Kingdombuilding: All My Inventions Are Novelty

”Liam?”

Simon was also slightly startled. Lancet was the leading figure of the Eldorian Empire’s hawkish faction. Every time the reavers invaded, General Lancet was always the first to advocate for war.

In fact, this general had clashed with the reavers multiple times, with victories and defeats evenly split, earning him immense prestige within the imperial army.

Liam was Lancet’s second son. Back in Eldora, Simon and Liam had been quite familiar with each other, though not in a friendly way. Rather, they had been mutually antagonistic.

At the time, Liam had despised Simon’s reckless behaviour in Eldora. On several occasions, Liam had thwarted Simon’s attempts to forcibly take common women for himself.

Prince Gerad composed himself and sighed. ”General Lancet is truly a pillar of the state. He must have sent Liam here to assist Your Highness.”

”General Lancet has always advocated using war to stop the war against the reavers. Unfortunately, his stance is too lofty, and few support him. This time, he must be acting out of sheer desperation.” Simon said.

He then turned to Ysabeau. ”Bring him in at once.”

Ysabeau acknowledged the order and soon returned with a young man in military attire, his features sharp and heroic. This was none other than the Lancet’s son, Liam. ”Liam pays his respects to His Highness the Prince of Brambleford and His Highness Prince Gerad.”

Noticing Prince Gerad in the main hall, Liam was momentarily surprised but quickly bowed.

Simon stood and helped Liam up. ”No need for formalities. Seeing you here in Brambleford brings me great joy. Please, take a seat!”

Liam bowed again before sitting down in the lower seat.

Prince Gerad smiled. ”What brings you to Brambleford?”

Though they had speculated earlier, they still needed to confirm Liam’s purpose for coming.

Liam replied, ”With the reavers invading and the court filled with voices advocating peace, my father could no longer stand it. He sent me to Brambleford to assist Your Highness in thwarting the reavers’ southern advance.”

”Just as I thought. General Lancet is truly wise and righteous. This prince deeply admires him. I, too, will spare no effort in this matter. If you don’t mind, why not join my army? We can plan our resistance together.” Prince Gerad said with a hearty laugh.

Liam’s expression shifted slightly. His father had explicitly instructed him to come to Brambleford to assist Simon, not Prince Gerad.

Prince Gerad’s words put him in an awkward position.

Simon inwardly cursed Prince Gerad for his shamelessness, which was truly unparalleled in the world. No wonder he had thrived; his sheer audacity was enough to guarantee his success.

He glanced sideways at Prince Gerad. ”Uncle, Liam clearly stated he’s here to assist me. Isn’t it inappropriate for you to poach him like this? Unless, of course, you’re planning to lead your army to defend the city in my stead?”

”Ahem, I was merely making conversation. Just idle talk.” Prince Gerad immediately deflated.

As the saying goes, ’A tiger father does not beget a dog son.’ Liam had inherited his father’s martial prowess. Having followed General Lancet onto the battlefield and personally fought the reavers, he was well-versed in countering them.

Moreover, Liam was renowned for his exceptional combat skills. Ordinary generals were no match for him. Once, he had single-handedly charged into the reaver ranks to behead a centurion, earning widespread fame.

It was precisely for this reason that Prince Gerad had shamelessly tried to recruit him.

Liam’s eyes flickered between Simon and Prince Gerad. He was not just brave but also astute, recognising that the apparent harmony between the two was merely superficial.

This aligned perfectly with his father’s warning: Prince Gerad would not genuinely resist the reavers and would undoubtedly use Simon as cannon fodder.

Though the vassal kings of different surnames harboured their own schemes, the imperial vassal kings were no different. The two were bound to engage in covert struggles over this matter.

That was why his father had instructed him to go directly to Brambleford, because, no matter what, Dunmere was part of Simon’s domain.

There was no escaping this fate.

Ignoring Prince Gerad, Simon addressed Liam. ”With the reavers invading, Dunmere is sorely lacking in talent. Your arrival is truly timely. As for my past offences in Eldora, I hope you can forgive me.”

Liam’s impression of Simon was still rooted in their Eldora days. Had his father not ordered him to come, he would never have willingly served under Simon.

Still, he thought that once the reaver crisis was resolved, he could return home. Enduring this temporarily was bearable.

He said, ”Your Highness, as long as we can stop the reavers, let’s not dwell on past trivialities.”

Simon nodded. ”Well said. I’ll have Captain Lancelot come over to take you to the army for an inspection.”

Liam agreed. He had little to say to Simon and preferred to see the state of the Brambleford army’s training firsthand.

Prince Gerad seemed deflated, clearly displeased that Liam would remain with the Brambleford army.

This reaver invasion had indeed brought Simon no small number of advantages.

Simon immediately sent for Lancelot. With war imminent, Lancelot alone might not be enough to handle everything.

Though he wasn’t familiar with Liam either, the man was a figure of renown. If he could be of use, all the better.

”My Lord, you summoned me?”

Moments later, Lancelot arrived in the main hall. He had been training in the barracks and was still clad in his plate armour.

The heavy armour, combined with his towering and muscular frame, made Lancelot appear exceptionally fierce.

Upon seeing Lancelot, Liam seemed intrigued, his expression brightening with excitement. His eyes first swept over Lancelot’s plate armour before settling on the man himself.

”So this is the Captain Lancelot who retook Dunmere three years ago? Truly, meeting you in person surpasses hearing your name. You are indeed a formidable warrior.” Liam said.

Lancelot studied Liam, noting his imperial army uniform, and looked puzzled. ”And you are...?”

”This is Liam, the second son of General Lancet,” Simon explained.

Lancelot exclaimed, ”An honour! So you’re the renowned Captain Liam!”

The two instantly recognised a kindred spirit in each other.

Simon said, ”Captain Lancelot, Captain Liam has come to Brambleford to assist us in resisting the reavers. For the foreseeable future, he’ll be working alongside you in the Brambleford army. Take good care of him.”

Hearing this, Lancelot beamed. ”My Lord, rest assured. Captain Liam is our guest. This general will ensure he’s well looked after.”

”Captain Lancelot, there’s no need for formalities. I’m here to assist His Highness. You remain in command of the army. Simply let me know where I’m needed.” Liam said.

Watching the three interact so warmly, Prince Gerad grew increasingly sour.

He said, ”Nephew, I won’t linger in Brambleford any longer. I’ll return tomorrow to expedite the delivery of iron and coal. I trust you’ll do everything in your power to hold Dunmere.”

Simon couldn’t wait for him to leave. He had no time to entertain him now.

”Uncle, don’t worry. I’ll give it my all.”