Baron Brown's Choice

Just as James was about to send someone to shout at the city wall, Baron Brown appeared on the city wall.

"Who did I think it was again? Isn't this LeBron James?"

"Baron Brown, it's been a long time. I'm here on Viscount Victor's orders to deliver a letter to you."

"If you're just sending a message, you don't need to make such a big fuss. James, with so many troops, I thought you were coming to conquer Stream Territory."

"How could that be? I received some information that there are Barbarian Tribes wandering around the area, and I'm preparing to wipe them out."

"Thank you so much. If you find any trace of the Barbarians, let me know, and I'll lead my troops to wipe them out with you."

"That's for sure. The elite Light Cavalry of Stream Territory has left a very deep impression on Viscount Victor and me. We look forward to fighting alongside you."

The conversation between the two was very friendly; if one didn't see the tense atmosphere between their troops, one would think they were just exchanging pleasantries.

Perhaps seeing that the conversation was going on and on, Baron Brown, after a brief silence, simply went down from the city wall and ordered the city gate to be opened. He rode out of the gate with two personal guards and rode to a point 50 meters from the city wall.

"James, give me Victor's letter."

Seeing how straightforward Baron Brown was, James simply walked over alone, took a letterbox from his pocket, and tossed it to Brown.

Brown took the mailbox but didn't open it. "Why didn't Victor come? Does he think he has me cornered?"

James shook his head. "We've been on the battlefield together. Victor and I both have great respect for you. He does have other important business to attend to and isn't in Two Rivers Territory right now, otherwise he would be the one coming to see you."

Immediately afterwards, James ordered his men to release the Stream Territory patrol soldiers they had captured, and Brown's expression softened considerably upon seeing this.

"James, all the troops in my territory are already in the castle. There are no troops anywhere else in the territory. Please keep your troops in check and do not harm my people."

James nodded. He understood Brown's meaning. He wouldn't allow his troops to attack James's forces and hoped that James would also exercise restraint.

Even if James understood Brown's subtext, James would still arrange for the troops to maintain vigilance, because he could not let his guard down until Baron Brown gave him the answer he wanted.

Baron Brown led his men back to the castle; he needed time to weigh the pros and cons.

After seeing Baron Brown return to the castle, James ordered his troops to set up camp.

After returning to the castle, Baron Brown did not immediately read the letter Victor had given him. Instead, he went to his study and had a servant fetch someone to see him.

Soon there was a knock on the study door, and Baron Brown said, "Come in, Sura."

A young man in his twenties pushed open the door. "Uncle, what's the situation outside? I see that the army doesn't have many people. Should I lead some men to charge?"

Brown shook his head. "The leader is Baron James Blue Rose of Green Valley Territory. His troops are the elite forces of Two Rivers Territory. Even if we bring the entire army of Stream Territory, we probably still might not be able to stop them. And this should only be the vanguard."

Sura exclaimed in surprise, "Is that the Viscount Golden Sunflower's troops? It's a pity that during last year's battle, I was with my father in the Third Legion, and we were all stood up by the Iron Bone Tribe. I missed the final battle and didn't get to witness the Viscount's prowess."

"Sura, if you ever have the chance to meet him, you'll be impressed too. Victor is an outstanding young man; he has countless virtues, including courage, decisiveness, intelligence, and prudence."

"Uncle, will you follow his arrangements? Actually, my father said before he sent me here that although the four branches of our Alfalfa Family have always been united and fought side by side, the situation we are facing this time is very special. No matter what choice you make, he will respect your opinion. He also asked me to stay in Stream Territory to follow you and obey your orders."

"I understand. Brother Sneider has always been like this, always thinking of others. Let me think about it some more. You go back and rest first. There won't be any fighting for the time being."

"Yes, Uncle."

Sura opened the door and left the study. Baron Brown leaned back in his chair, looking out the window, his mind in turmoil.

Around 6:00 PM, James's reinforcements began to appear near the castle.

The follow-up force consisted of the Second Cavalry Detachment and the First Infantry Detachment, plus Logistics Department. The entire force was equipped with a large number of vehicles for transporting supplies and siege equipment. Including James's First Cavalry Detachment, the total number of men was nearly 3,000.

The castle's garrison, upon seeing this army that had multiplied several times in size, became restless.

Baron Brown also appeared on the city wall because of the commotion of the garrison. He saw the army begin to form a huge chariot formation with all the chariots' ramparts rising and falling, moving left and right, and connecting with each other to form a wall, creating an exceptionally strong camp.

Seeing this fortification, Baron Brown muttered to himself, "Victor, I never expected that your improved vehicle formation would be used on me first. It's quite an honor."

Immediately afterwards, in the open space inside the camp, a large number of siege equipment, including Bed Crossbow, Catapult, ladders and siege towers, were installed and set up by the engineering team.

The defenders on the city wall looked grave upon seeing such a large siege weapon.

Baron Brown said with a wry smile, "As expected of you, Victor, always the same, you've prepared for everything."

Baron Brown then ordered the garrison to be on high alert, while he returned to his study to continue reading letters.

Baron Brown observed very carefully, sometimes pausing to think, his expression gradually becoming more and more serious until finally his brows furrowed.

"Victor is right. The Grand Duke and Count Colt were already in a life-or-death situation. Although it hasn't come to a head yet, it's impossible for them to continue to coexist peacefully."

In this situation, our Alfalfa Family wants to remain neutral. But not taking sides would be offending both sides. Even for the sake of the family's survival, not putting all our eggs in one basket is the right choice.

Moreover, he gave me a way out: as long as I handed over the troops, he would send an army to Stream Territory and make it appear to the outside world that I was under house arrest. If Count Colt was defeated in the future, I could also be cleared of suspicion of betrayal.

However, Victor, you underestimate Grand Duke Mora's greed. If Count Colt is defeated, even if I am not considered a traitor, I will not be let off easily.

Since that's the case, why should I make you the villain?

Baron Brown stood up, finally making up his mind.