However...

Kael thought about the internal setup of Lancaster Territory...

Over 26,000 people in the Ranger Corps (covering the expanding number of rangers over the years, and a large number originally belonging to the Duke's private army under the Duke of Lion Heart, who are now gradually being handed over to Kael to manage according to Lion Heart's instructions).

Over 6,300 people in the Elf Ranger Super Visual Range Strike Corps (including the elf rangers who returned to the Supreme Forest and reunited with their family, bringing back another batch of elf rangers; of course, this is what is said on the surface, but privately, it is the mercenary resources provided by the Supreme Forest for the Yibel Federation).

Over 4,000 people in the Infiltrator Corps (which includes part of the professionals who transplanted the Shadow Clan bloodline after Kael started magic research).

Over 1,000 people in the regular Mage Corps (mages who came in admiration and joined under Kael, forming a mage collective based on interests with Kael relying on his War Mage Monarch status).

Over 300 coordinated Shadow Garden intelligence maids (by now, a significant portion of people in the Shadow Garden are no longer just mansion maids, but include a large number of newcomers from the Snow Wolf Clan and Black Cat Clan, forming a direct intelligence agency communicating between superiors and subordinates).

Of course, there is also the most important "Titan Floating City" for the entire Lancaster Territory, and the Wandong City that has always been hidden underground without moving in Lancaster Territory over the years.

Frankly speaking, such a lineup of professionals is enough to directly make most effects fall into the dust of history; if not for Kael's years of operation + War Mage Monarch status blessing + the people he took over from Lion Heart, it would be impossible to develop to such an extent.

So Kael is actually somewhat expectant.

After all... You think you're attacking a fairly powerful territory, at most facing a Magic Monarch.

After all, now no matter which direction you aim for, you will inevitably encounter a Magic Monarch or demigod strong.

Whoever you fight, they have corresponding top strong figures; choosing Lancaster to fight is not impossible.

The Border Lord himself also has a subconscious, which is they need to leverage their duty as border defenders to delay the enemy's steps as much as possible.

The Yibel Federation will not let them sacrifice for no reason; as long as they can endure the initial period, once reinforcements arrive, it will soon evolve into a deadlock battle.

These years, thanks to the players' help, honestly, the overall strength of the border lords has improved quite a bit, especially the series of border territories centered around Lancaster Territory, the comprehensive strength is strong enough to vaguely shake many traditional great nobles.

Now Lancaster Territory has suddenly become a strategic stronghold guarded by a Magic Monarch; undoubtedly, the "East Lord Joint Agreement" signed back then directly became the basis for many new nobles willing to unite with Kael.

But over these years, because everyone on the East Lord side has been hiding and preserving strength, seeking development, not many people know the strength of the East Lord union is quite strong.

By the time the Expeditionary Crusade reaches the radiation area of Lancaster Territory, they might stumble greatly.

Thinking of this, Kael couldn't help but chuckle silently.

The situation is still favorable for the Yibel Federation, and honestly, although Kael does not like war, if a fight really starts, he will choose to give the enemy the most painful blow at the first instance.

Just like his declaration back then, slightly change the content, and it can become the slogan in his heart now.

"My goal is to protect the foundation nurtured by my father, protect my ruled people, protect my dignity and the glory of being a border lord.

However, now there's someone wanting to take my father's banner away and wishes to drag Lancaster and the people I want to protect into the flames of war.

I cannot accept this outcome; therefore... in the name of Kael.D.Helois.Cedric, the Lancaster Lord, I vow that my anger will ignite anyone who attempts to take my territory until I burn out or all the invaders are burnt out."

He has always been like this, still the unchanging young boy from back then.

Now, finally, it's his turn to face the challenge.

This teaching session is probably the last lesson Kael will give this batch of War Mage apprentices for quite some time; after today, he will leave the Royal Capital and focus chiefly on dealing with the increasingly frantic Expeditionary Crusade during this period.

When passing the newly built War Mage Academy library, Kael suddenly saw an acquaintance.

It was the old mage from the Zelda Islands who had often interacted with Kael's faction of mages in the past.

Having not seen him for a few years, the old mage, now in his dotage, seemed to have somewhat deteriorated in spirit.

After approaching and chatting briefly, Kael recalled, the old mage had brought his students here for a short final exchange.

After all, the Yibel Federation is about to enter a state of war, and no one can guarantee they will have the chance to communicate with the mage forces within the Yibel Federation then, so this visit to learn at the War Mage Academy is highly regarded by everyone.

Kael glanced at those students, seeming to realize that the person currently communicating with their leader was the famous War Mage Monarch, causing them a bit of unease for a moment.