Lord Chronicle

Chapter 140 Persuasion
At the same time, at the end of the forest in the distance, a large group of black things were slowly wriggling and gushing out.For the sake of defense, when building this city wall, the dwarves cut down all the forests within a few hundred meters outside the town, so that there was a large open space from the mountain at the end to this place.

So under the stunned gaze of the crowd, the huge undead team composed of countless zombies and skeleton soldiers, like cancer cells devouring the body, covered the land in their sight bit by bit.

There are astonishingly many of them. Looking from a height, you can only see countless crowded and swaying bodies.What is even more astonishing is that among these ordinary zombies and skeleton soldiers, there are dozens of ghouls several meters high. They are like hills driven by the black tide, moving forward among the zombies.

Sol and the others had already seen the power of this terrifying creature made by the necromancer. Seeing the terrifying number, everyone felt a chill in their hearts.

At present, the whole country of Dinard is in chaos, and the order of the territories other than Lovell has already collapsed. Otherwise, no matter how powerful those necromancers are, it is impossible to drive such a large number of undead to Lovell.

And this also means another thing, that is, like last time, Lovell will never have foreign aid.

In addition to these three undead creatures that everyone had seen, something behind the team also caught their attention.

Since they were too far away to see clearly, they could only vaguely see some gorgeously dressed skeletons, wearing robes with shining metal ornaments, holding a scepter-like thing in their hands, standing quietly among the zombies The rear, but it gives people a feeling that is completely different from ordinary skeleton soldiers.

At the same time, on the other side, a large white skeleton soldier conspicuously formed a square formation.They don't wear rusty armor like ordinary skeletons, but naked and thin bones, but behind each skeleton, there is a longbow on their backs.

And in the middle of these two groups of weird skeletons are three astonishingly huge bone beasts.It was a giant elephant-like creature, seven to eight meters high, with countless large and small white bones making up their complex and exquisite bodies. Although they did not have the terrifying power of a bone dragon, they were still very eye-catching and prominent. On top of the group of corpses at its feet.

Never seen that kind of bone beast, but Thor already recognized two other things.Lich and an astonishing number of skeleton archers, my god, these necromancers are too willing to spend money, right?
And there wasn't a Necromancer to be seen at the scene, who knew if these guys were hiding anything more astonishing.

"My God." After a long while, Tavia let out a long breath.

As if waking up with a start, everyone who was completely stunned also exclaimed from their throats.

It's not that they are too timid, but because this is a terrifying scene that cannot be described in any language. Only when you are on the scene, can you feel the kind of fear that invades the bone marrow.

"All go to the city wall, ready to fight!" Taking a deep breath, Sol turned around and shouted.

At the same time, Tavia also drew out his sword: "All the cavalry are on their horses!"

The guards below, the dwarf mercenaries and the royal cavalry all took action, and groups of soldiers rushed to the wall and lined up, and at the same time, various defensive equipment were pushed out of the warehouse.The cavalry stepped on their horses and set up a charging formation at the most suitable distance from the city gate.

Immediately afterwards, those who saw the scene outside the wall all exclaimed with pale faces.All the soldiers involuntarily clenched their weapons tightly, as if this action gave them the courage to resist fear, even the dwarves were no exception.But it is gratifying that at least no one backed down.

The sea of ​​zombies was getting closer and closer, and just before everyone's tense nerves were about to reach the critical point, they suddenly stopped without warning.

It was like a torrent rolling in with incomparable power, capable of destroying everything in an instant, but it froze suddenly before showing its power.Everyone in the city was prepared to fight to the death, but at this moment, it was as if they had punched empty air, and they had no outlet to vent. A strange feeling rose in everyone's heart.

After a while, after confirming that the other party really had no plans to move forward, they all secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

"What are they doing?" Sol asked strangely.

After all, they are experienced knights, and Tavia quickly made a judgment: "They are waiting for the best time to attack, which is often the case on the battlefield."

The undead are most active at night. It seems that the necromancers do not plan to capture Lovell in one go. Such a large army approaching the city will cause huge psychological pressure on the defenders, and on the other hand, they will be able to exert their full potential when they attack at night. The combat power of the undead.

I don't know whether this move was lucky or unfortunate for Sol and the others. Although they won some time, sitting on the top of the city and waiting for the enemy's attack is also a huge psychological burden on the soldiers.

In any case, it looks like a stalemate is on the way for the time being.After thinking for a while, Sol said to Tavia: "I will leave it to you for the time being. I will take this opportunity to deal with the affairs of the town."

Tavia nodded: "Please rest assured, Lord Marquis, I will not let these undead take a step forward."

Greeting Jessica, Sol walked down the wall with her.While walking, Jessica suddenly said, "Are you really going to do that?"

Knowing what she was referring to, Saul sighed: "Do you think I'm wrong too?"

"No." Jessica shook her head: "Thinking about it now, I seem to be too impatient, as if it is difficult for me to keep calm thinking when the enemy is approaching. If... If you really take my advice, I will not Just imagine what's going to happen..."

As she said that, she raised her head seriously: "So I'm very glad that you didn't take my advice this time."

Knowing that because of agreeing to martial law, Jessica is full of deep self-blame.Sol hesitated for a moment, and reached out to touch her shoulder: "It's none of your business, you are my steward, and you have the responsibility to plan for the territory in the safest way, but it's my lord's responsibility to make any decisions." .”

"But you didn't…" Jessica looked at him in surprise.

"Actually, I'm not sure whether I can convince them." Sol smiled bitterly: "I just think that since we became lords, we have worked so hard to build the territory and improve everyone's lives, so at critical times, everyone must not would abandon us."

He supported Jessica's shoulders with both hands, and slowly pulled her to face him: "So don't think about that, and work hard with me to repel the enemy in front of you."

"Hmm..." Jessica involuntarily rested her head on his chest, revealing a rare weakness.

"You immediately mobilize the necessary supplies from the warehouse and deliver them here."

"it is good."

"In addition, find a group of trustworthy townspeople. Once there is a fight, we need people to do auxiliary work."

"understood."

"Also, let's set up the headquarters here as well. We have to be prepared to defend."

"I'll arrange..."

Jessica completely buried her face in Sol's chest, and closed her eyes to answer one by one.Because of the townspeople's affairs, her spirit was unprecedentedly weak at this moment, so that she had such a rare performance.And purely on instinct, Thor knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Although the expression on his face was serious and what he said was serious, he gradually began to be dishonest.While exhorting Jessica, his hand on Jessica's back also began to slide down bit by bit...

near... near...

Seeing that he was getting closer and closer to the ultimate goal, Sol's eyes became bloodshot.

Just when her fingertips were about to touch the towering hills, Jessica suddenly pushed him away as if she sensed something.

Her face was reddish, and she gave him a slightly reproachful look, but unexpectedly did not move: "What are you doing?"

Thinking it was a pity in his heart, Sol raised his head and glanced at the sinking sun: "Me? It seems that I still have to be busy before dark."

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After breaking up with Jessica, Sol was escorted back to town by two garrison members.All the people I saw along the way were in a hurry, and in many places, two or three people gathered together and talked in a low voice. Many houses and shops were closed.

The small town of Lowell is too small, and once something happens, it will spread quickly throughout the territory, so many rumors may have already started to spread.Sol must be quick if he wants to stabilize the residents' emotions.

Many townspeople who recognized him on the road wanted to come up and say something, but they were all blocked by the guards.In this hurry all the way, the three of them soon came to the center of the town.

This is where the two main roads in the town intersect, forming a small square.At this moment, many people have gathered in the square, and the noise of the crowd can be heard from a distance.

The remains of the defeated skeleton soldiers were piled up in one corner of the square, surrounded by solemn knights and guards holding weapons.Many foreign businessmen and some refugees gathered in front of the fountain in the square, shouting at Kress who was standing on the edge of the pool.

And in the surrounding area, there are more residents watching, crowding the surrounding area.

Remembering Sol's instructions, no matter what those people shouted, Kress just kept saying: "The territory will be fine, please believe us!"

Soon, I don't know who was the first to discover Sol, and immediately a large group of people surrounded him, shouting in unison.Suddenly surrounded by a large wave of sound, Sol only felt his ears buzzing and couldn't hear what they were saying at all.

With the help of the defenders, Sol strenuously passed through the crowd and came to Kress: "How is the situation?"

Kress shook his head with an ugly face: "They are very emotional, and I won't listen to what I say."

"Let me do it." Saul said and stood on the edge of the pool. Kress immediately guarded him with several defenders, looking around vigilantly.

"I am the local lord, Marquis Saul Lovell. If this continues, the problem will never be solved. Send two representatives to speak to me." He said loudly to everyone.

After all, this is a highly hierarchical world, and the title of Marquis is enough to scare most ordinary people.So as soon as Sol spoke, the noise gradually died down.

The crowd below looked at me and I looked at you. After a while of pushback, two people stood up.

One was a fat, middle-aged man with a mustache and dressed as a businessman; the other, whom Saul had seen, was Del, who had a high reputation among refugees.

It seems that the main people who caused the commotion were businessmen and refugees.

"Come one by one, you talk first." Sol pointed to the man in the middle.

The other party saluted him respectfully, and then said: "This is Meehan from the Kars Chamber of Commerce, dare to ask Mr. Marquis, what happened outside?"

"An army of undead invaded my territory." Thor said without hesitation.

His words immediately aroused a buzz of low-pitched discussions. Although they had already guessed, they still couldn't help but show fear on their faces when they heard him say it himself.

"Yes, how many?" Meehan stammered.

Sol shrugged: "There are many, so many that they surround the entire territory."

Seeing him speak so bluntly, Kress, who was standing in front of Sol, coughed lightly: "My lord..."

But it was too late. When they heard that the entire territory was surrounded by an army of undead, everyone below panicked.They yelled and circled around like headless chickens, and the whole square immediately became a mess.

"Quiet, stay where you are!" Under Saul's signal, Kress yelled vigorously, and his loud voice immediately suppressed all voices.

At the same time, the knights and defenders who were maintaining order all around pulled out their weapons in unison. The shiny blades shone white in the sun, and the rioting crowd quickly calmed down.

Glancing at the stern-looking defenders in horror, Meehan wiped the cold sweat off his forehead: "Master Marquis, we came to Lovell to do business in response to your call. Now that this kind of thing happens, please We must protect our safety."

Saul made a reassuring gesture: "Of course. I have explained the situation to you, so would you listen to me?"

"Of course, of course." Meehan nodded repeatedly.

Sol turned to the side where the merchants gathered: "First of all, I am very grateful for your contribution to the prosperity of Lowell. I am also very sorry that this happened this time, but I swear in the name of the Marquis that I will guarantee The safety of everyone present.”

"But there are so many undead, this small town..." a businessman whispered.

"Who was talking just now, was it you?" Sol glared at him with a murderous look on his face, and the little businessman shrank back in fright.

Sol glanced at the merchants with a look of contempt typical of great nobles looking at civilians, as if to remind them "don't forget who you are talking to".

He said casually: "Everyone is a businessman who has traveled far and wide, so you should be well-informed. Have you never heard of what happened in Diviji Castle in Lamoling?"

At his point, many people showed thoughtful expressions, and soon a businessman exclaimed: "I remember that not long ago, there was a group of brave Dinar soldiers, surrounded by the enemy, with only a few Ten people captured the Diviji Castle guarded by thousands of Lulin troops, isn't Lord Saul the one who took the lead?"

"Hmph..." Saul snorted proudly from his nostrils.

Another businessman also said: "I also remembered it. The king had announced the commendation throughout the country. That's how Lord Saul got his title of Marquis."

"Hey..." He opened his mouth wide.

"There are more." The third businessman said not to be outdone: "It is said that before this, the bandit group whose reputation spread throughout the entire Southern Avenue - the death group, was led by Master Saul..."

"Ahem..." Sol, who was proud of himself, coughed a few times in embarrassment: "Don't mention that incident. Then, who remembers what happened in the Orc Empire more than a year ago?"

Under his "guidance", the businessmen continued to use their brains.Soon a person shouted as if asking for credit: "I remember, it was Lord Saul that time, who led our envoys to go deep into the orc empire bravely, concluded an unprecedented peace agreement, and returned safely."

"Hum..."

Another human said: "Also, in the neutral zone on the border, Sir Sol led the guards to wipe out the human and orc bandits who had been entrenched there for many years. Where is the head of the returning bandit leader?"

"hey-hey…"

"There is more." It was the businessman who was not to be outdone: "It is said that before this, Master Saul had earned the reputation of a 'slutty nobleman' in the capital, and even Princess Amada of the Orc Empire and He has a leg, he is really a national hero of our mankind."

"Cough cough cough..." Sol almost fell into the pool, he gave the man a hard look: "Who are you, why do you always keep which pot unopened and which pot, are you brave enough to try talking nonsense? . "

Clearing his throat, Sol proudly said: "That's right, it was me who alone led dozens of Lovell's garrison, killed Diviji's [-] Lulin army, and successfully captured the castle."

In order to impress the merchants, he had no choice but to apologize to Gein once and take all the credit for it.

Followed him and patted Kress in front of him: "And this is Kress who followed me to the Beastman Empire. He alone killed three Behemoths with a single sword."

Finally, Sol said: "I ask you, with such a wise and powerful lord, and such a brave swordsman, what is there to be afraid of mere undead?"

After all, there are traces of Thor's brilliant record. Although it is slightly exaggerated, it is by no means nonsense.Hearing what he said, most of the fear and suspicion in the eyes of the businessmen were reduced by half.

Enough prestige, it's time to give them a little sweetness.While everyone was deeply shocked, Sol hit the rails while it was hot: "I am deeply sorry to involve everyone in the territory issue this time, and I will make up for it. But at the same time, I also need everyone's help. In order to cope with the next I hope that you will not hesitate to give up the materials needed for the territory. Of course, I will buy them at two-thirds of the price. Those who are willing to stay in Lowell after defeating the enemy will be rewarded with tax reductions and exemptions. At the same time, I will give priority to The special products of the frozen plateau are sold to them."

If the pretentiousness just now calmed him down, then Sol's words completely dispelled the doubts of these people.After hearing his words, all the merchants cheered.

Merchants and merchants always put profit first. As long as there is money to make, they don't even want to die, let alone a mere danger?Many people already planned to lose both their property and goods. After all, in this extraordinary period, the lord has the right to expropriate all materials for free, and can sell them for two-thirds of the price. I don’t know how many people are thankful.

In fact, many people have a backlog of goods in their hands. It is a great deal to take advantage of this opportunity to clear them all at once. Besides, they can enjoy tax exemption and the right of first refusal for special products afterwards.

For these businessmen, don't say that they have been "overwhelmed" by Sol to believe that Lovell will win.Even if he knew that there would be danger, it was nothing at this moment.

Many people have already begun to secretly rejoice, fortunately, the undead have called...

If he knew what these guys were thinking at this moment, Sol would have fainted from anger.

Immediately, Meehan patted his chest excitedly, and promised with a fearless face: "All of us, we will swear to the death to live and die with Lord Lovell!"

Seeing in astonishment that the businessmen who were dying and making trouble a moment ago now expressed that they would live and die with the territory, the soldiers maintaining order were all dumbfounded.

Many knights secretly admired: "As expected of the famous Lord Marquis Sol, this mouth is really, really stunning..."

After dealing with these unscrupulous businessmen, Sol turned to the refugees.But this time, he will use a different strategy.

Contrary to the gentle face just now, Sol changed into a cold expression: "I ask you, when you escaped from your respective territories, lacked food and clothing, and came outside Lovell, who provided food for you?"

Under his stare, Del lowered his head guiltily: "It's you, Lord Lord."

"Let me ask you again, who took you in, gave you jobs and housing, and took care of the elderly and children who have no relatives?" Sol's eyes became colder and colder.

Del: "It's still you."

Sol took a deep breath: "Then, why do you still boo when the territory is in danger? Didn't I get the slightest bit of gratitude from you for what I did before?"

Under his questioning, the former refugees all bowed their heads in shame.Del wiped the sweat from his forehead: "That, that's because we have experienced too much suffering, and we really don't want to do it again..."

"Hmph." Saul interrupted him: "So do you think that everything you got in Lovell is what you deserve? But it's a pity that you have to fight for stability and happiness by yourself, and there is never a pie in the sky It’s a good thing. If you think that you don’t need to do anything, and you can even accuse me, the lord, and enjoy the protection of soldiers with peace of mind, you are very wrong.”

Finally, he glanced at them coldly: "I don't remember taking in such a group of ungrateful guys."

It wasn't that Sol deliberately played the aristocratic style, but he realized that two different methods must be used to deal with merchants and refugees.To deal with businessmen, first intimidate and then lure, slap a candy, and these guys who put their interests first will be honest.

(End of this chapter)