Crete Island.

With a vast area of about 1.5 million acres, it was the largest island of the Aragon Empire. The population reached 500,000 with the dozens of the surrounding islands included, and it possessed fertile farmland as well. It was known throughout the empire as the southern center for hundreds of years.

Moreover, the Arangis royal family had ruled over Crete Island prior to the founding of the Aragon Empire.

The Arangis family was recognized with full autonomy upon the founding of the empire, and they were granted the title of duke in return for being absorbed into the empire. They exerted their influence throughout the islands with Crete Island at its center, as well as the Southern Ira Peninsula.

Due to the long history of the Arangis family and their connections, the southern lords were more loyal to Duke Arangis than to the emperor.

The iron ore and gold produced in the Island of Crete worked as the greatest factor in allowing the Arangis Duchy to grasp the entirety of the South. Moreover, they possessed a powerful military force based on their large population and incredible wealth. It was hard to find a match for them throughout the entire empire, not to mention the South.

All in all, the Arangis Duchy had 30,000 regular troops, about 20...