Chapter 579

Chapter 579: Changing Times

In the Third Era, October of the year 1688.

The fresh cold wind blew through the city, invigorating the pedestrians on the street. Over time, people had gradually added windproof and warm outerwear, slowly adapting to the gradually lowering temperatures.

Since the Gufia Grassland was annexed by Clancia, large quantities of fur were transported into Clancia, processed and made into coats. These coats, though not particularly colorful, were sturdy and practical, now becoming a sought-after item for every household. They provided the warmth needed for outdoor labor during the cold winter.

Lolan Hill was currently walking down the street in a simple hooded coat, her face still covered with a windproof mask. This attire did not stand out much in the winter streets, allowing her to blend quietly among the crowd.

Compared to before, more orc faces could now be seen on the streets. Compared to humans, they were taller, and were now doing simple jobs in the city, such as moving and building.

These tasks that used to require two to three people could now be done by one orc, and their requirements were not high. Many workshops and institutions in the city employed them.

If there was one drawback, it was their large appetite and occasional impulsive behavior when their tempers flared.

Fortunately, Solande had established a relevant communication assistance department. If orcs encountered any problems here or needed help, they knew where to go.

“Hey, Bru.”

A large man with tiger ears waved to the opposite side. He was wearing a fur coat, and as he spoke, white vapor escaped from his mouth.

“Huaka,” a man in a black coat came over, looking like he had just finished work, with white ash on his clothes.

“Come on, let’s have some drinks tonight. I heard the Wild Boar Tavern recently got a new batch of wine, brought in from the Holy Land. It’s said to be quite good.”

“Haha, alright. But first, I need to go back home, tell my family and say hello, otherwise my wife will worry.”

After waiting for the carriage on the street to pass, he crossed over, and the two continued talking.

“I heard the boss say it’s made from white grapes and snow water. It starts off very icy but then becomes warm, quite unique.”

“Really? Haha, you’re making me want to try it.”

Just coming out of a ready-made clothing store, Lolan Hill watched the two familiar and harmonious men, feeling a sense of warmth in her heart.

Indeed, the relationship between orcs and humans was not always good, but as they gradually integrated into life and understood each other, the previous barriers would slowly dissolve.

Currently, only a few orcs left the impoverished grasslands to work inside Clancia. But as their lives improved, more and more orcs would slowly leave and integrate into this world.

Everything couldn’t happen overnight; problems would be solved step by step. She believed that future Clancia would be a country where multiple ethnic groups lived in harmony.

She would also urge the establishment of equal and impartial laws, preventing the phenomenon of intentionally dividing people by status. Her past experiences told her that such practices would ultimately lead to various so-called political correctness, causing internal divisions and mutual opposition.

Seeing the two men agree and leave, Lolan Hill continued her ‘undercover’ visit, which was essentially shopping and observing the daily lives of the people.

Even as winter approached, Solande remained bustling. On the streets, one could see military school students finishing their training, carriages transporting goods, nuns and priests from the Holy Land, villagers and hunters from nearby villages entering the city, merchants and vendors from all over, and craftsmen working in workshops.

, with the guards patrolling in neat steps.

As public security improved, people were more willing to go out and walk around, even when the weather turned cold. Many pedestrians could be seen on the streets at night, and everyone was living a hard yet happy life. The hardship lay in the fact that the nation had many challenges ahead, with everything still requiring much effort. The happiness came from feeling the daily improvement in life and the tangible hope that lay ahead.

—

After finishing her shopping, Lolan Hill returned to Scarlet Mulberry Palace. It was already past 9 PM.

In the hall on the first floor, the flames in the fireplace burned quietly, emitting waves of heat. Lolan Hill hung a clay pot over the fire to slowly heat it. Inside was corn porridge and a few pieces of diced meat, which would be her dinner tonight.

While waiting, she brought over a chair and sat beside the fireplace, letting the warmth of the flames warm her body. Only then did she open several sheets of paper filled with reports on the table.

Even though she no longer went to the frontlines, she still received daily battle reports from there, keeping herself informed of the current situation.

Since the war began in September, the Frost Rose’s first large army arrived outside Hopeland City, but with the assistance of mages from the Juvenile Moon Parliament, the city’s forces managed to repel their attacks multiple times. Their supply lines from behind were also unstable.

Afterwards, their offensive slowed down, and they settled in to wait for reinforcements. Meanwhile, the army advancing north along the Black Pine River fought several battles in Swordpine City.

Compared to last year’s battle, this time, Swordpine City gathered many cannons from Clancia and reinforced its defenses, holding their ground and causing significant damage to the approaching golem legions.

However, with the recent northern advance of the Frost Union’s airship fleet, Swordpine City became increasingly precarious. In response to this situation, orders were given to gradually move the cannons out of the city and begin a strategic withdrawal, preparing to lure the enemy in and counterattack according to the complex terrain.

As for the sea, the Frost Union’s fleet continued to blockade the Southern Islands and the new connection between Verega. Moreover, as the fleet grew more familiar and coordinated, there was a looming threat of them sealing off and launching a strong assault on Hopeland.

The situation was becoming increasingly difficult. Lolan Hill rubbed her forehead. At first, it might not have been obvious, but after the Frost Union, this semi-industrialized nation, got up and running, various hard strengths began to show and gradually suppress their side.

She had discussed this matter multiple times with Pulman and others, and they ultimately concluded that this war would likely last for several years.

The most challenging period would be in the coming years. Currently, Clancia’s industrialization efforts were in full swing. Various places were establishing steel mills, schools, workshops, factories, and paving roads.

Everything was being done to develop rapidly, strengthen national power, and aim to produce complete gun and cannon production lines within a few years, while cultivating over 100,000 Sequence 3 Extraordinary Beings. Then, relying on elite cavalry formations and the advantage of firepower weapons, they hoped to defeat the enemy.

During this time, Lolan Hill also considered constructing war machinery similar to those of the Frost Union, such as golems, armor, and airships.

But these required extremely complex production lines and diverse technical talents, which couldn’t be achieved in a short time. Now that the war had begun, even if the entire country united, the best and fastest way was to follow the old path, relying on the renowned lancer army of the West Wind to win the war and buy time for future development.

She never thought she would become someone who went back in history. Thinking about this, Lolan Hill involuntarily shook her head, feeling a mix of amusement and frustration.

Before, she always heard people say, “Sir, times have changed.”

But under the pressure of the situation, she not only failed to lead the change but had to say, “No, it hasn’t changed yet!”

At least it hadn’t changed yet. This silver-haired girl looked at the fireplace, her eyes reflecting the flames, and recalled that tumultuous era.

(The End)