Preparing for Negotiations

While Victor was dealing with post-war affairs, Red Ginseng Castle was successfully persuaded to surrender.

Baron Freyzer knew he could not resist Victor's Golden Sunflower Territory Army, and in order to avoid the destruction of his family and castle, he chose to surrender.

Holmes brought two viscounts and a baron directly to the battlefield and found Victor again.

Victor was listening to his staff officer's report, "Sir, we have captured more than 5,100 prisoners this time, and some fleeing soldiers have escaped from the battlefield. Regimental Commander Ron is leading Light Cavalry to pursue them."

Among the prisoners were 2,100 Serf Soldiers and the rest were combat soldiers. As per your request, the Serf Soldiers have been assigned to clear the battlefield, and the combat soldiers have had their weapons confiscated and are under guard.

"I've made the following arrangements, and you should remember them: Holmes will lead the first and second detachments of the Garrison Regiment to be responsible for the defense of Red Ginseng Territory and the Red Ginseng Territory dock."

The task of pursuing the fleeing soldiers was assigned to Detachment Commander Aldric, with the aim of minimizing damage to the remaining settlements and farms in Red Ginseng Territory.

The prisoners of war were divided into 5 groups and transported back to Golden Sunflower Territory by fleets. Each fleet was assigned one group of prisoners of war and one detachment, and they were first sent to the military camp for unified management.

Ron was put in charge of the prisoner transfer operation and was told that he had to send all five detachments of his regiment and all the prisoners of war back to Golden Sunflower Territory before nightfall the next day.

After the Serf Soldiers finished clearing the battlefield, Holmes arranged for the Third Detachment of the Garrison Regiment to escort them overland to Golden Sunflower Territory.

"Have you all memorized it? Repeat it to me!"

"Yes, Holmes..."

After listening to the clerk's notes on the military orders, Victor nodded, confirming that there were no oversights, and then assigned him to relay the orders.

Watching the clerk walk away, Victor felt a pang of regret. There were too few suitable staff officers under his command. Even he could only have one staff officer accompanying him, and the Regimental Commander could not be assigned one.

At this moment, Holmes came over with three nobles. After several Royal Guard checked the three men, they let them pass to Victor's side.

Victor noticed Holmes and quickly said, "Holmes, did you hear my instructions just now?"

"Yes, sir, Holmes has understood. I will go back and make the arrangements after I have reported to you!"

Then Victor turned to Baron Freyzer: "Very well, Holmes, you can ask Baron Freyzer more questions about Red Ginseng Castle. I believe the Baron will cooperate."

Upon hearing Victor's words, Freyzer Red Ginseng quickly nodded. "Viscount Victor, please rest assured, I will cooperate fully with General Holmes and tell you everything I know."

Furthermore, my knight Fick is also familiar with the situation in Red Ginseng Territory, and I will arrange for him to assist Holmes in commanding the army."

"Oh, then I'll have to trouble Baron Freyzer. Holmes, please Baron Freyzer for his cooperation!"

"Not at all, I should be thanking General Holmes for helping me protect Red Ginseng Territory!"

Then Baron Freyzer very politely began to explain the situation to Holmes.

The two viscounts standing nearby didn't say much. They could tell that Victor was deliberately trying to embarrass Freyzer. Although they despised the Baron Red Ginseng's weakness, as defeated generals, they had no right to mock him.

As for Victor's hostile attitude towards Freyzer, it was partly due to the long-standing discord and conflict between the two territories, and partly due to Baron Freyzer's outstanding networking skills. The Vanguard Army he brought this time caused Victor a lot of trouble.

It at least affected part of his defense plan and exposed some of his strength, which may not be useful in the subsequent conflict with the punitive force.

However, seeing Baron Freyzer so carefree, Victor also felt bored and simply stopped paying attention to him.

He turned to the two viscounts. "Lord Isolde or Lord Leo, you two have really had a hard time."

"Afterwards, please come with me back to Golden Sunflower Territory. I will treat you both appropriately. You can choose some subordinates from among the prisoners of war to deliver messages to your territory. I am willing to negotiate, as long as you can pay the ransom!"

Viscount Leo was about to speak when Viscount Isold stopped him, "It seems we have no choice but to pay a ransom this time. However, since we have been defeated, it is only right to pay the ransom. If possible, Leo and I would like to ransom our army as well. Please rest assured that the Olive Territory and White Asparagus Territory will never be your enemies again!"

Victor quickly waved his hand. "You flatter me, Viscount Isold. Since I have agreed to release you after receiving the ransom, these can also be included in the negotiations."

As for whether we should continue to be enemies, to put it smugly, only a portion of my army is here today, and the only chance for them to defeat me is now.

Viscount Isold and Viscount Leo, if you have any further questions, please feel free to ask me. After all, the final terms of the negotiations are up to us.

Isolde and Leo exchanged a wry smile. They knew Victor had asked them to make the first move, but they were at his mercy and there was nothing they could do about it.

Finally, Isolde spoke up, "I will take charge of the negotiations. What do you need? Our two territories are relatively wealthy, but we don't have much gold and silver. If possible, we would like to use supplies instead of gold and silver, such as food, steel, and cloth."

Victor stroked his chin thoughtfully for a moment. "Then let's use gold and silver for 30% and equivalent supplies for 70%. By the way, if possible, I want a large number of serfs. After all, we have been declared traitors by the duchy, and I can't buy slaves from slave traders in the short term!"

Isolde nodded in acceptance. "Thank you for your magnanimity. As for the rest, we'll leave it to our territory's civil officials to negotiate. After all, it involves the two of us and our troops, and just calculating the ransom value will take time."

Besides, you probably hope this negotiation will last as long as possible!

"Lord Isolde, my father once told me that you are a wise man, and seeing you today, I can confirm it."

Viscount Isold smiled wryly, "Baron Wembley is too kind. Today I realize how arrogant and foolish I have been."