Deployment Meeting Before Departure

Just as the group was eating, there was a knock on the restaurant door.

The Old Baron Wembley was very curious because his family had long disliked having outsiders present when they ate, and the servants would leave after serving the food, so no one would usually disturb them at this time.

Just then, voices came from outside the door.

"Lord Wembley, this is Downs. I have a letter from the Viscount!"

Upon hearing this, Wembley forgot all about eating and hurriedly said, "Come in quickly, Downs!"

Downs' butler entered the restaurant, followed by an officer, none other than Saruman, the head of the General Staff.

Saruman bowed to the Old Baron Wembley. "My lord, we have just received a carrier pigeon from Viscount Victor. The Viscount has sent a short letter."

After saying this, Saruman handed Wembley a mailbox. Wembley checked that the mailbox had not been opened and then let Saruman and Downs leave first.

After the Old Baron Wembley sat down, he began to open the mailbox. Everyone except Enrique and Wendy was focused on the mailbox in the Old Baron Wembley's hand.

Wembley took out a small roll of paper, opened it, and read it carefully. There wasn't much content, and after reading it, he breathed a sigh of relief.

At that moment, Wembley looked up and noticed that everyone was staring at him nervously.

He smiled and said, "Victor has won the battle, the punitive expedition has retreated, and the situation in Golden Sunflower Territory and Boler County has stabilized. He will be back soon. He sent this letter to let us prepare in advance. He will bring back a group of serfs with him."

As soon as Wembley finished speaking, everyone was overjoyed, especially Lady Ellie. Although she had been complaining about Victor's risky actions, she was relieved to hear that her eldest son was safe and sound.

Veronica was naturally happy too, but she had much more confidence in Victor, believing Victor would win.

The Old Baron Wembley continued, "Also, Ronnie, Victor wants me to tell you some good news: the deal with the Salt-leaf Tree has been finalized."

Veronica was indeed very happy with the news, as the project would not be delayed. However, she was also a girl, and sometimes she wished that her lover could write to her and they could pour out their hearts to each other.

Just then, the Old Baron Wembley handed Veronica a small roll of paper. "Here's another letter. Victor said it's for you, Ronnie."

Veronica took the letter, somewhat excited. After calming herself down, she opened the letter and slowly read it. Then her face flushed, and she seemed a little shy. After all, what Victor had written in his mind was too stimulating for her.

Veronica pressed the letter to her chest, her longing for Victor growing stronger. Just then, she noticed Lady Ellie and Irene looking at her and the letter in her hand with curiosity.

Veronica immediately stood up in a panic. "Uncle and Aunt, I'm full. I'm going back to rest now. Irene, Enrique, and Wendy, you can continue eating."

After saying that, she quickly left the restaurant, leaving the others looking at each other in bewilderment.

Lady Ellie suddenly smiled and said to the Old Baron Wembley, "It seems our son isn't completely clueless about romance; he's much better at charming girls than his father."

The Old Baron Wembley gave an awkward smile and quickly urged the curious children to continue eating.

Meanwhile, Veronica returned to her room, lay down on the bed, held the letter above her head with both hands, and murmured to herself, "Victor, come back soon. Since you said you'd hold the wedding when you came back, then hurry up and come back!"

Even if the wedding can't be a big celebration, I'm still really looking forward to it!

At the Golden Sunflower Territory Stone Castle, Victor convened a meeting with Steward Boon, Ron, Foss, and Orlando for a pre-departure planning session.

Holmes was supposed to attend as well, but he couldn't get away from the Red Ginseng Territory's affairs, so Victor asked Foss to convey the contents to Holmes after the meeting.

"This meeting is to make arrangements for my departure. I must return to Two Rivers Territory before winter. It's already the 18th, and time is very tight."

"This time I'm taking a group of serfs and some important supplies with me. Levant is loading these into the fleet, and it should be ready by tomorrow morning. Then I'll lead the fleet away, and you'll be in charge of all affairs in the territory afterwards."

The group was prepared for this, and each of them expressed their assurance to Victor that they would protect the territory.

"Of course I have a lot of confidence in you all, otherwise I wouldn't dare to leave."

However, I hope you will remain vigilant. Even if the nobles in the Eastern Region will not launch another attack on us for the time being, there are still unforeseen circumstances. After all, Grand Duke Mora is known for his capriciousness.

"Orlando, why don't you report on the intelligence you've gathered?"

Orlando stood up and said, "According to our investigation, the entire punitive expedition has indeed been disbanded. Most of the nobles have returned to their territories with their private armies, but two battalions under Count Black Viscount Piras are currently remaining in Perilla Territory."

Including Baron Charles's army in Perilla Territory, there are currently more than four battalions of troops stationed in the entire Perilla Territory, totaling nearly 5,000 soldiers.

In addition, according to reliable sources, Silver Maple City has apparently dispatched the remaining two regiments of the Fifth Legion and the Legion headquarters to Sextus County.

This concludes our assessment of all the intelligence we believe could potentially impact the defense of our territory.

After Orlando finished his report, he sat down. Victor noticed that Ron seemed to want to say something, so he gestured to him that he could ask questions.

Ron stood up immediately and asked, "Director Orlando, does your Intelligence Department have detailed information on this? Has the army of Perilla Territory made any preparations for an attack? Also, the Fifth Legion's reinforcements are headed for Sextus County, which should be quite far from us. Could they be planning to attack us in the winter?"

Orlando shook his head. "Regimental Commander Ron, we really can't judge more right now. Perilla Territory is a typical traditional baronial territory. It has always been under high-pressure rule internally and is very closed off to the outside world. We can't get much information about them."

As for the intelligence on the Fifth Legion, it was discovered by our Intelligence Department in Silver Maple City, and we believe it shouldn't have any impact on us.

The Fifth Legion's headquarters and two regiments were likely sent to reinforce Sextus County, where the three regiments stationed there had suffered heavy losses after being defeated by Lord Alexander Sextus County previous battles.

Silver Maple City had no choice but to send these troops to ensure the safety of Sextus County; they shouldn't have the resources to devote to fighting us.

Just after Orlando finished answering Ron's question, Victor chimed in. "The Perilla Territory will not launch an attack, and the intelligence source is reliable, but the Garrison Regiment of Foss still cannot let their guard down, especially the No. 2 fortress in the west. I suggest you add a detachment."

"Yes, sir!"

"Also, have Holmes focus his defenses on the north side of Red Ginseng Territory. If Holmes needs anything, Steward Boon, you are responsible for providing him with sufficient manpower and resources to build defensive structures."

"Your Excellency, please rest assured, I will do my best to handle the logistical work."

Afterwards, the group discussed the training of new recruits and the formation of the militia. After reaching a consensus, Golden Sunflower Territory to use the winter to establish two new recruit detachments and four to five border defense militia brigades.

Victor also reminded Boon to negotiate prisoner ransoms with the Olive Territory and White Asparagus Territory before winter.

Through this meeting, Victor completed all the work he had to do before leaving, and he could finally leave the Golden Sunflower Territory and return north with peace of mind.