My Kingdom Building Done Right!
Chapter 264: At Least You Can See The Bigger Picture
When Troy, Jafar, and the tribe’s Elders arrived near the defensive walls of the Aslan Tribe, Kael didn’t hesitate to give the order to open the gates, allowing them entry.
They were then escorted to the villas of the high-ranking tribes.
All the chieftains, the heirs, and the Elders of the other tribes were already gathered there to discuss what they should do in the upcoming battle.
When Troy and Jafar arrived, they finally saw Leone, who was seated at the head of the table, with Kael and Brann standing by his side.
This was their first time meeting the young man face to face, and they had to admit that he was far younger than they expected.
"Please sit," Leone said calmly. "We are currently discussing how we should deal with the monster army."
Troy noticed that everyone was looking in his direction, so he had no choice but to take a seat and join the meeting.
Logan was also seated right beside Leone. The orc was easily the biggest person there, towering above everyone else, and his crossed arms made him look even more intimidating.
If Troy and Jafar even made a single move to harm Leone, he would crush their skulls without thinking twice.
"The monster stampede is coming," Leone declared in a serious tone. "Do not ask me how and why I know of it. Just know that it’s a fact and that there’s nothing we can do about it but prepare for its arrival."
The Aslan Tribe had many secrets. Although he had no choice but to reveal it to Hagen, Malik, Godwin, and Gundar, he didn’t have any intention of revealing it to the rest of the tribes.
"According to our rough estimate, they would enter the Borderlands within two days," Leone added. "Also, while it is not yet confirmed, I believe these monsters are being led by the Bonegnash Tribe.
"We have seen a few riders observing the war between the Darkmane Tribe and the Aslan Tribe from a distance. And these same riders headed toward the west before meeting up with a group of people wearing similar clothing.
"Since they were all wearing robes to cover their bodies, we cannot confirm that they truly belong to the Bonegnash Tribe. We simply thought it was them after a process of elimination."
Since all the chieftains of the Borderlands, with the exception of the Bonegnash Tribe, were currently gathered at the Aslan Tribe, it was safe to assume that none of them had a connection to these unknown riders.
Troy and Jafar exchanged glances at each other at those words because they knew some secrets about their neighbor, who only acted friendly on the surface.
"Based on the route that they are taking right now, they would first arrive at the location of the Ironhide Tribe’s camp," Leone said before shifting his gaze toward Garen, who was its chieftain.
Garen already had beads of sweat forming on his forehead after hearing the news. The only saving grace was that he had ordered his people to evacuate to Eden just in time to escape a terrible fate.
"After passing through the Ironhide Tribe, they will probably head over to the Redmaw and Grimfang Tribe," Leone stated. "From there, they could split their forces to head to the other tribes. Though, if I were to make a guess, there is a very high chance that they will head to our location.
"The Bonegnash Tribe might be aiming to wipe out both the Aslan Tribe and the Darkmane Tribe, as we were supposed to still be at war with each other."
For a moment, no one spoke. Not even Troy and Jafar, both of whom had begun to understand the direness of the situation.
Only after a few minutes did someone speak their mind, and this person was none other than Troy.
"So what’s the plan?" Troy asked coldly. "Are you planning to use us as cannon fodder?"
"Do you want to become cannon fodder?" Leone asked back, his voice firm and steady.
"Of course not," Troy replied. "Though I’m sure you won’t allow us to take shelter inside your fortress, will you?"
"You and I both know that what you speak of is not possible," Leone answered. "However, Great Uncle told me that this is not the time to fight among each other, especially since there is an external threat that could threaten to wipe us all out."
"At least you can see the bigger picture." Troy crossed his arms over his chest. "So, what do you have in mind for us?"
Leone held the Darkmane Tribe chieftain’s gaze before giving his reply. "We cannot allow you to enter our fortress because we cannot trust you.
"But it is also true that watching your army get massacred by monsters is not something the chieftains of the other tribes wish to see. So, I have decided to make a compromise. Kael... please do it."
"Yes, Great Chieftain!" Kael replied before walking toward the edge of the balcony.
He then raised his right hand while looking to the left side of the burned forest.
A moment later, towering walls rose up, forming a fortress that could easily fit twenty thousand people.
Everyone’s eyes widened in shock after seeing this scene, while Kael maintained an aloof expression as he slowly lowered his right hand.
"It is done, Great Chieftain." Kael bowed respectfully to Leone.
"Well done, Kael," Leone replied. "You really are my left-hand man."
He then shifted his attention toward the shocked people, who still couldn’t believe what had just happened.
"Those walls have the same height and thickness as the defensive walls you failed to break," Leone said with a smile. "However, unlike the walls of the Aslan Tribe, those walls can break. Of course, rest assured. They will not break easily. If anything, it will take at least ten to twelve rounds of bombardment from your Fire Catapults to break it down."
"W-We can use that fortress?" Troy asked in disbelief.
"Yes," Leone replied. "We will also return thirteen of your Fire Catapults so that you can use them in battle. The plan is really simple. Both fortresses will fight the enemies at the same time. Since the range of the Fire Catapults can reach that fortress in the distance, we can support you with cover fire.
"Also, I am aware that you are running low on food and other supplies. This time, the Aslan Tribe will provide you with grains and barrels of water that will last you a week."
Hearing those words, Godwin, Hagen, and Malik looked at Leone as if he were some kind of saint. The chieftains of the middle-ranked tribes also gazed at the young man, wondering how he could do all of these things without batting an eye.
"It seems that I have underestimated you too much, Chieftain of the Aslan Tribe." Troy sighed. "I can see now why I lost. You really meant it when you said that we are only dancing in the palm of your hand."
Leone neither confirmed nor denied Troy’s statement. The young man knew that he was only able to reach this stage because his vassals were very capable.
If Otto hadn’t gotten the Prestige Class, Horizon Archer, there was no way he could’ve pressured the Darkmane Tribe so easily.
Or if Hassan, Blitz, and Arion weren’t around, he wouldn’t be able to burn Darkmane City to the ground.
Aside from that, the Orcs also gave him a sense of security since they were undoubtedly strong warriors. With them around, Leone knew they were in good hands.
"We only have two days to prepare," Leone stated. "During that time, we must do everything in our power to ensure that we will survive this calamity. Great Uncle has already left to warn the other tribes of the impending danger.
"We have already done the best we can do. With that, the only thing left for us to do is stop the monster stampede in its tracks."
"That’s right." Troy nodded. "And when this war is over, I wish to ally with the Aslan Tribe. Will you accept it, Leone Frontera?"
"...Let’s talk about it after we survive this calamity," Leone replied.
Leone knew that Troy was only offering him an alliance because he had yet to learn that Darkmane City had already burned down.
If Troy knew what was waiting for him back home, the last thing that would be on his mind was to ally with Leone.
No. Instead, he would go all-out to fight against the Aslan Tribe, even if it led to the complete annihilation of the Darkmane Tribe’s army.
The young man knew that an alliance with the Darkmane Tribe was no longer possible.
In fact, he had a feeling that after the monster stampede ended... the Darkmane Tribe would cease to exist.