Conversation and Requests
Two days later, Turas arrived at the Count Lagos's residence.
After a few days of adjustment, Turas's physical and mental state has recovered considerably. Now he has put on the Legion Commander's uniform again and is once again a general in military attire.
After he was told his identity, the servants of the Count treated him with great respect, which must have been instructed by the Count Lagos.
The Count Lagos's steward personally invited Turas into the mansion and led him to a study.
"Legion Commander Turas, please wait here for a moment. Count Lagos is handling state affairs in the palace and should be back soon."
Hearing the steward say this, Turas wasn't ungrateful, so he sat down and waited. Soon, a servant brought food and wine, which he enjoyed in peace.
After waiting for about half an hour, Turas heard a series of hurried footsteps outside the door.
Just as he was about to stand up, the door was pushed open and a man walked in. Turas recognized him as the Prime Minister Count Lagos.
"Legion Commander Turas, it's been a while. You look much better."
The Count Lagos greeted him with a smile.
"Prime Minister, it's been a long time. Thanks to your intervention, I was able to avoid imprisonment. I've come here specifically to thank you."
After speaking, Turas handed the Count Lagos the gift he had prepared beforehand.
Lagos reached out and took it, but didn't open it; he simply placed it on the desk.
"Turas, you're too kind. In private, please don't use my title; just call me Count Lagos."
"Yes, Count Lagos."
Turas readily agreed and changed the way he was addressed. Lagos appreciated Turas's approach and smiled more often.
"Speaking of which, I used to have dealings with your father, Viscount Brad Hill Pepper. You can actually call me uncle."
"Yes, Uncle."
Turas seized the opportunity and quickly changed his tune, making Lagos laugh.
"Turas, you're good at this. You're a soldier, but much more tactful than Borre and Carter."
Speaking of which, your successful escape this time was largely thanks to His Majesty. I've met Audrey, and she's a truly wonderful girl. If Mora didn't already have a wife, making divorce difficult, I would have loved to make her the Grand Duchess.
For now, Audrey will remain a court lady; there may be opportunities in the future, it all depends on you, her brother!
After listening to Lagos's words, Turas was somewhat confused. He knew that the current wife of the Grand Duke Mora was a viscount from the west, a branch of the Sibeth Honeysuckle family.
Under normal circumstances, the Grand Duke Mora would not change his wife at will, which represents his trust in the Western nobles.
He couldn't figure out what the Count Lagos wanted him to do for the time being, so he could only patiently continue asking.
"Uncle, the main reason I came here is to thank you. I will do my utmost for the Duke. If there is anything you need me to do, please let me know."
Count Lags nodded; he was pleased with Turas's attitude.
"Turas, I've always wondered why you disobeyed the War Department's orders and went south to attack Ironvine Territory. Were you so sure that Count Lloyd would rebel?"
Turas sighed.
"Uncle, actually I was too anxious. As you know, the Pepper family hasn't been doing well in recent years."
Although my father also served as Legion Commander, he died of illness at a young age.
Our family originally owned a baronial territory, which didn't have any special products, so we didn't live a very comfortable life.
Previously, the family's salary was enough to cover the deficit in the family territory, but after his death, the family has been declining every year.
I barely managed to establish myself in the army thanks to the connections left by my father. During the Civil War, I had just been promoted to Regimental Commander when I was assigned to the Fourth Legion in the Eastern Region.
During my journey to my post, the Civil War broke out, and I was stranded in Blackwater City. In a way, this turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as I was not considered part of Jorah's faction. In just two years, I took advantage of this opportunity to jump two ranks and become Legion Commander.
This experience also led me to enjoy gambling, and the reason I sent troops out without authorization this time was because I was gambling.
"Gambling?"
"Yes, I bet Count Lloyd will rebel and lead his troops to attack the other nobles in Cornwall County, leaving the northern border vulnerable."
If I can capitalize on the time difference, I can use this opportunity to first capture Ironwire City of Ironvine, and then, riding the momentum of victory, attack Count Lloyd's main army. I will definitely have a chance to achieve a great victory.
Who could have foreseen that man proposes, God disposes? I was still one step behind, my understanding of human nature was exposed, and I suffered a crushing defeat.
Count Lagos nodded. "Actually, Turas, do you know? The War Department has a very high opinion of you, especially Count Carter and Count Kimberly, who both recognize your tactical arrangements and your keen eye for seizing opportunities."
Even if it were them, they couldn't have done any better. In the end, you can only blame yourself for entrusting the wrong person with the task. Even if you don't kill Wen Du, the War Department will not let him go.
As for Viscount Borey, he wasn't actually that tough. The reason he wanted to kill you was also a statement.
After all, your actions were a slap in the face to the War Department, but fortunately, Grand Duke Mora was willing to give you a chance, so the War Department did you a favor. My role in it wasn't that significant.
Count Lagos's explanation was also unexpected by Turas. He had thought that the people in charge of the War Department had a very bad impression of him, but he didn't expect it to be like this.
Lagos continued, "Actually, as you know, your rapid promotion in the past two years is partly due to your meeting the requirements, and partly due to the pressures of the principality's situation."
Because of the Civil War, we not only lost a large number of elite troops, but also many capable officers.
Under normal circumstances, it's fine to gradually replenish resources; there's no need for rapid promotion.
But who could have imagined that Count Colt would betray his cause, forcing the Duchy to accelerate the replenishment of its army, which is why you had the opportunity to become Legion Commander.
Turas understood this matter well; his success was inseparable from the times. Otherwise, he wouldn't have led his troops alone this time. He simply wanted to gain a higher starting point in next year's Civil War by quelling Ironvine Count.
"Actually, the reason I helped you is very simple. The Sixth Legion's operational plan was decided long ago, which is to integrate the armies of the Western nobles."
Next spring, the Sixth Legion will lead the Western Noble Alliance Army to Carn City to cooperate with the Second Legion, cross the Carson Mountains, and attack the Northern Noble Territory.
Count Carter was not the kind of person who was stubborn and conservative. As long as there was a chance to break through the defenses of the Northern Frontier Allied Army, he would never be stingy with the casualties of his troops, and the Western Noble Alliance Army was definitely his first choice for cannon fodder.
I hope you will help the Western Noble Alliance Army and prevent them from suffering too great losses.
Only after this explanation did Turas understand why Count Lagos had helped him.
The War Department didn't want to deal with him because there was no suitable person to be the Legion Commander the Sixth Legion. Grand Duke Mora also wanted to save him, so Lagos did a favor and got the War Department to let him go.
The Count Lagos and the Western nobles, wanting to minimize their losses in the Civil War next spring, simply wanted to ask Turas for help.
Turas naturally had no objection to this and quickly made a decision in his mind.
"Uncle, please rest assured, with me here, the Western nobles Legion will not suffer too many losses."