Taking Command

After receiving Victor's mission, Orlando did not leave but instead handed Victor a document.

Victor was curious, so he took the file and started reading.

Victor became happier as he read on. It was a joint statement, with the signatures of all the nobles of the Northern Alliance Army at the end.

The document is simple: it is a statement of support for Victor's war against the Duchy in the interior. However, in this document, Count Colt suggests that Victor should be in charge of all the military forces of the Northern Frontier nobles in the Eastern Region, including the private armies of the enclaves and the Guard Corps of the merchant guilds. This suggestion has been unanimously approved by all the independent nobles of the Northern Frontier Allied Army.

In fact, most of the enclaves of the Northern Frontier nobles are very far from Victor's Golden Sunflower Territory, and they are not very developed, nor do they have much military power.

The only large-scale military force is the Green Oak Ridge Border Guard of the Iron Birch Family. This force has been fully entrusted to Victor by Alex. It's not just a simple transfer of command; it's equivalent to a direct transfer to the Golden Sunflower Family, Victor can dispose of at will.

As for the Chamber of Commerce's security, the Northern Frontier Chamber of Commerce doesn't have many Guard Corps here, and most of the security tasks are provided by local collaborators.

From this perspective, the statement may seem to have no practical significance, but the implications derived from it are extraordinary.

This is tantamount to giving Victor a power that allows Victor to command and control any military forces of the Northern Frontier Allied Army that enter the Eastern Region in the future.

To put it bluntly, after next spring, there will be no more obstacles for Victor to take charge of the military command in the Eastern Region. With the endorsement of this statement from all the nobles of the Northern Alliance Army, even if there is opposition from the nobles, it will not shake Victor's position.

Victor could use this authority to gain more credit in the future Civil War.

This provided Victor with greater assistance in his postwar promotion to high nobility. Previously, Victor was only confident of obtaining the title of Count, and he felt that his chances of being promoted to Marquis were not great.

After all, there were several powerful viscounts in the Northern Alliance Army, and Count Black and Count Lloyd were among the collaborators in the interior, so Victor was not in a favorable position.

However, with this statement, it can be said that Victor has secured the position of commander-in-chief of the Eastern Region. With the support of Count Black and the Great Oak Family, as long as he can achieve certain merits, his chances of becoming Marquis after the war have greatly increased.

Victor understood that Count Colt was trying to curry favor with him, partly to thank him for his efforts during this period, and partly because Count Black's support had played a significant role, which was why Count Colt had so readily appointed him as the commander-in-chief.

To others, this might seem like just empty promises, but Victor was determined to join Count Colt in his rebellion, and that was exactly the attitude he wanted.

Whether he participated in this interception mission or stayed alone in the East, it all boils down to Count Colt's grand cause.

Count Colt was very helpful, giving everything he was entitled to and making his stance clear. Even if the document didn't guarantee Victor any post-war promotion, it at least conveyed to Victor he would not monopolize the glory.

How did this statement end up in your hands?

Orlando stated frankly, "It arrived with the Iron Birch Family's fleet. The Iron Birch Family's envoy first delivered this statement to the old baron, and then the old baron entrusted me to deliver this statement south to you."

"Great, that's wonderful. This announcement feels like we've gained another corps of reinforcements."

Orlando interrupted Victor's thoughts again, "Your Excellency, there is one more thing. Iron Birch Territory has also sent you something."

After speaking, Orlando took out a dark gold seal ring. The pattern on the seal was somewhat similar to the Iron Birch Family's emblem, both depicting a birch tree from which swords were born. However, the tree on this seal also had very obvious roots.

Victor took the signet ring, gazing at the emblem in deep thought. "This is..."

He turned to look at Orlando, "When it was delivered, did anyone say anything to you?"

Orlando shook his head. "The Old Baron Wembley also saw this signet ring. He told me to keep it safe and give it to you. It will naturally come in handy later. There's no need to investigate it now."

Victor nodded and his curiosity subsided.

"I'll have to trouble you with the Intelligence Department again, Orlando. Don't rush the task I've assigned you. After this battle, you and your men will stay in Golden Sunflower Territory. You'll have a winter to carry out this mission."

"Clear!"

After Victor waved for Orlando to leave, he sat down in a chair to calm himself down a bit.

The most important thing now is to Victor decisively in the upcoming battles so that no one will hold him back when he officially takes command next year.

Sextus County White Earth City, Sykes, Alex and Viscount Hawke were having tea when an officer suddenly knocked on the door and entered the room.

"Report: A new regiment has been added to Sextus City. It seems to be the Third Regiment of the Fifth Legion."

Viscount Hawke curled his lip in disdain after hearing this, "Only one regiment? Grand Duke Mora is too stingy. Don't they know that the two regiments guarding Sextus County have already been severely damaged by us? Even if we add this new regiment, it's still no more than the same strength as before the war."

Alex shook his head and smiled, "It seems that Silver Maple City really doesn't know. I learned from the Chamber of Commerce that Silver Maple City had transferred a regiment of the Fifth Legion to Sextus County. I thought it was just a smokescreen, but I didn't expect that Silver Maple City really only transferred one regiment."

Hawk was puzzled. "Does that mean this regiment is special, a reinforced regiment of five infantry battalions or Heavy Cavalry Regiment? I haven't heard of any special units in the Fifth Legion."

"We also have people in Sextus City. I've asked them to investigate, and we should have confirmation by tonight. For now, I've ordered our troops to increase their vigilance, and we'll see what happens after we confirm the intelligence."

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