Warhammer Divine Throne-Chapter 623 - 274, Reaching an Understanding_2

The city gates have fallen, and a large group of Ranger Knights and soldiers rushed into the Green Skin Fortress first. They cried out the Lady's name, ruthlessly eliminating all the creatures they saw. The Peasant Infantry Corps followed closely behind. Goblins are not creatures with strong combat capabilities. After a series of battles, the Peasant Infantry no longer feared Beastmen and goblins. Sporadic resistance within the fortress was quickly overwhelmed by the tidal wave of human forces. Wood Elves and Dwarves, eager for spoils, also joined in.

"Goblins have nowhere to escape, Lord Angerong." Holy Grail Knight Armand happily said to Angerong, standing an arrow's flight away from the fortress.

Snow clung to Angerong's white bear pelt as he held a large package in his hand, containing Vibranium — currently the most durable metal known in the Old World: "Good, the purpose of this training has been achieved, as has mine."

"I'll leave the remaining follow-up arrangements to you, Armand. I'm here. Clean up the battlefield quickly, burn the fortress, and we can retreat and move camp. After this campaign, it will be ten or twenty years before the Green Skins and Beastmen in Charon Forest can recover their strength." Angerong nodded calmly: "Go ahead, don't fail my brother's trust."

"Lord Angerong won't go take a look?" Armand mounted his Pure-blooded Elf Warhorse, asking one last time: "You are appointed as the main general by the Count."

"Ha~ My brother sent me here to be a mountain. A mountain doesn't move. If the mountain moves, then this war is already lost." Angerong lifted his bottle of top-grade Kislev Vodka, crystal clear, snow falling upon it like the picturesque winter scene: "Go on."

"Yes!" Angerong was not a Holy Grail Knight, but Armand knew well the strength of the man before him. The Standard Bearer and Deputy General said no more and galloped off.

Angerong tilted his head back, drinking the Vodka in one go, then used his large hand to wipe his mouth clean. Without the Butcher's Nail, the World-Devourer Primarch had long realized that wisdom and cautious strategy could better achieve desired outcomes.

"These days are truly comfortable." The fiery stimulation of the Vodka made Angerong feel exceedingly comfortable. He watched the blazing Green Skin Fortress and chuckled.

......

At seven o'clock in the evening, a small banquet was held inside the Count's castle. The banquet took place in the castle hall, where servants lit the fireplace, and the host and guests gathered around the long table in a friendly atmosphere.

A dozen Griffin Knights lined up neatly to the left of Laine. Most sported beards and wore noble attire of the Empire, exuding a fierce and robust aura. The red and white shield emblem bore the symbol of a yellow Griffin. Leading them was Laine's sworn brother, Griffin Earl Anton Ferdinand.

To Laine's right sat his fiancé Surya, followed by twelve Holy Grail Knights, sent to protect the Lake God Witch Mogiana. Their family crests varied, only the Holy Grail symbol remained consistent.

The servants formed a line to deliver food. First came the steward Kasenberg, who presented bread and butter, followed by the wine servants and their assistants, who served wine and beer.

"I prayed to the Lady; I can't, nor should I make any statements, Anton." Laine sat at the head of the banquet, the bright Magic Chandelier illuminating the hall. The Count was impeccably dressed, speaking to his brother with a slightly enigmatic tone: "I am the Divine Chosen Champion of the Lady; I can't act carelessly."

Anton paused for a moment before quickly nodding in understanding: "I understand, I understand."

Had any knight randomly told Griffin Earl that this was the Lady of the Lake's will, Anton would undoubtedly dismiss it as nonsense. But if Laine said it, Anton believed it without question.

According to the Empire's intelligence network, Laine was deeply favored by the divine. The Lady of the Lake, guardian of the Knight Kingdom, appeared or revealed miracles multiple times by his side. Originally, Ivan attempted to introduce a match for Laine but was still searching for candidates when news came: Laine was already engaged.

Anton turned his gaze to Surya. The noble and captivating woman was the Duke of Winford, Francois's legitimate daughter and matched by the Lake Fairy Oracle. Even by Anton's own standards, Marchioness Surya was an ideal match. The fact that the Lady of the Lake chose such a beautiful noble daughter to pair with Laine said a lot.

Dark Elf Maid Ollica served a tray containing tomato Tiriel noodles, a semi-cooked egg, and a large piece of snowflake steak. The steak was tender and evenly marbled. Besides, on the table were Dwarven Bagman Beer and exquisite Wood Elf snacks.

These were foods the Empire's Griffin Knights had never tasted, and even the Holy Grail Knights stationed with Laine had not sampled them. The crowd exchanged laughter; the Holy Grail Knights had good relationships with many of the Empire's knight corps.

"May I be so bold as to ask about the Lady of the Lake's decree…" Anton whispered to Laine: "I don't intend to pry into the Oracle; my intention is just…"

"I will be silent and neutral in this war, Anton." Laine picked up a piece of snowflake steak, whispering to Anton: "The Lady doesn't want to see human infighting, but she also doesn't allow me to oppose Lord Casvan. The first Duke of Paragon, Agirgel, was one of the twelve original Holy Grail Knights. The Paragon Family has a long history within the Kingdom."

Several thoughts raced through Anton's mind; he nodded slightly: "I understand you've tried your best, Laine. This result isn't bad, but can you persuade some of the dukes, especially Duke Bohemond and Duke Francois, to stay neutral?"

He needed Laine to provide some substance; otherwise, he couldn't report back.

Laine appeared to be pondering, eating beef silently.

Anton held his composure, both of them sinking into silence.

At the banquet scene, the Holy Grail Knights and Griffin Knights were engaged in a drinking contest. They ate meat heartily; a few Holy Grail Knights together could devour an entire pig's meat and drain a whole barrel of wine. Had Laine not been promoted to Count, expanding his wealth, he wouldn't have had the resources to let these Holy Grail Knights feast.

Surya, as the castle's hostess, skillfully coordinated all the personnel at the banquet, dissolving many minor conflicts into invisibility. The noble gown swayed lightly, and all knights gladly gave face to the hostess. Everyone, hosts and guests alike, enjoyed themselves.

The lady knight circled the area and came before Anton: "Brother Anton, for your health and everyone's wellbeing, let us drink this toast."

"Good!" Anton, without much ado, downed a glass of wine with the help of servants: "To you, Lady Surya."

"To you, my brother!" The lady knight smiled and raised her wine glass, taking only a small sip. Her ivory-like skin showed a slight blush, appearing tipsy.

Having finished the drink, the lady knight naturally leaned against Laine, casually saying: "Lord Anton, please understand Laine's predicament; there are things he can't easily decide. He is only a Count, with few resources to persuade dukes."

Laine slightly displeased pinched Surya's hand, whispering something slightly reproachful in her ear.

The actions of the engaged couple did not escape Anton's notice; he understood Laine's intent a bit more clearly.

Griffin Earl waved to the Griffin Knights: "Bring that here!"

"Yes!" Two Griffin Knights, appearing drunk, suddenly regained clarity and composure.

Laine looked at Anton with a puzzling gaze.

"Laine, I know this ordeal has been troublesome, stuck between us really makes it hard for you, so I wouldn't treat you unfairly." Anton wore a faint smile: "This time, I've brought you something good~ Want to know what it is?"

Two Griffin Knights wheeled in a huge square box from outside, Anton raised his hand, indicating the crowd to remove the black cloth.

"What is this?!"