Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys

Chapter 916: Chapter 330: Hippogriff Knight (Two-in-One Large Chapter)

”Hmm, unlike the Giant Beasts frequently appearing across our Federation. I heard that some time ago, the Dragan Empire was in turmoil, and numerous cults emerged.”

”That’s true. Considering the Dragan Empire’s corrupt and outdated administrative system, cults are hard to eradicate, and quite frankly, they serve as a perfect breeding ground.”

”Yes, indeed, Lady Trena. Therefore, humanity’s hope lies with the thriving Federation, rather than the Empire, which is gradually decaying.”

”Hmm, however, the Dragan Empire still retains a significant amount of ancient trump cards, their strength not to be underestimated, like the Dragon Knights.”

”The entire training system of the Dragon Knights is considered a top secret by the Dragan Empire, and in dealing with the awakened Giant Beasts, it must be said that Dragon Knights hold a greater advantage than the gigantic War Magic Statues developed by our Empire.”

Upon hearing this, the middle-aged officer thought for a moment and couldn’t help but nod, saying:

”Indeed, hopefully, your visit this time will help the Empire understand that only by cooperation can we better respond to this... calamity.”

The last word, the middle-aged officer clearly deliberated before saying it.

For him, and even for the Federation, the current situation was completely unforeseen, hence using the word calamity to describe it.

”Hmm, hopefully, everything goes smoothly.”

...

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In Rein’s study.

Olena and Rein’s conversation continued.

”By the way, Lord Olena, do you know the purpose of the Federation’s diplomatic visit to the Empire this time?” Rein suddenly thought of a question and asked.

”Uh... I’m not quite sure yet. You know, diplomatic affairs are handled by the Empire’s external liaison department, but if you’re particularly concerned, I can have someone inquire about it.” Olena expressed apologetically.

”Hmm, it’s nothing, I’m just asking casually. How are things in the other County Towns recently?” Rein shook his head, saying.

Regarding the Federation’s purpose, Rein wasn’t very concerned; he was just asking casually.

”Currently, the situation across the Mingster Province is relatively stable. The few incidents most likely to burst into crisis, you’ve resolved two of them by yourself.”

The capable young woman gazed at Rein with her beautiful eyes, covered her mouth, and laughed softly, saying.

”Oh?” Rein was indeed surprised that he had merely completed two routine tasks within his jurisdictions, which turned out to be the most crisis-prone.

In hindsight, whether it was the Ancient Blood Curse Naga or the Secret Snake Sect, both dispatched Legendary Strongmen this time. Ordinary Sword Bearers Branches at the provincial level could hardly handle them.

And if the tasks were to fail, a significant portion of the area’s situation would likely deteriorate rapidly.

”Yes, Lord Rein.”

”However... the situation in the surrounding provinces isn’t very good. For instance, in Wazi Province, an ancient cult—the Plague Sect, which should have been long gone, has made a sudden resurgence, and it’s escalating rapidly.”

”And over in Nome Province, aside from the increased Secret Snake Sect activities, the Limb Attachment Cult has also acted repeatedly, causing numerous tragedies. Admiral Edward even received a request for help from the Sword Bearers Branch over there.”

”Hmm? Why didn’t they request support from headquarters?” Hearing this news, Rein couldn’t help but be puzzled. He looked up at Olena and asked.

”The manpower at headquarters is also stretched thin at the moment.”

”Because most of the Imperial Guardians have been redeployed to defend the Imperial City, the responsibility of battling high-end cult forces in various provinces falls on the local Sword Bearers Branches and Governors.”

At this point, Olena couldn’t help but sigh.

”Alas, most provinces are under immense pressure right now! Fortunately, our branch has Lord Rein, and Admiral Edward is still very wise.”

”Overall, the hope lies in the Emperor’s recovery soon! In that case, the Imperial Guardians can be fully mobilized, and the situation will reverse swiftly.”

”I see.” Rein nodded.

However, for Olena’s last sentence, Rein held a negative view.

It’s not that he didn’t wish for the Empire Emperor to recover, but from his perspective, what he could rely on and hope for was his own strength.

Outside of this, nothing else was entirely secure.

Speaking of Nome Province, Rein suddenly remembered the three companions he once fought alongside: Langgeler, Alex, and Flay. He wondered how they were doing now.

”Actually, we are in the Eastern Empire here. The situation is relatively better. In the Northern Empire, particularly the provinces near the Frostwind Prairie, the cult activities are even more rampant. I’ve heard that several County Towns have already fallen.”

Seeing Rein was quite concerned with the overall situation of the Empire, Olena shared another piece of news.

”Hmm? Frostwind Prairie? The situation there is that dire!” Rein’s gaze suddenly turned sharp, and he reconfirmed.

Olena’s whole body stiffened, seemingly captivated by Rein’s aura, and quickly nodded, saying: ”Yes, the information is from official Empire channels, there’s no issue with its accuracy.”

However, she was also a bit curious about why Lord Rein seemed particularly concerned about the news from the Frostwind Prairie?

Upon getting further confirmation, Rein fell into thought.

Upon hearing Frostwind Prairie, a very vivid image of a hot-blooded girl with a Large Shield came to mind—Lagaray.

It had been so long, and the other side hadn’t sent any letters.

All along, Rein thought this was because Lagaray, after returning to the Barbarian Tribe, wanted to return to her original life there.