Leaving Strath County

While Rasul was in a state of utter frustration, a Cavalry from the First Battalion approached him and reported, "We discovered traces of a large Cavalry on the east side of the castle, estimated to be around two hundred riders, heading west!"

Upon hearing this news, Rasul immediately perked up and quickly ordered the company Company Commander of the First Battalion behind him, "Quickly, let's catch up! We can't let these thieves escape!"

One of the Company Commander stepped forward and said, "But sir, we have just traveled more than 100 kilometers. The soldiers and horses are very tired. Should we let everyone have lunch and rest before continuing?"

Rasul shoved him away. "There's no time. Go and give the order immediately. These thieves are vicious and have committed such serious crimes. They attacked the independent nobles of the Duchy and the envoys of the Raine Kingdom, and even set fire to the castle. If we can't find and eliminate them, the Grand Duke will blame us, and none of us will escape unscathed!"

Seeing this, the Company Commander had no choice but to order their troops to set off immediately and follow the trail.

The Company Commander, who had been pushed aside, angrily said to his comrade, "Does this guy really think he's our Battalion Commander? If Battalion Commander Pulis hadn't been busy and couldn't come along, what right does a light Cavalry Regiment Battalion Commander have to command us! Tch!"

Another of his companions patted him on the shoulder. "Alright, tell the brothers to conserve some horsepower, just a token gesture, after all, he's the Legion Commander's son."

"Hmph, he's not a nobleman, so what? Battalion Commander brother is the Legion Commander of the Seventh Legion. When we get back, I'll give Battalion Commander Pulis a proper report."

After saying that, the company Company Commander went to find his unit.

The remaining two Company Commander exchanged a smile.

"These aristocratic kids are really difficult to deal with. They're all connected. He and Battalion Commander Pulis are cousins, aren't they?"

"That's right. It's just the two of us who have no background. We're just Freemen from the Capital City. We don't know when we'll have the chance to make a name for ourselves, or even become Court Noble and be called 'Lord'."

"Yes, the Imperial Guard Legion is great in every way, except they don't get many opportunities to fight!"

The two of them went to gather their own troops.

Soon, three squadrons of 300 Cavalry, led by Rasul, headed west, with most of the soldiers complaining.

Rasul was very annoyed by these complaints. He had spent the last few days treating these soldiers to drinks and meat out of his own pocket, but it had all been in vain. It seemed there was no hope of getting anyone out of the First Battalion.

Rasul shook his head. Now was not the time to lament. He had to find those who attacked the envoys of the Raine Kingdom as soon as possible, or his father, Viscount Borey, would not let him off the hook.

On the Blackwater River, Victor had already taken off his armor and changed into merchant's attire, and was sitting at the bow of the boat enjoying the breeze.

Alex emerged from the cabin, dressed the same way, and sat down next to Victor after seeing him.

"Victor, why don't you rest a little longer? You must be exhausted from last night's battle."

"I slept for a while, but last night's battle was alright, but it couldn't compare to the battle during last year's campaign. Although the mission is now complete, I still don't feel at ease until I return to my territory."

How are our soldiers doing? They are the ones who most need rest.

"Don't worry, I've arranged for everyone to work in two shifts, and the second shift has already been completed."

"That's fine then. What about Baron Rossi?"

"I'm also quite surprised. How come that guy's mentality has changed so quickly? I just went to check on him, and he was sleeping quite soundly."

"After all, with your guarantee as the future Count, it's normal for him to feel at ease. He might even be hoping that we will win in the end so he can return home in glory."

"Let's see what my father decides. But if we really overthrow Grand Duke Mora, my father will probably reward him."

"Then I must offer my congratulations in advance to the future Duke!"

"Victor, you rascal, when my father rewards you, I'll definitely put in a good word for you."

"That's settled then. I still want to be Marquis. I really hope the war ends soon."

After they finished speaking, they both fell silent. Although they were confident that the Northern Alliance Army would win, they knew that this Civil War was bound to be extremely brutal and many people would die. Just like the soldiers who had followed them to intercept the secret covenant, nearly half of the entire team had been killed or wounded in just three days. Just now, a seriously wounded soldier had died on the ship from his injuries.

After a long pause, Alex continued, "Victor, at this rate, we'll be leaving Strath County soon. Where should we drop off these prisoners?"

"It's just ahead. Find a shallow spot, let those servants off the boat first, and let those private army prisoners continue to sail for us. We'll release them when we reach Blackwater City."

"Okay, I'll arrange it right away."

After saying that, Alex got up and left.

Victor remained seated at the bow. "Number One, what do you say about the territory now?"

"Victor, the territory must be very stable. After all, you have already made arrangements. According to the planned schedule, James has already led his army into Stream Territory."

"James should have given my letter to Baron Brown by now. I hope Baron Brown will make the right choice."

Stream Territory, North York County.

James led the First Cavalry Detachment into Stream Territory first, with the main force following behind.

Along the way, whenever James saw the Stream Territory patrol, he immediately sent men to disarm them. If they didn't comply, he would kill them on the spot. He had to rush to Baron Brown's castle before Baron Brown could react and deliver Victor's letter to him.

It's also possible that Baron Brown didn't make any unusual moves, James and his troops didn't spot many patrols and arrived at the castle without incident.

Baron Brown's castle was built on a rocky hill, following the contours of the mountain, and the entire castle was constructed using materials from the rock itself.

James looked at the castle. He remembered that Baron Brown had once told him that the castle had been built over thirty years by his great-grandfather and grandfather. At that time, it served as the front line for the Northern Frontier nobles in their battles against the Barbarians. The castle withstood more than a dozen Barbarians attacks and held firm, making great contributions to the expansion of the Northlands.

James carefully observed the castle, unsure whether the siege weapons he had brought would help him conquer this formidable city.

By this time, the castle garrison had discovered James's army, sounded the alarm bells, closed all the castle gates, and the garrison began to appear on the walls.

Seeing this, James ordered his troops to disperse to avoid being concentrated fire from the Bed Crossbow inside the city.