I confirm!
There were many Cons, but they were scattered across the map. I checked two: 2-4 and 3. There are few troops and little money to buy more - there's nothing to take. While I was looking for which one to start with, the opponent came to visit. I only managed to cast a spell on the 2nd town on the outskirts, and Mephala took the 1st town along the way. I met him in the castle, but the meat advantage (from 2 native cities) and a bolt for 210 didn't allow me to sit back :)
Thanks for the game!