Ironvine Territory (Fourteen)

Victor was surprised that the two high-ranking members of the Ironvine Territory were so grateful to him, and for a moment he didn't know what to say. Fortunately, Victor quickly recovered and changed the serious atmosphere.

"Now that you two have met the conditions for the battle plan, why don't you discuss how to arrange this battle plan?"

However, I must clarify one point: this operation is, after all, taking place in the Ironvine Territory, and you are the hosts. Don't let someone like me, who is unfamiliar with the terrain, be the commander-in-chief."

Victor preemptively shut down the possibility that, given the performance of these two, he might actually be made commander, but for a combat plan that heavily relies on geographical information, he is certainly not the most suitable commander.

Viscount Ferry and Lenster were both taken aback by Victor's words, not expecting that Victor had anticipated their next move.

However, Lenster then demonstrated the competence of an heir to the Ironvine Territory, saying, "Viscount Victor, thank you for your trust in us. In that case, let Viscount Ferry be the commander. I have little experience or record compared to the two of you."

Lenster wasn't trying to shift the blame; he genuinely felt he wasn't suitable. He had originally wanted Victor to command the operation, but since Victor had refused, it wasn't appropriate to push someone else into the role.

Fortunately, it was best to choose Viscount Ferry, an elder statesman of the territory, given his seniority and experience. If it weren't for the fact that Victor's Southern Marching Legion was too large, Viscount Ferry would have been the most suitable candidate.

After listening to Lenster's words, Victor nodded in agreement. Although he had only met Viscount Ferry twice, Victor still knew Viscount Ferry's character and qualities very well. In addition, he had also learned about Viscount Ferry's abilities during their first meeting, and he was definitely a veteran general.

Although Viscount Ferry wanted to refuse, after Lenster finished speaking and Victor also expressed his opinion, he really couldn't refuse. Although these two were young, their status and position were undeniable, and Viscount Ferry was confident in commanding this operation, so he really couldn't bring himself to refuse.

"I understand. I, Ferry Salt-leaf Tree, will do my utmost."

Now that the issue of command had been resolved, the three were about to discuss the specific battle plan when there was a knock on the door.

Lenster frowned and called out, "Didn't I say we have important guests and shouldn't be disturbed?"

The guard outside the door whispered, "Young master, this is Lord Victor's personal attendant. He needs to speak with Viscount Victor."

Victor quickly made an apologetic gesture to the two of them, then went to open the door himself.

Standing outside the door were several guards and Michael. Victor, seeing Michael, asked curiously, "What's going on, Michael? Didn't I tell you to prepare to notify the Regimental Commander to set up camp?"

Michael was covered in sweat, as if he had just done strenuous exercise. He said breathlessly, "My lord, Viscount Ferry left suddenly without saying a word. Nobody knows how to set up camp. Our first batch of troops has already reached the outside of the valley and is resting here now."

Currently, only Manzo remains among the officers of the Ironvine Territory, but he is unfamiliar with the area and doesn't know how to proceed. Therefore, I rushed over to report to you that Manzo's men brought me in."

Just then, Michael suddenly saw Viscount Ferry inside the house and exclaimed in surprise, "Viscount Ferry, what are you doing here?"

Both Lenster and Viscount Ferry, who were inside the room, heard Michael's words, and the atmosphere instantly became awkward.

Victor also turned to look at Viscount Ferry. It turned out that what Viscount Ferry had said earlier was indeed not an exaggeration; he really had seen his troops and immediately ran back.

Viscount Ferry awkwardly touched his nose. "I'm sorry, Viscount Victor, I was indeed too excited just now."

Alright then, young master, since we've already arranged a welcome banquet, why don't you take Viscount Victor there for a bite to eat? I'll go help arrange things with the troops Viscount Victor brought.

Viscount Victor, we have long heard of your fondness for fine food. The Golden Sunflower Family kitchens are capable of producing a multitude of delicious dishes that no one has ever seen before.

However, I am confident that our welcome feast will not disappoint you. There will be plenty of Southern Region, so please be sure to savor them.

Upon hearing Viscount Ferry's words, Victor couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation for the banquet. Although the culinary culture of this world wasn't very developed, the unique ingredients had their own distinct flavors. He had never been to the Southern Region before and wasn't very familiar with the popular local cuisine.

After speaking with Victor, Viscount Ferry left with Michael, presumably before returning after arranging the camp for the Southern Marching Legion.

Only Victor and Lenster remained in the room. Lenster stepped forward, grabbed Victor's arm, and pulled Victor out of the room, saying as they left, "Viscount Victor, now that the Commander-in-Chief is gone, I'll take good care of you."

Just as Viscount Ferry said, we have prepared many specialties from the Southern Region and some rare ingredients. Although the conditions in the camp are somewhat basic, the chefs are all from my own family, and the taste will definitely not disappoint you."

Once they arrived at the restaurant and were seated, Lenster instructed the waiters to quickly serve the dishes, and soon one after another, dishes that Victor had never seen before were brought to the table.

Lenster quickly introduced to Victor, "This is a large fish unique to the Green Water River, commonly known as the Greenwater Ghost. It is ferocious and sometimes even dares to attack giant otters larger than itself, but its meat is extremely delicious. This is a pan-fried fish fillet made from its fattest belly. Please try it."

This is chicken soup made from the red-feathered pheasant of the Green Forest; it has an incredibly rich and delicious flavor.

This is a specialty red raspberry from the Red Raspberry Family. The fresh fruit can be tasted in four different flavors. If it is made into a raspberry pie, no seasoning is needed, and it still has a unique flavor.

This is..."

Victor had never tasted these delicacies before. With Lenster's introduction, he tried them one by one and found them to be truly unique. The cooking methods were also different from those in other parts of the duchy, with the emphasis on highlighting the original flavor of the food.

The welcoming banquet lasted for more than an hour, and Viscount Ferry didn't return until Victor was almost full.

"I'm sorry, Viscount Victor, the deployment locations for your troops have all been arranged."

However, for the sake of operational convenience, I have directly assigned some troops to Front Valley. Please take a look and see if there is anything inappropriate about that."

After speaking, Viscount Ferry handed Victor and Lenster a piece of paper. Victor opened it and saw that it was a simple defense map, which included several camps in the Front Valley and part of the Rear Valley.

Victor discovered that Marvin and Foss's combined forces were positioned at the camp on the Front Valley, while Yellen and Baron Brown's troops were positioned on the right side. It turned out that the Ironvine Territory's army had all returned to their camp in the center of the valley.

The remaining Southern Marching Legion were positioned in the Rear Valley near the mountains on both sides, where the terrain should be relatively high.

Victor, a seasoned veteran who had fought many battles, naturally knew that if the enemy entered the valley, they would definitely target the main camp. It seemed that Viscount Ferry still intended to place his own army in the most dangerous location.

To be fair, Victor actually appreciated this behavior, but as a result, the forces in the central camp were rather weak, since the Ironvine Territory Army of the entire valley defense line only numbered 8,000.

Victor put down the defense map and looked at Viscount Ferry: "Viscount Ferry, I have a suggestion. In order to better understand the battle situation and command the troops, I would like to bring a group of troops to guard the central camp with you."

At this moment, Lenster had also finished looking at the defense map, and after hearing Victor's words, he also raised his head.

Viscount Ferry was about to refuse, but Victor continued, "The central camp is quite large, and an army of 8,000 is a bit weak. I will bring my Personal Guard and another 2,000 troops with me, and it certainly won't cause you any trouble."

Victor planned to take the remaining infantry from Ron and James's unit. As for the Eastern Noble Army that had come south with him, Victor did not intend to let them participate in this battle. They could fight well when things were going well, but there was no need for them to participate in other battles.