Arrangements and Withdrawal

With the two price lists, Markut's resentment towards the Two Rivers Territory's garrison in Black Pine Territory completely disappeared.

He looked directly at Santos: "Regimental Commander Santos, please arrange the troops and officers stationed here as soon as possible. I will arrange the training teams to arrive at the camp for training as soon as possible."

"Of course, Viscount Markut, the War Department has already been arranged. You probably haven't had a chance to see them before. They are building a camp near the dock."

Markut was taken aback by what he heard. He found it strange that the Two Rivers Territory had chosen to station troops at the dock.

It's important to understand that the essence of Black Pine Territory lies in the forest grasslands within the Black Forest. The territory outside the Black Pine Territory Black Forest, although covering 600 square kilometers—nearly half of Black Pine Territory Black Forest —is home to three-quarters of Black Pine Territory's population, making it the absolute essence of the Black Pine Territory.

Normally, if one wanted to control Black Pine Territory, one should station troops in its Black Pine Territory.

Seeing Markut's expression, Santos knew exactly what he was thinking.

"That's right, Viscount Markut. Your Excellency arranged for us to be stationed here only to help maintain the stability of Black Pine Territory. Once Black Pine Territory is back on track under your leadership next year, our troops will leave here to fight alongside the main force."

Markut nodded repeatedly after listening. Since Victor had thought of everything so thoroughly, he could only express his gratitude silently in his heart.

"However, as you know, Black Pine Territory has a unique terrain. Our garrison will mainly be stationed at the camp on the south bank of the Great Fish River, and a portion will also be stationed at Green Shade Pass. I hope you won't have any objections."

Markut quickly shook his head, "We've already been so honest, how could I possibly have any other thoughts?"

Santos was naturally pleased to see Markut express this sentiment. His crackdown was now largely complete, and all he needed to do was proceed step by step without any unexpected incidents.

He also recalled what Victor had told him in the letter: the purpose of the suppression was twofold. First, to carry out Count Colt's orders to unite the Northern Frontier nobles and gather their strength together. Second, to transform Black Pine Territory and Stream Territory into forces of the Two Rivers Territory, so that their manpower and resources could be used by the Two Rivers Territory.

Directly controlling these two territories would be illegitimate and would severely damage the reputation of other nobles in the Northlands, affecting future cooperative operations.

By subtly strengthening the ties between the three territories through economic means, they can better unite each other and exert their strength. They can also use the industries in the Two Rivers Territory to generate profits and control all aspects of both territories in a silent and unobtrusive way.

Victor also encouraged everyone to imagine that if a territory's army, from officers to soldiers, including its weaponry and combat philosophy, were all aligned with Two Rivers Territory, then it would not become an enemy of Two Rivers Territory. Not to mention that all of the territory's output would be consumed by Two Rivers Territory, and all its needs would be met by Two Rivers Territory. Even if a small minority, including the lord, were unwilling to befriend Two Rivers Territory, the majority of the others would make them face reality.

Santos naturally agreed, saying that the Viscount was always wise and mighty.

Just as Santos was lost in thought, Markut asked a question, "Regimental Commander Santos, may I ask how many troops Black Pine Territory should provide to participate in the Northern Alliance Army this time?"

"That's right. Viscount Victor also gave instructions that Black Pine Territory needs to provide 1,500 combat troops and 500 Auxiliary Troops, for a total of 2,000 people."

"No problem. An army of this size is nothing to Black Pine Territory. We can afford it, especially since Victor has given me such favorable terms."

"But Regimental Commander Santos, you know my territory has just been ravaged by war and needs time to recover."

"No problem, the Viscount also said that the army of Black Pine Territory shouldn't be in a hurry, we can wait..."

Markut interrupted Santos: "Here's the thing, please let me finish. I will draw 1,000 men from the newly recruited War Department and the existing troops in the territory. I will select some of my men to serve as officers. They will return directly to Two Rivers Territory with you. I will also have them take a sum of money with them to purchase equipment and supplies in Two Rivers Territory for subsequent training."

As for the remaining troops, I will use this winter to train them with the instructors you left me, and I will send them to Two Rivers Territory next spring. Unfortunately, I cannot personally lead the troops to Two Rivers Territory, for which I am very sorry."

After he finished speaking, Markut bowed to Santos.

Santos quickly stood up to stop him, after all, this was also a powerful nobleman, and a viscount, and he could not be rude, otherwise he would be disgracing Viscount Victor.

"Viscount Markut, please don't do this. What you've done is already a great help to me. The Viscount has also said that after the change of lordship in Black Pine Territory, there are many things that need to be sorted out in the territory. It is only right that you stay in the territory to take charge of the work."

After reaching a consensus, the two sides had a pleasant conversation and many details were quickly resolved.

Two days later, on the morning of September 23, Santos led his army, along with the troops selected by Markut, Viscount Perez, Knight Raman, and their families, and sailed south from the Great Fish River dock, leaving Black Pine Territory.

Santos assigned the Shang Ye Detachment to remain stationed in Black Pine Territory, and reinforced it with two squadrons drawn from Mars's Cavalry detachment, dividing them into two parts and stationing them at the camp at the Great Fish River Wharf and Green Shade Pass respectively.

The laborers from the Two Rivers Territory and a portion of the engineering team left the camp with the army. The follow-up matters discussed by Santos and Markut included that the main laborers for the camp construction would be arranged by the Black Pine Territory. Before Santos left, these laborers had already moved into the camp.

After all, the Two Rivers Territory is facing a labor shortage again due to war mobilization, and these laborers returning to the Two Rivers Territory can still play a significant role.

Markut stood on the shore, watching the departing fleet and the convoy on the bank, his mind filled with thoughts. Finally, after the ships disappeared from sight, he turned and left. There were still many things in Black Pine Territory that needed his attention.

Meanwhile, at the docks of Linshui Town in Golden Sunflower Territory Boler County, Eastern Borough, Victor was saying goodbye to Alex on the shore.

After arriving at Golden Sunflower Territory on the morning of the 20th, Alex and his men rested there for four days.

Alex then contacted the Northern Frontier Chamber of Commerce and notified the ocean-going fleet to pick him up at Golden Sunflower.

Today, the Iron Birch Family's ocean-going fleet finally arrived at the Linshui Town dock, and Alex and his men prepared to leave.

"Alex, when you return to Iron Mountain Fortress, please give these letters to Veronica so she can deliver them to my father. As for this letter, please take it to the Count."

"I will definitely bring it. Victor, you also need to be careful. The Silver Maple Ducal House has a special unit that specializes in intelligence and assassination. It's hard to guarantee that they won't find you. After you finish dealing with the affairs of the territory, return to the Northlands as soon as possible."

"I know you've told me this several times: no one can assassinate me in my territory. Besides, I'll be returning to the Northlands by mid-October."

"Alright, you know it in your heart. I should go now."

"Goodbye, Northlands, Alex!"

"See you in the Northlands, Victor!"