In the spring of 1698, the Empire's Western Expedition troops were reorganized and continued their advance into the heart of Cranzia. Due to the large number of legions, this time, Imperial Chancellor Edren and Red Dragon Duke Leodore each led an army, splitting the attack into two directions.
Among them, the Red Dragon Duke led the army north, preparing to cross the hills and enter the former heartland of the West Wind, while Edren led his troops to continue westward, intending to completely annex the Virga region and then march into Falcon.
In May of the same year, the two armies clashed with Clancy's army several times. Although there were many casualties, they still won the victory by relying on their troop strength that was several times greater than that of the enemy.
At this stage of the war, the Empire's Western Expeditionary Force numbered approximately 2.6 million, of which nearly 200,000 were stationed in occupied lands and along the coast to prevent counterattacks from the enemy and to provide landing support for the Hinazuki Council.
Edren led an army of 800,000 to the city of Hopeland and began to besiege it, while the Dragon of Erosis led a black and red army of 1.6 million and slowly crossed the hills of the southern border of the former West Wind.
Clancy left behind 200,000 regular troops, along with 150,000 additional troops from the Falcon, to garrison Hopeland, a crucial port city on the main thoroughfare. Meanwhile, the main domestic forces gathered inland to confront the Red Dragon Duke, with a combined force of approximately 900,000.
In this nearly one-year-long stranglehold battle, the Empire suffered nearly 600,000 casualties, while the Starlight Alliance suffered about 300,000. Although the exchange ratio is good, a new round of conscription has begun within the Empire. It is expected that in the second half of the year, about 1.5 million troops will gather south and head to the front line.
According to estimates by scholars in Clancy, after this round of conscription support, the Crimson Empire still has the energy to mobilize one last wave of support, which will be considered as reaching its limit.
Faced with this favorable situation, the veteran nobles within the Canghong Empire, who had previously been on the sidelines, gradually became interested and expressed their willingness to participate in the Empire's Western Expedition. As a result, the 1.5 million-strong support force included many elite regiments led by prominent nobles.
To celebrate and discuss the distribution of benefits in the occupied territories, the Emperor arrived in the southern province of Chixin, the heart of the Pascal family's fiefdom, in early July, preparing to hold a grand banquet. He invited numerous newly minted military nobles and established nobles alike, aiming to improve relations between the two sides and coordinate arrangements for future wars.
On July 15, a banquet was held at the Duke of Paska's Palace.
A giant dragon, fading crimson, flapped its wings and soared into the sunset, pulling the luxurious rose airship across the sky. Its pale silver metal deck reflected bursts of golden light in the setting sun.
The originally smooth metal shell is now decorated with bright red and lifelike rose vines, which are spread across every corner and surface of the airship, adding an elegant atmosphere.
The owner of this airship was none other than the Red Duke's youngest daughter, Ivetina Cang Pascal. Although she lacked the title of princess, this young lady resembled no other princess, possessing a beauty renowned among the southern nobility, but even more renowned for her willful and self-centered personality.
Although she was not easy to get along with, many nobles still said that this was the style of the Pascal family, bold and direct, and countless people rushed to pursue the Duke's daughter.
The airship slowly descended, and a girl wearing a long palace dress with layers of flowers walked out of the cabin. Supported by many maids, she walked step by step into the Duke's courtyard.
A ball was being held in the tall mansion hall, where teams of noble men and women in luxurious gowns were dancing gracefully.
Under the resplendent lights, intoxicating liquid rippled in delicate, transparent wine glasses. With the gentle clinking of glass, the wealthy and distinguished guests chatted with one another, occasionally letting out cheerful laughter. A full band played soothing music on a nearby stage, adding to the joyful atmosphere of the dance.
"Oh, this thing seems good."
A wealthy nobleman looked at the small speaker playing music beside him and exclaimed in admiration.
"These were made by those southern wizards. How about I give you a few? A few years ago, I recruited a few wizards who fled here to work for me in my manor. These people are actually very obedient." A blond man with a white scarf tied around his chest turned the small alchemical prop with his fingers.
"Oh, by the way, I also had them make some boxes that can produce ice, and alchemical artifacts that can boil their own water. These are very comfortable to use in winter and summer."
"Earl Eslan really knows how to enjoy life. I'm tempted by what he said. It's a pity that my fiefdom is in the north, so I didn't seize the opportunity a few years ago. Not to mention, these little gadgets made by these alchemists are quite useful." The wealthy noble continued to play with the small speaker at hand.
"Of course, making money is good too."
"Looks like I'll have to find a few alchemists to serve as servants to improve my image."
......
"Status? Hahaha, isn't he just a craftsman tinkering with gadgets? What status do they need? Just letting them live in the empire is a blessing."
"I think this is no different from gardeners and stonemasons building houses. These lower-class people just learned a few skills, but they think they are superior. It's really childish and ridiculous."
"Noble bloodline and honor are everything."
The banquet lasted for an hour, and as the atmosphere gradually heated up, several pairs of attendants in red walked down the inner stairs. Although they looked young, all of them were rare elite transcendents, almost all of them were above Sequence 5.
"His Majesty the Emperor has arrived~"
The eunuch's sharp and clear voice sounded, and then the music in the venue stopped, and everyone stood respectfully on both sides.
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