The Herb King

"What?!" Emperor Ragnar was shocked when he heard Prince Renz' report. He finally knew why he was feeling on edge lately. 'So it was because of this...' He muttered in his heart.

The emperor stared at the first prince and asked. "How did you know about this?" It was impossible for the first prince to know about the movements of the two empires since he had just arrived in Lion City.

Prince Renz suddenly let out a smile as he recalled Aethewolf's figure. "Remember the guy you told me not to provoke? It's him. He sent his subordinates to track the movements of the Dustin Empire and the Ford Empire. I just happen to be there when he got the report from his subordinates."

"You mean Aethelwolf?" Emperor Ragnar furrowed his eyebrows. "Is the Lassiter Household already that strong?" He has been busy lately and all his attention was focused on other things so he didn't know much about Aethelwolf's matters.

Emperor Ragnar also sent his subordinates to monitor the two empires, but they haven't reported back to him yet. Their efficiency is nothing compared to Aethelwolf's subordinates.

Prince Renz shook his head and smiled wryly as he said. "His people are strong, but Aethelwolf is even more mysterious. That guy managed to see through my strength after I was momentarily distracted. I tried to discern his power, but I failed to uncover anything. I couldn't even sense an ounce of world essence from his body."

"Don't worry about him. Aethelwolf is one of our own. Besides, even Dimitri failed to see through him." Emperor Ragnar said.

"Oh? Even Sir Dimitri failed?" Prince Renz was surprised to hear this.

Emperor Ragnar nodded his head. "Let's talk about Aethelwolf another time. For now, we should focus our attention on the more important things."

"I'll hold a meeting with Duke Baron and the other leaders of the main army. I think we could come up with a better plan if we listen to their opinions. I'll invite Aethelwolf to join us as well. I just hope that the guy would not decline my invitation." Prince Renz muttered.

"Alright. I'll leave this matter in your hands. I'll handle the domestic issues." Emperor Ragnar waved his hand and dismissed him. "You may leave."

"Yes, Your Majesty!" The first prince saluted the emperor before he left.

***

Meanwhile, Ramiel also reported the same thing to the commander-in-chief of the main army.

"Chief, that's what I heard." Ramiel reported in a solemn tone while looking at the expression of the Duke.

Duke Baron frowned and asked. "Where did you get this information?" The first one to know such things should be the imperial family since their intelligence department is the most efficient in the whole Leone Empire, so how did Ramiel know it before the imperial family could hear it?

Ramiel thought for a moment before he answered. "Our Lassiter Household has an intelligence unit and Sir Aethelwolf sent them to monitor the movements of the Ford Empire and the Dustin Empire. I got the report from them." He made sure that he wouldn't say anything more about their intelligence unit. Although he was a citizen of the Leone Empire, he was more loyal to the Lassiter Household and Aethelwolf.

Hearing this, Duke Baron turned silent.

Not long later, he glanced at Ramiel and said. "Gather the Legion Commanders and the Company Commanders. We need to discuss this with them."

"Yes, Chief!" Ramiel saluted.

***

In the distant woods thousands of miles away from Vale City, there was a temporary camp built by a large army.

In the middle of the camp was the largest tent where the army's Grand General was resting, two people were discussing inside.

"Grand General, with our marching speed, we should reach Vale City in five days. If we shorten our resting period, we will be there in four days."

"Is that so? Then tell our men that we will shorten the resting time. I sensed the auras of a few unfamiliar people earlier. I think the Leone Empire has already discovered us. We must make haste and attack Vale City as soon as possible!" The person speaking was the Grand General of the Ford Empire, Lexter Ford, a peak stage Level 4 Esper!

"Yes, Sir!" The soldier left after getting his order.

Lexter stood up from his seat, showing a strong figure. He walked out of his tent and observed the soldiers outside with a stern look on his face. He then took out a Communication Rune from his pocket and activated it. The inscriptions on the rune lit up, followed by static noises. "My friend, we are picking up our pace. We will attack Vale City in four days. You should prepare your men as well."

"Alright. We will launch an attack on Lion City the moment the Leone Empire sends reinforcements to Vale City." A cold voice could be heard coming from the Communication Rune.

"Tell your men to observe the surroundings carefully. Our plan will fail if your tracks are exposed." Lexter warned.

"Hmph!" A snorting sound echoed. "You don't need to tell me. Just remember what you promised. You guys will only be taking the family heirloom of the Leone Imperial Family. The rest will be taken by our Dustin Empire!"

Lexter's eyes revealed a cold glint upon hearing this. He was angry, but they needed the power of the Dustin Empire so he swallowed his rage. "We never go back on our words." He muttered before deactivating the Communication Rune.

"That fuck*ng arrogant bastard! I'll deal with you after we get our hands on that Divine-Rated relic!" Lexter muttered with a dark look on his face.

Suddenly, he heard a series of footsteps behind him.

"Grand General, Gustavo and his men have arrived. They will be here in a few minutes." A soldier reported to him.

Hearing this, Lexter furrowed his eyebrows. "Gustavo? Alright. Bring them to my tent later." He said.

"Yes, Sir!"

"Gustavo, oh Gustavo... I was lacking cannon fodders and you came just right on time." Lexter grinned.