99: Winning over allies

Arthur did not stop his subordinates' argument, merely observing from the side without a change in expression.

Regardless of the methods Godwin employed, his retainers had now split into two factions.

Even more surprisingly, Jessica did not side with the soldiers.

Arthur, however, could understand his reasons.

As a leader of the uprising, Jessica mostly led her troops in guerrilla warfare.

Only when victory was assured would she engage in direct confrontation with the noble coalition.

Therefore, without absolute certainty, he would never rashly launch an attack.

Paul's proposal was undoubtedly a gamble.

It would put the Pioneer Group under the dual threat of the Little Finger Merchant Guild and the Shadow Thieves simultaneously.

Without having ascertained the enemy's strength, such a bold move was undoubtedly tantamount to provocation, bound to invite fierce retaliation from the other side.

Arthur's attention was soon drawn to Bruce.

As the captain of the Fury Squad, Arthur had expected him to side with his soldiers and approve Paul's plan, but he chose to remain silent.

In the battle of Hearthfire Village, Arthur had greatly admired this commander's performance.

Unlike Jessica's combat style, which involved constantly encouraging soldiers, boosting morale, and charging at the front.

Bruce was extremely restrained and calm on the battlefield; he was good at observing and always able to adjust tactics at the opportune moment.

He was like a mathematician, seeking the optimal solution on the battlefield.

Seeing that the time was right, Arthur spoke up, signaling everyone to quiet down and listen to Paul.

Paul then continued to elaborate on his plan, and after an analysis of the pros and cons, everyone once again engaged in a heated discussion.

Only this time, those who supported him clearly increased.

The dissenters raised one question after another to the young man, and he responded to each of them reasonably.

Until the last questioner's question was answered, everyone's gaze turned to Arthur.

They were waiting for their lord to make a decision.

Arthur stood up, walked to Paul's side, and announced, "Let's do it!"

Once the decision was made, all parties began to act.

The reason Arthur agreed to this risky plan was, firstly, because he would be setting off for Qingfeng Valley the day after tomorrow, at which point he would lose contact with the Pioneer Group, and much intelligence would not be able to be delivered in time.

So he had to ensure the safety of his Pioneer Group so that he could explore ahead with peace of mind.

Secondly, as Paul said, their conflict with the Little Finger Merchant Guild and the Shadow Thieves was inevitable; since that was the case, it was better to strike first and seize the initiative.

Finally, he believed Paul's plan was indeed feasible.

But he knew very well that this was not just Paul's plan; Godwin must have been involved as well.

Both of these men were extremely intelligent.

If he didn't have an intelligence system, the Goddess's favor, and his education from his previous life.

Arthur felt that his own talent was probably far inferior to theirs.

Therefore, what he needed to do more was to show his attitude and give support.

He took Godwin and Paul to the Mother Earth's church.

To achieve this plan, he had to win over enough allies, and the Mother Earth's priests would be his best allies.

Upon hearing of Arthur's arrival, Juan hurried out to greet him.

The Mother Earth's church was not large, but it was much cleaner and tidier than other places in Lookout Fort.

Most reassuringly, Arthur saw many thriving crops in the church's soil.

Among them were many chilies, tomatoes, and various spices.

This undoubtedly indicated that these priests had not deviated from the Mother Earth's path.

"Come in quickly, my brother," Juan greeted warmly.

He was dirty, his gray linen robe covered in dirt and debris.

"Sorry, I was composting," he explained, "Was your journey smooth, brother?"

Arthur replied, "Very smooth, even successful, one might say.

"I visited the Whispering Place, and the priests there taught me how to resist the Night Mist."

Upon hearing this, Juan's eyes widened, and he asked in surprise, "They—they found a way? earth mother above, that's truly wonderful.

"Then—then your visit this time, could it be—"

Arthur nodded and placed an oak seed on the table.

Juan looked at it and asked, puzzled, "This is an oak seed, are we going to rely on it to resist the Night Mist?"

"That's right, plant it, and then use magic to make it grow.

"Its roots will connect to the leyline power, and you will be able to use the leyline's power to protect this place."

Arthur had originally thought Juan would ask him what leyline power was.

But the priest picked up the seed without a word and said, "Thank you, my brother, I will plant it right away."

Arthur followed the priests into the backyard of the church and watched them plant the oak seed in the ground.

Then, led by Juan, the priests chanted spells.

Accompanying the chanting, the newly planted oak seed began to sprout and grow, and in a short while, it grew into a strong sapling.

At this point, the priests stopped chanting, all appearing very tired.

Arthur stepped forward, holding the Holy Tome, and injected the leyline power from it into the oak tree.

The oak tree grew considerably taller, and all the priests present could feel the surging life force emanating from the tree.

The priests prayed loudly, praising the Goddess.

Juan was even more amazed.

Arthur opened the Holy Tome in his consciousness and found that, in addition to the Whispering Place, Lookout Fort also appeared within it.

A thin stream of leyline energy was flowing from the Whispering Place to this location, not slowly, but it would probably take three or four days to arrive.

Arthur put away the Holy Tome and said to Juan, "Take good care of it."

Juan looked at the oak tree with fascination and replied, "Of course, we will definitely take good care of this tree.

"It's truly amazing, brother. I can feel Her power, so close, so surging, so captivating."

"I still have some things I'd like your help with," Arthur said to the priest.

Juan reluctantly withdrew his gaze and readily agreed, "Please command, Saint, we will certainly do our best to help.

"Oh, don't say it here. Let's go inside, I'll have someone prepare lunch, and we can talk while we eat."

Arthur followed Juan back to the previous room, where the priest served him a cup of barley tea.

Arthur took a small sip and said, "I heard there's also a temple for the Goddess Bastet here?"

"Ah~ yes, it's right next to the command post, that building made of red clay," Juan replied, "The priests of the Lady of Dance always prefer bright colors.

"The local soldiers like that place very much and call it the Red House."

Bastet is one of the important deities worshipped by the Calimshan people, also known as Shar in Amn.

She is a goddess who advocates hedonism, debauchery, and carnal pleasure, even bearing titles like harlot and lady of the pleasure house.

She is deeply revered by prostitutes and streetwalkers, serving as their protector.

So when Juan said the soldiers liked to go to the Red House, Arthur roughly guessed what kind of place it was.

Of course, this goddess is not worshipped solely for the aforementioned reasons; she is also the patron of dancers and cats.

It is precisely because of her cat-like personality that most of her followers are also cunning and skilled at manipulating power.