The More, the Merrier (5)

"Then the order assigning me to hold back the lizardmen earlier was also given by Marquis Peterson William?" Ang looked at the Military Department messenger. His tone was not harsh, but it carried a trace of sharpness.

The messenger froze for a moment. A flicker of unease crossed his eyes, but he quickly nodded. "Yes, Viscount Ang. That order was indeed personally issued by the Marquis."

Ang's gaze darkened slightly. He already understood who had been plotting against him behind the scenes.

A cold smile curled at his lips. He did not press the matter further, instead changing the subject. "How many people did you send this time to look for us?"

"More than twenty, all elite cavalry. They tracked us here along the southwestern border," the messenger answered quickly, clearly well prepared.

Ang nodded, then said flatly, "Then you came too late."

"Too late?" The messenger stared, confusion appearing on his face.

Dana, standing behind Ang, stepped forward with a hint of pride. "All the land west of Volgograd is already under our control. The remaining lizardmen have also been driven into the northernmost hills."

"What? You already took it?" The messenger's eyes widened in disbelief. "Did you only act after learning that the Lizardman Legend had died in battle?"

"The Lizardman Legend?" Dana gave a soft laugh.

The messenger's expression changed several times, as though he could not accept the truth all at once.

When he left, he carried the latest battle report and a detailed map at his waist. The moment he exited the camp, the frigid wind struck him head-on, making his cloak snap loudly.

Only then did he abruptly come back to his senses. He fiercely dug his heels into his horse's sides and galloped south, dust billowing beneath the hooves.

Inside the camp, Ang