novelraw Chapter 395 : War Begins
Chapter 395 : War Begins
Chapter 395: War Begins
The Prince left by ship, personally seen off by Hughes.
He handed over a copy of the Imperial Truth Holy Text into the Prince’s hands, along with a full set of advanced class textbooks.
Castel had now completely implemented advanced class education among its people. Almost everyone had studied at least one advanced class subject, and most factories’ hiring thresholds required applicants to pass assessments in relevant specializations.
Although it was common education for Castel, to the outside world this was extremely precious knowledge.
Knowledge without errors, knowledge that would not trigger cognitive interference, knowledge that was complete and systematic.
The Prince naturally understood the value of these things. He received the gift with solemnity and expressed his gratitude to Hughes.
Had it been someone else, Hughes might not have gifted these books. After all, all knowledge inevitably carried contamination. Even if one obtained correct knowledge, a single careless step could still bring pollution’s descent upon the world.
When soap was first made, the process had been simple to the extreme, without the slightest error in the steps. Yet because the effect of soap had not been explained in advance, it had directly triggered cognitive interference.
Only a lord like the Prince, one who could exercise near-absolute control over his territory, had the possibility of implementing universal education.
In this world, universal education was the foundation of industry. Without skilled industrial workers, no matter how many factories there were, they would remain empty shells. Not only could they not provide production capacity, they could easily ruin an entire territory—for cognitive interference was no joking matter.
Hughes had spent untold effort to push for universal education. The Prince had both the ability and the desire to pursue this path, and he was almost the only hope Hughes saw.
Aside from these, Hughes also sent over a large amount of construction material to help rebuild Blood Harbor.
The Prince had always been busy with other matters and had not paid attention. Until now, he still thought Castel’s concrete was nothing more than ordinary cement. Surely, he would soon receive a surprise.
Even so, Hughes still intended to tightly control the export of concrete.
This material could genuinely cause Castel trouble. Hughes prepared to export only cement, but would not provide the related knowledge for concrete strong enough to withstand aerial bombardment.
The cement exported could be used for ordinary construction, nothing more. Even if the Prince built reinforced frameworks, the resulting structures would still be limited in strength.
Of course, such limitation was from Castel’s perspective. Against musket fire, this was already a groundbreaking invention.
Just think—fortifications that could solidify within hours. Hughes hoped the Prince would not faint from happiness. At the very least, this meant the front lines between Tis and the Empire could hold out longer.
For Castel, it was best if Tis and the Empire were evenly matched, neither side able to overcome the other, keeping the flames of war firmly pressed west of Tis. For this purpose, not to mention cement, Hughes would not even mind supplying some munitions directly.
When Hughes waved farewell to the Prince, he had thought that for a while he would not see this Lord of Blood Harbor again. But before long, he received bad news.
That Ironclad Warship, after arriving in Blood Harbor, stayed a few days to unload cargo, then carried part of the Mystics back.
Yet on this ship came an unexpected guest.
Hughes sat in his office, curiously sizing up Galahad.
This knight of the Prince, who also served as his deputy in managing Blood Harbor, in truth acted more as a steward and civil bureaucrat. Hughes’ people had inquired into much about him and knew Galahad held real authority in Blood Harbor’s governance.
It was precisely the critical stage of Blood Harbor’s reconstruction—why had he come here?
And alone at that, boarding the ship with the claim that he bore urgent news, requesting immediate audience with Hughes.
The situation made Hughes a little nervous—why did it sound like an assassin’s final mission?
What was more, Galahad was an Extraordinary.
Though unlikely in reason, Hughes still chose caution.
In the office next door, separated only by a wall, several fully armed Banshees were waiting on standby. Should conflict break out, they could charge in at once to protect Hughes.
What, no door? This was the interior of a church, not an outer wall. To a Banshee, a single-layer wall was no different from paper. Besides, they could even use Fossil to Mud.
Hughes’ thoughts wandered wildly.
Galahad did not notice these details. His expression was solemn. After saluting Hughes, he spoke in a deep voice.
“Earl, His Highness William, after discussing matters with you in Blood Harbor, sent letters to the North.”
“We took your request extremely seriously. The messenger chosen was the most experienced, riding the finest horse—since Blood Harbor had no livestock, it was requisitioned from a nearby town.”
“By riding day and night without pause, the letters soon reached the hands of the northern lords.”
“To be precise, to Earl Bazel. Miss Nora’s resistance army is currently stationed in his territory. But I must explain—these northern four fiefs now stand as an alliance, advancing and retreating together. Their decisions reflect the collective will of several lords.”
The four northern fiefs were in fact controlled by the Three Grand Dukes of the North along with one Frontier Count, Earl Bazel. Even before the Empress’ assassination, they had tacitly formed a mutual protection pact.
The moment news of the Empress’ assassination spread, they were first to split from the Empire, declaring independence. The Church seemed to have come to terms with them. Even the Silent Sanctum, which had fought battles against them, chose to retreat.
The Prince had raised the banner of rebellion against the Empire. These lords had chosen to ally with him—but only verbally. After all, Tis was the frontline against the Empire. If the Principality of Tis were destroyed by the Church, the battlefront would be pushed straight to the North.
Hughes nodded.
“So they refused?”
“Yes, my lord. They rudely and arrogantly refused. It was an act of great offense and folly.”
“His Highness William has already executed their envoy in public. The man’s head now hangs on the gates of Blood Harbor. His Highness declared war on the Northern Four Fiefs. At present, all trade routes to the North have been severed. We have established checkpoints at the frontier to ensure not a scrap of supplies flows north.”
Hughes raised his brows in surprise.
The Prince’s reaction… was rather extreme.
Was he trying to please Castel? But they had spoken of this earlier, and the Prince had known Tis was preparing to send troops.
If this was merely to find a pretext for breaking an alliance, there was no need to act so decisively.
Strange. Why was he doing this?
Galahad stepped forward and handed over a letter.
Hughes glanced through it. It was Earl Bazel’s reply. The wording was still courteous, yet it clearly rejected the Prince’s request for release.
There was a hint of sarcasm, plainly mocking the Prince for overreaching into matters beyond his concern.
Nothing seemed wrong here.
Even upon reading to the end of the letter, Hughes still did not understand what change had taken place.
【…Most regrettably, your letter came a little late. We have already defeated Nora’s resistance army, and we send along a small gift.】
Galahad stepped forward once again, presenting a finely crafted box.
Hughes reached out to open it—and at once, his gaze froze.
Inside the box lay a young girl’s severed head. Her white hair had been tied in a knot, filling the box. That once-familiar face was now at rest, eyes closed, her expression serene.
Nora.