Shocking News of Defeat

Victor looked at the two viscounts, who were not in high spirits, and knew that today's defeat had hit them hard. He also considered that it was not appropriate to continue talking on the battlefield.

Victor offered to let the two of them return to the Golden Sunflower Territory with him first.

"Of course, it's been more than ten years since we last came to Golden Sunflower Territory, before you were even born."

"If given the opportunity, I would like to see your territory. I have long heard that Golden Sunflower Territory has become beautiful and prosperous under your management, and I thought it was an exaggeration. However, judging from the results of today's battle, the changes in Golden Sunflower Territory have exceeded our expectations!"

Viscount Leo was standing to the side, nodded in agreement.

"That's good. I'm sure you two will have wonderful memories in Golden Sunflower Territory. By the way, you can arrange for a few of your subordinates to return to your territory to arrange for the people who will come to negotiate, and also send someone to inform the punitive expeditionary force!"

"Okay, then I'll trouble you to send someone to take us to the prisoner area to select personnel."

"Very well, I'll go with you two myself!"

"Thank you for your help, Viscount Victor."

"Oh, right, there's one more thing, gentlemen. Even if the ransom is settled, I may have to wait until after winter to release you and your army. Please inform the territory to include the food expenses. If you need winter clothing, you can let me know in advance, and I will sell it to you at market price."

Isolde smiled wryly and said, "I understand, but if the punitive expedition can withdraw ahead of time, can we also leave ahead of time?"

Victor was very happy. That's the good thing about talking to someone who understands you; they can quickly grasp the underlying meaning after you've said something.

"I believe we will have a pleasant collaboration, sirs!"

I have already arranged for someone to return to Golden Sunflower Territory ahead of time to prepare tonight's banquet. The Golden Sunflower Family's cuisine will surely make your trip worthwhile.

And so, Victor brought the two viscounts to the prisoner-of-war camp. Soon, the two men selected eight men in total, who were their personal guards and trusted confidants related by blood.

Victor sent the eight men to select 16 horses from the spoils of war, dividing them into three groups. Two groups of three returned to their respective territories, while the other group of two was sent to inform Count Black and the punitive expedition headquarters.

After seeing off the three groups of messengers, Victor led the two viscounts directly to the dock.

At this time, the transfer of prisoners of war had already begun at the dock. According to Victor's orders, the prisoners of war, excluding the Serf Soldiers, were divided into 5 groups.

The army that dealt with the Golden Sunflower were all veterans. As was customary, they separated officers of all ranks from ordinary soldiers. So the first group of prisoners of war consisted mainly of officers of all ranks and some high-value soldiers, such as Cavalry and the lord's personal guards.

However, while this grouping made it easier to manage ordinary soldiers, the officers were mostly troublemakers and not very cooperative.

Victor, considering that this was a war fought in the duchy, specifically requested that the army not be as brutal as when dealing with the Barbarians in the Northlands, so they were somewhat restrained in dealing with these people.

Ron reported this to Victor, who immediately brought the two Victor to the dock. Among the officers and prisoners of war were relatives of the two viscounts, so when they saw Victor standing on the dock with the two viscounts, they became much more obedient.

The two viscounts were both reasonable. Since Victor had brought them here but they hadn't boarded the ship, there must be something going on. When they saw the prisoners of war, they understood everything.

The two viscounts took the initiative to tell the prisoners of war to behave themselves. The three territories had already begun negotiations, and if all went well, they could return to their hometowns soon after paying the ransom. They should be patient for now.

With the persuasion and pressure from the two viscounts, Victor estimated that the group of prisoners of war would be able to behave themselves for a long time. Since the two viscounts were so understanding, Victor would not remain silent, and therefore he became more and more polite to the two viscounts.

After all the prisoners of war had boarded the ship, Victor the two viscounts to the largest ship, which was the icebreaker that Victor had previously traveled on.

The ship's cabins had been renovated; while not opulent, the interior was elegant and refined. The three people sitting inside felt comfortable, and if it weren't for the occasional bobbing of the ship against the waves, the two viscounts would have thought they had arrived at a noble manor within the Golden Sunflower Territory.

Just after Victor had served the two some drinks, the cabin door opened again, and Ron and Baron Freyzer walked in.

Victor greeted Ron, "The soldiers must be on board by now!"

"The First Detachment has all come up."

Victor nodded and rang the bell. Soon, an officer entered; he was the ship's captain.

"Thalassa, time to set sail!"

"Yes, Your Excellency, I will make the arrangements immediately."

Victor looked at Baron Freyzer again, Baron Freyzer seemed uneasy under his gaze. Ron, noticing Victor's actions, patted Freyzer on the shoulder to reassure him.

"Your Excellency, Baron Freyzer is very cooperative. Holmes has now taken control of all the hidden passages throughout Red Ginseng Castle. I believe Holmes will definitely be able to protect this castle!"

Victor nodded happily and poured a glass of wine for both Freyzer and Ron: "Thank you for your cooperation, Baron Freyzer. Lady Mary and your children must be on board now."

"Rest assured, they will be well cared for in Golden Sunflower Territory. Once the punitive expeditionary force has retreated, I will release you and your family to return to Red Ginseng Territory. I also guarantee that I will not plunder Red Ginseng Territory's wealth again. I hope that our two families can coexist peacefully from now on."

"Yes, yes, Viscount Victor, I was too presumptuous before. You are magnanimous, and from now on, the Red Ginseng Territory!"

"Hahaha! Since Baron Freyzer has said so, I won't object. With the two viscounts as witnesses, let's drink this cup together and settle our old scores!"

After speaking, Victor clinked glasses with Baron Freyzer, then drank his drink in one Victor. Baron Freyzer, seeing Victor's action, also finished his drink.

Victor nodded in satisfaction.

"Gentlemen, please rest on this ship for a while. We are currently sailing with the wind and are on the fastest ship in my territory. It will only take a little over two hours to reach the Linshui Town dock in the Golden Sunflower Territory."

I've already arranged dinner; hopefully, it will help soothe everyone's fatigue from today.

And so Victor chatted with the three noblemen until they arrived at the dock in Linshui Town.

At the Golden Sunflower Manor, Victor arranged for the kitchen to prepare a special meal, especially using a large amount of White Sugar, which greatly satisfied the three nobles. The Maillard reaction caused by the high temperature of the sugar and fat completely won over the three nobles, making it a pleasant dinner for both host and guests. As a result, the three nobles' wariness of Victor was also reduced considerably.

The next morning, the punitive expeditionary force had marched to a noble territory not far from Golden Sunflower Territory. They were less than 20 kilometers away from Golden Sunflower Territory. All the nobles were in high spirits, believing that this was an armed parade.

Just then, two Cavalry, each riding a horse, arrived beside the marching army. They claimed to be messengers of Viscount Isold and Viscount Leo, and had important matters to report.

Count Black led them into the central army, after all, to invite other nobles to hear the military intelligence together.

When the two messengers delivered the news of the disastrous defeat of the Vanguard Army led by the two viscounts, everyone was stunned.