To gain the recognition of the various knightly nobles in the territory, Niu Zida decided to first send people to convey the news of Amelie's regency to each knightly noble to gauge their reactions. The responses varied: about half of the knightly nobles did not allow the envoy to enter, while a third expressed willingness to pledge allegiance to Lady Amelie and her daughter. The most aggressive territory even killed the envoy.
It seemed the attitudes of all parties had been sufficiently tested. Niu Zida knew that there were indeed opposing factions within the family, and he would inevitably have to prepare for a territorial succession war. This was not something that could be resolved by opportunism. Those so-called loyal knights of Amelie's territory were merely observing, not truly supporting his side, so he had to rely on his own strength to win.
For now, the knights and Militia (including the original bandit captives) who had sworn allegiance in the Dorei Territory returned and were allowed to resume control of the city's defenses. Outside the city, in addition to the knights and Militia, there were also over a hundred Goblins led by the Goblin Demon Swordsman primarily defending the city gates. Inside the castle, no humans were allowed except for Amelie and her two maids; the remaining Goblins completely took over the castle, and Niu Zida lived there with his three maids.
Niu Zida did not completely neglect the city defenses outside Duōléi City. One of his three maids had to be on duty at the city gate every day to prevent accidents. Inside the city, Niu Zida specifically utilized Goblin bone whistles and Aponia's disciplinary abilities to strictly prohibit Goblins from harassing the city's residents. After such strict regulation, Duōléi City gradually restored order within about a week. Niu Zida also took this opportunity to organize the city's supplies and weapons, preparing for the war with the knights who had already declared their opposition.
Even so, Niu Zida could not let down his guard. He soon received news that many knights had raised an army, forming a punitive expedition, under the pretense of avenging their lord Spring and that Amelie was being held hostage. As expected, what was bound to come, came.
In the evening, Niu Zida gathered his maids to discuss countermeasures, and he did not exclude Amelie, inviting her to participate as well. In the past few days, Niu Zida had used Amelie to control the city, but just as agreed, he had not touched Amelie before completely controlling the territory. This somewhat lowered Amelie's guard against Niu Zida; at least, she believed in her heart that Niu Zida was trustworthy to a certain extent.
"How many of the surrounding knightly territories are opposing us now?"
"About two dozen, I suppose."
"How many Militia can they mobilize, Amelie?"
"Hmm… Actually, these are the stronger knightly territories in the family. They can probably mobilize at least over three hundred people."
Amelie, holding her child, smoothed her chestnut hair and responded to Niu Zida. With the family in such a state, although she wanted to break free from Niu Zida's control, she also knew that the punitive proclamations issued by these knights to 'rescue' her probably had ulterior motives. If these knights truly entered Duōléi City, she would still become a puppet. Therefore, she held a neutral stance towards the punitive expedition formed by the territorial knights.
Considering that Goblins, after all, could not usurp her daughter's title, while these knights could inherit, Amelie's current political stance subtly made her feel that cooperating with Niu Zida posed less danger to her.
This was not a surprise attack or a fight against bandits like before. These were armies assembled by knights with their troops, although most were temporarily conscripted Militia. And they were attacking while he was defending. Niu Zida wanted to hear everyone's opinions, so he said,
"Do you all think it's better to defend the city or to launch a preemptive strike?"
"If possible, wouldn't it be better to defend the city?"
Yor looked at everyone's expressions and softly offered her opinion first, a stark contrast to her demeanor on the battlefield. If one hadn't personally witnessed her decisive methods, no one would likely connect her current timid self with the image of the decisive Thorn Princess.
"Wife Yor makes a good point."
Niu Zida, currently held by Aponia, heard Yor's words and proactively leaned in to kiss Yor's large breasts, which made Yor blush deeply, lowering her head as if she had done something wrong.
Misato Shizuku on the side snorted but said nothing, while Aponia took the initiative to say, "The people in the city are not yet convinced.
If the army truly besieges the city and delays, it's hard to guarantee that someone within the city won't collude with the rebels.
That would put us in a passive position."
"Hmm, my wife Aponia also makes a good point."
Hearing Aponia's suggestion, Niu Zida turned around and rubbed against Aponia's large breasts a few times, making the soft large breasts tremble.
At such a critical moment, he was still so frivolous, Misato Shizuku finally couldn't stand it and said, "Perverted Master, can you be a little more serious?
You agree to everything, but you're supposed to make the decisions."
Niu Zida looked at Amelie again; the beautiful Lady of the Territory remained silent, showing that her superficial attitude in this conflict was to maintain neutrality, siding with whoever won.
"Don't worry, my wife Misato Shizuku, I actually already have an idea in mind."
"You only say nice things."
"No, I already have a plan."
He currently had three Goblin elites (it was probably written incorrectly before, so I'll correct it here: one Goblin Demon Swordsman, one Goblin Assassin, and one Goblin Thunder Elemental Mage), and over 100 Goblins.
Fighting head-on with these forces would indeed have little chance of victory.
If he relied on the surrendered knights and Militia, they would likely defect in a direct confrontation.
Therefore, Niu Zida absolutely could not allow the punitive army to approach Duōléi City.
"Then Master, how will you deal with the rebels?"
"Of course, I'll deal with them halfway."
After Niu Zida finished speaking, he playfully pinched Misato Shizuku's large breasts, feigning mystery.
Misato Shizuku rolled her eyes, feeling that her Master was just deliberately flirting with them, his maids, and had no intention of having a serious discussion at all.
"Tomorrow, Yor, you will follow me to scout the terrain outside.
I already have a rough idea of how to fight this battle."
Yor was initially somewhat puzzled by Niu Zida's attitude, but seeing her Master so full of confidence, she couldn't say anything.
"Also, tonight, Yor, you need to perform well in bed, oh.
By the way, Misato Shizuku, you come along too.
Aponia, you protect Amelie."
After giving these instructions, Niu Zida had Yor carry him and Misato Shizuku to the room for some fun, seemingly not taking the impending war seriously at all...