Miscellaneous matters before battle

Ron found Victor's statement strange. "Why are you worried?"

"I recently visited the Central Region, where the autumn harvest is in serious trouble. Due to the lack of serfs, large amounts of farmland in the noble territories have been abandoned, leading to a food shortage in the market."

"Hiss~ Food shortage? I've only heard of it happening once when my father was young. That was because the temperature dropped suddenly and it snowed in September, so the autumn harvest was delayed."

"Yes, this is my first time seeing it too..."

Victor gave Ron a detailed account of what he had seen in the Central Region and what he had learned in Blackwater City.

"Victor, it seems that the nobles in the Central Region are in dire straits. Has Count Colt considered trying to win over the Central nobles?"

Victor shook his head upon hearing this. "It is indeed difficult for the Central nobles now, but it is not easy to get them to betray the Ducal House. Besides, they also have a great grudge against Count Colt and the Northern Alliance Army. They also believe that the Northern Alliance Army is the reason why they are in this situation."

"There's really no other way. Even if we can turn one or two people to defect, it would be helpful, and they could at least help us gather military intelligence!"

"That's absolutely right!"

Victor unconsciously thought of Viscount Honeysuckle, whom he had met before. He felt that if there was a chance to turn someone against their will, Taros Viscount Honeysuckle, whom Alex had found, had a better chance.

"This time I will do my best to ensure the integrity of the dock, so that it will be convenient for us to transport grain through the river."

"Several farms in Red Ginseng Territory are located along the Blackwater River. Hopefully, we can have a good harvest and collect a lot of grain in addition to the serfs. After all, we eastern nobles like to hoard grain."

"What about Perilla Territory? I feel that after we finish attacking Red Ginseng Territory and plunder the spoils, there might not be enough time to deal with Perilla Territory."

Ron offered his opinion.

"It's alright. If all else fails, we can first eliminate the troops of the Perilla Territory and wipe out its manpower. After we repel the siege of the independent nobles, we can naturally take whatever we want from them."

Besides, tomorrow is the 8th. According to the information I got from Count Black will first gather troops in the county Dos City, and the troops will not be fully assembled until the 10th.

After that, they will have to come from Dos City. Even if it takes 3 days for so many troops to get here, it will give us at least 5 days.

There's enough time to eliminate the combat forces in these two territories and transport the population and food to Red Ginseng Territory. As for other matters, there's no need to worry about them too much; we'll just have to wait and see.

"No problem, Viscount Victor, I will obey your orders!"

While Victor and Ron were talking around the map, the group had almost finished their journey, and Victor's bodyguards also rushed to his side from the group.

Victor noticed the guards and realized that the team had overtaken them. He immediately put the map away in his satchel.

"Ron, it's time for us to go too. It's getting late, and we need to get back to Main Camp as soon as possible. Let's get the troops resting early tonight, and we'll set off early tomorrow morning."

"OK."

After saying this, the two spurred their horses and chased after the group, with several guards following behind them.

Around 1 p. m., the team arrived at the Main Camp. The food that Victor had prepared was still simmering in the pot. For these exhausted troops who had just left the ship and walked several kilometers to the camp, a bowl of hot food was a great way to relieve their fatigue.

Victor and Ron were satisfied with the soldiers' condition; their morale was high, and as long as they were well-rested, they could go straight into battle.

As for the other two detachments that will be fighting tomorrow, Victor has arranged for them to arrive at the Main Camp ahead of time and are resting.

"We'll set off early tomorrow morning. I still need to go to the east. You can stay at the Main Camp and get some rest!"

Victor told Ron to rest well, and he led a few guards directly to the fortress located at the easternmost part of the Golden Sunflower Territory.

This fortress is located at the easternmost edge of Golden Sunflower Territory, and is the furthest from the center of the territory. Foss has stationed a detachment here.

The Detachment Commander's name is Harris. He is a veteran of the territory. His abilities are average, not outstanding, but he is a qualified mid-level officer with sufficient combat experience and seniority.

"Harris, the fortress you are defending is the furthest from the interior of the territory. If you encounter an enemy attack and feel that you cannot handle it, light the beacon immediately. I have arranged for two mobile detachments to stay in the territory, and they will come to support you as soon as possible."

"I understand, Your Excellency. Please rest assured, as long as I, Harris, am here, this fortress will not fall!"

"Of course I believe you. If you need anything, just let Foss know. The Two Rivers Territory have brought a lot of weapons and equipment. You don't need any food. You can ask for some weapons and equipment as a reserve for war."

"Yes, Your Excellency, if you would like to replenish some arrows and javelins. The new fortress you designed has an excellent field of fire. I have prepared quite a few crossbows, which will give the enemy a good thrashing."

Victor questioned Harris carefully about the fortress's defense plan, and Harris explained his plan to Victor.

Victor was fairly satisfied with Harris's plan. Although it was the same old method, Harris had made the plan very detailed based on his experience. Even if Victor and Number One were there, it would not have been as good. Victor felt that he could entrust this eastern gateway to Harris with peace of mind.

Victor returned to the Main Camp in the evening, when the entire camp fell silent. Victor's requirement for the army was to emphasize discipline during the war, and it was also important to strictly enforce the curfew.

Just as Victor entered the barracks to rest, Orlando came looking for him.

Upon seeing Orlando, Victor immediately slapped his forehead, realizing he had completely forgotten about the head of the Intelligence Department.

"I'm sorry, Orlando, I forgot you also brought people back with you on the ship. I've been too busy these past few days, so please excuse me."

"Your Excellency, you need not worry about it. The Intelligence Department should also keep a low profile."

I brought two task forces and nearly 100 carrier pigeons with me. What tasks can you assign me?

After a moment's thought, Victor realized what he needed to do.

"That would be too strenuous. You've just been on the sea for such a long time. I'll give you and your men another day to rest."

Orlando was about to say something when Victor interrupted him.

"Don't worry, after you've rested tomorrow, I have something for you to do. The Coalition of Nobles of Boler County, which is planning to attack us, is currently gathering in the county capital Dos City. I want you to take a small group to Dos City to find out which noble territories are participating in this operation, and then go to these territories to check the size of their garrison troops."

Another task is to confirm the noble territories that did not participate in this operation. Once the list is finalized, send another team to scout these territories and determine which ones were willing to come but didn't, and which ones had no intention of participating at all. Record the military strength of these territories and submit it to me.