Chapter 1164 - 184: Sights Along the Territory Route to Marle Castle and the Shadows of War

Chapter 1164: Chapter 184: Sights Along the Territory Route to Marle Castle and the Shadows of War

Su Li decided to go to Marle Castle, and the ministers of Hesse Territory quickly arranged everything efficiently.

Hesse Territory is now brimming with talent; Su Li, with the aid of an intelligence system, can select and employ the capable.

His Iron-fisted Prime Minister, Oliver, chosen by Virena, excels in governance and the selection and appointment of officials.

This made Hesse Territory’s efficiency extremely high, completing departure preparations and military deployment in less than one cycle.

The chill of early spring had not completely faded, yet the courtyard square in front of Bauhinia Palace was already brightly lit and bustling with people. The huge bonfires crackled, dispelling the morning mist and illuminating the busy figures and the ready-to-depart troops. The air was filled with the scent of leather, metal, horses, and a subtle sense of excitement—the flavor of wealth and opportunity.

Su Li stood on the tall palace door steps, overlooking the vast caravan. At its core was the "Golden Bread Cart" caravan of Hesse Territory, a designated trading troupe invested in by Su Li.

At this moment, Baggins Brandy Gingerbread energetically directed the Half-Elves in last-minute checks and bindings. The wagons, laden with Purple Crystal Gold Brandy, crafted beer, premium furs, rare timber, and processed agricultural products, lined up with rumbling wheels.

Among the busy followers in the team, many couldn’t help but glance repeatedly toward the sky above the square, showing envy. They were attracted by Hesse Territory’s strong, proud, and high-spirited Air Cavalry, stationed in their dedicated area overhead—a scale incomparable to last year.

Last year, only Ariana and Fastrick accompanied Su Li with two Flying Horse Knights. This year, the number of Flying Horse Knights soared to 10.

More crucially, beside these flying horses were large numbers of Horse Vulture units and Griffin Knights.

The combined Horse Vulture and Griffin count amounted to 24!

These Air Cavalry wore flawless "Fiery Sun Horse Armor," and the knights donned various radiantly golden battle armors, amongst which numerous rare-level battle armors appeared.

Compared to ordinary cavalry, these powerful air cavalry were more robust, their mounts’ feathers sleek, eyes sharp. They were equipped with specially crafted saddles and armor by Dwarves, tailored for Griffin charging posture. Knights wielded heavy lances, flails, and sturdy kite shields, forming the absolute backbone to tear through enemy airborne formations and dive to strike ground targets. As the Air Cavalry Commander, Hilude rode on a particularly majestic Griffin with dense silver mane, delivering final orders clearly and forcefully.

Above the entire square, 10 flying horses glided gracefully, their white wings reflecting soft light under the bonfire, like angels patrolling. Next to them, over twenty Horse Vultures and Griffins exuded the fierce aura of raptor kings, their occasional deep roars making the horses below slightly uneasy. Thirty-four air cavalry assembled and ready—an airborne force unmatched by any singular faction in the Border Prince’s Territory. They are well-equipped, disciplined, capable of forming a formidable combat group when faced with aerial threats, providing comprehensive protection and firepower support to the ground caravan. This air force is the most direct testament to Hesse Territory’s soaring strength, also one of the largest guarantees of safety for this journey.

On the ground, Minister of Foreign Affairs Hartskline was conversing in low tones with Baggins, the head of the Golden Bread Cart, Hemis from the Comrade Friendship Club, and Half-Elf hero Ashfield about initial strategies and potential business contacts upon entering Marle Castle.

Minister of Agriculture Vandar was nearby, inspecting the packaging of high-quality seed samples and soil improvement agents for exhibition. Elf Silvana had changed into travel outfits convenient for movement yet retaining elegance; she stood slightly apart, calmly surveying the massive caravan and airborne force, seemingly assessing something. Beside her was a refined bag, inside which was the funding prepared by the Arrow of Light Knight Order for her objectives during this journey.

Su Li’s gaze swept across this unprecedented land-sea-air equipped expedition, filled with confidence. This vast caravan carried Hesse Territory’s wealth and output; the elite Air Cavalry provided strong military assurance, the adept diplomatic and commercial teams were responsible for opening channels. He believed this trip to Marle Castle would bring back dramatically greater returns and broader development space for Hesse Territory than last year’s.

Indeed, this time he did not intend to travel lightly as before, using three days to move swiftly through the air like a desperate escape. Instead, he planned to grandly march the caravan into Marle Castle.

He intends to declare to the city with dignity that no power can stop him and his army from marching to Marle Castle.

In other words, should he wish, it won’t be long before Hesse Territory’s armies stand before the gates of Marle Castle!

In truth, this is no exaggeration.

Hesse Territory’s borders are now expanded westward to Dusk Mountain Range, meaning Su Li needs only depart from the western side of his territory, making the journey to Marle Castle one or two cycles, with only a Swamp Territory in between.