My Kingdom Building Done Right!

Chapter 87: Being Young Also Makes People Bold

The discovery of the Aetherium Ore was a game changer, updating Leone’s plans to arm his troops with good weapons and armors.

Daedalus had the ability to instantly create anything as long as it had the necessary materials. On top of that, it could also use extra materials to add features to weapons and armors, enhancing their quality and performance.

"If we knew about this sooner, I might have chosen the Heavy Armor Blueprint instead!" Leone sighed.

"Don’t think about it that way, Leone," Daedalus replied calmly. "Don’t forget that Barbarians have their own way of fighting. They aren’t knights who prefer and are trained to have entire bodies covered in full plate armor.

"You made the right choice with what you had back then, so don’t regret your decision. Plus, look at the bright side. Now that we have Aetherium, we can upgrade the armors and weapons we’re planning to craft. This will make them easier for our warriors to use."

Leone nodded. "You’re right, Daedalus. So, how is the procurement of iron and the other materials going? Is everything proceeding as scheduled?"

"Time is a bit tight, but I believe we can complete the mission before the representatives of the middle-ranked tribes come to ask for their tribute," Daedalus answered. "But we will hide them, right? We don’t want to let others see our trump cards."

"Of course, we will," Leone replied. "I’m a little worried about our meeting with their representatives. But if things go smoothly, we won’t have to worry about anything for at least half a year. It’s just that..."

"What?" Daedalus tilted its body.

"Anxiety lingers whenever I think of that meeting, and I can’t get rid of that feeling," Leone answered. "I’m usually optimistic. However, this is one of the few cases when I can’t think positively about something."

The grimoire didn’t reply right away as it hovered in front of its Master.

"I understand." Daedalus nodded. "How about we start discussing what to do if the worst case scenario comes to pass? For example, we can come up with a countermeasure if the meeting with the middle-ranking tribes doesn’t end well. Having other options is important too."

"Daedalus... do you really think the meeting won’t end well?"

"I can’t say for certain if it will end well or not. But you’ve been worrying about this matter too much. Shouldn’t we just accept that there are things beyond our control? When they come here, if they really make things difficult for us, we have no choice but to stand our ground."

"You already told us what you had seen in your vision, and I can tell you that the chance of that happening is really high. And so what? If that is your destiny, all you need to do is change it!"

Leone smiled wryly. "You make it sound so easy."

"Of course, it’s not easy." Daedalus shook its body. "Life is never easy, even more so for those who have chosen the path of Kingship. Truth be told, I have already come up with a few ideas about what we should do just in case the meeting with the representatives goes south."

"I’m all ears," Leone said in a serious tone.

"Okay, listen up!" Daedalus then started to explain countermeasures they could take just in case they had no choice but to fight against the middle-ranked tribes.

After hearing what the grimoire had in mind, Leone shared his own ideas, polishing the suggestions Daedalus had listed.

The two then continued to brainstorm together, even calling Leone’s other vassals to ask for their input.

Of course, they didn’t include Gundar in the meeting. The hypothetical battle didn’t concern the old shaman, or the Grimhowl Tribe for that matter.

Kael gave a few insidious suggestions while wearing a devilish smile on his face.

"Finally, all my pent-up frustrations over the years can be avenged." Kael chuckled softly. "But remember, My Lord. Even if I want to strangle those bastards to oblivion, it must only be done as a last resort."

"Of course." Leone nodded. "What we need is time to prepare. As long as we are given enough time to grow, we won’t have to fear any of the middle-ranked tribes. In fact, it’s safe to say that we will be treated as a middle-ranked tribe if we are given a year to grow our forces."

Ulric and Jason nodded in agreement.

"However, if they go out of line and do something unreasonable, I want you all to act as discussed." Leone reminded them of the countermeasures they had just discussed.

""Yes, Great Chieftain!""

"Jason, I will buy ten more pickaxes. Pick ten more people to help in the digging efforts," Leone ordered. "Dig a spacious cavern that can fit the Riverfang Tribe and the Black Wolf Tribe, so they can live with us inside the cave."

"Yes, My Lord." Jason nodded.

If a war between them and the middle-ranked tribes really broke, it was impossible for them to defend the barracks with their numbers.

This meant that they would need to evacuate their people to the cave and strengthen their fortifications around the mountain.

But Leone had no plans of doing that now. He would let their enemies first think they could overpower them easily and only make the changes after they had returned to their tribes to prepare for war.

Little by little, Leone and his other vassals regained their confidence. Although they might not be able to win against their enemies, they would definitely not lose to them either.

At most, it would end in a draw, which the middle-ranked tribes would treat as their own defeat.

The high-ranking tribes would also recognize their faction as a middle-ranked power in the Borderlands.

As Leone and his people worked hard everyday to prepare for any problems that might arise in the future, the day of Gundar’s departure finally came.

"Leone, before I go, I want to tell you something," Gundar said as he placed his right hand on the young man’s shoulder.

"What is it, Great Uncle?" Leone replied.

"Please, do not do anything reckless," Gundar stated. "You are still young, and your future is bright. But being young also makes people bold. I hope that you will not make a decision you will regret in the future."

"Great Uncle." Leone placed his right hand over the hand of the old man. "I will not promise you anything. However, I will do my best to control my emotions and handle the meeting with the middle-ranked tribes as peacefully as possible."

"Good." Gundar nodded. "I originally planned to come here when these representatives arrive, but I can no longer do that. My chieftain will not allow me to meddle in these matters since we have other things to worry about. The high-ranking tribes also have their own political battles, and I must be there to help my tribe overcome them."

"I understand, Great Uncle." Leone smiled. "Please be at ease. I look forward to meeting you in the future."

"I also look forward to that day, Leone." Gundar lightly patted the young man’s head before calling out to his giant hawk, Soren.

After the old shaman had climbed on the back of his flying mount, he gave Ulric, Kael, and Jason a long and hard stare.

"Your Great Chieftain is still young," Gundar said calmly. "Ulric and Kael, as his Elders, I hope you will give him proper advice."

"I will," Kael smiled. "Don’t worry. As long as I’m here, I will not allow our Lord to be taken advantage of."

Ulric also nodded. "We will protect him at the cost of our lives. You have nothing to worry about, Great Uncle."

Gundar smiled faintly. "See you all in the gathering of the tribes."

After bidding his farewell, the giant hawk let out a screech before taking off to the sky.

As Grimjaw Mountain slowly shrunk into the horizon, Gundar couldn’t help but miss Leone already, which surprised him.

"I guess his charm rubbed off on me," Gundar muttered. "I really hope things head in the right direction during his meeting with the representatives of the middle-ranked tribes."

Although the old shaman didn’t say anything, he felt a little uneasy after leaving the young man’s side.

He just hoped that the anxiety he felt was just him being paranoid, and had no relation with the young man, whom the middle-ranked tribes were eyeing in contempt.