On the way back, Olcott, Edgar, and Velin shared a carriage.
"Viscount Moncas was capable enough to rise to the position of noble leader of Kadlo Province despite coming from an ordinary viscount family. But his family's foundation was too weak, forcing him to take certain risks."
"Velin, you are still young. This is merely your starting point. Barring accidents, you will one day take up the banner of Kadlo Province's nobility and become its new leader. While you have this opportunity, you can appropriately draw some nobles to your side."
Velin smiled. "Uncle, it's too early for that. I want to consider it after the kingdom's war with the Dwarves ends. The nobles who survive until then are the ones I want. Those who die in the war will naturally be excluded from the list of candidates. What I want are ambitious nobles, not worthless fools content with the status quo."
"I spoke out of turn. You see some things more clearly than I do." Olcott shook his head and said nothing more.
Thanks to Velin's material exchanges, the strength of the two men had rapidly improved. The most obvious changes were the size of their armies and the combat ability of their soldiers.
Although all three held the rank of viscount, Olcott and Edgar had gradually come to regard Velin as their leader. So long as it did not conflict with their core interests, they were willing to follow their nephew's orders.
Three days later, apart from the four viscounts carrying out the probing operation, the other five of the nine viscounts gradually returned to their territories and began forming the Defense Force.
Based on order of establishment and geographical location, beginning with the First Army centered on the provincial capital of Kadlo Province and ending with the