Translator: Cinder Translations
...
News of the Alden army landing upstream on the Wes River quickly reached Sente, the largest city in the Northwest Bay, causing a great stir.
The Duke's residence immediately issued a news blackout, claiming that the reports were mere rumors spread by the rebel coalition led by Earl Parker to sow discord among the military and the public. They ordered that no one discuss the matter.
Despite this, the populace remained anxious, and the news continued to circulate privately. As the city where the Duke of Northwest Bay resided, Sente had not experienced war for a long time. In this era, war meant looting, slaughter, and the degradation of women. Many wealthy families had already started making plans to leave quietly.
In the Duke's hall, the atmosphere was heavy, and everyone waited in silence for their lord to arrive.
Recently, the victories achieved by Jaius had filled the hall with joy and laughter every day, but now, it was completely silent.
In a small room behind the hall, Maltz Kent was discussing matters with his intelligence chief and Emmerson.
"It's that Grayman again!"
Maltz Kent ground his teeth in anger, glaring at the intelligence chief, his meaning clear: What's going on? We've put in so much effort and only delayed him for a short time?
Sweat broke out on the intelligence chief's forehead under Maltz's gaze, and he immediately defended himself: "My lord, gathering intelligence in Alden and Byerldine has been extremely difficult. With the military stations, militias, and peasant associations... Grayman's influence over local military and political affairs has grown stronger. Recently, he even set up a public safety system to handle security within his domain. His administration has also abolished numerous harsh taxes, increasing the people's loyalty to him. The landlords in the countryside are insignificant and have not suffered any losses. When faced with direct confrontation, they have all kept their heads down."
"After the salt workers' revolt, Alden Town is on high alert for similar incidents. Creating a second uprising is extremely difficult."
Maltz was clearly dissatisfied and coldly said, "I don't want to hear any excuses. I've given you money and resources, and you need to deliver the corresponding results. Otherwise... it won't be as simple as just changing personnel."
The intelligence chief shivered, responding in fear, "Yes, my lord."
Maltz sighed, "Ah, useless lot…"
Emmerson interjected, "Uncle, don't be too hasty. Once all the lords arrive, we'll surely come up with a proper solution to the current situation."
"Hmph!" Maltz replied in dissatisfaction, "Do you think they can come up with any useful plans? I know what they're thinking. They scramble to take advantage when things are going well, fearing they'll miss out. When faced with difficulties, they hesitate, afraid of losing their own lives. These people can be used but cannot be relied upon. Emmerson, I plan to delay the offensive against Biddeburg, recall Jaius, and deal with Fish Tail Town first. What do you think?"
Emmerson thought for a moment and said, "I think it's not advisable. The siege of Biddeburg is in full swing, with significant resources and troops already invested. Abandoning it now would waste all previous efforts. Additionally, pulling back now would cause unrest among the troops and signal a problem at our rear."
"You're right. Do you have any solutions?"
"Why not send the mercenaries we've been training in Sente, along with our newly trained longbowmen, to Fish Tail Town? We can test the results of the training. We don't need to recover Fish Tail Town immediately, just block the Alden forces. Once we've taken Biddeburg, we can then concentrate our forces to either destroy or drive the Alden army back."
"Hmm…"
Maltz Kent stroked his beard, contemplating Emmerson's plan.
"Alright, we'll go with that."
At this moment, a servant entered cautiously and said, "My lord, all the lords have arrived and are waiting for you."
Maltz stood up and waved his hand. "Let's go. It's time to squeeze some more value out of them."
The assembled lords in the hall were eagerly awaiting their Duke. Although the matter of Fish Tail Town had been dismissed as a rumor among the common people, it was a very real threat to these rulers.
The Duke finally arrived.
"The siege of Biddeburg cannot be withdrawn, so we need to organize another army to drive the Alden forces back!"
The Duke's words made everyone groan internally, but there seemed to be no better solution at the moment.
"Each Earl's domain must provide no fewer than 800 men, each viscount's domain no fewer than 400 men, and each baron's domain no fewer than 200 men!"
Maltz set the standards for troop contributions firmly, with no room for negotiation.
"Additionally, they must provide their own rations and equipment!"
…
After a week, a large army had gathered in Sente. The total number of troops sent by various lords amounted to 5,000, plus Maltz Kent's 1,000 recruits and mercenaries, bringing the total to over 6,000.
Fergus, looking at the massive formation in the training ground, sneered.
"Your Duke is too cautious! I heard the Alden forces at Fish Tail Town are only about 1,000 men. Is it necessary to make such a big fuss?"
He was the leader of another mercenary group hired by Emmerson. Because he arrived later, he missed Jaius's campaign. Due to Jaius's string of victories, Fergus's group was not sent to the front lines but stayed in Sente to train longbowmen for the Duke. The Duke wanted a longbow unit entirely under his control.
This left Fergus quite dissatisfied. Emmerson privately promised that their remuneration would not be reduced, which is why they stayed.
A military officer sent by the Duke's residence to coordinate with the mercenary troops gave a helpless smile. The sarcasm in Fergus's words was too apparent.
"Captain Fergus, you should be cautious. Alden's fire crossbows are not easy to deal with. Their range matches that of longbows, and their power is even greater. If there's a weakness, it's only the slower rate of fire."
"And those terrifying Thunder Hammers, they're like a divine gift, shaking the world, invincible!"
The officer had experienced the Biddeburg battle and was deeply impressed by the performance of the First and Third Infantry Battalions.
"And…"
"And their fire crossbows can be used in close combat. The soldiers are skilled in melee combat, right?"
Before the officer could finish, Fergus interjected, making the officer fall silent.
"Hmph! I'll show the Alden forces who the real king of land warfare is."
The mercenary leader looked disdainful.
"And I'll show that fool Doug which mercenary group is the best!"
(End of the Chapter)
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