Capítulo 526: Act 12 Territory (6) (1st update)_2
Now the Sipah’s Black Blade Corps has already entered the Lodar River area, and the remaining task is for both sides to persuade the Free Port rchants of Ambeser. If the Queen’s top persuaders succeed among those profit-driven rchants, then thousands upon thousands of Sipah heavy infantry will cross the Lodar River straight to the border of Flada—just like how it has happened in history.
Similarly, in the southern Tonyger, the situation has also beco tense due to his appearance, as the scent of war seems to drift in the wind representing the sweetness of harvest, but with a faint hint of blood.
Ti progresses in an orderly manner against a lead-grey heavy backdrop.
“On the 17th, the second day after the war broke out, according to the communication standards of this era, the letter announcing news of the rcenaries’ rebellion should have reached Lord Minta in Minsi Castle to the north. The first batch of knights is leaving that Rock Listone Castle, scattering to gather forces,” Brand thought silently, now only able to control the surroundings of Fir Castle, while the knights from the manors had already fled with the news, “After preliminary preparations, Lord Minta might be able to raise an army of two to three thousand, the sa noble private soldiers, although Black Iron makes up less than twenty percent—but for rcenaries numbering less than a thousand, it’s still a tough battle.”
“Lord Minta probably anticipates the rcenaries will hold Fort Fir or escape into the forest,” but in Brand’s mind, the ideal battleground is in the hills north of Grace Ferry, and when the army will set out depends on the scout’s intelligence. He had already sent a small squad of Rubis rcenaries to the latter’s territory—at this mont, within the Baron Lengshan Domain, aside from the Druids, no one is more suited to act as spies than these experienced rcenaries.
Brand thought silently about all this, as the battle seed so crucial in everyone’s mind.
This doesn’t just refer to Lord Minta’s imminent deploynt, which is just a minor test—Brand’s real headache is the possible relentless pressure from behind by Count Denier. He thought he had about a month to arrange everything, repair defenses, organize territory—and before that, it was even more important to build the rcenaries’ trust in him. Although the rcenaries in the city were temporarily in the sa boat with him, in the long run, they couldn’t always stand so closely with him, unless they were sure that he could offer them the necessary protection.
Yuta, Crenxia, and Fern, the three Great Commanders, were not to be trifled with. Brand knew he couldn’t keep them with just a hopeful vision. And this battle would establish that confidence.
In fact, Antitina privately also thought that this battle was not just for stabilizing the initial group. It was also to announce Brand’s legitimacy to the subjects of Baron Lengshan Domain. If the battle reached the expected goal, it would slow Count Denier’s advances, thus naturally drawing public support to their side.
The people needed not only a benevolent lord but also a lord who could protect them.
At this ti, the drawbridge was halfway down, and Brand saw the crimson rooftops of the distant Fir City. Tonyger was relying on the west coast of the Waning Moon Inner Sea, and the wind from the sea brought abundant rain, hence the ordinary houses used steeply sloped roofs, with gutter channels hanging from the eaves by the pointed dorr windows of the attic. New green vines hung down from the attic windows, contrasting with the vermillion tiles.
Light also poured in, brightening the space beneath the castle gate, outlining half of Brand’s body on horseback from the dark surroundings, and then drawing the graceful curves of two beautiful maidens behind him. Qian stood upright on horseback, her amber eyes trying to maintain a calmness akin to a guard, but deep down she couldn’t hide a trace of youthful anticipation and excitent—after all, she was an independent girl who grew up in the mountains and forests of the Southern Territory with the Gray Wolf rcenary Group and definitely wasn’t used to the castle’s dullness.
As for Miss Elf, most of her emotions remained indifferent.
After briefly observing his two attendants, Brand looked ahead, his mind settling down. The drawbridge was gradually lowering before him, revealing more of the scenery on the other side— the streets were still being swept, but there were already pedestrians. Most shops and workshops were not open, but the sharp senses of the young man had long noticed the various suspicious and wary gazes peeking from the windows, all falling upon him—the city’s residents had already taken note of the commotion within Fir Castle, scrutinizing this sowhat illegitimate new lord.
Although Brand had ordered Antitina to reevaluate the tax policy, eliminating most taxes and waiving past dues, this approach was enticing, but most people still doubted its level of execution. Moreover, whether he could hold his ground again remained a question.
With a loud bang and dust flying, the drawbridge finally lowered completely. Brand smiled inwardly, paying little attention to these people’s attitudes. Next, he saw Fern, Yuta, and Crenxia waiting for him outside the castle, with Antitina standing beside them.
“My Lord.”
Upon seeing him, the silver-haired middle-aged man Crenxia was the first to bow deeply. As soone who had fought side by side with Brand, he knew more clearly what this young lord was capable of. Although he was equally worried about whether Brand could face the pressure of the Denier Family head-on or would cast them away as scapegoats, the more he worried, the more respectful his deanor beca.
Yuta lightly curled her lips. Nevertheless, today’s deanor of Brand slightly surprised her, thinking that this god of slaughter had such an amiable side. Only Fern stood tall with a blank expression.
“Do you know why I called you here?” Brand asked.
All three shook their heads.
“My Lord,” Crenxia replied respectfully, “just give your orders and we will undoubtedly go through fire and water for you.”(To be continued, For more chapters, please visit qidian, support the author, support legitimate reading!)
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