In the Name of Empress

Chapter 688 388: As Long as Skyrim Province Can Be Saved

Skyrim Province's capital, New Bodenburg.

In the government hall, Governor Rivers of Skyrim Province is receiving distinguished guests.

He never dreamed that the absurd sounding war report from the frontline at Rama Town was true.

Just two days ago, he received the war report from the front.

A hundred thousand Yehu forces attacked Rama Town; Mayor Hails and Sheriff cum Garrison Commander Hamos, under Viscount Dorothy's guidance, abandoned the town and evacuated the people to avoid major losses.

In the ensuing battle, they led the garrison in desperate resistance, inflicting damage on thousands of Yehu soldiers.

Just as the situation became critical, Viscount Dorothy stepped in, with Holy Light descending, and the entire Yehu army was annihilated.

Seeing this war report, Governor Rivers was furious, almost ordering the military police to arrest those two for false military reporting on the spot.

But he held back, only summoning them to return immediately to report.

It was utter nonsense; there are only a few people in the world capable of destroying nearly a hundred thousand Yehu, all of them apex power figures of influential races, impossible to appear in the barren land of Skyrim Province.

He could not imagine seeing formidable figures like Sofia, Roland in Skyrim Province.

Until the so-called "Viscount Dorothy" arrived in New Bodenburg.

With intense skepticism, Governor Rivers met Viscount Dorothy.

The moment he saw the Viscount, his knees weakened, and he kneeled on one knee.

"Chairman, why have you come?"

Looking at the sweaty Rivers, Roland smiled and gestured for him to stand.

"Why I came isn't important, you can even think of it as a vacation."

Permitted by Roland, Rivers cautiously stood up, inwardly somewhat dismissive.

A vacation?

Such nonsense might fool someone uninformed.

However, with tact, he did not refute but instead followed Roland's line, even recommending nearby tourist spots.

For instance...

After pondering for a moment, Rivers said somewhat dejectedly, "The city layout of New Bodenburg is quite similar to Bodenburg and Pine Forest City. With your discerning eye, I fear this might not seem like a good tourist destination."

"Not necessarily, I never thought visiting predesigned places was necessary for tourism. The greatest pleasure of travel is exploration and the unknown. If I planned it all beforehand, I might even feel there's no need to go," Roland said with a smile.

Rivers did not agree with Roland's viewpoint.

This is the South Continent, not the core zone of the Rodinia Continent.

Travelling in unplanned areas in the South Continent is likely to encounter danger.

Roland, being extraordinarily powerful, alone could shatter tens of thousands of Yehu, is unlikely to face danger, yet others following his style of travel sooner or later would be taught harsh lessons by savage cannibal natives.

Given that Viscount Dorothy is Roland, Rivers unraveled his prior doubts.

He certainly has the ability to shatter an entire Yehu army.

Hamos and Hails might have exaggerated the enemy casualties somewhat, but the progress of the war is reliable.

Confirming that they had not lied, Rivers did not feel the slightest relief; in fact, he became even more troubled.

"Chairman, you were on the battlefield, and I would like to understand the battlefield situation; is it convenient?"

"Of course, no problem. We are all part of the Rodinia Alliance, no need to be so formal."

Roland came to New Bodenburg to remind Governor Rivers and Skyrim Province's military and political officials to understand the severity of the situation and avoid misjudgment.

He described the day's battle situation in detail.

Rivers' face turned exceptionally grim; he dared not doubt Roland's words, but...

"Chairman, I completely trust your judgment yet find some aspects difficult to accept."

Seeing Rivers' expression change from proud to distressed, Roland understood his suffering well.

He would also feel troubled.

Originally planning to expand the Kingdom's territory and establish esteemed military accomplishments, yet now fearing even losing control of Skyrim Province, who wouldn't feel head-splitting?

And this wasn't even his personal fault.

Yet sympathy aside, Roland did not intend to deeply intervene in this matter.

This is, after all, an internal affair of the Prudon Kingdom. He holds no office in the Prudon Kingdom; interfering too much might not be appreciated by others; he also doesn't want to make an awkward situation.

If asked to handle matters, compensation must be made.

The cost of preserving Skyrim Province is not low.

Seeing Rivers silent for a long time, Roland deliberately changed the topic, smiling as he asked, "Mr. Rivers, how do you plan to respond?"

"Sir Roland, this is a domestic matter and should not burden you; since you wish to know, I will briefly report according to Alliance rules."

Rivers stood up, clearing his throat, and after organizing his thoughts, reported his handling approach to Roland.

Running away is not an option.

This is the southernmost part of the South Continent; if one wishes to return to the homeland by land, it implies passing through the territories of Yehu, Centaurs, and various barbarian races, posing a high risk.

Previously, logistics posed the greatest challenge on this path; now, someone is backing the barbarians, making free passage through their territories nearly impossible.

Taking this route almost ensures not returning home, with significant losses.

Before he reaches Pine Forest, the soldiers might rebel.

Land routes are blocked, and sea routes similarly pose danger.

The Prudon Kingdom's naval strength ranks lowest among the major countries of Rodinia, with each seafaring venture being an arduous test for the kingdom's navy.

The vessels they traveled to Skyrim Province were mostly leased from countries like Sussex, even secured through bribery to gain protection from Ocean Generals along the way.