Looking at the vast procession outside the Froststone City gates, Todd, standing on the gate, frowned and remained silent.
"As per your orders, the Froststone army evacuated the people in the occupied territories back to the city before retreating. There are nearly 70,000 people in total, and this is the third batch. It is expected that the population will be relocated by the end of this month."
Standing next to Todd, Evie said this while handing over a list: "Also, this is the list of the chapter's losses."
Todd took the list, sighing helplessly as he read it: "One thousand one hundred soldiers lost, nineteen cities fallen... three chapter commanders killed in action, even Casper..."
Ivy nodded and said, "The Kingdom of Ulster also lost three thousand soldiers in this war. As for the Connaughts, they have been maintaining their strength and observing from the sidelines. Apart from some casualties when attacking the Junca Fortress, their army organization is still relatively intact."
Todd handed the list back to Minnie: "Where are the combined forces of Ulster and Connaught at now?"
Ivy paused for a moment, then continued, "They didn't continue their advance..."
"They didn't continue their advance?"
"They are arguing about the lands we have given up to occupy."
Todd turned around in surprise, looked at the Valkyrie beside him, and asked incredulously, "Stop the attack? Fight over land?! What are these people thinking?!"
"The kingdoms of Ulster and Connaught are sworn enemies. The reason they have united this time is entirely because of the rise of Froststone City."
Evie shrugged at Todd: "Unlike the commanders in Ulster and Connaught who had fought in this battle, the nobles who hid in the rear were completely blind to the cruelty of war. They thought Froststone City was nothing special. So, naturally, they focused their attention on the lands they had reclaimed."
Todd was both amused and exasperated upon hearing this: "This result is truly unexpected."
"If you ask me, they're a bunch of spineless men! They're like runaway chickens when it comes to fighting, but they come alive when it comes to arguing." Ivy's eyes revealed contempt and disdain: "The Kingdom of Ulster claims that those lands originally belonged to them, so naturally they won't give up an inch; while the Connaughts, who have done almost nothing, say that they were able to drive us away thanks to their army, so it's only right that they should take half of the land they took back."
Todd waved his hand helplessly: "Let them keep arguing. It won't do us any harm... By the way, how's Cú Chulainn now?"
"Some say he was seen returning to the capital, Ulster, but there is no record of him appearing in public since then."
"Gather as much information as possible about him. I have a feeling he won't just stay quiet and behave himself like this..."
“Speaking of Cú Chulainn, I have something to ask you.” Evie stared into Todd’s eyes: “How long do you plan to let that raven stay?”
"crow?"
After a moment's thought, Todd instantly understood who Evie was referring to: "What? What did Meredith do?"
"I don't like having someone on top of me!"
Todd paused, then blurted out, "Which aspect are you referring to?"
“Whether it’s the place or the position!” Evie revealed a rare hint of shame and anger: “Whenever I lie in bed and look up, I can’t help but think that woman is right there!”
Todd said with some helplessness, "Meredis stayed here out of kindness, and besides, she didn't do anything excessive."
"No inappropriate words or actions?" Ivy pursed her lips and said, "This morning, I saw her outside the small building. Guess what she said to me?"
"say what?"
"She told me that she had heard of the Valkyrie's powerful combat abilities, but to her surprise, my performance in bed did not quite live up to that reputation."
Evie's words puzzled Todd: "What did she mean by that?"
Ivy gripped the sword hilt tightly, her voice a mixture of anger and urgency: "In the past, when we were together, we could be intimate from the moon high in the sky until sunrise. But ever since you transformed into a dragon, I can't go on for more than half an hour... So, this isn't my problem at all! It must be a change in your body!"
Todd covered his forehead with his hand and chuckled, "Evie, you should know that this is not a reason to blame Meredith. Besides, this woman has helped me several times. Although her words have been somewhat inappropriate, her actions have not been offensive. Perhaps her true intention was..."
“I know, Todd, I know my accusations seem absurd. But, putting all that aside, I really can’t trust this woman in the raven feathers. My gut feeling tells me she’s not as simple as she seems… I’ve been wanting to ask you, do you know her past? Do you know her true identity? Do you know what she’s doing all this for?”
Evie continued, looking wary, "I've encountered similar situations while hunting. Older, intelligent, and ferocious wild animals would even pretend to be domesticated livestock in order to lower the hunter's guard."
Todd pondered for a moment, then nodded slightly: "Meredis is indeed a mystery to me. She has never mentioned her past, nor has she ever shown any interest in or hostility toward anything. The only time she expressed strong emotion in our conversation was when she advised me to retain my human identity and not to be blinded by power..."
Evie said firmly, "I'm certain that this woman is hiding something; she definitely has some shady secrets..."
Todd looked at the several shamans waiting below the city walls and said to the Valkyrie beside him, "Whatever Meredith's motives, the Silence Spear she brought this time has been a great help to me. Let's not draw any conclusions before we have concrete evidence. I will speak with her at the appropriate time and place..."
Descending from the city wall, Todd approached the shamans and asked, "How are the preparations going?"
Minnie, standing at the head of the shamanic procession, respectfully replied, "Son of the gods, in accordance with your holy decree, we have completed the first phase of the sanctuary construction, but the landscaping and roads are only basically finished due to the rush. The ashes of the fallen soldiers brought back from the front have all been placed in the temporary wooden sheds in the sanctuary square, as instructed by you."
Todd nodded: "Very good, let's begin preparing the welcoming ceremony for the Heroic Spirits."
Minnie, along with all the shamans, bowed to Todd and then walked toward the temple entrance.
Watching them leave, Todd sighed almost imperceptibly: "Perhaps this is nothing, but at least I can do something to comfort the souls of the believers."
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