The entire reason behind Viscount Kaecilius' existence was to oppose Riveria when the time was right. Being the leader of the first slave rebellion, his name was popular amongst the masses throughout the Kingdom.
All Sylvester had to do was spread the word before his armies started marching. The serfs would, on their own, come out and shower the procession of the army with flowers. With the previous rebellion, the slaves were made serfs. Now it was time for total freedom. Years had already passed, and the blunt effects of suddenly freeing all the serfs were going to be manageable.
So the Viscount's three-thousand-strong army prepared to march out of the city and make way to River City. Of course, they were against the odds, as Riveria had hundreds of thousands in its official army. However, Kaecilius had what King Conrad did not—friends in high places.
Sylvester was not the only one coming to take part in the battle. King Highland also approached the Fort Sunflower with an army of a hundred thousand and two hundred thousand soldiers more on the way. Mobilizing such a large army on the go was no easy task. Only the Holy Land could do that since even the reserves kept themselves ready in battle armor each day.
"I knew you couldn't be defeated so easily." King Highland arrived inside the fort and rushed to squeeze Sylvester in a bear hug. "I knew you'd be back!"
Sylvester wondered why everyone kept saying that. He had shown no proof of his survival over the years, yet they waited.
"Thank you for your faith in me, Your Majesty. And thank you for coming all the way here. Once Riveria falls, we'll be free to go after the Holy Land and conquer it once and for all—even they can't withstand the entire forces of East Sol." Sylvester briefed the mighty King in his equally mighty armor.
King Highland nodded, his face beaming with smiles. "Indeed, and once you take the throne, we shall have the lasting peace and prosperity that we all long for. The entire Sol shall be united as one—I cannot wait."
Sylvester wasn't that idealistic, though. He understood that anything could happen over time. So he steered the conversation away. "How are Her Majesty and the Prince?"
"She's as amazing as ever. I was quite devastated after hearing the word of your demise, but she became my pillar of strength. As for Rex, he's growing strong and clever and speaks like a singing bard. You should come and visit my castle soon, Mother Xavia is there too." King Atrox said, luring Sylvester to visit his home. "Thankfully, Trinity will finally have someone close to talk to."
'If I could, I'd have gone straight to meet her, buddy.' Sylvester sighed and prepared his mind for the task at hand.
"I will when the time is right. First, let's plan for the battle ahead. Your Majesty, and Lord Kaecilius, you two should march your armies toward River City while raising my flag along with the Holy Land's flag. I shall go first and enter River City to speak with the Grand Wizards there.
"Understand that my purpose is not to destroy River City nor to cripple the manpower. Our actions should be quick and swift, allowing us to place Kaecilius as the new King without any major setbacks. If there are any rebelling lords and ladies, we can deal with them later." Sylvester briefed them.
"Can you take on four Grand Wizards together?" King Highland asked with worry.
"Two… I'll kill two Grand Wizards who are connected to the Riveria bloodline and then recruit the remaining two. Conrad, his brother, their wives, and the two Grand Wizards—they shall all die today." Sylvester said.
To some, it may seem excessive to kill the entire bloodline, but as a spy, Sylvester couldn't bring himself to leave such a risk behind to fester and one day return to cause trouble. The best way to resolve the conflict was to ensure that no Riveria remained.
"We will follow you." Kaecilius saluted with his arms crossed over his chest. "I will go and prepare the soldiers to march."
"I shall do the same." King Highland added, and walked closer to pat Sylvester's shoulder. "I also have something to show you… something that will shock your eyes. Come with me."
Intrigued, Sylvester followed him. They walked all the way out of the fortress to where the Highland Kingdom's army was resting in their makeshift camps for the time being.
King Highland walked between the tents and brought Sylvester to a central area with more space. And there, the King greeted two commanders. "These are two of five commanders in my army—their names are Hambi Boz and Palae Boz. They are brothers and…"
Sylvester was indeed in shock. "They're… Gorilla Beastkins!"
"They are." King Highland proudly nodded. "You may not know this, but almost all of the Beastkins of Beastaria have accepted the faith of Solis, from the small tribes of gentle Cow and Bull Beastkins to the ferocious warriors of Lion Beastkins. They have started to arrive at our shores and spread around, joining monasteries or beginning a new life.
"I, Queen Isabella of Gracia, and Lord Einarr of Blackhart Kingdom, jointly passed new laws that accept the Beastkins who believe in the faith. Granting them the same protection and rights under the law as any other being. There were initially some cases of violence and riots, but with the help of Bards around Sol, we were able to spread the sermon of love and kindness that you imparted to them years ago."
Sylvester was taken aback. His only reason for recruiting the Bards was to spread propaganda, and he never thought something so nice would come out of it in the future without even trying.
"This does make me feel excited," Sylvester muttered. "Are they strong?"
"Of course, they are some of the best warriors we've got. Rose in the ranks quickly, true men of God—they visit the monastery weekly and cook food for the needy there." King Highland spoke highly of them. "After seeing so many Beastkins, I've come to realize it's just our appearances that make us different. The rest is the same… we all experience the same emotions."
'And that's the right mindset,' Sylvester thought and looked around. He noticed a few more Beastkins roaming around.
"I see some of your men don't have heavy armor, just like Kaecilius' soldiers. Bring me to an open area, Your Majesty. I'll provide it." Sylvester offered.
Even Sylvester had no idea how much material he had gathered over the years. He had participated in so many wars, both large and small-scale conflicts, that the armors he had gathered were beyond count. The same was the case with weapons, crystals, and gold—he was wealthier than many Kingdoms combined.
So, King Highland heeded the advice and brought Sylvester to a guarded armory area. It was a large tent surrounded by wooden walls.
The two men walked in, and Sylvester raised his palm toward the open area. Miraj silently came over and sat down on his hand, opening his mighty jaw.
Woosh!
Clank!
The sound of metallic armor and weapons slamming onto each other echoed greatly. A small hill of war supplies quickly formed before them, and continued to increase in numbers. From chest plates to boots and shoulder armor, there was something for everyone.
"Use them as needed, Your Majesty. Let Kaecilius have a look too." Sylvester was now ready to head out again.
King Highland was taken aback for a moment. He had seen Sylvester do various things, but the space magic was too otherworldly because it broke the fundamental laws of reality. Where was all the material stored? How does one even think of accessing that place? It all felt incomprehensible.
"You're as talented as ever." The King muttered. "Good luck."
"I will head out now, Your Majesty." Sylvester prepared. "I'll see you at River City. Do not lay siege to the city. Just surround its exits and guard them. King Conrad will surrender to Kaecilius himself—May the Holy Light enlighten us."
"May we be enlightened."
Sylvester walked out of the fortress city casually, and once he was in a secluded area, he took to the sky again and began his fast strides toward River City. It wasn't too far, sitting just across the Snake River.
Since the River Castle was also by the flowing water, Sylvester found no difficulties in entering through whatever safety measures were placed there. No matter what, no Kingdom could be more fortified than the old Masan, and Sylvester had never been stuck there.
The castle, filled with greenery, small ponds, and lakes, was a beautiful sight to behold, just as great as the last time he was there to make Conrad the new King.
Sylvester kept himself hidden and first tried to find the two non-blood-related Grand Wizards in service to Riveria. The two men were called Karlson Markson and Timothy Lorenzo. Both were at least level five Grand Wizards.
'Hmm… From the intelligence, they were said to be lazy, spending most of their time in leisurely activities and eating.' Sylvester mumbled while looking around the vast castle, even sending Miraj to look around.
'Conrad is in court, that's clear from the movements.' Sylvester used his Elder Magic to sense the Solarium through the walls and check people's presence.
"Maxy! They're on the terrace!" Miraj suddenly returned, flying with excitement. "They're watching the big lady dance while eating and laughing."
Sylvester wasted no time and headed to the terrace of the castle. It was a giant garden with trees, small lakes, and ponds all around. There were also a few small pavilions to enjoy the smooth breeze during the day.
Bam!
Ting!
He began to hear a few instruments being played, so he rushed to one of the round pavilions in the garden. There, he noticed it clearly, two men lying on their backs on recliners. Two beautiful women sat at their sides and fed them fruits, while two more played a violin and drums, and another danced sensually.
"Big lady? All of them are normal." Sylvester muttered, asking Miraj.
Miraj pointed his paw at the dancing lady. "Look, Maxy, big pom poms on her chest—she's a big lady."
"..."
Sylvester sighed and simply walked forward uninvited. There was nothing he could do to change Miraj. His way of speaking was just too unique and developed over a thousand years of self-learning.
Clap!
Sylvester clapped his hand and gained everyone's attention. "Celebration is over. All the sisters, please leave the castle quickly if you don't want to get hurt in our battle."
The music stopped, the dance halted, and the women looked at Sylvester in curiosity and, of course, lust. His elven blood was quite prevalent when it came to his face.
"I am Sylvester Maximilian of the Holy Land—Leave, or I will consider you the same as these heathens!" Sylvester sternly added, this time flaring a bit of Solarium in the air to feel warm.
"Forgive us." The women were wise and quickly ran away.
Sylvester walked over between the recliners of the two men. They were struck with fear, and the fact they were only covered with towels on their groins didn't help boost their confidence.
"How are y—"
Bam!
"Shhh…!"
Sylvester placed his palms on the two men's chests. A simple act that sent shivers down their spines as they felt utterly immobilized. The difference in strength was too much; that was clear.
"L-Lord Bard…"
Sylvester smiled big, almost creepily. A halo appeared behind his head, declaring he was the real deal, and soon followed the words.
♫I was here at the throning day's splendor.
You saw me as your King's mighty defender.
Now that King has become the faith's offender.
What will you choose—Slaughter or surrender?♫
[A/N: We just hit 1 Million Words!!!]
[A/N: See the Gorilla Beastkins here.]
