The strategic objectives had been achieved.
Aililan did not linger any longer.
She immediately led her cavalry back along with a vast amount of spoils. At the same time, she sent a message to the Fox Tribe, instructing them to accelerate their pace in conquering the surrounding Orc tribes.
‘Who isn’t a descendant of the Beast God? If the Fox and War Pig tribes want to establish a nation, we humans will support them.’
This created an interesting dynamic. While the Northern Royal Court of the Orcs was undoubtedly powerful, with human assistance in the south, the southern tribes might become even stronger!
At this point.
“We only need to wait for the Jackals and War Pigs to establish their nations.”
“The Barrier Strategy I have been working on will then have officially achieved its goal.”
“At that time, if the Northern Royal Court of the Orcs wants to march south, the first ones they must clear out are the War Pigs and the Jackals. They will have to fight a war for the foundation of their nations before they can ever come into contact with us humans.”
‘But after their civil war, how much strength will they have left to march south?’
‘Or perhaps—this will be our opportunity to head north and flatten the Orc race in one fell swoop.’
Aililan tilted her head and smiled.
This was a national strategy. Aililan knew it was not something that could be completed overnight, but the beginning had been made, and she had done it quite well.
***
After returning to Atester City, Aililan processed the spoils of war. Most were rewarded to the cavalrymen who participated in the campaign. The pensions for those who died in battle were particularly generous, which earned her the immense gratitude and loyalty of the people.
At the same time, more detailed strategies were issued.
The wild development of the Mutual Market had gradually met Aililan’s expectations, demonstrating its frenzied vitality and profitability. However, chaos was also beginning to emerge because of it.
After a period of wild growth…
It was time to implement Great Governance.
In the Administrative Council, Aililan first gave instructions regarding personnel changes:
“Priest Haiyisi has performed excellently. Unafraid of hardships and danger, she followed the army to campaign against the tribes of the Wasteland. I have seen the loyalty she has displayed, and therefore, I specially appoint Priest Haiyisi to take charge of the Mass Church. At the same time, she is promoted to the rank of Bishop.”
Having said that, she looked at Priest Haiyisi and continued, “I have already requested the Holy Land for your formal appointment. It will take one month at the earliest, or two to three months at the latest, for the official order to arrive.”
Haiyisi’s face showed astonishment, and she spoke with some hesitation, “Thank… thank you, Lady Saintess. But my seniority is shallow, and I fear I cannot take on such a heavy responsibility. The Holy Land should send someone more respected and experienced to accept the position of Bishop.”
Aililan gave a cold snort and said, “If I tell you to take it, then take it. Stop being so modest. If anyone from the Holy Land tries to stretch their claws over here to steal credit, I will cut them off personally.”
These words were also meant for everyone else to hear.
‘As long as you are loyal to me and help me do things well, no one can steal the credit that belongs to you.’
And most importantly, these people were the ones currently closest to Aililan. They were the inner circle.
As long as Aililan controlled the Five Wings Region, these people would have the opportunity to become figures as powerful as regional lords in the future.
Therefore…
Only a fool would oppose Aililan.
Smart people would go through fire and water for her.
She continued.
“Next is the second appointment. Although Scholar Yunuo comes from the Inquisition, her talent is outstanding. She has repeatedly provided excellent legal support for the governance of Atester City. I hereby appoint her as the temporary Deputy Chief of Justice, with full authority over the implementation of the Mutual Market’s regulatory system and economic laws.”
While the title said “Deputy,” who was to say she wouldn’t become the permanent head someday?
Furthermore, this was a consideration to appease the members of the Inquisition.
Since the change involved the power of the law, letting Yunuo, who came from the Inquisition, execute it made it acceptable to both sides.
Yunuo stood up and said with great respect, “By your command, my Goddess Lady.”
Aililan nodded and said, “Yes. At the same time, do not forget to revise the civil laws. Only by experiencing things firsthand can you formulate more reasonable legal articles. This will be a great experience for you.”
Yunuo lowered her head to listen to the teaching and said, “What the Saintess says is correct.”
***
After the series of personnel appointments and removals, Aililan began to cut into more practical issues.
“The Mutual Market needs regulation.”
“Especially the categories for bulk commodity trading. We cannot let those merchants treat the market like a garbage dump, transporting anything and everything there and then asking me to foot the bill.”
“Furthermore, we are not a landfill for whatever trash the Orcs have. We will not collect everything unconditionally.”
“Instead, we will gradually shape it so that we determine what we need, and then let the Orcs engage in breeding, farming, or excavating whatever resources we require.”
“Regarding the merchants, my proposal is to collect and categorize the various types of goods traded with the Orcs and issue licenses for those specific goods. Only merchants who possess the relevant commodity licenses may transport and sell the corresponding goods.”
“Regarding the Orcs, my proposal is to lead with leather products, causing their economic center to gradually shift toward the breeding industry. This will turn their economy into a single-industry form, which is easier for us to manage.”
“At the same time, all leakage of agricultural technology is strictly prohibited. For anyone who sells agricultural technology to the Orcs, my opinion is vicarious liability—the entire family will be held accountable.”
“I have finished speaking.”
“Who agrees?”
“Who opposes?”
A wave of discussion broke out below.
Soon…
“Agreed.”
“Agreed.”
“I also agree.”
Aililan’s prestige in Atester had already been established. Those who did not agree were not even qualified to sit in the Administrative Council.
Aililan nodded in satisfaction.
In fact, regarding the merchants…
There was another good method, which was bidding. But if that thing was not handled well, it was easy to fall into internal rigging.
Furthermore, a meal must be eaten one bite at a time. Just as she had said in the Administrative Council meeting, the pocket was being tightened slowly. Everything must have a process, rather than being strangled to death all at once.
***
The Administrative Council meeting adjourned.
However, things were not yet fully resolved.
Aililan held a small meeting early on, with the key figures being the high-ranking officers of the Fourth Wing Army.
“Everyone.”
“Can the Fourth Wing Army still fight?”
Aililan’s opening statement immediately caused the faces of many officers to change.
The greatest insult to an army was to say that they were a force incapable of fighting.
Military Chief Gareyas stood up, his tone serious as he said, “Lady Saintess, the Fourth Wing Army has never ceased its combat readiness. Why do you say this?”
Aililan waved her hand and said, “Legion Commander Gareyas, please do not be nervous. I have no ill will toward the Fourth Wing Army.”
“Since I’ve spoken this way…”
“Then I won’t hide anything.”
“Surely you all know of my recent measures. I can say without exaggeration that war is very close to us.”
“Therefore, I want to find a training ground for you to prepare for the massive war that could arrive at any moment.”
“What do you all think?”
Gareyas asked doubtfully, “You mean?”
Aililan pointed to a map of the area surrounding Atester City, specifically pointing to the Demon territory, and said, “I’ll be honest with you. A few days ago, I encountered a Demon assassination attempt in the manor.”
“What? You were assassinated?”
“Damned Demons! Do they want to die?”
“Goddess Lady, please give the order! We will immediately fight the Demons to the death.”
“For the Goddess Lady, we would die a hundred deaths without regret!”
…
Was Aililan trying to open a second battlefield?
No, she wasn’t that foolish. She just felt that the Demons’ minerals were very tempting.
It just so happened that there was a Succubus with lordly blood imprisoned in the manor. Aililan felt she could be put to good use.
Drive the Succubus to the ground…
And then…
Hehehe?