Morning Matters

Early in the morning, Victor put on his armor and went to the training ground in the manor to start his morning exercise.

After talking with Wembley last night, Victor went to bed early. The journey back had been tiring, so he slept very well.

Because he got a good rest, Victor is full of energy now, which makes the guards who came to train with Victor early in the morning feel very uncomfortable.

"Sir, please be gentle, we can't take it!"

"Yes, sir, your stick is too hard."

Victor listened to the strange things these guards were saying, several black lines appeared on his forehead, and he became increasingly violent.

Soon all the guards were routed by him, and in the end, they all lay on the ground, giving up and refusing to continue fighting their lord.

Victor leaned on his Iron Birch Wood, looking at his men, and felt that he had made too lenient demands on them; they would need more training later.

Just then, Veronica came to find Victor.

"Victor, it's time for breakfast. Your aunt and uncle are waiting for you!"

Victor nodded. "I'll be right there."

Hearing this, all the guards breathed a sigh of relief; their leader was finally gone.

Then Victor turned to them and said, "You can disperse now!"

The guards immediately cheered in unison.

"I haven't finished yet. You don't need to come tomorrow morning either!"

The guards cheered even more enthusiastically, with many jumping up from the ground.

"I have an exam tomorrow afternoon, so you guys go back and study!"

Instantly, everyone was like a duck with its neck grabbed, unable to utter a single word.

Victor looked at them and continued, "You've been with me for a year now, learned a lot, and experienced many battles. I believe you're ready to serve as officers of a higher rank. After the exam, your positions will be adjusted!"

Upon hearing this, all the guards were somewhat at a loss. Although they knew this day would come, they did not expect it to arrive so suddenly.

One of the guards spoke up directly, "Sir, I don't want to be an officer anymore. Can we continue to follow you? We still want to fight alongside you."

"Yes!" "I'm not going either!"

Everyone chimed in with their opinions.

Victor stretched out his left hand and pressed it down, and everyone immediately quieted down. They knew that their lord was about to continue speaking.

"You all performed exceptionally well. We will face many challenges together in the future. Charging alongside me means fighting side by side with me, but does leading troops under my command mean the same thing?"

Victor's voice was somewhat loud, "During this time, you fought bravely, and many brothers sacrificed their lives. I am heartbroken, not only because I regard you as my brothers."

It was also because the brothers who died in battle were all outstanding officers who should have been able to step onto a higher stage and showcase their talents.

But because of my orders, some died in battle within Haiden City, some at Zhìbān Jué Territory, and some at the Red Ginseng Territory dock.

Some soldiers, remembering their fallen comrades, showed sorrow on their faces and had tears in their eyes.

"But our outstanding fighting, our day and night raids, our victory against overwhelming odds, and our remarkable achievements are truly commendable. My Royal Guard, you have done a wonderful job."

During this period of operations, I have witnessed your outstanding combat skills, unwavering will, and calm mind. You are not only excellent soldiers, but also outstanding officers.

I believe you are capable of taking on more important roles, leading your soldiers to victory while minimizing casualties.

Our battles ahead will be even more difficult, my enemies will be even stronger, and my army needs excellent officers like you.

So, for the sake of our fallen comrades, and so that more soldiers in our territory can survive in battles from outside, can you do it?

"Yes!"

The guards listened with fervor, looking at Victor with unwavering confidence.

"Alright, I believe in you! Go back and prepare for the exam. The top three will be appointed as Detachment Commander, and those who fail will go to the militia!"

"Oh no!"

"I don't want to join the militia!"

After receiving Victor's instruction, the Royal Guard quickly left the Drill Ground. They needed to study hard; no one wanted to join the militia.

Victor followed Veronica into the villa, where Veronica whispered, "Victor, are you really going to send those who aren't qualified to the militia?"

"How could that be? Even if they are not the best, they were all selected from squad leaders or Squad Leader in combat units. After being trained by me, Company Commander."

I'd rather not send them to serve in the militia. With the recent expansion of the armed forces, there's a severe shortage of mid-level officers. If they go back to the army, they'll at least be Company Commander.

"Victor, you're really bad."

The two arrived at the restaurant chatting and laughing, Wembley and Mrs. Erin were already seated and waiting for them to dine together.

After Victor sat down, he asked, "Irene, what about Enlek and Wendy?"

Lady Ellie replied, "Irene said she's gained weight recently and isn't eating breakfast! As for the two little ones, they're certainly not up yet."

Since they came here, they've both been exercising a lot more and sleeping more!

"That's great! The more exercise you get, the better for your health!"

Wembley said.

"Father, Veronica and I are going to the research lab this morning, and we might also have to go to Riverside Village. Please don't wait for us to come back for lunch!"

"Okay!" Wembley nodded to indicate that he understood.

"Honestly, Ronnie, my son can't sit still as soon as he gets back. He even wants to drag you to work!"

Lady Ellie said apologetically to Veronica.

Veronica quickly explained, "No, Aunt Ally, I asked Victor to go. I have a lot of results I want him to see."

Victor shrugged, giving me a look that said, "You don't blame me, do you?"

Lady Ellie glared at him and patted Veronica's little hand. "Ronnie, if he bullies you, you must tell me!"

Just then, Wembley interjected, "Let's eat, the food is ready!"

The four of them began their meal. Because of the tight schedule, Victor quickly finished his breakfast, which consisted of three croissants, a large sausage, five eggs, and two large glasses of milk, due to the high level of exercise he did during his morning workout.

Veronica had just finished eating when Victor pulled her away.

"Slow down, kid! Ronnie just finished eating!"

Lady Ellie called out to Victor, but Victor had already pulled Veronica away.

Lady Ellie touched her cheek. "This child is still so impulsive. He's already a viscount; there's no need for him to put himself through all this trouble!"

Wembley wiped his mouth and said, "Because he still has many goals to achieve. If he only wanted to be a viscount, he could have been resting and enjoying life long ago!"

Ally, our son has lofty ambitions; you should be proud of him!

Victor and Veronica sat in the carriage, with Victor's arms around Veronica's waist.

"No wonder you insisted on riding in a carriage instead of riding a horse; you were up to no good!"

Veronica poked Victor's face with her finger and said in a cute and innocent way.

Victor made a move to kiss her, Veronica quickly braced herself against Victor's chest to prevent him from pressing down on her.

Victor was a little confused. "You were so proactive last night, so why are you unhappy when I do this today?"

Veronica covered her flushed cheeks. "I'm going to my workplace later. My students are there, so I need to maintain a good image."

"No! I want to kiss you!" Victor said, and then pressed down on her.