Chapter 1542: Chapter 1542

"It is the most wise choice for Lord Ilmet to hand over his position."

"Easier said than done, being the lord of a domain, for this position, fathers and sons might go to war, brothers and sisters might turn against each other. Although Lord Ilmet is rather indifferent in nature, handing his lordship to a greenhorn who hasn’t been in the Valley for even a year, I’m afraid it’s hard to accept."

"Actually, there is a perfect solution. Princess Regina has always been close to Duke Gaven, and it is said that she contributed a lot and helped significantly in the development of Weizemay Manor. If the two were to come together, everything would fall into place naturally."

"The idea is indeed wonderful, but it’s a pity that the thoughts of those above are not ours to fathom..."

"Speaking of which, Princess Regina and Duke Gaven have arrived, and so has Lord Ilmet!"

"That gentleman is Brother Aidan from the Sword Monastery."

"And also Valon Grand Inquisitor from the Hammer of the Holy Light Abbey in Taser Valley, along with Darnell Inquisitor."

"Lord Serlemon of Deep Forest Valley and Archmage Laurantice."

"The seven councilors of Mist Valley have also arrived."

The majority of the lieges in Battle Valley did not exhibit much panic or resistance towards the arrival of the Conqueror Army.

Not only because the Conqueror Army had already demonstrated a distinctive style of action in Mist Valley that was not as aggressive as their name suggests,

but also because Battle Valley itself was a strongly immigrant-flavored sub-valley. There were the former employed personnel from Sambian merchants (left after the failed pioneering), merchants and descendants from Tumis, and refugees fleeing the wars in Thacel.

Children born in Battle Valley often set out on their own paths as adventurers, merchants, or travelers upon reaching adulthood, and many never returned here throughout their lives.

This high frequency of population movement imbued them with strong inclusivity.

The ones truly in need of concern were the rulers like Lord Ilmet in Battle Valley, rather than the lieges at the lower level; on the contrary, they were filled with anticipation for the changes the Conqueror Army would bring to their lives.

Every new wave of immigrants meant new population, new business opportunities; even tens or hundreds of people could bring years, even decades of prosperity to a village.

Not to mention the Conqueror Army bringing over a hundred thousand people and livestock all at once.

By then, instead of immigrants joining them, they would need to integrate into these immigrants.

Many were just appearing in the central Battle Courtyard of Esebra and were recognized. They were rulers of adjacent valleys, silently declaring that the migration of the Conqueror Army to Battle Valley affected not only Battle Valley itself but also would impact surrounding valleys.

"Thank you all for coming to witness." Gaven expressed genuine gratitude.

Today was virtually a familiar assembly of the Valley, with familiar lords from each sub-valley in attendance.

"No need for politeness, Duke. Being able to witness so many people pledge together is our greatest honor. We believe that with your inclusion, the Valley will unfold a new Chapter."

"This isn’t just about the Duke, it’s about all of us in the Valley."

"We from Deep Forest Valley haven’t had the chance to thank the Duke for your help. If it wasn’t for your timely intervention, the disaster caused by the Koutao Fishmen from Black Prison would not have been so easily curbed."

"And Feather Wing Valley too. If not for the fleet support sent by the Duke, who knows how many valleysfolk would have ended up fish feed."

"Fellow Valleyfolk, mutual support and assistance are our longstanding traditions; I only did what I ought to do."

"The Duke is too modest."

"That’s what’s most commendable."

The valley lords highly praised Gaven. Without him, Deep Forest Valley and Feather Wing Valley would have been severely damaged. Although the Koutao Fishmen from Black Prison might indeed have been drawn out by him, they inherently exist in Black Prison and would have burst out eventually, with Deep Forest Valley bearing the brunt.

This young duke has both capability and strength; his rise is only a matter of time, so they naturally want to maximize the good relations already established.

"Duke, everyone is gathered, we can start." Regina reminded from the side.

"Alright, let’s begin."

With an order from Gaven, phantasmal images appeared right above the Conqueror Army, showing the very shadows of Gaven himself.

Unlike previously known memory illusions, this time the phantoms were real-time illusions, synchronously broadcasting Gaven’s current actions—a further extension of phantoms utilization.

Although this new technology appeared for the first time in front of the Conqueror Army, the immigrants only whispered discreetly in minor discussions, without the initial overreaction upon seeing the phantoms; they had personally experienced the Ascension War and thus owned a measure of self-control.

"Allow me to proudly announce to you all, we have successfully completed our massive migration spanning three thousand five hundred kilometers." The phantoms of Gaven above the Conqueror Army spoke in unison.

"Long live our Lord."

"Long live our Lord!"

"Long live our Lord!!"

Gaven’s simple words ignited the Conqueror Army’s passion. Led by lower to medium rank officers, everyone shouted aloud in unison, even spreading along the five-kilometer Rosaville Road, clearly heard in Esebra.

Joined by his phantom, Gaven merely pressed with his hand and the cheers instantly quieted, evenly aligned; he continued: "This is not the end, but merely a beginning. We still have to build our city, our new homeland in this brand new territory, something I cannot achieve single-handedly; we need to work together."

Another round of cheers echoing through the heavens.