It was well-known that Beliar had stationed people in the Cheka Personnel Market (Cheka Prison) specifically to cultivate connections with the Kislevite Duma representatives and boyar nobility, acquiring both valuable resources and potential personnel from the depths of Kislev's prisons.
The Tsarina Katarin, no naive ruler, was vaguely aware of Beliar's activities. She may not have known the details of his operations within Cheka Prison, but she was well aware of his efforts to recruit individuals and establish "labor camps." However, she chose to turn a blind eye. The generous gifts from Beliar and the gold flowing in from Ryan reached everyone, from the Tsarina and the Duma to the local boyars and lower officials, ensuring their silence. A few determined individuals and smaller nobles who voiced concern quickly found themselves detained in Cheka Prison, creating minor inconveniences for Beliar but nothing more—those deemed too troublesome were simply marked with red ink on Beliar's list for swift execution.
After the defeat at the Battle of Zedevka, Tsarina Katarin issued two execution orders. The first reached Praag quickly, where General Pavlov, accepting responsibility for the disastrous delays in battle preparations, willingly faced execution. Following his death, Praag was abandoned, and hundreds of thousands began the grueling southward retreat. Exhaustion, severe cold, and hunger claimed tens of thousands on the journey.
The second order was sent to Erengrad, ordering the execution of Marshal Rokossovsky on charges of military negligence and desertion. With her court in tow, Katarin fled southward.
Kislev descended into chaos. Cheka Prison was in disarray, but Warden Josef Brutz acted decisively. First, he executed a handful of the most vocal prisoners. Then he released certain detainees, armed them, and organized them into makeshift military units, all headed west to Erengrad. Finally, he attempted to establish contact with Beliar's people.
Meanwhile, the Chaos army's advance slowed after the Battle of Zedevka. Festus's Nurgle forces targeted Praag, while other forces moved south toward Kislev and Ostermark. The Norscan Mountain Legion laid siege to Erengrad, ensuring a long, grueling campaign ahead.
"I understand the situation, but how did Erengrad communicate with you, Beliar?" Ryan asked as he sat on his throne, with Sulia beside him. "With the city surrounded, how could they send a messenger so quickly? Have they asked the Empire for aid?"
"Your Majesty, I stationed most of my personnel in Erengrad," Beliar replied, taking a seat on a small stool brought by the guards. "Anticipating this, I enlisted Lady Aurora's help to create a Winter Frost Crystal capable of long-distance communication."
"A Winter Frost Crystal?" Ryan looked puzzled, and Sulia explained, "Yes, Beliar informed me of this at the time, and I approved it."
"Excellent, Beliar, well done!" Ryan praised him and encouraged him to continue. "What other news? Did Erengrad request help from the Empire?"
"The Norscan dragonships have blockaded the port, and Nordland's fleet is patrolling their own coastlines and cannot break the blockade," Beliar continued. "Erengrad still has about a thousand Winged Hussars, a few hundred Bear Riders who escaped Zedevka, around five thousand mounted archers, three thousand Red Navy sailors, and two local shooting regiments—altogether over ten thousand well-trained troops. Marshal Rokossovsky and Admiral Kuznetsov have imposed martial law, conscripted all civilians, and are preparing for the Norscan Mountain Legion and Supreme King Vamir Aslin's assault."
"Can they hold out?" Ryan asked, realizing that only the Enterprise, their ironclad flagship, might break through the blockade.
"Marshal Rokossovsky says yes!" Beliar replied enthusiastically. "Your Majesty, the Erengrad Defense Coalition has sworn that they will not surrender, even if they must fight to the last soldier. If Erengrad holds, it will heavily tie down Chaos forces."
"Good, very good." Ryan nodded. "Beliar, I have a task for you."
"At your service!" Beliar knelt on one knee.
"Kislev's winter is infamous. According to our Northern Army's standards, I want a large batch of winter clothing suitable for those conditions," Ryan said, glancing at the wintry gusts outside.
"Understood!" Beliar exited, and Ryan nodded approvingly.
There was an old joke in the Old World: who is Kislev's best marshal? The answer was simple: Marshal Winter. The freezing cold of a Kislev winter could even stop Chaos warriors in their tracks. Ryan knew he had to prepare well if Bretonnia were to send troops to Kislev. History bore examples of forces like Napoleon's army and the German Wehrmacht suffering devastating losses to "General Winter."
Once Beliar had left, Sulia, who had been married to Ryan for years, easily understood his thoughts. "So, you've decided to support Erengrad?"
"If Erengrad holds, it will distract the Chaos army," Ryan replied. "Besides, Sulia, isn't a well-trained force a valuable asset? Kislev's forces may be dwindling, but they still have quality troops."
"You and Beliar make quite the team," Sulia replied, shaking her head. "But… what about my father?"
"Let's wait until all the dukes have arrived to discuss deployment," Ryan said. "I hope everyone understands the gravity of this destruction."
With the discussion over, Ryan suddenly swept Sulia into his arms. "My lady, we haven't tried out the palace's grand bath yet!"
"Oh! What are you saying all of a sudden!" Sulia, blushing, lightly punched his chest. "It's still early, and besides, the Lady… the Lady is here!"
"Doesn't matter," Ryan laughed, carrying her. "It's not like you haven't shared a bath before."
Ignoring Sulia's protests, Ryan opened the door to the private bath.
"Put me down, please!" Sulia felt embarrassed, always feeling that a queen must retain her dignity. Ryan, however, enjoyed seeing his noble queen with a hint of vulnerability.
"Only if you promise…" Ryan set her down with a smirk.
"Tonight, after dinner, Sulia and I will keep our promise," came a teasing voice. The Lady of the Lake materialized in a golden light, tapping Ryan's head lightly with her fan. "Honestly, Ryan, if I'm not watching, you always find a way to tease Sulia… don't forget about me either."
"Lady, how can you side with Ryan?" Sulia exclaimed, half in jest.
---
Two days later, all the dukes had arrived, including Duke Hubald of Carcassonne. The Lake Witch Morgiana also joined, casting her icy gaze around the room before taking her seat beside Ryan, visibly softening her tone. "Is the situation urgent?"
"It's dire," Ryan replied, about to brief Morgiana when more guests arrived.
Aurora and Theresa, dressed in ice-blue robes, entered. Aurora searched the room, spotting Ryan on his throne and guiding Theresa towards him. The Sorceress Assembly leader, Veronica, entered next in a dress adorned with magic gemstones and high elven silk. She eagerly waved at Ryan, who smiled and indicated her seat behind him.
Then Ryan's father-in-law, François, entered, looking unusually downcast, while Gerald followed, carrying a cloth bag. Gerald distributed its contents as he greeted each noble.
"What's in the bag?" asked Duke Berchemund of Red Dragon as he received a small package that emitted a faint odor.
"Bull's tendons," François said with a shrug. "I lost a bet. There's enough for everyone."
"Haha!" Berchemund laughed heartily, pocketing the gift. "Looks like after the meeting, we'll have a stew on you!"
With a few taps of his gavel, Ryan quieted the hall. "Gentlemen, take your seats."
"The Council of the Kingdom is now in session."
"I have summoned you all here to discuss the impending Chaos invasion from the North and whether to send aid to the Empire and Kislev."
"Please, everyone, share your thoughts!"
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