Intelligence and Reconnaissance

"I see. I'm relieved. I will perform well in the Fifth Legion and make great contributions in suppressing the Rebellion in the Northlands. I will live up to your expectations and become a true nobleman as soon as possible."

"Just do your best. The Fifth Legion did not suffer many losses in the Civil War. Most of the time, it was trapped in Lavork with the Grand Duke and fought a defensive battle. The number of veterans and junior officers was not large. Its strength is considered to be among the better of the eight legions in the Duchy, second only to the Imperial Guard Legion and the Sixth Legion. Here you have the opportunity to gain greater merit."

As for Count Carter's Second Legion, its strength only looked impressive on paper; in reality, it was far inferior to the Fifth, Sixth, Seventh Legions. Even though the Seventh Legion lost half its men in the Civil War, it was still considerably stronger than the Second Legion. While its forces were at full strength, it lacked veterans and had a low rate of soldiers wearing armor; it was more suited for defending cities.

"But if that's the case, wouldn't most of the Grand Duke's legions be weak? Wouldn't that make it difficult for him to easily defeat Count Colt and his Northlands nobles?"

"That's for sure. The First, Third, and Fourth Legions were basically wiped out during the Civil War. Many mid- to low-ranking officers died in battle. Even if most of the veterans survived, they were all dismissed. Even if some were recruited, it wouldn't help much. But that's nothing."

After all, as long as Grand Duke Mora remains Grand Duke, many independent nobles are willing to support him. Now, if they can obtain clear evidence of Count Colt's rebellion, they can persuade these nobles to provide their private armies to participate in the suppression of the rebellion. Three legions, or even more, would be no problem.

"It seems that the independent nobles of the Grand Duchy are really powerful. With only a little over 200 families, they are able to mobilize so much military force."

"After all, the establishment of the Grand Duchy of Vera was inseparable from the help of the nobles. Back then, Grand Duke Silver Maple also won the support of the nobles who had gone to the north with him, and only then did he successfully break away from the East Sea Alliance. Therefore, the Grand Duchy's control over independent nobles is much weaker than that of other countries."

"I hope I can become a true independent nobleman soon, with my own territory and family crest."

"Rasul, the current duchy is rife with internal conflicts and chaos, which is perfect for ambitious people. You have this opportunity to climb the ranks."

You have both talent and ambition, so I'm willing to give you this opportunity and invest resources in you. After all, if you become an independent noble, it will be a boost to the entire Cornflower family. I hope you won't let me down.

"Please rest assured, I will definitely succeed."

"Take it one step at a time. You should focus on completing this mission well. Although it's a simple mission, I will allow you to lead the First Battalion of the Heavy Cavalry Regiment on this mission. Although you don't need to be fully armed, you should let these guests from the Raine Kingdom see the strength of the Grand Duchy."

"Great! With the First Battalion at our disposal, I can defeat even an enemy regiment."

Viscount Borey took out a piece of parchment, wrote down the order, stamped it, and handed it to Rasul.

"Go directly to the Heavy Cavalry Regiment and give this order to Regiment Commander Gais. He will arrange everything. In addition, you can use my name to win over the members of the First Battalion. You can bring those who are willing to leave with you to the Fifth Legion, which will also be a help."

Rasul nodded excitedly. The Heavy Cavalry Regiment was the absolute elite of the Imperial Guard Legion. If the Iron Knight Regiment was the best among the Cavalry forces of the Grand Duchy of Vera, then the Heavy Cavalry Regiment of the Imperial Guard Legion was definitely second only to the Iron Knight Regiment. The First Battalion was the elite of the entire regiment. If he could take some people with him, it would definitely help the Fifth Legion develop better and faster.

Rasul then left Viscount Borey's Ducal House. Viscount Borey sat in his chair and couldn't help but sigh, "I hope everything goes well and that Rasul can successfully bring back the delegation and the secret agreement."

Two hours later, at 2 p. m. on the 14th, Rasul led the First Battalion of 300 Cavalry away from Silver Maple City and headed west.

Soon, in a tavern in the city, an officer of the Imperial Guard Legion was whispering to the bartender, "The First Battalion of the Imperial Guard Legion's Heavy Cavalry Regiment has left the city. The one leading them is not an officer of the Heavy Cavalry Regiment, but the Battalion Commander of another Cavalry Regiment named Rasul. He has a close relationship with the Legion Commander and I often see them talking together."

"This intelligence comes at a very opportune time. I'll give it to you at the price of a Level 1 intelligence report. Be sure to let me know immediately if you have similar intelligence in the future." The bartender took a money bag from under the bar and handed it to the officer.

The officer opened the bag, saw its contents, immediately put it away, and left the bar very happily.

Then a person came out of the back door of the bar and headed out of the city.

Soon, this intelligence was obtained by the intelligence point in Silver Maple City arranged by the Iron Birch Territory and sent directly to the northern and western Ent County.

At this time, in the nameless valley next to the Woven Fern Territory in Ent County, after resting for most of the day, the members of the interception team had greatly recovered their physical strength and condition.

Alex also sent people to contact the nearest trading post and obtained the latest intelligence.

"Victor, according to intelligence from the trading post, the Diplomatic Delegation of the Western Nobles of the Raine Kingdom landed this morning. They are expected to arrive here tomorrow afternoon. We still have plenty of time to rest. Should we make some preparations in advance?"

"In that case, I will go to the Woven Fern Territory now to see the situation there in person. You stay here to lead everyone and continue to communicate with the trading post to keep track of the movements of this Diplomatic Delegation."

"Okay, you be careful too."

Victor then led a few guards, disguised as mercenaries, into the Woven Fern Territory.

Victor discovered that this was a typical noble territory, primarily agricultural. Perhaps due to its convenient transportation, the Woven Fern Territory had set up several checkpoints to collect tolls from passing caravans and travelers. According to his observation, this should be the territory's main source of income.

Each checkpoint was guarded by a local private army, which seemed quite disciplined and well-equipped, with almost everyone wearing leather armor, suggesting that the toll revenue was substantial.

In the center of the territory is a castle, which is not large in area. The main building is probably not yet completed. There are stone walls, but they are only a little over two meters high. A moat has been built around it, but no water is introduced. The entire wall has only one watchtower. It is more like a military post than a castle.

Judging by sight, the private armies in various parts of the territory, plus the castle garrison, number about 200. They should have recovered from the losses of the Civil War. However, Victor believes that with the strength of the interception squad, it will not be difficult to take over this territory.