How smoothly the war progressed from there would depend on how many East Sea Alliance troops the Raine–Vela Allied Army could eliminate along the defensive line after breaking through.
The more East Sea Alliance troops they could eliminate, the greater their advantage would be in the battles to come.
After all, once those troops were lost, the East Sea Alliance would have only a handful of combat-capable forces left. Even adding the few legions temporarily redeployed by the Noble Council would make little difference.
The East Sea Alliance could now rely only on itself. The Xister Kingdom had already been beaten into submission, and even if the war grand dukes of the Chaos Lands sent troops now, they would arrive too late.
After some thought, Alex reminded his subordinates once more to take good care of the old count and ask the army doctors from Two Rivers County to examine him. They had to ensure that he remained healthy.
The old count was not only the East Sea Alliance's Council Speaker; he had also earned extraordinary prestige within the alliance through the earlier fighting.
If he died of illness while in the Vela Army's custody, it could cause considerable trouble for the allied army. They had to look after him.
Moreover, based on what Alex knew of Duke Barick, the count would most likely be allowed to retain his title. At worst, his fief would be reduced or he would be granted a different one.
Count Valbi and the Strangling Stone Vine Family had performed far better in this war than the East Sea Alliance's other great noble families.
Through his command, the count had made himself and the Strangling Stone Vine Family well worth winning over. His help would also be needed to secure the allegiance of the East