, and we think there are several reasons.”
"First, compared to the growth of Holy Guard City, the Church is more wary of the strength of the Kingdom of Muxi."
"Second, according to the instructions of the kings of St. Victory, the one who obtains the throne must obtain the Pope's approval, and the Church is confident that it can control St. Victory."
"Third, Silver Ring City is no longer the 'City of Silver' it once was. The entire city is devastated, food and supplies are extremely scarce, and it is no different from ruins. The Church believes that ceding such a place to Holy Guard City will not only not increase the latter's strength, but will instead drag down its national power."
Listening to Cumberland's analysis, Todd nodded, but then asked another question: "But this still doesn't explain why the Holy City sent a delegation to ask us for help."
Cumberland looked at Todd and said with a wry smile, "To be honest, neither Emerson nor I can guess why Holy Guard City asked us for help."
Todd fixed his gaze on the map, pondered for a moment, and said softly, "We'll know tonight."
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Five o'clock in the evening, at the main hall of the Muxi Royal Palace.
Huggins acted as the royal steward, directing the royal servants and setting up the reception venue.
The beautiful and uniquely styled Dumyat wool rug was carefully unfolded by the male servants and laid on the smooth marble floor.
The flawless, exquisitely crafted artificial crystal vessels were taken out of camphor wood chests lined with velvet by the maids and placed on the dining table in order of seating and rank.
The Golden Lark Theatre Troupe arrived early at the luxurious backstage area of the ceremonial hall, making final preparations before their performance.
Barbara, the troupe's most popular actress, was carefully touching up her makeup in front of the mirror, wearing a sky-blue opera gown. A small, diamond-encrusted flower in the style of Liliel was set on the bodice of the gown, sparkling brilliantly in the light.
Looking at her clearly discernible face in the mirror, Barbara exclaimed in amazement, "There are such amazing things in the world! I can even see my own eyelashes inside this crystal!"
The leader of the Golden Lark troupe shooed away a large group of troupe members who were admiring the "strange object" behind Barbara, and turned to his troupe's star performer, saying, "What you see in front of you isn't crystal, but a 'mirror.' It's a new invention by several master craftsmen. I heard that His Holiness the Holy Son even built a factory guarded by the army for these craftsmen."
Barbara tossed her hair and asked hopefully, "After this performance, if His Majesty is pleased, I wonder if he might bestow upon me a 'mirror' like this?"
"Stop dreaming!" The troupe leader rolled his eyes. "Do you know how precious this mirror is?! Only three have been made in the entire Muxi Kingdom, no, the entire world. One is in the king's palace, one is in Muxi Academy, and the other is here. Someone once offered five hundred gold coins to buy one, but to no avail!"
Barbara glared at the leader and then remained silent.
As evening approached six o'clock, rows of exquisitely luxurious carriages slowly came to a stop in the square outside the inner gate of the royal castle. One after another, glamorous ladies and gentlemen, led by royal attendants, walked along the dreamlike crystal streetlights and the clean, tidy royal avenue into the ceremonial hall.
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