As time passed, the discussion grew increasingly heated. Even the nobles began arguing among themselves.
The nobles who had not come from the academy, in particular, were consumed by envy, jealousy, and resentment.
Glen and the other two rushed over to ask what had happened, only to be sent back by Henry.
The Earl's Personal Guard soon stepped in. Two hundred Imperial Legion infantrymen, two hundred infantry sergeants, and two hundred steppe Darhans launched attacks in every direction. A few centuries ago, no one would have dared imagine such a thing.
Ever since maritime trade had brought back enormous quantities of minerals and technology, the Empire's strength had risen by leaps and bounds!
Now, even a Legion Commander's Personal Guard was this elite. No one knew just how terrifying the Royal Guards in the Capital were.
The soldiers who had discussed the matter all received an unforgettable "reward." But while mouths could be shut, the Personal Guard could not monitor what people thought in their hearts.
By nightfall, the uproar finally came to an end.
The Earl resupplied the Right Wing Logistics Team with a large amount of food and materials, gave Henry a considerable sum in compensation, and publicly declared that anyone who embezzled military supplies would lose their head!
This outcome satisfied the nobles, because nobles could not be made scapegoats. Count Sebastian had handled this matter badly.
The soldiers, meanwhile, were utterly shocked. Their fear of Independent Nobles with fiefs and private armies deepened once more.
"Philip, from today onward, our men will eat Military Provisions. Claude, I'm handing the remaining serfs and thirty New Recruits over to you. Keep a close eye on our own things."
"Yes, my lord."
Henry kept Claude behind, handed him a letter, and said, "This is for the King. Remember what happened today and send it out immediately."
"Yes, my lord."
At the same time, at Autongard City Hall, Count Sebastian was speaking with Glen.
"Nephew, you gave me a rotten idea. He even dared say he would cut off my head."
Glen took a sip of Black Tea and smiled. "You have the Personal Guard, so you'll be fine. I suggest writing a letter to the King to avoid his displeasure."
"Of course. I've already sent one. You academy-born nobles always love filing reports."
Glen shook his head and said with feeling, "A young border noble with exceptional martial skill, a firm grasp of military command, and no willingness to compromise.
"Tsk, tsk. He's both cultured and martial, and handsome besides. Sooner or later, I'll cross paths with him. I just never expected him to be this bold. I thought he would resist, but not like this."
Sebastian speared a piece of peach with his fork and warned, "Give up that foolish idea of subduing him. Don't drag yourself into a pit. You have a better future ahead of you, and countless people lie between your fiefs. Don't overthink it."
Sebastian ate the peach and praised it. "Not bad. Very juicy. You could build all kinds of orchards in your territory. That would be quite an appealing source of income."
"We'll talk about that later. First, I'll take someone else's."
The next day, all of Autongard shut its gates. Passing Trade Caravans had to wait outside, while every army began moving and preparing to depart.
The Seventh Legion, together with clusters of Noble Private Armies, formed an army of a full thirty thousand men and officially set out!
The Third Legion and Eleventh Legion had received intelligence locating many Half-Orc tribal settlements. They intended to force them into a pitched battle.
As for the Exiled Nobles, impoverished nobles, and doglike Mercenary Groups that had scattered to attack on their own, no one paid them any attention.
Henry suddenly found himself living a retired life. Every day, he listened to Claude and his deputy report how much food and fodder had been consumed, and whether anyone had taken more than their share. Other than that, nothing required his attention.
Boman and Fas occasionally came to play chess with Henry, usually letting him make a fortune.
"Wow. If I could play chess with you two every day, I could even raise a Heavy Cavalry Unit of forty men."
This comfortable life of idling away the days lasted twenty days before coming to an end.
They had successfully rendezvoused with the Third Legion and Eleventh Legion, joining the enormous camp.
As far as the eye could see, it stretched without end. Henry estimated that there were at least over a hundred thousand people here. There were also large numbers of serfs and Auxiliary Soldiers serving as logistical support. Such terrifying consumption was nothing to the Empire...
Potatoes, Pearl Rice, and Sweet Potatoes could feed more people, supporting the upper classes and the military.
"Henry, latest news. The Half-Orc army has assembled and is moving in our direction. Battle may begin this afternoon. Are you bringing your private army into the fight?"
"Of course. Boman, I suggest you gather your men with Fas's. Otherwise, you won't gain much at all."
Soon, the enormous Barracks began operating at full speed. Orders from the three Legion Commanders came one after another. The soldiers began eating lunch, and the three Legion Commanders promised that if they won this battle, they would receive three months' wages as a reward and a lavish, extravagant feast.
The nobles' private armies were also assigned positions, responsible for flanking and reinforcement. It had to be said that the nobles' private armies were not lacking in combat strength; they were simply not very large.
The sun slowly moved across the sky, and the temperature gradually fell. Every resting soldier put on his armor, picked up his weapon, and began assembling, because the Half-Orcs had arrived.
Henry also put on his Three-Layer Heavy Armor, fitted his horse with Barded Armor, and led his army toward the assembly point.
It was worth mentioning that the New Recruit Squad's shields were now iron-bound Hardwood shields. Their weapons were all fine Imperial Patterned Iron Weapons. In addition to Cotton Armor, they wore iron helmets, small Heart Mirrors, bracers, and thick scarves.
The New Recruit Squad was the group of soldiers Henry trusted and intended to cultivate the most. As long as they were given enough weapons and armor, they would keep growing stronger.
Ooo—ooo—ooo—
War horns sounded without end, and the air of war grew heavier and heavier. Henry reached his designated position and saw the Half-Orc army forming into ranks.
Half-Orcs had once been incapable of fighting in formation, but after long years of war against humans, they had learned many things.
"Centaurs, Minotaurs, Tiger-men, Bear-people, Goatmen, gnoll-men, Kobolds... Oh, and cute Rabbit-people and Fox-people. Looks like the enemy has quite a complete assortment this time."
Henry ignored Boman's words beside his unit and instead calculated the Half-Orcs' numbers and armor rate.
The two sides were evenly matched. It looked like this would be a hard battle, one worthy of poetry and the history books.
Soon, both sides completed their formations. A Centaur ran out holding an incomprehensible totem.
Henry took Bain's bow and arrow, rode out at a gallop, and loosed an arrow.
An Armor-Piercing Arrow pierced through the Centaur's head. It swayed once before collapsing to the ground, and its totem banner fell with it.
Huh? From that far away? A headshot? What kind of sharpshooter was that?
What had just happened? Everyone stared at Henry with his bow in hand, their minds blank.
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