The Exiled Lord: My Maid is a Battle Goddess

Chapter 323: A dire situation

After thoroughly interrogating Jamie, Phield finally learned the Shadow World Sect’s military deployment within Rick Province.

There was one Fourth-Tier Divine Chosen, but she was stationed far from Bull Territory and the surrounding regions. Her attention was focused on guarding against the Governor of Rick Province, so she wasn’t an immediate concern.

After all, Bull Territory was considered a stable area completely under their control.

Bull Territory, Fierce Stallion Territory, and Ram Territory each had Shadow World Sect personnel stationed there, all of them Third-Tier Divine Chosen. As for Miss Jamie of Ram Territory, she had already fallen into Phield’s hands.

There were also two Corrupted Divine Chosen, both Third Tier.

Fortunately, information regarding Corruption wasn’t classified. Jamie had told Phield everything she knew about Corrupted creatures with remarkable certainty.

The combined main force of these territories had already reached a terrifying four thousand troops, most of them border soldiers from Bull Territory with formidable combat capabilities.

"That kind of military strength is terrifying..."

Ophelia sucked in a cold breath and swallowed nervously.

"Phield, our forces are far too weak. We simply aren’t a match for the Shadow World Sect. My suggestion is simple. Give up."

"From a purely numerical standpoint and judging by the local situation, giving up would indeed be the logical choice."

Phield pushed aside the feeling of helplessness and forced himself to focus.

"But this isn’t a conventional war. We haven’t been exposed yet. We should take advantage of this opportunity and rob them blind."

His older brother could contact the Shadow World Sect, which meant he would inevitably ask for updates.

The moment Jamie’s disappearance attracted the Sect’s attention, they would be forced into a passive position.

Even if nobody investigated Jamie’s disappearance, the growing number of Corrupted creatures flooding into Bull Territory still posed a threat.

Phield had no intention of allowing Bull Territory to become a ticking bomb waiting to explode.

"I’ll follow whatever my lord decides."

Ashina raised both hands immediately without a second thought.

"Don’t worry. I’ll plan this carefully."

After thinking for a moment, Phield said,

"I have a bold idea."

After releasing his Black Raven to scout the terrain surrounding the fortress, Phield returned to Starnight City and began making arrangements.

The first thing he did was summon Annie Rui.

"So you’re finally planning to let me go?"

Annie Rui sneered.

"Looks like after taking a look around the border fortress, you’ve finally realized how terrifying the Shadow World Sect really is."

In his eyes, Phield had simply wandered near the border fortress, witnessed the overwhelming defenses and Corrupted creatures, and been scared out of his wits.

The man who had spoken of taking the initiative couldn’t possibly accomplish such a thing.

This time, however, Phield didn’t joke around.

"My affairs are none of your concern."

His expression turned serious.

"Mr. Annie Rui, you have a way to verify your identity, don’t you? Write a request for reinforcements. I’ll have someone deliver it immediately."

The enemy’s numbers were overwhelming.

If the Empire became aware of the situation and dispatched troops, the forces stationed within the Shadow World Sect’s three core territories would inevitably be weakened significantly.

"Just a letter?"

Annie Rui sighed.

"Fine."

Using an urgent tone, he quickly drafted a plea for reinforcements and marked it with the special coded insignia unique to border fortresses.

"That should do it."

Annie Rui looked invigorated.

"The Imperial Legions will crush those rebel clowns like ants."

"Excellent."

Phield accepted the letter.

"I’ll have someone deliver it. Hopefully the Imperial Army can accomplish something."

Then he added,

"You should prepare to guide me. I’m planning to enter Bull Fortress."

After writing several military orders and stamping them with his seal, he looked up.

"You’ve got courage, but you’re walking to your death."

Annie Rui shook his head.

"You won’t take the border fortress. And don’t think there’s some secret tunnel leading into Bull Territory. Our supply convoys were lowered from the walls, not brought through hidden passages."

"Are you scared?" Phield asked with a teasing smile.

"You only need to guide the way."

"Wrong."

Annie Rui extended a hand.

"Not only am I not afraid, I’m going to fight."

"Return my equipment. I want to personally kill those scum."

His gaze hardened.

"I was only trying to deliver intelligence before. Otherwise, I would have died defending my territory like a true knight."

Feeling the determination in Annie Rui’s eyes, Phield nodded.

"Good."

"Since you have that resolve, mobilize your former subordinates and have them follow my orders as well."

Phield gathered all the heavy cavalry, guards, and two hundred soldiers from the First Army before marching normally toward Turnip Village.

"Fortunately, I had Ophelia transport food and weapons there in advance."

He smiled.

"Having a frontline village is incredibly convenient."

This saved them the trouble of transporting supplies.

Tisiana and the remaining troops stayed behind to protect the territory.

Meanwhile, Phield personally escorted a small team of light cavalry toward Maple Leaf Territory, intending to pass information to the outside world.

Without supply wagons slowing them down, the light cavalry’s mobility allowed them to reach the outskirts of Maple Leaf Fortress very quickly.

"Let’s hope my concerns are unfounded."

Taking a deep breath, Phield stopped his troops far from the walls rather than approaching them.

His hand tightened around the hilt of his sword before slowly relaxing.

Turning to the messengers, he instructed,

"If they refuse to let you in, don’t force the issue. Just come back."

"What do you mean by that?"

Annie Rui looked confused.

"Nothing."

Phield shook his head.

"I just hope the message reaches its destination."

He nodded toward the group before him.

Two soldiers and five messengers stepped forward carrying mist-dispelling lamps.

Four of those messengers had once been Annie Rui’s trusted subordinates.

If they were able to meet a high-ranking noble, their testimony would likely carry more weight.

As a discarded son of a noble family, Phield knew his own words weren’t particularly convincing.

The messenger team approached the fortress wall.

The mist-dispelling lamps atop the walls illuminated a safe zone.

Countless antlers and barricades covered the area.

Corpses of Corrupted undead littered the ground before the gates.

"Halt."

The soldiers atop the walls immediately noticed the approaching group and raised their crossbows.

"This is a border fortress!"

"My lords, we’re Baron Phield’s men, not Corrupted undead."

"Oh?"

An officer leaned over the wall and glanced down at them.

"You didn’t bring any goods this time."

His expression turned cold.

"Go back. The fortress is under lockdown. No one enters or leaves."

"We can pay."

One messenger produced a pouch of gold coins.

"Please make an exception."

The officer’s voice became even colder.

"I said no."

"Get lost."

"Oh no."

Hidden within the gray mist, Phield’s body stiffened.

Cold sweat instantly broke out across his back.

When dealing with Imperial officials, a little greed wasn’t frightening.

The truly terrifying situation was when they refused to take bribes.

That meant something was seriously wrong.

"Maple Leaf Territory is no longer an option."

Phield’s face darkened.

"We’ve been cut off."

Circulating his mana, he prepared to call the messengers back immediately.

At that moment, however, one of the soldiers from Fierce Stallion Territory shouted toward the officer on the wall.

"We’re survivors from Fierce Stallion Territory! Fierce Stallion Territory has already been—"

He never finished the sentence.

"I knew it."

Killing intent erupted in the officer’s eyes.

"They’re monsters controlled by the Corrupted undead!"

His roar echoed across the fortress.

"They’re trying to infiltrate us! Kill them!"

"Activate the defensive mechanisms!"

The countless magical defense towers atop the walls flashed with brilliant light.

Boom! Boom! Boom!