Preparations in Ironwire City

Under Gaba's persistent pressure, Wende agreed to his demands and gave all the ships to Gaba.

After testing, these ships were just enough for Gaba to carry all the soldiers of the Fifth Regiment.

However, since most of the supplies needed to be discarded, Gaba simply handed them over to Wendu and led his troops away by boat.

As he watched Gaba's fleet gradually disappear into the distance, he looked at the two Regimental Commander beside him.

"What are you standing there for? Hurry up and get the supplies loaded onto the trucks. We have to keep moving!"

Temperature was very angry, but his temper had been dampened by Gaba's attitude and Turas's orders, and he was now prepared to obediently carry out Turas's orders.

After he took over the livestock, slaves, and wagons handed over by Gaba, he discovered that there were fewer than two thousand slaves, which did not match the population of the three towns he knew.

He learned from these slaves what Gaba and his troops had done, and was shocked by Gaba madness, which put aside most of his ulterior motives.

However, during the subsequent march, he was more careful and tried to avoid conflicts with the local residents, except for forcibly requisitioning the vehicles and boats of the Freemen.

He intended to use this method to avoid postwar risks as much as possible. If he were held accountable by the Noble Council, his family and supporters might not be able to keep his official position.

Meanwhile, Turas's troops discovered a large number of Ironvine Territory Reconnaissance troops during their march. Although the outposts along the way had been abandoned, many roads had been damaged.

The residents of some villages and farms along the way were also relocated, and even the grain and fodder that could not be moved in time were burned. If it weren't for the many small rivers in the forests here, even the wells would probably have been destroyed.

Even so, Turas ordered the army to thoroughly inspect the wells, as animal carcasses were found discarded in many wells and streams.

This series of events made the soldiers of the Sixth Legion very difficult to endure, and Turas also admired such a scorched earth defense.

"Who is currently in charge of the defense of the Ironvine Territory?"

Turas ordered his men to bring in a surrendered officer and questioned him.

This is the garrison commander of a checkpoint he once captured. Not everyone is willing to die for their cause and resolutely resist the invaders.

"It should be Count Lloyd, or rather, it should be Lenster, the eldest son of the traitor Lloyd, who is in charge."

The officer answered tremblingly that he had surrendered only to save his own life, but he had regretted it during this time. He had not been treated well after surrendering and had been doing slave work every day.

Turas stroked his chin. "Lenster? Interesting. Tell me everything you know. You must have had a tough time lately. If you tell me more, I can give you better treatment, or even make you an officer again."

The surrendered officer was very excited upon hearing this and quickly told him everything he knew.

From him, Turas learned things he didn't know before, including some of the deeds of the little-known eldest son of the Count, Lenster.

"I never imagined that Count Lloyd had such an heir. I only knew he had many children before, I really didn't expect that!"

After listening, Turas couldn't help but sigh.

"Very good. What's your name? The information you provided is very important. So, are you willing to continue serving in the army? I can make you a Battalion Commander."

The officer was very excited. "Sir, my name is Shanno. Thank you for your guidance. I will fight bravely."

"Alright, since you agree, Shanno, I will hand over all the prisoners from this period to you. You must use them for my purposes. Can you do that?"

"My lord, leave it to me. I will make sure they obey your orders and contribute to the eradication of the Ironvine Territory."

Turas nodded. "Shanno, someone will find you later, you can go now!"

"Yes, sir!"

At this moment, Turas's adjutant asked him, "Sir, are you really going to let this surrendered fellow command the troops? Or make him Battalion Commander?"

"How could that be? His best use is to lead a bunch of cannon fodder to help us take the hits."

What do you mean?

Turas laughed and said, "If we capture any enemy soldiers or residents who haven't evacuated, we'll hand them over to him. Once we reach Ironwire City, we'll have him lead these people to help us fill in the trenches!"

After hearing this, the adjutant couldn't help but admire his master's ruthlessness. "My lord, you truly live up to your reputation!"

At this time, within Ironwire City, Lenster had done everything possible to withdraw the villages and outposts along the enemy's marching route.

Many people still don't understand, thinking that the eldest son is too cowardly, and that withdrawing from the outpost would not be conducive to understanding the enemy's movements.

Lenster's explanation was that these outposts were simply no match for the enemy's advance, and it was better to defend Ironwire City together than to sacrifice them in vain.

As for the villagers, they were all dragged to the rear of Ironwire City by Lenster. Valuable supplies, including livestock and wagons, were taken back to Ironwire City, and most of the grain was hidden in the forest.

Those who were truly unwilling to migrate were also persuaded to hide in the forest.

"Young Master, this is too much of a show of weakness. Many soldiers don't understand why you're doing this."

Kadok, the Garrison Regiment the Ironvine Territory Garrison, reported the soldiers' opinions to him.

"There's no other way. The enemy has already destroyed three of our villages and towns. I can't just let this happen and let the tragedies continue to occur in these villages and towns!"

As for the enemy's movements, we can leave that entirely to our Light Cavalry and forest infantry. As long as we rotate large numbers of troops, it will be enough for us to keep track of the enemy's movements.

Kadok understood what the eldest son meant, but unfortunately many people couldn't see that far ahead.

"Kadok, we can't stop now. We must continue to strengthen the repairs to the city walls. If necessary, we should continue to mobilize the residents of Ironwire City. As long as they are willing to participate in this work, I have enough wages to pay them on the same day."

"Don't worry, young master. As soon as we hear there's money to be made and meals provided, we're not short of labor at all."

Lenster nodded. "In that case, we can divide these people into groups of twenty or thirty, and ten groups into a team, with veterans serving as group leaders and team captains."

Prepare them with weapons, so they can go to the battlefield when needed.

"Yes!"

Kadok couldn't help but admire the eldest son's thoughtfulness; he had already used everything that could be utilized.

He was actually quite worried about the sudden attack on his territory. After learning about the enemy's strength and the fact that the main force of his territory might not be able to return in time, he had long been prepared to die in the line of duty.

But to his surprise, the eldest son was able to integrate these defensive forces so well and formulate a defensive plan, which gave him confidence in defeating the enemy.

"Young Master, you should get some rest too. You've worked hard these past few days."

"As long as I, Kadok, am here, Ironwire City will never fall."

Kadok assured Lenster loudly.