Chapter 560: Silent Preparations ( 560 )

Armand Region – Armand Estate, Armand Manor

Knock knock.

“Yes?” Garius’s calm voice sounded from inside his room.

“It’s me, my lord. Alf.”

“Oh… Come in, Alf.”

Alf entered slowly, respectfully bowing as he stepped into the room. Errinette stood just behind him, quiet yet attentive.

“What is it, Alf?” Garius smirked slightly, leaning comfortably with one hand resting on the table.

“My lord,” Alf began, a slight smile tugging at the corners of his mouth as he carefully took out a sealed letter and handed it to Garius.

Garius took the letter casually, setting it down on the table without opening it immediately.

“This is from my youngest son, correct?” Garius asked, looking knowingly at Alf.

“Yes, my lord,” Alf answered, smirking softly in return.

Errinette shook her head gently behind Alf, a small sigh escaping her lips.

These two are at it again, she thought quietly. Always playing their strategies, like children plotting their next prank.

Garius tapped his finger softly on the letter, his eyes warm yet filled with anticipation.

“So Alf… I believe this arrived just a few minutes ago?” Garius asked casually, still not opening the letter.

“Yes, my lord,” Alf replied with a slight nod. “Since our mana talkie signal doesn’t reach the Dwarven Kingdom—or any place outside the Armand Region—this letter and information were sent by Young Master Javier using his one-way drone again.”

Garius smirked, his fingers tapping on the unopened letter. “That brat of mine… I’m sure he’s already captured one of the three remaining Dwarven strongholds. And if my assumption is right, the Beastkin Kingdom has already taken over the first town and reclaimed Gilikan Town from Javier.”

He chuckled softly. “Which means… this letter likely contains his version of how things are progressing.”

Finally, Garius opened the letter and began reading.

Inside the letter:

First town secure — no survivor found.

Gilikan Town secure — 39 survivors from the Dwarves, currently handed over to the Beastkin army. I’ve stationed 500 of my knights to safeguard the town wall.

Now, I’ve managed to take over one of the Dwarven strongholds that was under assault from the Halfling Kingdom.

From my observation, the Dwarves have suffered too much. They’re starving.

I wanted to send a message to Gilikan Town, hoping the Beastkin could provide supplies and send them here… but it’s clearly impossible.

I cannot risk dragging the Beastkin Kingdom deeper into this conflict. After all, this is still a war between the Humans and the Dwarves… and separately, the Halflings and the Dwarves.

I don’t know what will happen to the last two Dwarven strongholds that are currently fighting against the Human Kingdom.

According to my scout drone’s observation, those strongholds are being forced to endure continuous aerial assaults—approximately 700 to 1,000 wyvern units attacking from the air.

The Dwarves are trying to defend themselves with less than 50 giant hawk riders.

The imbalance is obvious.

If I leave this current stronghold in order to assist and conquer the remaining two…

We don’t know what will happen here.

This place is fragile.

Even though they’ve surrendered, even though they’ve begun cooking and resting…

They’re still too weak.

Too hungry.

Too broken to defend themselves if something unexpected occurs.

So I’ll remain for now.

Until the situation is stable.

Then, I will decide the best course of action, whether to divide my knights, create a relay command post, or proceed alone again.

Garius narrowed his eyes slightly, his fingers gently tapping the table in thought.

“Alf?”

“Yes, my lord?” Alf responded with calm, unwavering tone, standing straight like a loyal shadow.

“It seems like he’s under tight pressure and moving solo with precise calculation… Should we assist him?”

Alf bowed slightly. “I’m sorry, my lord, but based on the latest report from our shadow intelligence unit…”

Erinette, standing behind Alf with arms crossed, remained quiet but attentive.

Alf continued, “It seems King Edmund… your former comrade, is now shifting his attention. He’s gathering a second wave, and preparing to dispatch it toward the Human–Beastkin Kingdom border.”

Garius leaned back on his chair, letting out a deep breath through his nose. “So… Edmund is planning to provoke the beastkin too. Just as I feared. ”

Erinette finally spoke, her voice calm yet sharp, “My lord, if Edmund moves troops to that border, it will no longer be a quiet preparation. That will become a declaration. One misstep, and war with the Beastkin Kingdom will be inevitable.”

Garius nodded. “Which is why Javier must not be disturbed. Not yet.”

He looked toward the letter again.

“Alf, Erinette… the real war hasn’t even begun. But when it does—when the celestial war finally surfaces in full—I need both of you and your units ready to move without hesitation.”

Alf and Erinette bowed simultaneously.

“As you command, my lord,” they replied in unison.

Garius folded his arms behind his back as he paced slowly across the room, his long cloak brushing the polished floor. His eyes held a deep glint of calculation.

“Now, Erinette,” he said calmly without turning.

“Yes, my lord?” Erinette replied, stepping forward slightly, her tone respectful yet ever composed.

“Status update on Liana and Gloria’s progress inside the special training chamber?”

Erinette gave a small nod. “According to Hesbeirn, they’ve both reached level 93. Just six more levels until the expected threshold is complete.”

“Excellent.” Garius allowed himself a small smile. “And what of Princess Mimi and Princess Delya?”

Erinette gave a light sigh. “Those two are still at level 72. Their progress is steady, though not as exceptional as Liana and Gloria. Understandable, considering their late start and… distraction.”

He then turned, eyes narrowing with thought. “But the focus is Liana and Gloria. I’m certain they’re itching to see Javier again.”

Erinette nodded with a faint smirk. “Undoubtedly. It’s fortunate, in a way, that Ari and Aria haven’t assisted them during this training. With their celestials sealed but harmonized inside them, Liana and Gloria are growing entirely on their own strength.”

“That’s the most important part,” Garius muttered, now fully serious again. “If they reached this level without celestial aid, then when the time comes… when Ari and Aria lend their true power…”

“Their strength will more than double,” Erinette completed the thought.

“Exactly,” Garius confirmed. “That level of power — without needing to devour a celestial — will be the key in what’s coming.”

He turned to face her fully.

“Prepare a contingency plan. We’ll keep the final celestial revelation secret for now. If word spreads… the entire world will come hunting.”

Erinette bowed her head, eyes sharp. “As you command, my lord.”

( End Of Chapter )

Have some idea about my story? Comment it and let me know.