Chapter 451.2: Welcome To The Lion Kingdom

“Of course.” Edward replied with a smile, though a sigh stirred quietly in his heart.

Once, the Lion Kingdom ruled all of the desert. The Honey Badger Kingdom, the Falcon Kingdom, the Golden Lizard Kingdom, and the Camel Kingdom... Once, they were all tributaries of their Lion Kingdom!

Now, they had to bow to another. It was impossible not to feel a sense of reluctance and bitterness. But even so, he couldn’t afford to break the deal.

Judging by the New Alliance’s overwhelming battlefield dominance, even in their prime, their kingdom would have stood no chance in a head-on confrontation.

In the end, Edward comforted himself with the thought that perhaps being a vassal to the New Alliance wasn’t such a terrible thing.

Thanks to his brother, Wint’s defense of the City of Abundance, his prestige among nobles and commoners alike was at an all-time high.

Especially now that Wint was rumored to be forming an intelligence organization of his own...

Maybe letting the New Alliance hold the leash wasn’t a bad idea.

The kingdom would gain access to New Alliance industrial support. On the surface, it looked like they had lost a lot of authority, but in truth, they stood to gain even more.

...

The ceremony celebrating the arrival of the New Alliance’s reinforcements continued cheerfully until its end.

Though the palace lacked a grand banquet hall to host 1,000 soldiers, the kingdom’s treasury issued a reward of 2,200 Lion Coins to every member of the Storm Corps.

That was five times what the kingdom paid its elite Scarab Corps.

Even with wartime inflation, it was a significant sum.

The soldiers could spend it at local markets or taverns!

But before dismissing them, Spring Water Commander made his stance clear. Everyone had to behave with dignity. No fights, no trouble with the locals, and absolutely no taking equipment out of the camp.

They weren’t just representing themselves, they represented the New Alliance. Both players and NPCs alike had to follow his rules.

Holding a hefty coin pouch, one player in civilian clothes muttered in disappointment, “Damn, I thought this would be like being stationed overseas. But we can’t do this, can’t do that...”

NPCs from the Sunset Province were quite different from those in the River Valley Province.

The former had deep-set eyes and slender noses. There was a foreign air around them.

The latter had the more common southern features, with dry air and a cool climate giving their skin a fairer tone.

Though the Lion Kingdom lacked a certain ‘artistic flair’, it didn’t stop them from appreciating beauty.

Of course, that was just surface... What that fool wanted to do was to learn the local pickup lines.

His squad captain saw through him immediately and rolled his eyes. “Have a little self-respect, would you?”

Another player chimed in, “Yeah! We’re the New Alliance, not the Army! Let’s go help some old ladies cross the street!”

The player who had been whining earlier pulled a face of mock shame. “Sorry... This granddaddy here is just a good-for-nothing disappointment... I’m going to do what I want!”

“Get lost. I don’t even know you.”

“Thanks! I’ll be back after a quick stroll!” Grinning, he vanished into the crowd, coin pouch swinging in hand.

“That guy...” The captain muttered, shaking his head before slapping a nearby teammate on the back. “Forget him. Let’s go get a drink.”

The player who had just moments ago vowed to help grannies cross the street now looked a little bashful. “Actually... I’m worried about him. What if someone steals his kidneys? I’ll go talk him out of it.”

“... Fuck you too!”

Hearing that, the player’s eyes lit up. “Sure thing!” Off he ran, after he spoke, leaving the captain alone in a gust of wind and disbelief.

God damn... This bunch of fools is getting harder to lead everyday...

...

While the players freely explored the new map, a welcoming banquet was held in the palace.

Chu Guang, having politely declined the attendants’ help to change clothes, zipped up his blue coat and headed toward the banquet hall.

Inside, ministers and nobles had been waiting for a while, including King Edward himself.

Only when Chu Guang stepped into the hall did the court musicians strike up a gentle symphony, and the master of ceremonies formally announced the beginning of the banquet.

Other than Chu Guang, there were several of his personal guards, officers who served on the airship, Spring Water Commander, and several high--contribution players from the Storm Corps.

Their recent battles had earned them the rank of Apprentice Knight, along with gleaming medals that made their loyalty visible for all to see.

Although officers under Prince Wint were also honored war heroes, the New Alliance’s presence completely overshadowed them.

In a corner of the banquet hall, one count let out a quiet scoff, “Who’s really ruling this kingdom?”

It wasn’t just the officers of their army. Even the administrator’s personal guard had received the Gold Lion Medal, placed ahead of Prince Wint’s own men.

Did those guards even fight on the frontlines?

Even if they were trying to curry favor, this felt excessive.

A fellow noble seated beside him chuckled softly, “Of course our king still rules... But his master might be another matter.”

The count raised a brow at that, but said nothing. He clinked glasses and took a small sip of wine.

In the past, no one would dare say such treasonous things.

But now, the monarchy’s authority had declined to its lowest point, and the nobles no longer feared the king’s displeasure.

Everyone’s eyes were fixed on how to please the new ‘emperor’.

The term New Alliance was too abstract. Growing up in a kingdom, they couldn’t comprehend the concept of a shared destiny among survivors. They had no interest in some grand vision.

To them, the kingdom was everything. And above kingdoms... Came empires.

That was as far as they were willing, or able, to understand.

“What’s your plan?” One noble leaned in and whispered discreetly to the count.

“I’m thinking of opening a brewery.” He replied. “The New Alliance plans to invest in our agriculture and infrastructure. Grain prices will fall for sure... But alcohol? I’ve seen how much those guys can drink.”

The count’s eyes lit up. “I’ve got twenty thousand acres of land on my estate!”

The man grinned. “Perfect. Let’s partner up.”

While the minor nobles cared more about business ventures, the powerful ministers and political figures focused on control, on the future of the kingdom. Normally, those two groups would clash. But when it came to the matter of their ruling, their goals aligned.

Only by extracting benefits from their new overlord could they preserve their own power.

Elsewhere in the hall, nobles and generals affiliated with Prince Wint gathered discreetly.

A clerk leaned in, whispering among them, “... Word is, the emperor of the New Alliance hasn’t taken a wife.”

“Are you certain?” A commander widened his eyes in disbelief.

It was hard to believe. Even if the administrator wasn’t interested, surely his ministers would have pressured him. An heirless throne was a national concern, especially one that traveled around wherever he liked.

The clerk nodded gravely. “Dead certain. The intel came from Prince Kariman himself. And I hear the Honey Badger Kingdom plans to abandon ancestral law to propose a marriage alliance...”

Another commander, catching sight of Yard drinking alone at the banquet table, cursed under his breath. “Cunning weasels.”

“We bleed on the frontlines, and those cowards, who couldn’t hold for a week, pull this stunt?”

“We can’t let them snatch the spoils of our struggle!”

“Damn right. We mustn’t fall behind!” One of the commanders present clenched his fists and growled.

“I’ll propose something to the king myself. His Majesty must be persuaded!”

Chu Guang paid no mind to the schemes brewing in the banquet hall. He had no interest in political gossip or petty ambitions.

What concerned him were the logistics. How to develop the Lion Kingdom’s market? How to profit from trade? How to grow more potatoes and corn per acre?

Those details would be handled by Lifestyle Profession players.

As the administrator, his duty was to guide the faction, to provide a vision and lead them toward it.

The banquet lasted about half an hour. Once the formalities were complete, Chu Guang only sampled a few dishes before bringing up the matter of treaties with Edward.

Edward, curious why the administrator seemed in such a rush, nevertheless understood and invited Chu Guang and a few New Alliance’s representatives to a side chamber.

The agreements had already been drafted before the New Alliance sent troops.

They included clauses for free trade, military passage, mutual defense, anti-marauder enforcement, immigration agreements, extradition treaties, and prewar relic investigation rights.

Everything was designed to avoid direct infringement on land or sovereignty, but still granted the New Alliance substantial influence.

Chu Guang skimmed the documents quickly. Confirming that they matched prior negotiations, he took the pen from Lu Bei, signed his name, and stamped the seal of the New Alliance.

The treaties granted New Alliance merchants the right to travel and trade freely in the Lion Kingdom, operate fixed or mobile assets, and integrate into the local economy.

To ensure the safety of its people and merchants, and to protect the peace of the region, the New Alliance was authorized to build up to five military bases or outposts, and up to seven large military communications facilities across Oasis No.9.

Given that the Lion Kingdom covered 110,000 square kilometers, that was more than enough.

Any more, the New Alliance wouldn’t have enough personnel to maintain them.

In return, Chu Guang promised that the New Alliance would not interfere in Lion Kingdom’s internal affairs.

Moreover, the New Alliance would provide a postwar reconstruction loan. They would lend 500 million silver coins, to rebuild infrastructure and expand agriculture prowess.

That way, there would be more orders for the New Alliance’s factories, and food that would ultimately be sold back to the New Alliance. It was a win-win.

As King Edward set his pen down and looked at his own copy of the treaty, he glanced up and asked, “What are your plans now?”

Returning the pen to Lu Bei, Chu Guang checked the time and placed his feet on the ground. “I plan to return to Dawn City.”

King Edward paused. “Would you consider staying a few days longer? I had a guest palace prepared...”

“No need.” Chu Guang replied with a smile. “I’ve got a more urgent matter to attend to.”

He noticed the slight unease in the king’s expression and added gently, “Don’t worry, I’ll leave the Storm Corps and the Goblin Corps here. The Skeleton Corps’ armored units are also on their way.”

“They’re the best the New Alliance has. They’ll ensure your safety.”

“And once the Heart of Steel completes resupply, it’ll return to the frontlines.”

Though the Army had pulled back from Oasis No.9, they were far from finished.

That was Edward’s real fear. He was afraid once the airship left, the Army might seize the opportunity to strike again.

It wasn’t an unfounded worry, especially for an old man who had spent the last two months sleeping in an underground bunker.

Chu Guang didn’t blame him.

And sure enough, after hearing that promise, Edward finally relaxed. His shoulders slumped back against the chair, and he exhaled with a relieved smile. “Thank you... Truly. For thinking of everything.”

Chu Guang rose and extended his hand with a light smile. “It’s nothing. May our friendship be as reliable as the New Alliance itself.”

The old king, eager to match the gesture, stood and grasped his hand with both of his own. “You have my word.”