As evening approached, an urgent letter shattered the tranquility of the castle.
The Skeleton Society incited a rebellion in Dardiel City, slaughtering many nobles, including Viscount Alphonse. The news infuriated Earl Piers, the governor of the Southeastern Province, who issued a conscription order for the nobles within the province to suppress the rebellion.
The aftermath of a disconnect in news was in full effect. The Koslow Family was blissfully unaware of the Skeleton Society's rebellion, which had been brewing for over a month.
Baron Redman received the conscription but lacked sufficient knowledge about the frontline's situation, leaving him with no choice but to comply passively.
The severity of the situation was self-evident without the need for intelligence. Should it have been a trivial rebellion, local lords allied together would have crushed it promptly, and there would have been no need for a province-wide conscription.
A single barony was required to conscript five hundred men for this cause. The last time such an intense mobilization took place was a hundred years ago during an Orc invasion, although that was based on extensive prior preparations.
Issuing such an order now implied that, in Hudson's view, Earl Piers was likely losing his mind due to the deteriorating situation.
Military strength does not correlate with numbers. An army of five hundred untrained serfs is less formidable than a castle guard
Given only three days to prepare was a significant flaw. Nothing else taken into account, wouldn't it be necessary to prepare weapons, armor, and provisions?
This kind of pure obligation conscription, where the head doesn't provide food, and provisions depended entirely on individuals, was sure to elicit widespread grumbling.
"The situation is urgent, Hudson, what do you think about this conscription?"
Baron Redman asked with a headache.
With his elder sons unavailable, Hudson, who seemed to have some military capabilities, was the only one he could turn to in this time of trouble.
As for others in the lord's domain, sadly, Baron Redman, being a traditional noble, does not have the habit of discussing affairs with commoners.
"Father, the situation is still unclear. We should not send our main forces to the war.
The conscription only calls for five hundred troops, so we should simply conscript and train five hundred able-bodied men to meet this requirement."
Hudson answered cautiously.
Although the Koslow family only had a small guard team, it was the accumulation of decades of effort by Baron Redman. If it was wiped out, it would take at least a decade to recover.
Compared to that, the loss of a few hundred serf soldiers wouldn't shake the foundations of our household.
For the nobility, war isn't entirely a bad thing, as it can help reduce excess population.
"Indeed, Dardiel City is one of the bigger cities of the Southeastern Province, and the local nobles are strong. For the rebel army to wipe them out, it wouldn't be so simple.
Regrettably, we received the news too late. If we prepared a bit earlier and trained an elite force, perhaps a noble title would be within your reach."
Baron Redman said regretfully.
Opportunities arise, but without proper preparation, we cannot seize them, which is indeed a tragedy in the mortal world.
Of course, this sentiment was just an aside. If it came to putting everything on the line, Baron Redman might not have the courage to do so.
At the end of the day, the Koslow family had its comforts, albeit uncomfortable ones, and might hesitate to risk everything in pursuit of greater glory.
"Father, don't be sad. There are always opportunities in this world; if no such opportunity exists, one can be created. What's critical is our strength.
Many eyes are likely focused on this rebellion. The rebel army has expanded rapidly, likely because of some unseen push.
Considering our strength, even if we make significant contributions on the battlefield, we can only expect to be awarded one or two knight's territories at most.
Earl Piers doesn't play fair. Rising through his ranks would be no easy task."
Hudson said with a cold sneer.
Even without personally slaughtering a pig, he's seen pigs run.
The rebellion had been ongoing for over a month. Not only was there no organised army to suppress it, but the news hadn't even spread. If Earl Piers hadn't been deliberately indulgent, this would not have been possible.
He who carrying treasures is guilty. As the inheritance of a nobility without an heir, it's evident that others had been eyeing it for a while. However, bound by the rules of the game, clear territorial infringement was impossible.
The Skeleton Society merely took advantage of the situation, providing an opportunity to those already schemers. With this background, how could Hudson dare to take food from the tiger's mouth?
"Do you not have faith in Earl Piers?"
Baron Redman asked, curious.
After a few months together, he'd noticed that Hudson was no ordinary fish. As for his mediocrity in the past, he considered that as a deliberate attempt to hide his abilities.
After all, Hudson was only his third son. If his performance was too outstanding, not only would his stepmother be unable to tolerate him, but also his elder brothers would feel threatened.
Now, he's about to venture out on his own. Those fears are no longer relevant, hence demonstrating his abilities to secure the family resources naturally becomes a priority.
As for his father's suspicious thoughts, Hudson didn't bother to correct them. Instead, his authority at home had increased significantly, allowing him to confer with Baron Redman late into the night.
"A solid team doesn't function once trust is lost.
Earl Piers' plan might seem perfect, using others to achieve his goals skillfully and not leaving a trace of evidence. But in a noble's world, who needs evidence?
The simplest logic: if you're the biggest beneficiary, then you're the mastermind.
Even if they obtained the fattest share this time, how much strength can they gain, being one of the twelve Fiefdom Earls in the kingdom?
For this small benefit, they've gone against the desires of the nobles under their rule, and it simply isn't worth it.
Remember, among the nobles they eradicated, there are their vassals too. I dare not serve such a master."
Hudson said mockingly.
He has always been good at finding faults. Back in the day, when he was a keyboard warrior, there was nothing he didn't critique pompously.
No matter the situation, as long as he wanted to critique, he could always find a list of reasons to do so.
Now, his hidden intentions have only one aim, to persuade Baron Redman to keep a low profile in the upcoming war.
Although it might seem unethical, at least it's safe!
After all, they don't owe any obligations to Earl Piers. Even when conscribed, they retain a significant amount of freedom.
"I see, I'll consider it."
Baron Redman replied, somewhat uncertain.
Regardless of what kind of person Earl Piers is or what his future may hold, he currently holds the highest authority in the Southeastern Province.
Playing both sides beneath his nose requires courage. Unless there is collective resistance from smaller nobles, those who stand out alone will likely crumble first.
"Father, how about I lead the troops this time? You stay behind to govern the territory so that we have room to maneuver in case anything unexpected arises.
After all, the conscription came too suddenly this time, leaving everyone unprepared.
As long as we provide the serfs with some training and create a capable enough army, we should easily get through this, especially if hidden within a larger troop."
Hudson suggested with feigned confidence.