133: Preparing for the wedding

After handling the administrative affairs, Linn gestured for Clay to report on the military situation.

Clay, dressed in azure armor with a griffin pattern engraved on his chest, stood up.

"Lord, colleagues, on behalf of the Star Sea Territory military, I will report on the current state of our forces."

"Currently, the Guard Army, Griffin Knights, Star Sea Legion, and Orc Legion are stationed in Star Sea City. The Star-Moon Legion and Dragon Scale Knights are stationed in Star Moon City. The Star Shattering Legion is stationed in Shattered Star City. The Divine Arrow Army, the Po Jun Legion, and the Orc slave auxiliary army are stationed in East Sea Prefecture."

"Following the latest expansion order signed by the Lord two years ago, the Guard Army now numbers 5,000 men, 70% of whom are Apprentice Professionals or above. The Griffin Knights consist of 300 men, all of whom are at least Bronze professionals. The Orc Legion has 1,500 members, all composed of Bronze Junior professionals or higher. The Divine Arrow Army has 5,000 men, 70% of whom are Apprentice Professionals or above. The 5,000 members of the Dragon Scale Knights, when fighting in coordination, each possess power exceeding that of an Apprentice Professional."

"The four main combat legions—Star Sea, Star Moon, Shattered Star, and Star Moon—each have 30,000 men, totaling 120,000 regular combat troops. With this, the total number of troops has reached 136,800. Additionally, there is a slave auxiliary army of 10,000 Pig-Headed People and Minotaurs in East Sea Prefecture."

Although everyone knew the Star Sea Territory was powerful, they couldn't help but gasp upon hearing these numbers.

Linn remained silent for a moment after hearing the numbers before speaking, "Currently, the ratio of population to military is maintained at a healthy ten-to-one. For the next two years, the number of troops will not increase, but we can train reserves. The main task is to improve overall combat capabilities and individual strength."

"Yes, My Lord!" the legion commanders stood up and accepted the order.

Finally, Linn looked at Elise beside him with a grin. The relationship between Linn and Elise had long been an open secret; all that was missing was a wedding.

Elise, wearing a white mage robe, stood up, her eyes radiating love for Linn.

"Young Master!" Even in a formal setting, Elise still hadn't changed how she addressed him.

"The second and third batches of students from the Star Sea Mage Corps have successfully graduated. There are now 1,000 official mages in the corps, the lowest of whom possess the strength of a Bronze Mage. Additionally, those who were not selected for the Mage Corps have been assigned to various locations to handle logistics such as healing."

Linn was very satisfied with this number. "Elise, the Mage Corps is our trump card. We will implement an annual elimination system; I want quality, not just quantity. In the future, I hope our Star Sea Territory can produce a mage team comparable to the kingdom's Silver Mage Corps."

The Aolai Kingdom has a Silver Mage Corps of 3,000 members, all with at least Silver Elementary strength.

"Don't worry, I believe this goal will eventually be achieved soon!"

Linn took Elise's hand in public, causing her face to flush as she felt a bit embarrassed in front of everyone.

Finally, Linn summarized, "Barton, the Star Sea Merchant Guild should start planning longer trade routes. The maritime fleet can reach the Fama Kingdom and other kingdoms, and we can even set our sights on the more distant East Continent of Cediroat."

"Furthermore, I plan to construct a small teleportation passage from Star Sea City to East Sea City with Destiny. It is mainly to facilitate our own communication and merchant trade."

A teleportation passage! One must know that even the Aolai Kingdom only had a few teleportation arrays. They required experts at the Legendary level or above who were proficient in space, as well as a large amount of spatial element crystals. Every teleportation consumed massive resources. With a teleportation array, the tens of thousands of kilometers of ocean between Star Sea City and East Sea City would no longer be an obstacle.

"Long live the Lord! Long live the Star Sea Territory!"

Everyone shouted in unison. This would be a significant step forward for the Star Sea Territory.

Linn silenced the shouting! He pulled Elise's delicate hand, causing her to try and pull away repeatedly.

Ocean Jack was the first who couldn't help but stifle a laugh. As the meeting drew to a close, the atmosphere began to liven up.

"I say, dear Lord, our Star Sea Territory should welcome a major joyous occasion. You can't keep Miss Elise and Young Miss Aivi waiting too long!" Payson began to lead the teasing.

"That's right! It's time for the Lord to have some festivities," Clay echoed.

Linn didn't refute them and kept holding Elise's hand.

"On June 1st of this year, Star Sea Day, we will notify the nobles friendly to us. I, Linn, will formally marry Elise and Aivi."

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone clapped and cheered.

"Long live the Lord! Congratulations, Lady Elise."

Hearing their teasing, Elise lowered her head in embarrassment, but the joy in her eyes could not be hidden. She tightly gripped Linn's large hand.

As early as three years ago, Linn had resolved the delicate relationship between Elise and Aivi. The relationship between the two women had also become friendly.

As for Aivi's bloodline retro-atavism, she had been receiving the most secret Legacy of the Sea God Clan for the past few years, which had caused the wedding to be delayed.

The meeting concluded, leaving only Elise and Linn.

Elise's proud figure leaned against Linn's chest, feeling his warm embrace.

"Linn, I've finally waited for this day! It's been over ten years since I first met you. When you bought me back then, I thought you were just like those other filthy nobles."

Linn hugged Elise and joked, "And the facts? The facts prove that I am a true gentleman."

Elise pounded on Linn's chest, "The fact is you're too much of a gentleman! I've waited all these years, and you never took the initiative once. If Destiny hadn't said she was going to leave me behind that day, you probably still wouldn't have said anything."

Linn stroked her hair and spoke helplessly, "How could I not be tempted with a long-legged beauty like you around? It's just that everything in the Star Sea Territory needs me at the helm; I really didn't have the energy to think about anything else. Back then, the unstable situation would have made it irresponsible to you and Aivi."

Elise looked at the handsome noble lord with shining eyes. "Linn, do you know? I'll never forget how you looked that day at Glory Fortress. I was so captivated that I couldn't sleep for quite a while!"

Linn cupped her face and gave her a kiss, then looked at her with a wicked grin. "Then don't sleep tonight!"

How could Elise not understand his meaning? Her face turned beet red. "Go away! We're not married yet!"

Linn said solemnly, "You have to understand me! Once we're married, Aivi will be there too. How will I manage to keep up with everything?"

Linn said no more and carried the long-legged Elise into the bedroom. Elise's struggles were futile.

Linn raised his hand to set up a magic array, isolating the entire room as the curtains fell. Elise was overcome with shyness, tightly clutching her clothes... (80,000 words omitted here, readers please use your imagination. Heave-ho! Heave-ho!)