The curtain rose

After hearing Sodoma's answer, Sonanda was very happy and took Sodoma directly into the cabin.

"I told you Viscount Victor was a wise lord; he must understand how reasonable my advice was."

As soon as Sonanda entered the house, he took out a bottle of wine and poured a glass for himself and Sodoma.

Sodoma didn't stand on ceremony, picked up the glass and drank it all in one gulp, then exhaled and said, "Comfortable, still the same taste. The wine from Sunset City is still delicious."

Sonanda laughed happily, "If you like it, I'll bring you two barrels of wine this time. You won't be able to find such good wine even in the Northlands."

Sodoma did not answer his father, "The administration of the Two Rivers Territory is very strict. Viscount Victor used to enforce a prohibition on alcohol in the territory, but it has been lifted now."

The wine from the Two Rivers Territory may not have the lingering aftertaste of the wine from Sunset City, but its immediate potency is much more potent. I'll bring you some next time."

Sonanda quickly understood what Sodoma meant: as a new territory, the Two Rivers Territory, although it did not have the deep foundation of Sunset City, was full of vigor and ambition.

This also means that Sodoma has accepted Two Rivers Territory, grown to like it, and is willing to fight for it.

Viscount Sonanda was a little sad, after all, his son no longer belonged to Sunset City and had a new home and goals, but he was also happy that Sodoma had found a new home.

However, if Victor were here, he would complain that the reason why the liquor from Two Rivers Territory is so strong is because of its high alcohol content and the use of distillation technology.

"... That's the general plan. I've already reported the plan to use the reef to Viscount Victor, and he has agreed."

The two did not linger for long over drinks; Sodoma immediately explained his specific battle plan to Sonanda.

"I think it's good. Your plan is very detailed. But those guys aren't stupid. Although they don't know as much about the reef as we do, if you want them to follow your steps, you'll need enough and substantial bait."

Especially Sea Dog the Felipe, that guy is too cunning. When fighting alongside me, he's extremely cautious and will never take unnecessary risks.

"Don't worry, Father, Viscount Victor has entrusted this operation to me. I have absolute authority over our fleet."

I have arranged 20 ships, which will be used as bait to penetrate deep into the Reef Zone after the battle begins, luring the noble fleet to pursue them.

"At that time, these ships will jettison all their ballast to ensure a shallow draft and prevent them from running aground immediately. I don't believe those noble fleets won't fall for it."

Sonanda looked at his child with satisfaction. Sodoma had gained Viscount Victor's trust so quickly and taken command of the fleet. This was partly due to Sodoma's own excellence, and partly because it demonstrated Viscount Victor's trusting approach to people.

With Sodoma under such a person's command, he could rest assured about Sodoma's future; he believed Victor would never mistreat Sodoma.

With his achievements in this battle, Sodoma will surely be promoted to a nobleman after the war, and such a future will also reduce Sonanda's guilt towards Sodoma.

After the two finished discussing the battle, Viscount Sonanda took Sodoma to find Ron. For the past two days, Ron had been staying in his cabin on the Wavebreaker to hide his whereabouts and dared not go out. Now that he could finally leave, he was very happy.

"Viscount Sonanda, thank you for your hospitality during this time. I will definitely come to find you and treat you to a meal after the war."

"General Ron, I also look forward to raising a glass with you after the war. I wish you all the best."

Before nightfall, Sodoma and Ron, under Sonanda's arrangement, continued their journey away from the fleet in patrol boats, proceeding with great care to avoid being noticed.

Once the patrol boat was far from the anchorage of the Coastal Defense Fleet, Sodoma and Ron went up to the deck and looked in the direction of the Coastal Defense Fleet.

Just then, the Sun peeked over the horizon, its orange-red rays casting a blood-red glow over the fleet, as if a fierce battle was about to ensue.

The return journey went even more smoothly than expected. Sodoma and Ron returned to Sodoma's flagship under the escort of patrol boats.

Once they were on board, Sodoma immediately ordered the sails to be raised and all the sailors to row, striving to return to Rotten Tree Beach as quickly as possible.

In Sextus County, with the arrival of the Northern Alliance Army led by Count Colt in White Earth City, the entire area around White Earth City was transformed into a massive military camp.

Hundreds of thousands of soldiers gathered here, ready to march south and launch an attack at any time.

The city lord's mansion in White Earth City had now become the command center for the entire Northern Alliance Army, where Count Colt held a meeting.

Those present were all legion Legion Commander and Legion Deputy Commander, totaling more than a dozen people. Everyone was fully armed, wearing Iron Birch armor, filling the small conference room in the city lord's mansion to the brim.

At this time, Count Colt had not yet arrived at the conference room. All the Noble Army were chatting, especially Viscount Hawke, who was surrounded and asked to recount the previous battle with the Duchy's Direct Legion.

Viscount Hawke spoke with great passion, spittle flying as he recounted how, during the most dangerous time in White Earth City, he alone led his troops in a charge, driving the enemy off the city walls.

Viscount Hawke boasted about his military prowess and struck a few poses, but he noticed the other Legion Commander looking at him like he was a fool, completely disbelieving that he could do such a thing.

After all, Hawk's reputation wasn't great before; he was a bully who preyed on the weak and was as fat as a pig. Naturally, no one would believe that he would fight personally. Many people thought that he was able to defend White Earth City only because of Alex's reinforcements.

Hawk was certainly not happy to be looked down upon like this, and he immediately took off his armor, intending to show everyone the wounds on his body.

But just then, Alex walked in and announced loudly, "The Count has arrived!"

Everyone immediately stopped chatting and returned to their seats. Hawk also sat back down, disappointed that he hadn't been able to showcase his great achievements.

Count Colt entered the conference room quickly, and all the officers immediately stood up and saluted him.

Count Colt looked at the officers who saluted him and nodded in satisfaction. The officers present were at least Legion Deputy Commander, and most of them were powerful nobles. These people represented the vast majority of the forces under his command, which was his greatest guarantee in fighting against the duchy.

Count Colt returned the gesture and gestured for everyone to sit down. He took the seat of honor, with Alex standing behind him.

Count Colt coughed lightly, and the entire conference room fell silent. He began, "The war council begins!" and then waved to Alex.

Alex took out a huge scroll and laid it on the table in the middle.

Everyone could tell at a glance that it was a map of the principality. The map covered the large table in the middle of the conference room and was made of six sheepskins sewn together; it was enormous.

The map was incredibly detailed, showing rivers, hills, forests, and roads, including all the cities and strategic passes. It was the most exquisite map they had ever seen.

Everyone looked surprised; they simply couldn't fathom how this map had been drawn.

"This is a high-precision map of the duchy provided by Viscount Victor of the Golden Sunflower Family. Viscount Victor is currently fighting on the front lines, holding back the private armies of the nobles in the three eastern counties and the duchy's First Legion. Let us now thank him for his great contribution to the Allied Army."

Everyone applauded, especially Hawk, who clapped enthusiastically. Viscount Edmund, on the other hand, seemed reluctant, his hands moving slowly and barely making a sound.

After the applause ended, Count Colt said, "The meeting is now officially open. I have the following instructions..."