Chapter 998: Chapter 436: The Siege of Montfort

When Laine and Surya, along with others, arrived at the meeting hall of Helunhilde, nearly all of the nobles participating in the Winford campaign were already present.

Count Antelme, Surya’s uncle, and several others were seated, there were more than a dozen Great Nobles in attendance. These people greeted Laine and Surya as they entered, and the couple responded to them one by one.

After marrying Surya, Laine was finally fully integrated into the core of this Duchy.

Many members of the Quenalis Champion Knights Brotherhood were present, here are a few extremely famous Legendary Knights.

The most renowned is undoubtedly Duke of Winford, "Long Legs" Francois, and his son-in-law "Pious" Count Glamorgan Laine.

Many other Legendary Knights also enjoy a reputation within the Kingdom and even the Old World.

Holy Grail Knight, Count Kuileu, Antelme of Ostai.

Paladin of Assarix, Sir Jerald, cousin of Francois.

Sir Geoffrey of "Disputer" Angleton, who once single-handedly slew a Giant Dragon named Skala.

"Wanderer" Tolan, this Expedition Knight fought a Ghoul King Scotos for two days and nights at Taiyinhe Pass.

Sir Leon of Tula, who once killed a powerful Vampire Baron.

Count Conde Renou, who once led a few Knights to utterly defeat the entire Goblin Tribe.

"Ghoul Slayer" Fastrick, this famous Knight led an entire Pegasus unit "Swift Pegasus Association" to assist Francois and Laine’s army in this war.

The meeting hall of Helunhilde Castle was full of talent, and stars were abundant. Today, these heroes who are celebrated in Brittania ballads, these creators of countless epic stories, gathered together.

They will jointly face this crisis.

"Laine, Surya, you’re here?" Duke of Winford Francois was examining the map. Seeing Laine, Surya, Armand, and Belgar arriving, Francois gestured: "Please sit."

"Hey~ guys, interested in hearing a story?" With so many Legendary Knights gathered, Dwarf King Belgar Iron Hammer’s eyes lit up. He thought if these people all went to join the expedition against Eight Peaks Mountain, defeating Scasnik and Headhunter Quik would be right around the corner!

"Save the story for later, Belgar... King." Count Kuileu Antelme addressed him as King, feeling awkward in doing so. This Dwarf King in front of him didn’t even have a fortress, yet dared to call himself King?

But that’s not the focus right now: "Laine, since you’re here, let’s introduce the current situation we’ve uncovered."

"How is the situation?" Laine gestured for Belgar to hold off on the storytelling, prioritizing urgent matters. Belgar shrugged and found his little stool. Belgar’s arrival was expected by Francois, with a heightened stool placed at a front position in the meeting hall.

The crowd began listening to Antelme explaining the situation.

Laine sat down with Surya, holding her small hand. The Lady Knight placed her hand on his large one to show that she was fine. The couple exchanged smiles and began listening.

"Two days ago, Duke of Montfort Fulcard sent out a plea for help to all of Brittania. A massive Undead Army emerged entirely from the Black Stone Stronghold of the Gray Mountain Range, targeting Montefel Castle located at Axe Bite Pass." A huge map of Brittania hung on the wall, Antelme pointed to Montefel Castle located at Axe Bite Pass and said: "At first, Duke Fulcard thought the enemy was launching a probing attack on his Duchy. Fulcard himself is battle-hardened. He was not complacent and assembled a three-thousand-strong army led by two hundred Knights to go on an expedition, with orders to retreat immediately if the battle situation turned unfavorable."

"On the plains near Sodden Town by the upper reaches of the Grismore River, this army encountered the Undead Army. The battle resulted in the immediate encirclement by the Undead Army, leaving fewer than a hundred Knights and two hundred peasants to retreat."

"Knowing the severity of the situation, Duke Fulcard immediately issued an order for scorched-earth tactics. He commanded all peasants and nobles along the path of the Undead Army’s advance to immediately seek refuge at Montefel Castle. Duke Fulcard himself led the Duchy’s knights to temporarily repel a small vanguard of the Undead Army at Pusey Town and assisted the refugees in retreating. According to scout reports, the number of the Undead Army is staggering, initially estimated at over fifty thousand. Duke Fulcard knew his army was insufficient to counter the Undead Army, so he asked for help from the King and all Dukes!"

"Has there been any response from the King?" Francois frowned, personally asking as the Duke of Winford.

"Regent Lorne received the plea for help. His response was to have Duke Fulcard temporarily hold the line as the whole Kingdom is currently engaged in the autumn harvest and lacks the capability to immediately organize a Knight Army. He has asked the Dukes in the north to rally their armies together. Before facing the threat of the Undead Army, the army must be properly assembled and reorganized. Any piecemeal support would only increase the numbers for the Undead Army." Antelme said.

"Correct judgment." Laine, sitting by the round table, nodded in agreement. Lorne’s approach might seem rather heartless, but his approach was undoubtedly correct.