The movements in the Orc King’s court naturally couldn’t be hidden from the human side.
In fact, gathering provisions and suppressing unstable tribes within were all traceable.
Moreover, Aililan had been keeping an eye on the orcs’ movements and had long been on guard against them.
But in the end, they were the reactive side; entering a state of war readiness too early would only hinder their own development.
“Before winter? That means they’ll come around the time of crisp autumn air.”
Aililan took a deep breath and put down the intelligence report. “It’s April now. They’re expected to head south around October. That leaves me only half a year.”
Actually, not even half a year. Precisely, it’s about four months.
Because fully mobilizing the Fifth Wing Region would take at least two months.
So preparations must begin around August to mobilize.
This is an awkward timing, right on the cusp of the harvest season.
But it’s also a good time for the orcs to launch their campaign.
Based on march distances and assault timing, if everything goes smoothly for the orcs, by the time they arrive, they can take over the harvest of those crops.
What Aililan could think of, the high-ranking officials of Atester naturally thought of as well after receiving the intelligence.
Especially Chief Executive Alistair, who sought out his Saintess with particular worry.
“Lady Saintess, should we mobilize administrative power to have the large farmland outside Atester replant other crops?”
“This is our administrative oversight. We prioritized spring plowing but overlooked the orcs’ southward movement.”
Aililan shook her head and waved her hand. “No need. We’ve spent countless efforts, even helping the Jackal Tribe and War Pigs build their cities and nations—wasn’t it all to keep the orcs out of our homeland?”
“I don’t care how things were in the past.”
“But now I’m here.”
“I won’t let the flames of war reach our doorstep.”
“So the people below should just do their jobs. Of course, they can also take some time off for vacation—think of it as leisure before the great war, hehe.”
Alistair gave a bitter smile upon hearing this.
People like them dared not relax in the slightest.
However, as Aililan said, this should be a rare moment of leisure.
There was also the matter of conscription.
Atester had transferred many soldiers from various places, with a standing army of about 50,000 now.
But that was far from enough.
The Fifth Wing Region had seven cities in total.
Aililan directly ordered conscription everywhere: Atester would expand its army to 70,000, and the other cities must expand to at least 20,000 standing troops each.
This caused considerable resentment everywhere.
Even Grace, the Finance Chief of Atester, complained bitterly:
“Seventy thousand… that’s too many. It puts enormous pressure on our finances.”
The area of the Fifth Wing Region is roughly equivalent to a small principality.
And an ordinary principality’s standing army is only about forty to fifty thousand.
If Aililan’s expansion strategy is followed, the Fifth Wing’s forces would reach a terrifying 190,000.
Aililan, however, shook her head and sighed. “Is 190,000 a lot?”
“If the orcs come south, it will be an all-out war. It’s perfectly normal for the total forces facing each other to reach a million.”
“As long as the finances can bear it.”
“Then just churn out troops like crazy.”
The day ended. Aililan returned home exhausted.
Head Maid Yarandale brought over black tea, and a stunningly beautiful girl walked over holding a book.
“Miss Aililan, you’re back.”
Theresa asked elegantly and gently.
“Mm.”
“Have you been busy lately?”
“Pretty busy, but not too busy. Mainly, the orcs might be heading south soon.”
Aililan couldn’t help but take another look at Theresa.
This girl was completely different from when she had been brought back from the slums.
Theresa’s beauty remained, but her temperament had become gentler and more refined.
Perhaps because she had stayed in the Holy Maiden Manor for so long, she increasingly carried the noble air of the Duke’s daughter she once was.
Aililan couldn’t help but feel a little emotional—it seemed she had been a bit too neglectful of this girl.
Theresa looked a little nervous and asked, “Will the orcs’ southward march be very dangerous?”
Aililan laughed. “It’s not a big problem.”
“Miss Aililan, is there anything I can help you with?”
“I’m good here. And you? Also, I’ve been a bit remiss lately—I hope you don’t mind.”
“Miss Aililan, you’re joking. Your heart is filled with the welfare of countless people. You’re so busy—I remember everything, how could I make demands of you?”
“Hehe, how have you been recently?”
“I’ve been well recently.”
Theresa seemed to want to say something but hesitated.
After all, she was a strong-willed and dignified girl. Even in the slums, she never accepted charity but collected nectar to earn her food.
Although life was good now, it felt a little empty. She felt like a vase—ornamental.
She desperately wanted to do something.
Even if it was just to share some of Aililan’s burden, doing something trivial would be fine.
Aililan looked at her conflicted expression and said directly, “Given our relationship, just say whatever is on your mind.”
Theresa took a deep breath and finally made up her mind. “My ability lets me discern good and evil, so I hope I can go to the Investigation Bureau and learn from Miss Betiliana. This might be the only way I, as a Saintess, can be of help.”
Aililan interrupted, “You don’t have to belittle yourself. I never meant to drive you away.”
“I know Miss Aililan, you’re doing this for my own good, but I still hope I can do something within my ability. Is that okay?”
“It would normally be fine.”
Aililan paused.
“But, do you still remember?”
“Remember what?”
“Back in the slums, that terrifyingly strong woman—do you remember her?”
“Of course I remember.”
“Then why?”
“She is my Knight Commander.”
“What…”
Aililan sighed and briefly explained about Fina Nisi.
“As you can see, Fina Nisi’s strength is terrifying. She is also extremely greedy for desire. Even I, as the Saintess… so I’m not comfortable letting you appear before her.”
“You might wonder why I don’t punish her.”
“There’s no other way. If we force her away, she might become a powerful enemy. As it is, at least she’s still fighting for the Church.”
Theresa looked disappointed for a moment, then forced a smile. “I’m sorry, I was rude. I completely overlooked your difficulties. I’ll follow your arrangements.”
Aililan waved her hand. “Actually, it’s not impossible.”
“You mean?”
“Just leave this to me.”
She paused.
“But I’ll say this upfront—if you appear before Fina Nisi and face her fierce advances, can you resist?”
“I… of course I can.”
“You’re that confident?”
“Why?”
“Because…”
Theresa just shook her head, her cheeks seeming to flush.
Because her heart had long been given to you, the Saintess.
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