Redeployment in the snow

Alex agreed, "That's probably it. Maybe those people in Silver Maple City are just trying to distract us."

Count Colt didn't agree; instead, he stroked his chin and thought for a while before speaking again.

"I have already informed the border lords in various places of this news, especially Albert and Victor, whose territories are located in the northernmost part of Durham County and North York County, facing the Northern Wasteland."

They have the most responsibilities. Leaving Victor aside, I originally wanted Albert to be the Legion Commander of the First Legion of the Northern Alliance Army, but now I can only appoint him as the Legion Commander of the Fourth Legion of Iron Birch Territory.

After hearing his father's answer, Alex nodded thoughtfully.

Now that the Allied Army Second Legion and Third Legion have switched positions, the Allied Army Second Legion, which was originally scheduled to follow the main force to the front lines, can only be stationed on the north side of the Khatyn Mountains.

The Allied Army Third Legion, commanded by Viscount Edmund, was indeed weaker than Viscount Benjamin's Second Legion, which implicitly reduced the strength of the main battlefield.

If Viscount Albert were to remain in Durham County to defend against the Barbarians, he would have to readjust the army's structure once again.

"But Father, what about the two private regiments under Viscount Albert's command? The core fighting force of the First Legion originally consisted of these two elite regiments under Viscount Albert."

"Of course, they should be transferred to the Fourth Iron Birch Fourth Legion along with him. We can't just transfer them away separately. If the noble private armies lose their lord's command, it will definitely affect their combat effectiveness."

As for the First Legion of the Allied Army, let Susak take charge. The two regiments I drew from the Fourth Legion the Iron Birch were his old troops; he's now a viscount, so with him there should be enough to keep those old-guard nobles from the Northlands in check on the First Legion of the Allied Army."

Alex also knew that Susak was indeed the most suitable candidate.

However, this would mean that the strongest Northern Alliance Army First Legion would lose Albert Holly's private army, and the already well-integrated structure would need to be readjusted by the Legion Commander Susak, which would most likely affect the overall combat strength of the legion.

"What about Victor? After all, his Two Rivers Territory are located in the northernmost part of North York County. He also needs to lead his troops south to fight in the Eastern Region. Won't his territory be very vulnerable?"

Count Colt continued, "Shortly after I sent the message, Victor replied, saying that there was no need to worry about the Two Rivers Territory, that he had arranged the defenses of the territory before leaving, and that there was no need to adjust the plans."

Since he's said so, I'll choose to believe him.

Alex nodded. "If Victor says that, he must be confident."

Both father and son had an extraordinary level of trust in Victor.

"The next issue is the relocation of troops."

Alex walked to the window, looking worriedly at the snowflakes falling from the sky. The harsh cold and heavy snow of the Northlands were very unfriendly to the army's march.

Count Colt stood up and patted Alex on the shoulder. "Our Northlands army has been tempered in such harsh conditions for many years. This is just a trivial problem!"

"Pfft!" "Pfft!"

The heavy wheels pressed down on the snow, constantly kicking up snow powder and leaving deep ruts.

Viscount Benjamin rode on horseback, watching the marching troops around him. After receiving Count Colt's letter, he quickly mobilized his troops to begin a relocation. Fortunately, Golden Pear Territory was not too far from Crimson Maple Territory.

However, the sudden heavy snowfall still affected the marching speed, and what should have been a two-day journey took four days.

At this moment, a Cavalry wearing a white robe rode up from the front of the column. "Viscount, we have encountered the Crimson Maple Territory's scouts. Viscount Edmund is waiting for you not far ahead."

After hearing the Cavalry's report, Viscount Benjamin was somewhat puzzled. He and Edmund did not have a good personal relationship, so why had Edmund suddenly changed his tune and come to greet him?

At this moment, Viscount Benjamin remembered the information Count Colt had mentioned in his letter, and a chill ran down his spine as he felt a slight unease about Viscount Edmund's actions.

Viscount Benjamin turned to the guards standing beside him and said, "Go find Baron Raymond and have him bring the Cavalry of the First Regiment, have them armored and line up, and come with me to the front to take a look."

Upon receiving the order, the guards quickly left and headed towards the First Regiment.

Viscount Benjamin then sent word to Pim, the Regimental Commander of the Second Regiment, instructing him to slow his march and prepare for battle.

After the order was given, the marching column began to slow down after only a dozen minutes. The soldiers who were sitting in the carriages began to put on their armor with the help of Auxiliary Troops and laborers.

In such weather, suddenly taking off their burqas and putting on the icy-cold armor made everyone unhappy, but their long-term training and discipline allowed them to dress very quickly.

Soon a fully armed infantry square appeared before Viscount Benjamin, and the marching column began to rearrange itself, with the infantry in front and the carriages protecting the flanks of the infantry square.

At this moment, Pim and Raymond arrived at Viscount Benjamin's side one after the other. As soon as Raymond ran over, he shouted in his loud voice, "That Edmund fellow is indeed up to no good, Your Excellency. I will take the troops to launch a surprise attack on him right away."

Pim quickly grabbed Raymond: "Don't get carried away, listen to the Viscount's instructions."

At this moment, Viscount Benjamin also spoke up, "Edmund has not done anything unusual. I asked you to adjust your formation just in case."

Pim maintained a slow marching pace, while Raymond and I led the way to scout ahead.

"Yes, Your Excellency. Please be careful. If there is any problem, just give me a signal and I will be there immediately."

Raymond nudged Pim with his elbow. "You can rest assured and walk behind me. With me by the Viscount's side, Edmund won't be able to get past me and hurt the Viscount."

Pim slapped Raymond's arm away; the man had become even more annoying since being promoted to baron.

Benjamin led Raymond and the First Cavalry Regiment away from the main force, their orderly hooves clattering on the snow like muffled thunder.

When Viscount Benjamin saw the distant firelight, he raised his left hand to signal his troops to slow down. The Cavalry pulled on their reins to slow their horses and raised their weapons.

When he finally saw Viscount Edmund, he found that he only had a couple hundred Cavalry with him.

Viscount Edmund was stunned when he saw the large Cavalry force breaking through the snowstorm.