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TWL Chapter 61: Late support is not support
🕑 Added 2023-12-15 22:18:33 +0000 UTCLann thought for a while: "I want to transport some supplies to Brokilon Town."
He had planned to strengthen the town of Brokilon long before returning to Cintra, and now might be a good time.
But Eist shook his head and said regretfully: "That's something you'll have to figure out for yourself. We're in the middle of a war and everything is oriented towards the front, craftsmen, materials, everything takes priority there."
Lann thought for a while: "What about letting me go to the front line? I've been in the city defense army for a long time, and it's time to go to the battlefield. And I can control my own spoils, right?"
Lann needs more channels to gain experience. Now he has surpassed mortal strength enough to protect himself on the battlefield. Furthermore, commanding troops on the battlefield would grant him greater flexibility in case of drastic changes in the overall situation.
Calanthe slapped the table: "You are the last Lannister, and you cannot go to the battlefield. And you have no descendants. I will organize some social events in a while, there you can meet other noble ladies and select your future wife, just wait!"
Lann’s mouth twitched.
In the end, he could only say, "There must be some alchemical or magic materials in the royal vault, right? Auntie, you never use them on the battlefield. They are not considered war preparation materials. How about I take some?"
This is natural. Cintra advocates force and neglects the use of magic and the recruitment of sorcerers. The treasury's collection of alchemy and magic materials is mainly to enrich the diversity of the royal collection, and basically no one will use it at ordinary times.
If Mousesack had not become a royal advisor, it could be said that Cintra was isolated from magic.
"Of course there is no problem, Lann." Eist said: "Don't think too much about it. We will compensate you after we drive Nilfgaard away."
Calanthe frowned after hearing Lann's request, but she did not stop Eist's promise to Lan, and just said afterward:
"I have heard from Mousesack that you seem to be obsessed with magic. I don't object to your hobbies, but Lann, you have to know that you are a knight and an earl, and you have a more important mission..."
Lann nodded mechanically using his muscle memory. The purpose of him visiting the Queen and her husband today was basically fulfilled.
But now, looking at the previous king of Skellige, Eist, an idea arose in his mind.
It seems that in The Witcher Series the direct cause of Cintra's defeat was a major defeat in a valley that Lann had forgotten the name of.
In that battle, Skellige's aid, which was due to arrive as reinforcements, was hindered by a storm at sea or other extreme weather, leaving Cintra's army isolated and defenseless. This not only resulted in the loss of Cintra's elites, but also the death of King Eist, who was hit by a stray arrow.
What if Skellige's reinforcements could arrive earlier? Could things have been different?
Lann suddenly said: "Uncle, regarding our war with Nilfgaard, I have some questions to ask you. Will Skellige provide support for our confrontation with Nilfgaard?"
The war has just started, and you want to ask for help to lower the morale of the soldiers? When Calanthe heard this, the proud lioness of Cintra was about to get angry when Eist's hand gently placed on her shoulder.
"Lann, it's good that you can think of this. It took me a lot of effort to persuade your aunt to let me go back to my hometown to discuss support." Eist smiled and said, "It seems that you also have good military talents. It’s a pity that this rare training opportunity didn’t let you go to the battlefield.”
"It's just that our situation is not yet at the point where we must provide support. In theory, we won't reach that point, so you don't have to worry too much. But if we reach a critical situation, Skellige will not hesitate to offer help. After all, I'm here, so don't worry.”
Lann shook his head and said: "I was just thinking that Skellige is our closest and most powerful ally, the first to consider and definitely the last to not help..."
When saying this, Lann smiled at King Eist.
"But this help would arrive by sea, and I have no experience at sea. However, I have heard from sailors about the unpredictability of the sea.
I wonder, if we wait until the situation is desperate, when help arrives, might it be too late?"
"Is it possible for us to let Skellige's army set off early? If we are in crisis when they arrive, it will be a timely help. If our situation is good at that time, we can take this opportunity to counterattack Nilfgaard, and Our two countries have opened up new territories and expanded their territories.”
Calanthe couldn't stand listening anymore. The lioness was about to roar, but her husband's hand on her shoulder was slightly stronger.
The queen turned her head and looked at him, her face full of displeasure.
Eist didn't seem to notice. He pondered for a while and said to Lann: "Lann, things involving the mobilization of the army are more complicated."
"The gathering of multiple Skellige families, the organization of troops, and the subsequent logistics are interconnected and enormously expensive. If we bring forward the call for large contingents, it could be counterproductive for Cintra who faces Nilfgaard at this time."
"I know what you are worried about. You can rest assured that the sailors of Skellige are veterans who have been fighting in the huge waves for dozens of generations. They will be fine."
Lann still refused to give up. "Then at least the army could be divided into several groups to prevent an accident from completely blocking them."
Calanthe finally couldn't stand it anymore and stood up and yelled: "Do you know how many useless losses that could cause? Small forces can easily be wiped out by an enemy force that is ready to attack!"
On the other hand, Eist did not speak. He actually fell into deep thought after listening to Lann's words.
Lann said: "But isn't fighting in small groups the best way for the Skellige people to fight? And on the sea, who else but the Skellige would have a large-scale navy?"
Lann was eventually driven out by the roaring lioness.
Queen Calanthe drove all the attendants out with a cold face, drinking glass after glass of wine.
Seeing his lover like this, Eist chuckled and stopped thinking. He gently stepped forward and hugged his wife.
“You dote on him too much, my love. Lann is like this, and Ciri is like this.”
"But they are both good kids, right? Lann is, and so is Ciri. Why do you always disagree with the two of them? If I remember correctly, Lann's bloodline is separated from Ciri by five or six generations."
"From an ethical point of view, there is no problem. Besides, they have a deep emotional bond. Why don't you agree?"
Feeling the king bury his nose in her hair, Calanthe caressed her lover's cheek and sighed: "Because I'm afraid."
“Oh? My lioness is also afraid of something?”
