"What?"
"Lord Leylo, are you saying... you've already eliminated a Naga warband?"
"This... this is truly..."
For a moment, the gazes the lords directed at Leylo and Lillian were filled with shock and admiration. Count Gawain was the first to react; he slapped his palms together and let out a loud cheer.
"Good! Excellent! Lord Leylo, Lady Lillian, you've truly earned the first great merit for our coalition!" His smile was sincere and enthusiastic. As nominal allies, Blackstone's strength was a direct benefit to Redleaf Territory's security.
Knight Luke nodded in approval. "Well done. This eases the pressure on our upcoming operations." He signaled for Gawain to continue.
Count Gawain cleared his throat and adjusted the remaining five flags on the map. "In that case, our deployment must change. I propose the main force remain split into three routes. The First Legion, led by Count Patton of Monolith Territory, will purge the Naga warband to the north of Redleaf."
Monolith Territory had suffered the most during the last campaign, and Gawain was giving Patton a chance to reclaim his honor.
"The Second Legion will be handled by my Redleaf forces, targeting the two warbands to the west. The Third Legion will be led by Count Raymond of Ironpine, taking the remaining two to the east. All other Viscounts and Barons will be integrated into these three legions."
There were no objections. The three Counts were the heavyweights of the North, both in status and military might. However, Count Patton of Monolith suddenly spoke up.
"Lord Luke, Count Gawain. I request a swap. My legion will take the Northwest sector, while Redleaf takes the North. My forces were humiliated there last time; I need this chance for vengeance."
Leylo understood immediately. Count Patton was still obsessed with the inheritance of the Great Dragon Temple. Little did he know that the opportunity he had planned for at such a great cost had already been snatched away by Leylo.
Gawain considered Patton's seniority and, for the sake of unity, nodded. "Very well. Redleaf will take the North, and Monolith will take the Northwest."
"My thanks, Count Gawain," Patton grinned.
Knight Luke stood, his voice deep and resonant. "Deployment is set. Return to your camps and prepare. We march at dawn!"
The Hoarding "Cat"
Night fell like ink. In the coalition camp outside the city, bonfires dotted the darkness like fallen stars. Outside Leylo's tent, two small figures—one black, one white—added a touch of playfulness to the somber atmosphere.
Coal Ball was exceptionally energetic. He arched his back, ears pinned back in "airplane mode," and let out threatening low rumbles. His eyes were locked onto Moonlight's swaying tail like a bolt of black lightning ready to strike.
"Meow-wu!"
Coal Ball pounced, his tiny body drawing a swift arc through the air as he accurately grabbed the tip of Moonlight's tail. Moonlight, long accustomed to these "assassinations," simply flicked her tail with practiced ease, spinning Coal Ball around in place.
Coal Ball landed belly-up on the grass with a thump, but he didn't care. He flipped back onto his feet with a "carp leap," shook himself off, and prepared for the next round.
Leylo returned to the tent and smiled at the sight. "Alright, you two. It's time for dinner."
At the word "dinner," Coal Ball's ears snapped upright. His combative aura vanished instantly, and he scurried over to rub his head vigorously against Leylo's leg, letting out a series of pleading "meows." Moonlight simply trotted over gracefully and leaped onto the dining table.
Dinner consisted of sizzling, fatty monitor lizard steaks. Moonlight ate refined, small bites. Coal Ball, however, buried his entire face in the meat, making loud slurping sounds as his cheeks puffed out like he hadn't eaten in weeks.
Leylo watched with amusement, but he soon noticed something strange. While devouring his meal, Coal Ball was warily guarding the steak with a tiny paw. Even more interesting: while Moonlight was distracted licking her paws, Coal Ball tapped a second piece of meat—nearly the size of his own head—with his paw.
With a tiny, almost imperceptible ripple in space, the meat vanished.
This little rascal... Leylo chuckled inwardly.
The Spatial Wyrm disguised as a black cat had seen his food quality skyrocket since following Leylo, yet he couldn't break the habit of a "hoarder." Before, he used to hold one piece in his mouth and cover another with his paw. Now, he was taking it to the next level: eating one and "stashing" another in a private dimension.
Leylo acted as if he hadn't seen a thing. He didn't mind the "loss" of a few steaks. However, a thought occurred to him. Coal Ball was a Spatial Wyrm; while his combat power might be low due to his age, his spatial talent had to be extraordinary.
If I can utilize this...
Once the plates were licked clean, Moonlight jumped onto Leylo's shoulder. Coal Ball let out a long stretch on the ground and began cleaning his greasy paws. Leylo reached down and scooped the little black cat up by the scruff.
"Come on. I'm going to show you something good."
Leylo walked to the rear of the camp where the supplies were kept. Wagons loaded with grain and equipment were lined up neatly. He placed Coal Ball down in front of a heavy wagon filled with grain sacks.
"Coal Ball, look at this," Leylo pointed at the massive wagon. "Try and see if you can put this away."