After the Battle (I)

After Victor calmed down Knight Yellen, the two returned to the center of the Great Oak private army camp. Magnus was still dealing with some military affairs at the time, and when he saw the two return, he quickly came out to greet them.

"Lord Victor, you've worked hard!"

Magnus was very tactful and did not inquire about the outcome. He simply gave Knight Yellen a wink when greeting Victor.

But before Yellen could respond, Victor said, "Maknus, I have a favor to ask you."

Next, I will return to my own army. After all, I will have a lot of work to do after this battle. I will leave the Great Oak Territory to you. I believe you can handle it well.

As for Yellen, I need to borrow him for a while. As you know, although the First Legion has retreated, their remnants are still quite strong. If we let them move freely, it will hinder our occupation of the three eastern counties.

Therefore, I will arrange for my Cavalry to continue pursuing the remnants of the First Legion, escorting them all the way out of the east. Yellen will also need to send a portion of his troops to participate, since my army is certainly not as familiar with the eastern terrain as the private army of Great Oak Territory."

Magnus nodded. He had no intention of asking Victor why he didn't continue to annihilate the remnants of the First Legion. He had seen the terrible battlefield. Although the main force of the First Legion had suffered a crushing defeat, Victor's Southern Marching Legion had also suffered heavy losses. It was understandable that Victor did not want to continue the fight.

Seeing that Magnus understood what he was saying, Victor continued, "Next, we need to occupy the territories of the defeated eastern nobles. My army is not familiar with the specific situation of each territory, so I hope that Yellen can take charge of this task, with his own troops and the private army of Great Oak Territory in charge."

There's one more thing, Magnus. Could you please inform Viscount Sonanda that it would be best if he came ashore and met with me? There are some things I might need his help with."

"Understood. Leave this matter to me, Lord Victor. It also happens that Viscount Sonanda 'Count affairs. I didn't inform him before because of the naval operations."

After saying that, Magnus also sighed.

Victor patted him on the shoulder, and after giving his instructions, Victor left the camp in Great Oak Territory and returned to his own troops.

After seeing Victor off, Marcnus sought out Yellen alone to inquire about the handling of the destabilizing factors.

Upon learning that Victor had killed all those guys, Markus excitedly slapped his thigh. "Well done! It seems that the Viscount is indeed very measured."

"That puts my mind at ease. Yellen, you heard about the task the Viscount assigned you. Are there any difficulties? Is there anything I can do?"

Yellen nodded. "Steward Magnus, there is indeed something I need your help with. Considering that my troops have also suffered considerable losses this time, I plan to draw some troops from my private army to help me carry out the occupation mission."

"Of course, which troops would you like to transfer?"

"Diaz's old troops will do. Since he and his men have been executed by the Viscount, it would be best to clean up these troops as well. There are still many private armies and fortified castles in those noble territories. It would be more appropriate to let them take charge of this matter."

After hearing Yellen's words, Magnus understood his meaning: he intended to use these troops as cannon fodder to wipe out the noble territories and, incidentally, deal with the old men of Diaz.

Magnus frowned. He didn't object to doing so, but after all, this force was also the army of Great Oak Territory. Although it was an expanded army, it was still considered an elite force. It would be a great pity to waste it like this.

Yellen noticed Magnus's reluctance and quickly said, "Steward Magnus, don't worry, I won't really use these troops as cannon fodder. I'll just focus on cleaning up the officers in those troops. The soldiers are innocent, and I will arrange for my subordinates to take over these troops."

"Alright, it's good that you know what's good for you. Remember to take plenty of supplies with you, as it's not easy to collect grain from many noble territories."

Meanwhile, the two core members of the Great Oak Territory camp were discussing the next steps, while Victor had already returned to the Southern Marching Legion's camp.

Upon returning to the camp, Victor went straight to the wounded soldiers' camp. Entering, he was met with a flurry of activity. Michael asked in a low voice, "Should we notify Inspector Isaac?"

Victor raised his hand to stop him. "Wait, Isaac is probably busy at this time. Go see if any of the deputy managers are available and call them over so I can ask them some questions."

Michael went to find someone, while Victor and a few guards made a round of the wounded soldiers' camp.

This battle was arguably the toughest in Victor's military career, even more difficult than the battle against the Barbarians. The First Legion, as expected of the Duchy's elite forces, was indeed formidable. In particular, Marvin and Santos's troops, responsible for the main battlefront, suffered heavy losses, and even Victor's own Personal Guard suffered considerable casualties.

Victor toured all the ward tents for a week, and they were basically full. The tents were filled with the smell of herbs and lime water.

Just as Victor was on his rounds, Michael arrived with his men. Victor recognized the man as the deputy director of the Medical Department, a bald man in his forties or fifties. He vaguely remembered him but couldn't recall his name. Just as he was about to ask Michael, the deputy director spoke up.

"Lord Victor, I am Getze, the deputy head of the Medical Department. I am taking a break from the others. Just tell me what you need."

Upon hearing this, Victor remembered, "Getze, I remember you. You're the one who made the hemostat. Isaac even told me that you invented and improved many surgical medical instruments."

Getze quickly patted his bald head and smiled sheepishly, "It's just a small task, but it wouldn't have been possible without the joint efforts of my colleagues in the Medical Department."

Victor nodded. "Tell me about the situation of medical care after this war."

Getze's expression immediately turned serious. "For this great battle, our Medical Department has almost mobilized all its resources. Only three full-fledged doctors and a dozen apprentices have been left in the entire Two Rivers Territory."

Of the 84 registered physicians in the entire Medical Department, 81 came, and the total number of apprentices and assistants was nearly 1,000.

To date, we have received more than 4,200 wounded soldiers, all of whom have serious injuries and conditions. Many of the lightly wounded have been treated and sent back to their units, leaving only the more seriously injured.

After hearing this, Victor's expression turned grim. He had anticipated the losses, but he hadn't expected the casualty rate to be even higher than the previous reports. "So, all 4,200-plus people were seriously injured?"

Getze noticed that Victor's expression was not good and quickly explained, "Your Excellency, many of these seriously wounded are not from our territory, and some were sent by friendly forces. This group accounts for nearly a third of the total, more than 1,500 people."

It was only then that Victor remembered that after the war, he saw that the Cavalry of Great Oak Territory and the private armies of his allies had suffered considerable losses, so he offered to help treat the wounded. He guessed that this group of people had come from there.

Even so, the number of seriously wounded soldiers in the southward-bound troops was nearly 3,000, which was not a small number.

"Alright, Getze, the Medical Department has done a great job in taking in so many wounded. Our victory is partly due to you. Why don't you show me around for a bit?"

Next, Getze led Victor around the entire Medical Department, and took the opportunity to visit the Victor and the Medical Department staff.

The arrival of the Viscount truly delighted many wounded soldiers and medical staff, especially Victor, who immediately promised them generous rewards after the war.

As Getze saw Victor off, he said with emotion, "Your Excellency, it's so good that you came. Many wounded soldiers are less resistant to treatment because of you, and the morale of everyone in our Medical Department has also improved a lot."

Victor simply waved his hand. "You are the ones who have contributed the most. Getze, just focus on your work. My achievements are partly yours, and I will not be stingy with them."