Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation Just as Lollister returned to Monolith Castle, he received a letter from the Kenneth family. The letter said that because Earl Kenneth was under house arrest by the second prince, the Kenneth family had no choice but to send troops to help. However, the patriarch of the Kenneth Family promised in the letter that the 20,000 soldiers sent by the Kenneth Family would not volunteer to attack the city. They would only follow behind and cheer for the Kenneth Family.
"Sly old fox …" Lollister commented after sending off the letter. However, he understood the Kenneth family's helplessness. Being a fence-sitter had its own difficulties. The wind was strong, but the direction of the wind could change at any time. Although the head of the Kenneth family said it so confidently, it was impossible to send twenty thousand soldiers to do nothing. Once the Norton family lost their power, the Kenneth family would definitely turn against them. Hitting someone when they were down was something these merchant families were good at.
Earl Kenneth was in the hands of the second prince. If the second prince did not make use of the twenty thousand soldiers of the Kenneth family, he would be an idiot. The biggest possibility was to force these twenty thousand soldiers to be the main force of the siege. Unfortunately, the second prince had miscalculated. Laurist didn't want to fight a defensive battle at all. He wanted to defeat the second prince's first legion in a fair and square battle. He wanted to show everyone his strength, and the Kenneth Family could be considered to have escaped a calamity.
The next night, two mysterious men in gray robes and hoods entered Monolith Castle. They claimed to be messengers sent by Baron Phelim of the Pegasus family. Overkiss confiscated their weapons and sent people to search their bodies. After confirming that there were no sharp weapons, he brought them to Lollister.
When the man in front of him put down his hood and took off his gray robe, Lollister stood up in shock. "Baron Phelim, why are you here?"
This man was Baron Phelim of the Pegasus family, Charles.
"Call me Chuck. Although we've only officially met once, I feel that the Pegasus family and the Raging Bear family can form an alliance. That's why I'm here, and I've brought the friendship of the Pegasus family." Baron Phelim smiled and extended his right hand to Lollister.
Loriste took a step forward and clasped his hands tightly together.
"I am very happy to be able to gain the friendship of the Pegasus family, but the Norton family's current situation is very serious. Baron, you should be very clear about this, so why are you still willing to help?" Laurist asked.
"Let's get straight to the point. We, the Pegasus family, have had enough of this idiot, the second prince. I came here in disguise because I want to join forces with the Norton Family to defeat the second prince and make him suffer a great loss. This will also loosen the reins on the Pegasus Family and give them some time to recuperate and take a breather. "Baron Filim went straight to the point.
Faced with Laurist's questioning gaze, Baron Phillip smiled bitterly, "Actually, I didn't want to come to the north. You should know that the Pegasus Family's traditional territory is in the southern province of the empire, which was changed to the three southern prefectures by that fool. During the Empire's civil war, I joined the second prince and fought for him for five years, hoping to be conferred a noble title and return to my family's territory.
However, I didn't expect that when the kingdom was established, the second prince sent his trusted aide to find me. He said that because the kingdom had just been established and the finances were tight, he wanted me to donate a large sum of money so that I could be conferred a noble title. I believed the second prince's promise and agreed to raise a large sum of money for him. However, I asked for my territory to be conferred to the Pegasus Family's traditional territory, and the second prince agreed.
As a result, the day I became a baron, I found out that my territory had been conferred to the north. I went to ask the second prince, but he said that he was going to send troops to attack the Melaine Duchy. This way, the three southern prefectures would become the frontline, so he conferred me to the north.
Later, I found out that the large sum of money I donated made the second prince suspicious. He thought that during the New Moon War between the Pegasus Family and Chrison IV a hundred years ago, the Pegasus Family had buried countless treasures in the family's territory before they were defeated. That was why I was able to donate such a large sum of money so quickly this time. So the second prince sent people to my family's traditional territory to dig everywhere for the so-called treasure, and even dug up the graves of my ancestors … "
At this point, Felim's eyes were red with anger, "The year before last, when I returned to the family's traditional territory to worship my ancestors, I found that the family cemetery had been destroyed. I went to question the second prince, but he actually quibbled that it wasn't him who did it, but Duke Melaine's troops who invaded the three southern prefectures. At that time, I could only swallow my anger. After all, he was the king …
Before coming to the north, the second prince instigated us, who had been conferred as lords in the north, to provoke a war with the old lord of the north, and promised that no matter how much territory we conquered, he would recognize it, as long as we had the ability to do so. So a few years ago, when the war broke out in the north, although I was only a baron, I also conquered a viscount and two barons next to the territory. After the four territories were connected, I didn't mobilize any troops, and just wanted to manage the territory well.
Two years ago, the second prince sent troops to the duchy of Madras and ordered me to send troops to help. I sent my cousin with a thousand troops, but in the end, they were all lost by that idiot, and not a single one came back. My cousin had been fighting with me for more than ten years, and as a three-star Silver Knight, it was very likely that he would be promoted to a Gold Knight like me. But he was gone just like that, and that idiot didn't say anything, as if nothing had happened! "
The more Baron Felim spoke, the angrier he became. "That idiot took advantage of the fact that the Norton family defeated Duke Lujins, and forcibly occupied the Grand Ducal territory. As soon as he gained a foothold, he turned his back on us. I had just handed in my annual tribute to him, and in the blink of an eye, he sent tax collectors to the original viscount and two barons to collect taxes, and also sent soldiers to the people's homes to rummage through the chests and cabinets for valuables. I argued that I had just handed in my annual tribute, but the tax collector said that it was my baron's, not counting the viscount and the two barons'.
I went to find that idiot, but he said with a straight face that the north belonged to Duke Lujins in the past, and that it was now his territory, and that he would not allow any more territorial wars. He was also prepared to put all the territories that had lost their lords under his direct control. The territories that we had fought so hard for were gone just like that. Without those three territories, how am I going to maintain the armed forces of my family and feed my people? "
Baron Felim was agitated as he held Laurist's hand tightly. "So this time, I have made up my mind to join forces with the Norton family to teach that idiot a lesson. I have an idea that can defeat that idiot's number one army in one battle. "
Baron Felim's idea was simple, and that was to attack at night. The Pegasus family had been forced to send out five thousand troops to assist in the battle, and Baron Felim wanted to act as a spy and launch another "Dawn Raid". He believed that if Duke Madras could do it, then the Pegasus family and the Furious Bear family could do the same.
Laurist smiled and shook his head. He told Baron Felim that there was no need for a night attack. He was confident that he could defeat the second prince's number one army in an open field battle, and let the world see the strength and invincibility of the Furious Bear family's armed forces.
Laurist did not need Baron Felim to do anything. He only needed to restrain the Pegasus family's five thousand troops from entering the battlefield to avoid friendly fire.
Baron Felim was confused by Laurist's confidence. He reminded Laurist that although the second prince was an idiot, the number one army was still fifty-six thousand. In addition to Baron Shahin's ten thousand troops, Earl Kenneth's twenty thousand troops, the Pegasus family's five thousand, and the rest of the northern lords' troops, the total was more than a hundred thousand troops. Did Laurist really have the confidence to win in a field battle?
Laurist smiled and told Baron Felim that Baron Shahin and Earl Kenneth were the same as him, and would not take the initiative to participate in the battle. All that was left was the second prince's number one army and the northern nobles' allied forces. Haha, they're nothing. Laurist said disdainfully.
Then I have to do something, right? I don't want to just watch and do nothing. Baron Felim said reluctantly.
"How about this …" Laurist pondered for a moment and took out a map of the north. "It's best if the five thousand troops sent by your family are on horses. Once the second prince's army is defeated, you will quickly take down the checkpoint at Hendrifosuo Bridge and the Fryde Fortress while they are unprepared. The two towns and three manors will belong to the Pegasus family. I believe this will be enough to feed your family's soldiers and expand your army."
"What do you mean?" Baron Felim was confused.
"That's right. I'm going to chase the second prince out of the north in this battle, so that he won't stir up trouble in the north again and disturb everyone's peace," Laurist said confidently.
Baron Felim was skeptical. "What about Gildusk?"
"I will give the other half of the Grand Duchy from Gildusk to Baron Shahin. The two of you will split the Grand Duchy equally," Laurist said in an unquestionable tone.
"Alright, then let's split it that way." Although the capital of the Grand Duchy did not belong to him, with the Hendrifosuo Bridge, the crossing fees would still be a steady source of income. Baron Felim was very satisfied with this. Now, he was only worried about one thing: whether the Norton Family's armed forces could defeat the second prince in one fell swoop. This was the key question.
"Don't worry. You will see it with your own eyes in ten days. Then you will understand where my confidence comes from." Laurist smiled as he sent Baron Felim away.
"My lord, do you suspect that Baron Felim is a spy sent by the second prince? Is that why you rejected his suggestion of a night attack?" Tagger asked hesitantly. As Laurist's personal attendant, he had been standing by the side during the meeting between Laurist and Baron Felim.
Laurist shook his head. "Tagger, you don't understand. As a noble, Baron Felim would never be a spy for the second prince. Even if the second prince wins, the reputation of the Pegasus Family would be ruined if word of this got out. Everyone would despise his family, and he would be isolated among the nobles. No one would be willing to associate with his family. At that time, living would be worse than death for him."
"Then why didn't you suggest a night attack? With Baron Felim's troops as spies, wouldn't it be easier for us to win?" Tagger asked again.
"Tagger, this time, our family wants to establish our might and let the world see the strength and power of our family's armed forces. That's why we are using a field battle to deter the enemy. It is indeed easy to win with a night attack, but it will make people feel that our family is opportunistic and unconvinced. This time, I want to use the second prince as a chicken to show all the monkeys that no one dares to provoke the Norton Family in the future! "
"The second prince is a chicken? And monkeys? My lord's words are too profound … "Tagger scratched his head in deep thought …
…
June 14th, Somme River, Northland.
The Kenneth Family's armed forces had already arrived here and set up a large camp. Nearly ten thousand tents were arranged in an orderly manner, forming a magnificent and huge military camp.
The second prince rode a tall green Zino steed, looking at the endless stream of troops entering the military camp in high spirits.
"I am very satisfied with the way the Kenneth Family handles things," the second prince praised Earl Kenneth, who was beside him, arrogantly.
"As your subordinates, this is what we should do," Earl Kenneth replied weakly. He didn't expect the second prince to put him under house arrest and force his family to send twenty thousand troops to assist in the battle. He even had to provide logistics and other supplies for the second prince and the northern nobles' allied army.
He originally thought that the second prince would have to think twice before making a move on him now that his family had an armed force of thirty thousand soldiers. He didn't expect the second prince to disregard his reputation and force his family to submit. Earl Kenneth was ashamed to death at the thought of this, but he really couldn't bear to die. He could only grit his teeth in secret …
"Hahaha, with this army of a hundred thousand, where can't we go?" The second prince laughed loudly. At this moment, he had already ignored the feelings of Baron Shahin, Earl Kenneth, Baron Philim, and the other northern nobles. He even made up his mind to take care of the Norton Family this year, then sweep through the Madras Duchy next year. With this army of a hundred thousand, he would definitely smash the face of the old Duke of Madras. The second prince was a man who held grudges.
"Pass down my order. Rest for two days and get ready. Our army of a hundred thousand will appear in front of the Monolith Castle in the most organized formation. We will show that stupid bear what it means to have an army of a thousand. Who knows, that stupid bear might just open the door and surrender. That will save us a lot of trouble … "The second prince arrogantly waved the golden horsewhip in his hand as he gave his order.
At noon on the 17th of March, the army of a hundred thousand finally appeared in the sight of the guards of the Monolith Castle …
The second prince led the northern nobles to a place about five or six hundred meters away from the Monolith Castle. He looked at the castle and nodded. "This castle is indeed easy to defend and hard to attack. No wonder the Norton Family is so arrogant. But they definitely wouldn't expect me to bring an army of a hundred thousand. I'm sure that the head of the Norton Family is crying on the top of the castle, regretting his actions. Hehe. Pass down my order to set up camp. We have plenty of time. We can take it slow … "
"Your Majesty is wise …" A few of the northern lords beside him flattered him.
As soon as they finished speaking, a loud horn sounded from the Monolith Castle …
"This, this is, this is the sound of the bugle horn …" A noble from the Northern Region was shocked.
Everyone looked at each other. Did the Norton Family eat a bear's heart or a leopard's heart? They were facing an army of a hundred thousand. Instead of holing up and defending, they actually wanted to go out and fight in the open. What was going on?
The gates of the Monolith Castle opened, and countless Norton Family soldiers in shiny silver armor swarmed out, charging straight at them …
The second prince's expression changed. Although he had an army of a hundred thousand, they had just arrived and had yet to gain a foothold. If the Norton Family's armed forces charged over and caught them off guard, it would be a joke.
"Baron Shahin, Earl Kenneth, Baron Phelim, immediately order your family's armed forces to gather and await orders!" The second prince quickly made a decision. He would first let these three families block the first wave of attack from the Norton Family's armed forces.
"Yes, Your Majesty." Only Baron Phelim replied loudly and turned his horse to leave.
Knight Henned looked at Baron Kempis, who was also looking at him.
"Your Majesty, my family's armed forces will not obey orders without me personally commanding them …" Knight Henned said.
"Me too …" Earl Kenneth chimed in.
The meaning of the two of them was very clear. The two of them had been held hostage by the second prince. Although they had mobilized the troops, if they sent someone to pass the order, who knew if the people below would obey the order. If anything happened, they would not be responsible for the consequences.
"Alright, then both of you should return to your families' troops first." The second prince thought that since the two of them had already sent out their troops, there was no need to worry about them colluding with the Norton Family. Moreover, it was true that every family's armed forces only followed the orders of their lord. However, the second prince was still worried that the two of them would not put in enough effort, so he decided to send someone to monitor them.
"Wait, both of you take two of my guards with you. Baron Shahin, you and Baron Phelim's troops will protect the left wing of my army. Earl Kenneth, your family's armed forces will be on my right wing. When the time comes, you will listen to my orders. Do you understand? "
"Yes, Your Majesty." Knight Henned and Earl Kenneth each took two of the second prince's guards with them and left in a hurry.
"Pass down my orders. The kingdom's first legion is to immediately move forward and form a blocking formation. Longbowmen, get ready to shoot. The rest of the lords' troops are to immediately assemble behind the kingdom's first legion. Get ready to stop the enemy at any time … "After all, the second prince had fought his way through the kingdom's civil war. Although he could not be said to have experienced hundreds of battles, his series of orders still showed that he was experienced and experienced in commanding troops.
The kingdom's first legion was well-trained and reacted quickly. After the second prince's order, the sword and shield soldiers were in front, followed by the pikemen. The longbowmen were already ready to shoot. The two cavalry regiments were on the flanks, ready to flank the enemy at any time.
The sound of drums could be heard, and the charging Norton Family soldiers began to converge at a distance of 400 meters. They formed into a formation, with the infantry in the middle and the cavalry flanking them. Under the watchful eyes of the 100,000 enemy soldiers, they formed into a square formation and spread out in a row.
The battle was about to begin …
…
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