After days of traveling to add the armies together, the respite was more than enough passing time for Hector to settle down from the Legendary Weapons.
Bulagar was the Capital of Hector's new Nation on the surface despite the Sacaen tribe there. With its location, the resources and contacts he built over the years were mostly used there. The Bandits that fled and hid their were wiped out by his forces over the years and very much recently culled into almost nothing saving the Lorca tribe from utter decimation.
The Sacean tribes damaged by the bandits were also weakened by them. Besides the much stronger tribes that remained outside his reach or interest, he could make do with the situation. With the Mani Katti wielded by him and his exploits, Hector had several of the refuge tribes folded into his populace and following his ways slowly. At least that is what the reports sent to him reflected.
The Lorca tribe was still the strongest out of the lesser tribes despite the cut down numbers and division of their people. The Kutolaj and Djute tribes were the only other tribes in name still within the Sacaen plains mentioned on the lips of the populace. Hector firmly pressed that the absorbed tribes merge into one taking up the new name of the Katti Mulagir tribe.
The only homage he was willing to give due towards their founding leader.
The city of Bulagar was mostly his and only stood unscathed thanks to his troops after he set up more. The Djute and Kutolah tribe moved a few more troops to help defend the place against bandits to help keep their interests secured as the place was the biggest city in the Plains. Not trusting the main tribe their to keep it out of an outsider's hands.
Thanks to his understanding of Architecture and modern technology, Hector was able to secure the mountains easily with a stable structure. With his use of magic as well, he implemented housing and town developments through his territory that came out on the land mass north of Bern's borders and away from Araphen, Tuscana borders of the Lycian league also saw some development.
The work for the people he had them build walls a 1/4 mile away from Bern's established domain. Which prevented them from having a reason to cause him trouble. With the large mineral deposits from hallowing out of the mountains, it would be a while before he had to use the resources gained from Richard in that department. Even the increase resources gained from the mountain people.
Which came to his real capital city away from Tuscana and Araphen that exists a mile outside of the major tunnel through the mountains. The temple built there was the first major attraction and also where Victor his second long-standing leader would be situated.
Lucius, the monk who was friends with Raven and Priscilla, had gotten closer with that particular Cavalier and with his help, built a bigger orphanage that housed the locals and those from the Orphanage in Araphen where Lucius used to live at.
Tuscana had already belonged to Hector for some time now but so far, the Marqueses there stood standing without coming out as belonging to Hector's forces. The destabilization that was done to Araphen had only turned in his favor after his forces that assisted Madelyn and Lyndis secured enough proof of the prejudice Marquess and of his crimes to the populace that the Marqueses of Tuscana and Khathelet petitioned the Lycian League to arrest the man.
Awaiting trial, Araphen was currently an occupied territory by Madelyn of Caelin. With mixed results from the populace as only a few remained alive knew of her.
Khathelet was slowly coming over to Hector's side, and thanks to the Black Fang member, he flipped before he was slowly gaining traction over those key people who would prevent a conflict-free takeover.
Having taken out the Knight Yogi who oversaw the Fort small towns at the outskirts of Caelin, Hector was currently in a political meeting. It was taking place at his war table that outlined his territory and listed a few places as neutral.
As the one who led those Madelyn, Dart, and Serra were at the table. Madelyn's forces were also there with Eliwood and his knight, Lowen. Pherae had gotten involved more than they usually would have, thanks to the meddling of Hector and the arrest of the Marquese of Araphen. A few other Marquese who were not on the side of Lundgren but not liking the political shifting had forced a meeting to find out what was going on.
"I still think a full on war can be stopped if we wait." Eliwood spoke as a more pacifist approached. "A military might such as what has been gathered by Hector will not be ignored by the other fiefdoms. You can't caste a Crusade like this and expect it to go unnoticed or even expect other nations not to act."
The other lordlings nodded their agreeance but said nothing.
"That is not our concern anymore." Madelyn had gained a bit of edge in her voice after the passing time of conflict chipped away at her. Not only had her people suffered she came across more and more troubling information when passing through the various nations. "If they are so concerned with mounting forces, why did they do nothing when the people of Sacae were killed by bandits from their territories?"
Tossing out a few scrolls containing those reports the few lordlings said nothing. It was an unspoken rude among some of them not to mention what happens to the Sacaen nomads.
"It is not like we could police everywhere." Eliwood defended.
"House Ostia is doing it's best to clean up the bandits and prevent any such incident from happening again. Even outlawing the use of such toxins and making it a death penalty for those who manufacture it." Oswin, as the representative of Ostia spoke up. A few thought it odd Hector was not speaking up for Ostia. "Lord Eliwood is correct in that a few nations have concerns about Hector's movements. They think it is Ostia's way of spreading it's influence."
"Pft, if only they knew how much the bastards in Ostia resent me." Hector scoffed, unamused. "I have made move against the bandits all over, and do not give them freedom as long as they don't go to far. This could not be the same for all of you of course."
"This is not a joke Hector." Eliwood turned to him anrgy. "You have a growing reputation and not a good one at that. Eturia is starting to take notice and as one of the biggest nations of Elibe it could only mean trouble."
"That is something. Except they have to travel really far to cause trouble for me. Not to mention they have to pass by several nations in the process." Hector's eyes narrowed at him in apprehension. "Or is this your way of saying Eturia and Pherae have already sided with each other to deal with us?"
Several in the room took a breath as that implication could be dangerous. For Eturia to get an army to the area, the safest route was through Ostia's port. Or disembarking north of Worde and traveling across that area into Ostia's south lands. Which would put them North of Ryerdie and south of Thria.
They could take a port in Worde and travel to Pherae that way but risk the waters of the Dread Isle and also would need to dock in Laus. Which would not end well if Laus deemed it as a threat. Considering how power hungry those of Laus were it would be likely they would side with them to gain the lands of their neighbors such as Caelin, Badon, Kathalet, and Araphen.
Their is no way Eturia would risk going after Bern after getting weakened by the opposing Lycian League. If it came to hostility between them.
"Pherae remains neutral and only wishes to help keep the peace." Eliwood said sincerely. "As a witness to your actions myself I am just letting you know that if you do not change something terrible will happen."
"That is true Hector," Erik, the son of the Marques of Laus spoke up with less disdain than he usually had for Hector or Eliwood. "your feats have been quite wonderous and those under you are strong but they can not compete against full nations."
"Are you two trying to insinuate something?" Hector's posture shifted as he stood up. His magic and large physique created an imposing figure on it's own. "First Lord Eliwood says he is letting me know something terrible will happen. I mean that even sounds like some sort of threat. Then you have Lord Erik here saying I can not compete against full nations."
*Rattle!* A few of the utensils in the area started to shake about and the air vibrated with power.
"But you two are just speaking what you think and can't make decisions for your territories." Hector moved his left hand to Laus and measured the time it would take for him to get there with a marker. He then did the same for Pherae. "So who should I go and speak with first to solve this problem? Laus or Pherae? I am sure the Marquis of Pherae can answer me. Oh wait, he is not "seeing" anyone right now, and only Lady Eleanora is seeing matters. Well, their are the others in Pherae I could speak with instead to get an answer if even she is to busy for me."
Turning to Erik he was beaten to the punch by the young lord speaking quickly.
"There is no reason to come to Laus. Just know that Laus has no intention of causing an issue with Ostia."
"You misunderstand Lord Erik, I do not speak for that dying House of Ostia." Hector's tone turned dark and made Oswin flinch at the words of dying House Ostia. "I speak for myself and my growing nation. Not to mention it's possible future allies."
"I do think they are just speaking from inexperience, Lord Hector; do forgive them." Madelyn did not want to create trouble with the situation in Caelin still being up in the air. But she was no fool and had seen and heard enough that Hector was better as an ally for now. "We should speak on how to deal with my treacherous uncle and heal the Realm. Calelin needs all its friends and allies' help in this matter."
The gathered forces were glad for the change in topic. Hector not pressing that matter as he was no fool to openly declare war against several nations. It was better to act with bluster and bravado as they would contribute to youth than confidence and deadly magic. He still needed to develop his spies and his military.
After discussing the involvement of each force, the other members of the Lycian League departed. The Nobles of the other Lycian Houses would not lend aid to either party and would focus on taking care of any bandits in the area. Considering Hetor's forces killed so many of them and the various nations had paid out in droves this was just their way of ending any remaining bounties.
.
Out for a Ride-
.
Hector took a few of the Pegasus Riders for a deep fly that would only take a few hours to handle. They went to perform an assassination of the small ruler and destroy his house before it caused problems even further.
During the flight, Hector made conversation with his people. Getting a feel for how they were doing this scuffle and transition of beliefs.
Despite Hector's actions a few bandits hid away in the general populace and caused trouble in places. Especially the smaller territories where the rulers caused more harm than good due to inaction and bad followers.
In the Territory of Tania it would be the last peaceful night for a long time. Besides the death of a few nobles and culling of corrupt knights, Hector and his forces killed the entire family of the Noble Richten. Leaving the bodies of the family intact for burial but not the young monster Richten who had his body severed into pieces and his blood used to leave a message to all like him.