A fragile alliance was temporarily signed, and afterward, a large map of Brittania was spread out on the wooden table of an abandoned villa.

The Undead Grand Mage Kemler extended his filthy hands, withered and bony like dried branches, fingers long with lengthy fingernails filled with grime, which Matthew Bade found quite disgusting. 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

In contrast, Kemler also found Matthew Bade’s powdered face, finely trimmed edges, and ceremonious actions laughable. To the Undead Mage, only Magic and power were the truths of everything, the ultimate pursuits, while the rest was mere illusion.

For power, Kemler didn’t mind aligning with Chaos; it was merely a means to gain strength.

With individual agendas, the allies finally stood before the map, observing the current situation.

The situation for the Vampires was already quite perilous. Musillon resembled an isolated island amid the vast ocean. Since the era of the former king, the Brittania people had established an entire quarantine line along Musillon, composed of castles and walls. This quarantine might not completely contain Musillon’s Undead Legion within that cursed land, but it’s enough for Matthew Bade’s forces to expend great effort to breach the front and instantly alert the entire Knight Kingdom of the movement.

Therefore, Matthew Bade could not easily mobilize Musillon’s Undead Army. Initially, the main forces deployed had to rely on Kemler’s Ancient Tomb Legion.

"If possible, I really wish to attack Bastogne directly to the west." The Undead Grand Mage pointed to Bastogne Castle, not far west of Black Stone Stronghold, where Duke Bohemond and his Red Dragon Family currently resided atop the high stone mountain.

"Attacking Bastogne now is not a wise choice," Matthew Bade shook his head, "The Bastogne Duchy is a very special place. It’s the land of origin for Brittania, home to the most Holy Grail Pilgrims and Expedition Knights. The false family heraldry regarding Arthur there can bewilder even a true Master of Heraldry. Furthermore, Brittania’s south has been prospering and thriving all these years. Seeing the quota tax reforms led by Count Laine Macado, many dukes have adopted similar reforms under the guise of Lake Jade Pool. Bastogne is currently fervently implementing the quota tax reform. I dare say if we attack southward now, both the knights and peasants there will surely grab weapons and fight us desperately."

(Bastogne is the originating land of the First Knight King Arthur and the most important pilgrimage site for Expedition Knights. Because of this, the duchy has many counterfeit Arthur family crests. Almost every lord claims that his land contains battle experiences and relics left by Arthur, akin to how many restaurants in the Celestial Dynasty’s south claim to have been visited by Kangxi or Qianlong. It’s hard to ascertain their authenticity and impossible to press on this.)

"What’s wrong with that? The more die, the more we can resurrect, forming a new army." Hearing the Duke of Musillon’s words, the Undead Grand Mage felt he understood, yet Kemler had the intention of testing Matthew Bade’s capabilities, so he feigned surprise: "This fits our plan."

After hearing Kemler’s words, Matthew Bade immediately understood it was a test. As a former Brittania Knight and godson of Akhan, Matthew Bade was well-acquainted with this country. Unperturbed, he continued: "Yes, indeed, after you revive a certain number of the dead, you’ll have to face Laine and Francois, plus the Dwarf Clan’s alliance. Added to that is Duke Bohemond and his Red Dragon Knight Brotherhood. I believe your Ancient Tomb Legion isn’t capable of such a task. I’m not belittling you, Lord Kemler, but I must say we have better options."

The alliance of the Undead was newly established, and Matthew Bade and Kemler still needed each other. Matthew Bade knew he had to offer something substantial; otherwise, gaining Kemler’s trust would be difficult.

"Better options? We could attack Paragon to the south or advance north to Montfort." Kemler stepped briskly past Matthew Bade, with his Noisy Staff incessantly chattering about something.

"Due to the Chaos Invasion early last year, the country’s army was severely depleted, particularly in the kingdom’s north. Leonais not only descended into internal division but also experienced significant production setbacks. The new Duke Aldred is already overwhelmed by the peasant rebellion. Yet, crossing Arden Forest is nearly impossible for the Connet Duchy and Le Anglong Duchy," Matthew Bade’s fingers moved along the Gray Mountain Range, "So, we have two ideal targets for attack."

"Montfort, or Jisoleox." Kemler’s deep gaze moved along the Gray Mountain Range, whispering, "But if we do this, are you sure it won’t draw aid from Bastogne?"

"As long as we’re fast enough, it won’t." Matthew Bade pointed at the borders of Jisoleox and Montfort with Bastogne, a grin forming at the corners of his mouth, "Historically until now, the relations among these three duchies have been poor. Both the Montfort Duchy and Jisoleox Duchy covet Bastogne’s expansive plains. Although large-scale conflicts are absent, sporadic clashes among barons and counts on both sides have never ceased. If we act swiftly, knights’ pride and arrogance ensure they won’t have time to reinforce each other."