Outside the window, it was raining cats and dogs.
"Our rendezvous point is here, the Port of Amethrin." Lollister used a small wooden stick to point at the little red dot on the map. "Everyone should remember our first stop when we set off from Moronte City. It was the only port town in the Armenia province of the former Duchy of Lulm. It was there that we destroyed the slave hunters and formed the northbound convoy … "
There weren't many people in the meeting room. There were only Fatty Shi, General Manager Spear, General Manager Cordan, Malek, Baron Camora, Terman, and Redi. Other than General Manager Spear, General Manager Cordan, and Baron Camora, the others were the ones who had formed the northbound convoy with Lollister.
"The reason we chose the Port of Amethrin was because it was only a day and a night's journey from Hidden Gold Bay, and only two days' journey from the frontlines of Mana Hill Plains. Even if our family's North Sea Fleet suffered a setback at Hidden Gold Bay and couldn't destroy the Invincible Fleet as planned, it wouldn't stop us from carrying out our backup plan to reinforce Brovic City.
Of course, it would be best if we could successfully destroy the Invincible Fleet and occupy Moronte City at Hidden Gold Bay. We could deal a heavy blow to the Trade Union in the shortest amount of time and at the lowest cost, forcing them to sign a peace treaty with our kingdom. This war has been going on for more than two years, and both the Trade Union and our kingdom have suffered great losses. It's time to end this bloody war.
His Majesty, the King, did not send out reinforcements because of benefits or because he was ordered to do so. It was also not because we were warlike and liked war. After all, His Majesty's condition for us to send out troops was to hand over Yungesandra Province to our family. Our family would need to invest a huge sum of money to develop a barren Yungesandra province, and we don't need to sacrifice the lives of countless loyal and brave family soldiers for a province like this.
Our reason for joining the war is to stop this war, and also to teach the Trade Union a lesson. The Norton Family's territory isn't a place where they can come and go freely. They colluded with the rebels and caused chaos in our territory, slaughtered our family soldiers, and stole our confidential information. This is a shameful and despicable act! No matter how much they took from our family, we will make them pay back tenfold! "
Alright, Lollister was just spouting nonsense. Everyone present knew that the real reason they had accepted Malek's suggestion was to rob Morent City. It was the richest city in the Galinthea Continent, the place where wealth gathered, and the continent's number one commercial city. If Malek's plan succeeded, occupying Morrent City and plundering its wealth would be a great thing. Furthermore, Moronte City had never been conquered by an enemy before. Once the Norton Family's armed forces occupied Moronte City, they would have both fame and power.
Of course, Lollister wasn't speaking without thinking. He had to find an honorable reason for himself and the armed forces. He couldn't possibly tell the family soldiers, "Everyone, follow me. We're going to rob Moronte City …"
Two years ago, the Trade Union had sent Great Swordsmen to the north to search for Lollister's whereabouts. They were prepared to assassinate Lollister, who had yet to recover from his injuries, colluded with Majordomo Hansk to cause internal strife in the family, massacred the soldiers at the artillery training base, and stole a large number of weapons and equipment blueprints designed by Master Sid. It didn't matter if those Great Swordsmen had done it or not. After all, those Great Swordsmen wouldn't dare to argue in front of a Sword Sage like Lollister …
Genolio was writing furiously at the side. He had to record down Lollister's words, then print them into leaflets and distribute them to the armed forces of the various families. He wanted all the family soldiers to understand a simple truth. It was righteous for them to rob Moronte City. They were representing justice to punish the despicable and shameless Trade Union. All the wealth that they robbed was the Trade Union's compensation to the Norton Family …
Lollister didn't want his armed forces to become a gang of bandits. Therefore, the necessary deception was indispensable. Ideological work had to be taken seriously. Practice showed that organized, disciplined, and righteous robberies were the most effective. In his previous life, his motherland had given a slap to the arrogant monkey neighboring country in the south. After a counterattack, they retreated back to their country. The wealthiest and most developed area of the neighboring country had not even a single electric pole after the war. This was the best proof. Therefore, ideological work had to continue …
"… This war shouldn't have happened. The Trade Union illegally occupied the territory of the former Chrison Empire. The Andinac Kingdom inherited the Chrison Empire's legal system, and His Majesty is the legitimate heir of the Chrison Royal Family. Therefore, it is only right for us to unify and recover the Chrison Empire's territory. Restoring the former Chrison Empire's glory is our duty and responsibility.
His Majesty didn't want to fight with the Trade Union. He only wanted to negotiate and sign a peace treaty with them. However, everyone knows the result. The Trade Union went against the traditions of the nobles. They went back on their word and played tricks during the peace talks. Not only did they want to threaten His Majesty, but they also launched sneak attacks. This war that shouldn't have happened has continued until now.
This time, the Norton Family is participating in this war to punish the unjust Trade Union. We want to stop this cruel war from continuing and bring more misfortune and disaster to the people of our two countries. May every soldier of our family be able to fulfill their duties and fight bravely, making immortal contributions to our family and the kingdom, and also bring the dawn of peace and hope to the unfortunate people in this war! "
When he was finally done, Laurist wiped the sweat off his forehead. Fortunately, he had only spoken in the conference room this time. Due to time constraints, the four major armies of his family had already made their own arrangements and did not have any pre-deployment speeches. Otherwise, Laurist did not know if he would have been able to come up with such a sanctimonious speech in front of everyone.
This was an impromptu idea. Malek thought that as the head of the family, Lollister should encourage the family soldiers and raise their morale. It seemed like he would have to hire a team of secretaries to write speeches for Lollister. Lollister used to despise Fatty Shi for his poor writing skills and messy speeches. He didn't expect Fatty Shi to be the same when the time came.
Genolio had already finished recording Laurist's speech. He tidied up the document and passed it to Laurist. After reading it once, Laurist signed it. Next, this document would be printed and sent to the four armies of the Family Armed Forces that were going to war. As for whether the soldiers would use it to wipe their butts or keep it, it was none of Lollister's business. The most important thing was to let the family soldiers think that this robbery in Morent City was a righteous act.
After the nonsense was over, it was time to get down to business. Lollister called out Fatty Shi's name.
"Baron Shredder, since we agreed to His Majesty's request to send troops, Yungesandra Province will be under our family's jurisdiction. I plan to let Sederkamp be the acting governor of Yungesandra Province and take charge of the development plan. As the head of the administrative office, Sederkamp will be under your direct jurisdiction. You will be responsible for monitoring and supervising the implementation of the development plan. "
Fatty Shi stood up. "Your Highness, the administrative office originally planned to let Sederkamp be in charge of the development of Makinohara Province. He went to Yungesandra Province, so can Baron Hickard take over Makinohara Province?"
Lollister nodded. "Appoint Baron Hickard as the governor of Makinohara Province and arrange for the development of Makinohara Province according to the plan."
Then, Laurist turned to General Manager Spear. "General Manager Spear, starting from this year, the family will be developing Makinohara Province and Yungesandra Province. The development funds for these two provinces must be allocated in time. Do you understand?"
Spear stood up and nodded. "Your Highness, please rest assured. I will supervise the finances."
The third person was Cordan.
"Cordan, you will be in charge of setting up a patrol system in the north and a few other territories. This is the most important matter related to the security of the family's territories. This is also the family's second armed force. The people in charge of the various cities and towns must be chosen carefully. Otherwise, it will affect the reputation and prestige of the Norton Family among the people … "Lollister said.
Cordan stood up and replied solemnly, "Your Highness, I understand. The people in charge of all places will be chosen from retired officers of the family's armed forces. They have indeed proven their loyalty and reliability to the family. At the same time, I have also arranged for them to take up posts in different places after training. They will be evaluated and rotated every five years. "
"Alright," Lollister said. "As soldiers, they need to be loyal and brave. As patrol officers, they need to be attentive and fair, as well as abide by the law. In the future, the family's garrison army will not interfere with the administrative affairs of the various places, unless there is a natural disaster or riot. As for maintaining the order of the family's territory and the safety of the people, I will leave it to you patrol officers. "
Cordan bowed his head. "Yes, Your Highness, we will do our best."
"Mmm, Malek, it's your turn now. Tell me about the current situation of the family's four main armies."
Malek stood up expressionlessly and flipped open a white folder in his hand. He began to report, "Your Highness, according to the overall plan of our armed forces, the Monolith Army has already arrived at Ciloise Island by ship. They will spend the rainy season on the island before setting off for Port Amethrin. They will wait for the results of the battle between the North Sea Fleet and the Trade Alliance's Invincible Fleet before deciding on their next journey. Whether they will reinforce the king or land in Morent City will have to be decided later.
The Flying Tiger Army and the Hunter Army have already arrived at Fandinath City in the Delemsk Province. After the rainy season, they will arrive at Port Amethrin by land. The 20th of May is the date for the two armies to arrive, so there should be a few more days for the two cavalry armies. This time, the Imperial Guard Army has accepted the task of providing logistics and support. They are also the first army of our family's armed forces to set off. According to the messenger eagles, they used the winter to arrive at Flowing Water River by sleigh and set up a logistical base there.
This time, the person in charge of logistics for the four main armies of the family's armed forces is still Baron Camora. He will be in charge of the armed forces and manage the distribution of all supplies and supplies for the expedition. Commander Terman and I will continue to be in charge of reorganizing the garrisons of the northern lands and the few provinces under our jurisdiction so that they can become a reliable armed force of the family as soon as possible. "
Lolist nodded in satisfaction and gestured for Malek to sit down. He then looked at Terman, who was sitting beside Malek. "Terman, are you angry that your knights did not go on the expedition? It has already been two times that you did not let your knights go to battle. Your knights have a lot of complaints … "
Terman stood up with a flushed face. "Your Highness, the Raging Bear Knights will obey the family's arrangements, but we do hope to go to battle and make contributions for the family …"
Lolist waved his hand. "Terman, it is not that I do not want the Raging Bear Knights to go to battle, but the family's territory needs a reliable armed force. I made you the deputy minister of the armed forces not because I want you to be a fierce general who only knows how to charge and break through enemy lines, but because I need you to help Malek complete the reorganization of the garrisons of the various territories as soon as possible. At the same time, the members of the knights also have the duty of enforcing the law. From the current situation of the main forces of the family's armed forces, there is indeed no force more suitable than the Raging Bear Knights to guard the family's territory. Don't worry, there will be a chance for you to go to battle in the future. "
Terman bowed in a knight's salute. "Your Highness, I also look forward to the day of battle."
Lolist rapped his fingers on the table. "In fact, the key to our battle lies with the North Sea Fleet. Malek, at the end of February, Senbarwood reported on the situation of the two clashes between the North Sea Fleet and the Invincible Fleet. He requested to be punished for the loss of two lightning-struck warships and four large armed warships, as well as nearly a thousand soldiers. What is the opinion of the armed forces?"
Malek stood up again. "Your Highness, the armed forces have investigated and believe that the losses of the North Sea Fleet in the second clash were not Admiral Senbarwood's responsibility. There was no mistake in his command. The six warships that were lost were because they fell into the enemy's trap. On the contrary, the North Sea Fleet under Admiral Senbarwood's command fought very well after escaping danger. From this point of view, Admiral Senbarwood's merits are not to blame. "
"Then do you think the North Sea Fleet has a chance of defeating the Invincible Fleet and escorting our armed forces to Morrent City?"
"It will be a little difficult." Malek thought for a moment before answering, "Your Highness, the Invincible Fleet's Fourth B Squadron stationed at Hidden Gold Bay had clashed with the North Sea Fleet twice. Right now, the Fourth B Squadron has been crippled by the North Sea Fleet, but the Invincible Fleet still has two B Squadrons in the southern seas. Although Admiral Senbarwood had burned all the Third B Squadron's warships during the surprise attack on Port Erniba, the Invincible Fleet's warships will still have an overwhelming advantage over the North Sea Fleet when the First and Second B Squadrons return to Hidden Gold Bay. We have too few lightning-struck warships, only fourteen of them are left … "
"There's no need to worry about the warships. The Oxhorn Shipyard is already working day and night to modify the remaining warships, and Master Sid has forged almost three hundred bronze cannons. Currently, sixteen whaling ships have been modified into large lightning-struck warships, and by the end of April, more than eighty large and medium-sized warships will be equipped with bronze cannons. The modification of warships and the bronze cannons alone cost the family an extra two million gold coins. With these warships, I believe that defeating the Invincible Fleet will not be a problem, "Buckingham said rather proudly.
"Your Highness, if that is the case, I hope that the North Sea Fleet can lure the Invincible Fleet out of Hidden Gold Bay and engage in a decisive battle at sea. After defeating or destroying the Invincible Fleet, we can then attack Hidden Gold Bay. This will reduce the North Sea Fleet's losses. However, in terms of combat power, the North Sea Fleet's greatest weakness is that they lack high-end combat power. Just as Admiral Senbarwood reported, a single great swordmaster slaughtered the entire crew of a lightning-struck warship … "
A sinister smile appeared on Lorist's face, "High-end combat power? No problem, Redi, Hugh, and I will also head to Cirvas Island after the rainy season. When the time comes, we will bring the guards to assist them. Hehe, I really want to see if the Invincible Fleet will have a swordmaster overseeing it. "
… …
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