Chapter 312: Allies, Ultimatums, and War Preparations

After Lann finished speaking, the three greats of Cintra looked at each other, and it was Mousesack who broke the silence.

"Keldar and I have gathered at Kovir," he explained calmly. "During his time as an active witcher, he had contact with numerous nobles and even members of royalty, which has allowed him to forge a very useful network of contacts to recommend to us. I returned through the portal and, as soon as I informed you of the situation, I would return immediately to meet with him."

What Mousesack said lit up Lann's face.

Now that Keldar is willing to leave Kaer Seren to attend to Cintra's affairs, it's certainly a very good start. Even Lann thinks that, while the hiring of the mercenary company hasn't gone exactly as planned, the mere fact that the old Gryphon is starting to actively involve himself in Cintra's politics and diplomacy is a victory in itself.

"Thank you for your hard work." Lann said sincerely, "How is the situation?"

Mousesack looked worried. "The road was full of setbacks and overall the situation is quite complex. Although we finally managed to hire a company of mercenaries, both their nature and number differ from what we had planned."

With an inquisitive look, Lann indicated that he wanted to know all the details.

Mousesack sighed and continued, "Let me tell you everything from the beginning. First of all, Kovir has just suffered a coup d'état."

"The current king of Kovir is named Esterad. He recently regained the throne after being overthrown by usurpers, so his power base is shaky. In addition, during the previous coup d'état, Poviss proclaimed the kingdom's secession, and on the eastern borders close to the interior, several regions declared their independence. Since Kovir has always maintained a policy of neutrality in times of war, Esterad refuses to send his mercenary company to help us fight Nilfgaard."

"Even if we hire them at a premium?" Lann asked.

Mousesack sighed. "Esterad said he would double the premium and then send troops to attack us who are disrupting the market."

Lann was silent for a moment. The treasures obtained from the Mirror Master could fill several warehouses, but those from Kovir would be enough to fill several castles. In terms of financial resources, Cintra cannot yet compare to Kovir.

"But didn't you mention that the final result was positive?" Lann asked.

Mousesack nodded. "Esterad is one of the few monarchs in the North who remains clear-headed and has recognized the threat that Nilfgaard represents. After several rounds of negotiations, he has decided to release a group of political prisoners, granting them clemency and allowing them to form a free company to join our fight."

From northern Kovir to southern Cintra, this was in fact a covert exile. By sending these political prisoners – who, although not deserving of execution, were a nuisance at home – to the front lines, King Esterad clearly did not intend for them to return.

Lann pondered for a moment. "How many of them are there?"

Mousesack replied: "Three thousand. Redania sent a large number of transport ships as support, but we need to bear their food and logistics ourselves."

Lann nodded, it is better to have them than not to have them. Let these political prisoners go to the front line to fight against Nilfgaard. If they have performed meritorious deeds, they can be absorbed to rebuild Cintra after the war. Cintra's current population is insufficient to restore its former prosperity, and on the premise of ensuring the rights of the original people of Cintra, it also needs to absorb some refugees and immigrants.

Furthermore, if Lann remembered correctly, in the original timeline King Esterad will employ this modality – deploying a free company – in the upcoming war between the North and the South. These political prisoners, mostly former Kovir officers who had wrongly aligned themselves, possess remarkable fighting ability and knowledge, and many are even descendants of nobility. In combat, they prove to be even more seasoned than common mercenaries.

The future Free Company would play a decisive role in the war against Nilfgaard; so much so that the Redanians organized a sumptuous triumphal ceremony in honour of this brigade of foreign mercenaries. The only thing is that it is not yet known to what extent, in terms of staff, the Free Company that Kovir has assigned to Cintra differs from the one that will be sent later.

"If that's true, perhaps these three thousand men can play an even greater role than the five thousand mercenary company we were initially planning to hire," Lann said. "Thank you very much for your efforts, Uncle Mousesack."

"Enns, how are logistics going on your end?"

The old butler opened the notebook he carried with him and, with meticulous precision, replied, "Thanks to the treasure the young master brought back, we have acquired a large quantity of supplies in Novigrad, where we were offered a generous discount. In addition, Aedirn has sold us a first shipment of grain sufficient for six months, with the promise of further shipments in the future. As for the construction of the territory, everything is progressing smoothly. In short, everything is going well, and we owe it to you."

Lann nodded, satisfied.

"However, His Majesty Demavend of Aedirn has set a condition," the butler continued. "He wishes for us to launch a counterattack against Nilfgaard as soon as possible, and furthermore, he hopes to meet with you in the near future."

Lann was not surprised. With help always comes demands.

After Enns finished speaking, Marshal Vissegerd interjected, "I too have similar news. My troops have been in contact with Queen Meve's emissaries. The pressure on the United Kingdom of Lyria and Rivia is enormous, and she too hopes that we will deploy our forces soon. Furthermore, she suggests arranging a meeting between you, King Demavend, and herself."

Lann pondered. Nilfgaard was not simply the final boss of a game. While they were getting stronger, the enemy was also advancing with their own strategy. It was no wonder that Aedirn, Lyria and Rivia were already feeling the pressure.

"How are our preparations for war going?" Lann asked Vissegerd.

The marshal replied firmly: "Of our five thousand men, three thousand are veterans with combat experience. Under their guidance, the remaining two thousand recruits have managed to integrate quickly. Thanks to a stable logistical supply, they have been able to train without interruption. I can guarantee that their combat capability will not be inferior to that of the Royal Guard."

"However, we are still short on equipment. While other kingdoms have not denied us basic supplies, they are very strict in controlling weapons and armor. Fortunately, Lann brought back the craftsmen of Skellige, which will allow us to alleviate the immediate shortage."

Enns, however, had a different perspective: "The marshal is too optimistic. We have craftsmen, yes, but we lack raw materials. We don't have enough iron ore, so the amount of armor we can forge will only cover two-thirds of the soldiers, and that's just considering the breastplates. If we add wear and tear and repairs, the coverage will be even less."

Not everything could be solved with money alone. The treasure Lann obtained from the Mirror Master would allow him to buy basic supplies, but when it came to strategic resources, even the Allies imposed restrictions on export.

Lann sighed and rubbed his brow. "Armor isn't the only thing we're lacking. If I'm not mistaken, we also need siege engines and other war gear. This requires even more metal, and Skellige isn't exactly skilled at making it, either. So I have no choice but to go to Mahakam and negotiate with the dwarves."

After assessing the situation, Lann made a decision. "Marshal, Enns, do not concern yourself with Demavend and Meve's demands. I will explain the situation to them. We will advance at our own pace. Until reinforcements from Skellige and the Free Company of Kovir arrive, and until our troops are properly equipped, we will not start any war. Cintra cannot afford any more losses."

He looked at the three men seriously. "We decide when to fight. Not only will we take back our lands, but we will do so by gaining the greatest advantage at the least possible cost. No one else, not even our allies, will dictate our strategy."

Vissegerd, Enns, and Mousesack nodded solemnly. The marshal in particular looked pleased. Knowing that Lann had a clear overview gave him peace of mind.

After discussing the situation in Cintra, Mousesack smiled slightly. "Now that we've discussed serious matters, it's time for you to tell us in detail about your trip to Skellige."

Enns and Vissegerd also looked at him expectantly.

Seeing them like this, Lann began to tell what had happened: "When I arrived at Skellige... the castle was attacked by the Vildkaarls... I recruited a berserker... also a succubus... and an ice giant... Nilfgaard attempted an ambush... Skellige joined the fight with fervor..."

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