Hearing Prince Moku's words, Artur's expression turned grave. While Level 4 Constellation Mages were indeed strong, in a mana species war like this, they were akin to slightly larger ants.
The main strength in this warfare lay with Level 5 and Level 6 Constellation Mages. They ford the backbone of the forces, and without them, the entire army was effectively rendered defeated.
If Prince Moku could only mobilize Level 4 Constellation Mages and below, it ant he could only assist by adding to the number of cannon fodder. Even Vate and Listi weren't entitled to participate in this warfare; they were relegated to assisting fledglings like Robert and Artur.
The sa frustration was mirrored on Grit's face. He appeared like soone who had just tasted sour fruit. While it might be impolite to show dissatisfaction before Prince Moku, Artur couldn't bla him.
As Gupita had explained earlier, power was everything for the arion species. They didn't care about your wealth or your father's authority. Even Prince Moku, the offspring of an arion king, lacked the power to command mages stronger than himself.
Only the arion king, as the strongest arion, held the authority to command the entire arion species. Without a word from the king, even if all the princes agreed to order Level 6 Constellation Mages to fight, it would be easily dismissed.
"Sir Grit, don't worry. I'll be returning to Wilwatikta Kingdom shortly and will et with the king. I'll ask him to deploy troops and assist you on the frontlines. However, I can't guarantee when this discussion will conclude. But I can assure you that I'll keep pressuring the king to send his forces, even if it takes decades," Prince Moku said with a sense of determination.
Understanding Grit's likely thoughts, Prince Moku spoke with gentleness. He sounded as if he felt guilty for being unable to help in the fight against the demon species.
However, it was possible that Prince Moku had a different perspective and had never desired to involve the arion species in a battle against the demons. Besides, his knowledge about demon species ca solely from Grit and wasn't based on firsthand experience.
It was plausible that all this information was inaccurate, part of a sinister plan by the Human Alliance to pit the arion species against the demon species. If Artur were in Prince Moku's position, he would likely entertain similar suspicions.
However, Artur knew the actual situation, and not a single word from Grit was a lie. Currently, the battle on the frontlines was indeed tilted in favor of the demon species. Every mont, a human mage would beco prey to the demons, and every mont, the demon species grew stronger.
Hence, Prince Moku's words sounded like cowardly talk in Artur's ears. He resembled the hypocritical nobles who could only speak sweet words without any proof. They were the individuals Artur despised the most in the world.
Yet, as if able to read the thoughts from Grit's sour expression, Prince Moku continued his words, "While I can't aid you in increasing your troop count, I can assist you in the realm of resources."
Grit's downturned face lifted with a trace of hope.
"Your Highness, what do you an?"
"Sir Grit, I understand that warfare is not only about the number of troops but also about the supporting resources. Without provisions, soldiers cannot wield their weapons. Wilwatikta Kingdom may not be the most potent mana species across the entire Continent of er, but we can assure you that we are the wealthiest.
"You can see proof of this with the ongoing construction of West Fortress. The quantity of mana organs and magical resources we're employing might surpass what you expend in a year. Moreover, the location of West Fortress, positioned amidst the Bog Forest, makes it an effective supply line point.
"By making West Fortress a central supply hub, resources can be dispatched to the frontlines more swiftly and securely. I understand that the Human Alliance is currently facing challenges in sending supplies to the frontlines. It's not just mutated animals and monsters, but natural disasters can also hinder supply caravans.
"Sir Grit, what if I allocate a portion of West Fortress and the resources used to construct it to aid the battle on the frontlines?"
Upon hearing this, Grit's eyes widened, and Artur held his breath. Artur realized that the construction of West Fortress had consud a substantial amount of magical resources, causing a pang in his heart. They had even used the high-tier dangerous mutated animal hides just for the roofing.
If Prince Moku was willing to share these magical resources with the Human Alliance, it would undeniably be a significant boost to the battle on the frontlines.
Not only that, by designating West Fortress as the base of the supply line, the Human Alliance would no longer need to divide their supply routes into multiple paths. They could simply direct all their supplies towards West Fortress, making it easier to reach the frontlines.
If Commander Aqua were to hear this, she would undoubtedly cheer with joy. Artur knew that supply lines had always been a burden for Commander Aqua, and by consolidating the supply lines, her work could beco much more manageable.
Furthermore, if Prince Moku shared ownership of West Fortress with the Human Alliance, they could establish supply storage at this location. This would an a greater amount of supplies could be sent. Additionally, West Fortress could serve as a point for troops to rest before heading to the frontlines.
The advantages the Human Alliance would gain were undoubtedly many tis greater than Prince Moku rely sending Level 4 Constellation Mages and below to fight. However, there was an issue that troubled Artur, and it seed to trouble Grit as well.
"Prince, thank you for your intention. If you can indeed do as you say, it will greatly assist the Human Alliance and the battle on the frontlines. However, please forgive , there's sothing that's bothering . Can you just hand over a portion of West Fortress like that? Won't this pose a problem for you in the future?"
This was the sa question Artur wanted to ask. He refocused his attention on Prince Moku.
Prince Moku didn't respond imdiately but smiled first. He gently stroked Anna's soundly sleeping cheek and lightly kissed her hair. Artur struggled not to question in his mind why he did that, but the question still surfaced in his thoughts.
"Sir Grit, you don't need to worry. West Fortress is mine, and the resources to build it were entrusted to . Therefore, no one can dictate to how I should use West Fortress and its resources.
"Though the arion species greatly values strength above all else, I am still the son of the arion king. While I may not be able to exert my authority over those stronger than , I can use my wealth to help anyone I desire.
"As long as West Fortress remains under my governance, what I ntioned earlier will stand. I assure you of that. What do you think?"
Hearing this, Artur nodded. Even in a place where strength was everything, a parent's love wouldn't disappear so easily. Although Prince Moku couldn't command arion stronger than himself, he could utilize all the wealth bestowed upon him.
If only the arion species had the greed for wealth like humans, then Prince Moku could use his riches to pay Level 6 Constellation Mages to fight alongside them against the demons. Unfortunately, the arion species didn't care for wealth, and Prince Moku's riches were of little use to them.
Artur began to understand the aning of the proverb – even when covered in dirt, gold remains gold.
"If that's truly how Your Highness sees it, then this will greatly assist us in the battle at the frontlines. However, I still wish to ask you to convey to the arion king how crucial this battle against the demons is," Grit said with a slightly brighter expression.
Although he couldn't make the arion species join the fight against the demons, he had at least succeeded in involving Prince Moku. With that, even if no arion fought against the demons, at least a portion of West Fortress would be under the control of the Human Alliance.
"Of course, Sir Grit, certainly. After this, please stay at West Fortress for a few days. My people will host you, and so of my aides will et with you to finalize the arrangents. If there's nothing else you wish to discuss, then we'll conclude this eting for now," said Prince Moku.
"Thank you very much for this opportunity, Your Highness. I will make sure to report this to the Human Alliance so they know of your support for our cause," Grit bowed, followed by the rest of the delegation giving salutes to Prince Moku.
"I hope so, Sir Grit."
Prince Moku stood from his seat and cradled Anna with one arm. He walked toward the stairs leading down to the second floor and disappeared from the first floor of The Great Hall.
The first official eting between the arion and human species had left a sense of contentnt on Grit's face and the faces of the delegation. They had never anticipated the broader smile now gracing the face they addressed as Prince Moku.
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