Response Plan
Victor understood what Count Black meant. Count Colt was indeed qualified to be Brando's guardian, but as the future Duke of the Raine Kingdom, if his network of connections became too extensive, the Raine Kingdom would also feel uneasy.
Count Colt had mentioned this before: after overthrowing the Grand Duchy of Vera, he could only recommend 3 Marquis and 6 Count, while the other high-ranking nobles could only be appointed by the Raine Kingdom.
Whether for the sake of stability in this new territory or to dispel the king's suspicions, the future Duke Iron Birch will inevitably keep a low profile and actively distance himself from his former subordinates and colleagues, which is also an important reason for Alex's rise to power.
The Raine Kingdom will inevitably place some other nobles in this land, and if Colt continues to serve as the guardian of Brando, the heir of the Great Oak Family, it will be very conspicuous in the eyes of some people.
Victor is different. Even if he rises to become a high-ranking noble in the future, he will at most be a Marquis or Count. Even with the Great Oak Territory, he will not be very powerful, and his influence will be much smaller than that of the Iron Birch Family.
Having figured these things out, Victor was no longer opposed to being Brando's guardian. He sorted out his thoughts and continued to discuss future plans with Count Black.
"Count Black, there is another problem that urgently needs to be solved. My territory is about to face an attack from the Duchy's Direct Legion. Do you have any good ideas?"
Count Black laughed heartily, "This matter is very simple, don't worry too much. After receiving the order from Silver Maple City, I sent a letter to Count Colt, and you will receive good news soon."
"What does it say?" Victor was very curious about the contents of Count Black's letter.
Count Black took a map of the duchy from the bookshelf, spread it out on the table, and pointed out the locations of the Eastern Four Counties to Victor.
"Look at the map. Sextus County is adjacent to Bria County, and there is a piece of territory that extends into Bria County, which is here, White Earth City."
My letter to Count Colt was to instruct him to send an army from Bria County out to the border of Sextus and capture White Earth City.
Taking this place would not only reduce the border defenses of Bria County, but also tie down the Fifth Legion, keeping them all on the border of Sextus County.
Victor also carefully examined the map, and indeed, as Count Black had said, White Earth City was indeed in a very important location, directly in the heart of Bria County.
The future route for the Northern Alliance Army to advance south will be either from the border of Bria County and North York County, along the Blackwater River into the Central Region, or from Bria County to directly attack Sextus County, and then detour through the Eastern Four Counties into the Central Region.
The location of White Earth City is on the flank of the southward-bound troops, making it a crucial point. From here, the troops' supply lines can be directly cut off, and no matter what the deployment, it is necessary to capture this place.
Blake knew that Victor had understood what he meant.
"There are only two regiments of the Fifth Legion in Sextus County right now, and White Earth City has only two infantry battalions stationed there. It's better to take it now than to wait for the Duchy to send reinforcements next year."
Victor admired Count Black's vision. As one of the top nobles in the duchy and the strategist of Grand Duke Jorah, his vision was not limited to the present, and his tactical thinking was also highly advanced.
When Victor learned that the Duchy was going to send troops to attack Golden Sunflower Territory, he was only thinking about how to defend it and didn't think about how to stop the Duchy from sending troops. This was indeed a shortcoming.
"The time I agreed with Colt was early October, when we would capture White Earth City during the convening of the Noble Council."
I would then suggest to Mora that I lead the Great Oak Family's army, along with Mora's forces from several loyal noble families, to attack the two territories together.
Afterwards, I will arrange for a division of troops. You should try to wipe out a few noble private armies. This way, I can use the excuse of cautious warfare to regroup my troops and buy time.
"As long as we can stall until winter, I can use the excuse of being unable to wage war in winter to keep my troops besieged without attacking, and the security of these two territories will be guaranteed."
Count Black explained his entire plan to Victor then mentally worked out the whole scheme with Number One.
"Victor, this is indeed a very sound plan with a very high success rate. I think we should proceed with it."
Victor agreed with Number One's opinion, "Count Black, thank you. With this plan, I am now fully confident that I can defend the territory."
"This is the plan for now. If Grand Duke Mora gets angry and insists on deploying the Imperial Guard Legion, there's nothing I can do."
"I don't think that will happen. Sending troops out in winter is a big no-no, and Mora's men aren't all good-for-nothings."
"In that case, let's proceed accordingly. You can also send a letter to Colt to confirm."
"I understand, Count Black. I'll do it again when I return to Golden Sunflower Territory. Also, I'd like to know when I'll be required to fulfill my responsibilities as a teacher."
"Next year, I think. My body can still hold up, and getting through this winter shouldn't be a problem. When Colt leads his troops south next year, I'll have Brando go to you. He'll ask you for help then."
"Next year? I understand, Count Black. I must say goodbye. I need to return to my territory to prepare."
"Sure, you can write to me if you need anything, and I'll arrange it for you."
Afterward, Victor left Count Black's manor and headed to the docks, intending to take a boat directly back to his territory.
After Victor left, Count Black's butler entered the study. He looked at his master with concern and said, "Count Excellency, you have eaten too much and drunk too much wine today. Your health cannot allow this."
Count Black waved his hand at the butler. "It's rare for Brando so happy, so what's wrong with me relaxing a little? Besides, as long as my body can hold out until next year, I don't ask for anything else!"
Fortunately, the little guy has already agreed, so I can rest assured that Brando is in his care.
After saying this, Count Black coughed. The butler quickly handed him a handkerchief. The Count coughed violently, and when he finished coughing, he unfolded the handkerchief and saw that it was half-stained with blood.
Looking at the handkerchief in his hand, Count Black's face turned pale. He muttered to himself, "Colt, you rascal, don't fail, or Brando and the Great Oak Family will be finished."
After Victor boarded the ship, it set sail immediately.
Victor sat in the cabin, continuing to simulate the battle with Number One and discussing the possibilities of various changes.
"Victor, Count Black is in very poor health. He rubbed his stomach several times while eating, and he seemed to be in a lot of discomfort."
"Is that so? I hadn't noticed. It seems Count Black is indeed in poor health; no wonder he was so eager to find a guardian for Brando."
"Victor, should we include his physical condition in the parameters for adjustment? After all, his participation is needed for the subsequent plans."
"No need. I believe Count Black won't let us down. Let's proceed according to plan. What we should do now is return to our territory to fill the gaps in our defense plan and devise a counter-attack strategy."
"Okay, Victor, mission established."