Chapter 10 Continental Situation

  He drew two lines on the paper with his pen, then added a circle in the center. "In short," said Rickett, "this is what the continent of Veronica looks like now."

  Looking at the strange pattern of two intersecting lines with a circle in the center, Bast said, "This continent was born strangely."

  For her natural foolishness, Rikit couldn't help but bitterly smile and say: "I couldn't find Veronica's map for the time being, so I can only use this simplest diagram to explain."

  "Never mind this fool, just talk." Raymond pinched the cat girl's ear and pulled her to one side, then patted his hands as if nothing had happened.

  Bast looked up from where he was hiding, rubbing his ears, and Ricket coughed before continuing. "Currently, the continent of Veronika is comprised of four nations and one nation-like federation. These are the Gordan Plains Alliance in the northwest, the Kingdom of Dilk in the southwest, the Krote Empire in the northeast, the Ravite Trade Federation in the southeast, and the Kingdom of Gaspad at the center."

  However, it should be noted that since this is just a simple diagram, only the approximate geographical distribution of several countries is marked. In fact, neither the border lines nor the shape of the territory can be so uniform.

  Raymond nodded understandingly and asked, "Where is Haidington?"

  Rickett drew a small circle slightly to the right of the edge at the bottom of the blueprint: "It's about here."

  From the map of Ricket, Haidington is located at the southernmost part of the Lavieth Trade Federation, and the upper left is the Kingdom of Gasperd in the center of the mainland. Although it's a bit remote, fortunately, it's by the sea, so the location is not bad.

  "Next, I'll briefly introduce these countries."

  As he spoke, Rickett pointed to the northeastern part of the map: "The Krot Empire occupies almost all of the best land on the northern edge of the continent, with rich products and abundant minerals. With a strong military tradition, it is also very powerful militarily, making it the strongest country on the Veronika continent."

  However, within the Krotan Empire there is a church called Sidonius that holds great power. This church worships the God-King Tyrren, who in their scriptures is a deity with dual aspects of creation and destruction, and one of his children is the war god Kashu.

  "Thus, the Sidonian Church did not hesitate to fanatically promote war, coupled with religious indoctrination, and its three elite 'Divine Legions' were extremely formidable in combat, even rivaling the battle-hardened Central Iron Guard of the Crotian military, as well as the garrison troops stationed at Naris Fortress."

  "Religion?" Raymond asked with great interest.

  On the continent of Mozhi, the power of the church is not strong. Even in the barbaric beastman empire, faith in the god of war will not affect the regime. Unexpectedly, this country is completely opposite.

  Ricket nodded: "Currently, the Sidonis church is vying with the Croft royal family for control of the country. It's said that the capital city of Trebisia is staging a play of assassinations and betrayals every day. This has also greatly hindered the development of this country."

  "Next is the Kingdom of Dirks, located in the southwest of the continent, facing off against the Krot Empire from afar. Their combined strength is second only to each other's, and together they occupy more than half of the land on the Veronica Continent."

  "This country and the Kingdom of Gasparde were separated from an ancient nation that perished hundreds of years ago, so they have a deep connection with each other. That's why Dilk has always had ambitions to annex Gasparde."

  "After that, Ricket pointed to the northwest of the map and said: 'The Godan Grassland Alliance is a country composed of various nomadic tribes on the vast grasslands in the northwest of the continent. Although it has powerful cavalry, due to its underdeveloped economy, sparse population, and incomplete internal unity, its strength is relatively weak.'"

  "They and the Ravit Trade Federation are in an alliance, with the latter providing them economic aid to counter the encroachment of the Krote Empire and the Dirck Kingdom on the Ravit Federation."

  At this time, Bastar was staring intently at the circular area in the center of the diagram, which was the kingdom called Gasperd.

  "This country's location is so weird, how come it's right in the middle?"

  Ricket chuckled, "Haha, Gasperde is the smallest country on the continent, but also the oldest. It occupies the central region of the entire continent, with a very special location. There are many things worth mentioning about this kingdom, but that's not the point today, so I won't waste time."

  As he spoke, Rickett moved his finger to the bottom left corner of the diagram: "Those previous ones are not very relevant to us now, so a brief introduction will do. As for this one, it needs special attention."

  What he was pointing at was the Ravite Trade Federation.

  "Strictly speaking, this is not a country, but a trade federation formed by a group of large business groups and many commercial towns. I believe you all know that Haidington is also one of them."

  "If it's not a country, then how is it managed?" Freddy wondered.

  Rickett said: "They have a parliament consisting of elected representatives from the most powerful merchant guilds, dealing with important matters within the federation."

  "What is it that holds their regime together then?" Freddie asked further.

  Rickett extended his finger, making a gesture of picking up coins: "Of course it's money. With their vast connections and trade networks, these merchants have stretched their tentacles into every corner of Veronika, and are said to control almost all the trade routes on the continent. Therefore, the commercial towns under Ravi Te, although seemingly loosely related to the Federation, are actually impossible to leave."

  "What about their military strength?" Rudes asked, still with his characteristic questions.

  Rickett spread his hands: "As far as I know, they're not particularly strong. Being a nation of merchants, their military strength has a rather mercantile flavor to it; the Ravit have only a small standing army, stationed in the central cities that are most important to them, and the rest of the towns just have self-supported garrison troops."

  Because the council believed that maintaining towns under their flag was a matter of business, not military might, and besides, keeping an army was very expensive. However, if they were willing, they could gather a large mercenary force in the shortest time possible, because the "Mercenary Guild" on this continent was operated by Laviatte.

  Hearing this, Raymond couldn't help but say: "Aren't they afraid of being attacked by other countries?"

  "You really underestimate the power of money. For those merchants, endless wealth is the best weapon. It's said that in the other four countries, from royal family members to the lowest slaves, there are people who have been secretly bought off. This is a protective net woven with money, and any rumors about Laviatte will be transmitted to those merchants' ears at the first time. In short, relying on the offensive of money and diplomacy, they still stand firmly on this continent."

  He seemed to recall something and said, "Right, because Lavierte has the longest coastline and needs foreign trade by sea, their shipping industry is very developed. There are rumors that these merchants actually secretly raise a strong navy."

  "It was like that." Raymond nodded, and at this time he remembered the shock when he first saw the Reed fleet.

  "In short, if we want to make Hayderton our base in the future, it's inevitable that we'll have to deal with Ravita. The more we know about those merchants, the better."

  Raymond only then understood that Reid was fighting with a group of guys. In addition to Moji's mainland, there is also one of the four major business associations, which can challenge two, this legendary businessman is really strong enough.

  "What about other races on this continent?" Rutz asked.

  Ricket said: "Veronica also has beastmen, elves, dwarves and other non-human races, but compared to the Mojina continent, there are fewer in number. These races do not have their own countries, basically in the form of tribes or small villages, scattered throughout the continent, some even live with humans together."

  "So here, you and Bastet won't be as eye-catching as in Mojie."

  Here, Rickett drew a rough map on the paper: "The situation of the entire Veronica continent is roughly like this. I didn't leave for long, so there shouldn't be too many changes. In fact, as long as you stay here for a while, you will naturally understand."

  It wasn't until now that Ramon had a clear understanding of the entire Veronica situation. As Ricket said, there were always big and small disputes here, but at the same time, it also meant that there would be more opportunities.

  And that was exactly what the continent of Mojina lacked most.

  "Thinking of this, Raymond put his hands on the table, leaned forward and smiled at everyone: "Everyone, don't you all have something you want? Then let's start with Hayden Town and make a big move."

  "Hmph, of course, what did you think we came here for?"

  "No way, these guys are actually building a camp here."

  Hiding in the thicket, looking at the bandit camp on the mountain slope in front, everyone couldn't help but sigh.

  Having agreed to help Haidington deal with the bandits, Raymond decided to start by conducting some preliminary reconnaissance, getting a clear understanding of the enemy's situation before making any plans.

  He sent out Bastet, relying on her own genius detective ability, and the cat girl quickly found the location of the three bandit groups based on the enemy's clues.

  The general situation of the other party is similar to the intelligence provided by Charlotte, but an unexpected situation occurred when investigating the last stronghold of the bandits.

  Unlike the two other bandit camps, this one was surprisingly well-constructed.

  It is located on a hillside, exactly the highest point in the nearby area, occupying it, and can see the surrounding situation at a glance. What's more troublesome is that the main road from Haidington to the outside world happens to be within the control range of this bandit group, and the location can be said to be excellent. The person who chose here at the beginning was quite insightful.

  The entire camp is not too large, surrounded by a outer wall made of logs with the top cut off on all sides. Due to the short time it was established, there are no decent defensive facilities, only two watchtowers erected on each side. There are many wooden houses inside the camp, and in order to save trouble, most of the roofs are made of thatch.

  Although this camp is simple and does not match the excellent strategic location, it is more than enough as a bandit's lair.

  It was unexpected that this group of bandits would have the leisure to set up such a defensive camp, and the three observers were momentarily at a loss. To think that they had only half as many men as the bandits, and if they added this camp to their worries, the battle would be unwinnable.

  "Young master, it seems your plan needs to be revised." Rutz said in a low voice: "The geographical location here is excellent. If the enemy wants to gather together, they will definitely choose this place as their base. In that case, we have no chance of winning."

  "Meow, I was surprised when I found this place too." Bastet said beside her.

  Raymond didn't speak, just gazing at the distant camp. Although it was only a simple wooden structure, the thick logs of the outer wall could still provide excellent protection. With less than half the enemy's forces, attempting to launch a strong attack would be no different from sending them to their deaths.

  Wait, all wooden...?

  Suddenly, Raymond asked: "Bastor, can you sneak in there?"

  The cat girl heard this and said without hesitation: "Of course, a place with such weak defenses, others can sneak in even with their eyes closed."

  "Good." Raymond nodded and continued: "So, the plan remains unchanged. Let all the enemies gather together and take them down at once."

  "What?" Rudes was shocked: "Young master, please reconsider. I think we should try to destroy this place first and then find a way to deal with the remaining bandits. We can't let the enemy have both the advantage of numbers and the geographical advantage."

  "Is it advantageous?" Raymond smiled and turned around to leave: "Perhaps, this camp will become the tool for us to defeat the enemy."

  "Let's go, I've seen what I needed to see. Next, I need to get Dreya to help me buy some things."

  I don't understand why Raymond still has so much confidence in the face of such a disadvantage. Bast looked at Rutz and then secretly pointed to his own head: "The young master shouldn't have been scared out of his wits, right?"

  The loyal Bimon people did not speak, but only gave Bastar a stern glance before silently following Raymond.

  "Meow, what's with the attitude? I'm worried about Master too." The cat girl stuck out her tongue at Rudeus' back and then hopped along to catch up.