Ironvine Territory (Forty-Six)

Just when Lanko was at his wit's end, his group suddenly encountered Suas, Suas may have also survived the mudslide, but with only four or five subordinates by his side.

When Baron Portland saw that Suas's forces were so small and still had some drinking water, he wanted to seize this precious water source. Suas and his men naturally refused, and a fight broke out between the two sides. It was during this opportunity that Lanko escaped and ran back to the central camp.

After Lanko told Viscount Ferry and Victor about these things, both of them praised Lanko for his good luck.

Viscount Ferry thought for a moment and said, "Even if those traitors escaped the valley, the Allied Army probably won't let them go. The Allied Army suffered too many losses this time, and they definitely need to find someone to take the blame."

Lanko was somewhat shaken. "That's right, Suas assured Governor Rusa that there was no possibility of flooding, otherwise the Allied Army might not have fallen into this trap."

"Alright, Lanko, go and rest for a bit. Once we've retreated and left the valley, Lenster will definitely give you the reward you deserve."

Viscount Ferry learned some more intelligence about the Allied Army from Lanko, and then Lanko was taken away to rest by people arranged by Viscount Ferry.

The two began by gathering information from Lanko and attempting to estimate the losses of the Allied Army.

"The central camp was attacked by at least two enemy regiments, and that was only after Rusa was very cautious."

On the other two sides, the Allied Army forces attacking the camps had at least as many troops as here; I think the enemy lost at least five or six regiments."

Victor voiced his speculation, which Viscount Ferry agreed with.

Just as the two were strategizing, a soldier suddenly ran over to report, "My lords, an officer from the right camp has arrived and says he wishes to see Viscount Victor."

Upon hearing that the camp on the right flank was coming, Victor quickly stood up and told Viscount Ferry that he was going to check it out.

"Don't worry, Viscount Victor, that man won't run away."

When Viscount Ferry and Victor met the officer, both were delighted, for he was none other than Marvin, the Regimental Commander under Victor.

"Marvin, it's so good to see you're not hurt."

Victor grabbed Marvin's hand and said excitedly.

Marvin quickly knelt on one knee. "My lord, we have worried you."

Although Victor had previously sent someone to contact Marvin's right-hand camp and knew that there had been some losses there, he didn't know much else about the situation.

In order to speed up the withdrawal, Victor and Viscount Ferry devoted all their manpower to the pontoon bridge, so naturally there weren't enough people to find out the specific situation of the camp on the right.

Therefore, Victor never found out how Marvin and Foss, who were in charge of the right flank camp, were doing.

Victor was overjoyed when he saw that Marvin was safe and sound.

"How is the troop withdrawal going? Are the pontoon bridges along the way still usable?"

"Half of our troops have already crossed the pontoon bridge and reached the central camp. I came with them. Foss stayed behind to command the remaining troops."

As for the pontoon bridge, it's getting increasingly difficult to cross. When I arrived, several sections had already collapsed, and we must find a way to repair it."

Victor looked at Marvin, who looked relieved. It seemed that even his usually composed subordinate was troubled by the terrible road conditions.

Victor and Viscount Ferry then directed their troops to retreat while also trying to find a more stable and secure passage.

Fortunately, the floodwaters receded faster than expected, and the mudslides stopped flowing, turning directly into ready-made mud pits.

After two days of effort, most of the troops had retreated to the left camp, and Lenster also found a safe passage to the outer edge of the valley behind the left camp.

Upon learning this news, Victor and Viscount Ferry did not waste any more time. After sending away the last troops from the right flank camp, the two of them simply prepared to leave with their remaining troops.

Victor stood on the watchtower of the central camp, looking at the surrounding scenery. The valley used to be full of bushes, various small animals and birds, but now they have all disappeared.

The mudslides and floods destroyed them all, and the entire valley is now deathly silent, save for the cawing of a few scavenging vultures.

Viscount Ferry also climbed the watchtower. After circling it once he reached the top, he positioned himself opposite Victor and said to Victor, "What's wrong, Viscount Victor? Are you still reluctant to leave?"

Victor shook his head. "How could that be? I'm just a little sentimental. Our original plan was perfect: to flood the entire valley and destroy the Allied Army forces."

Then the troops, in small boats, pursued the fleeing War Department on the water, achieving a decisive victory.

Viscount Ferry also sighed, "What happened was not a flood, but an even more terrible mudslide."

Not only did the Allied Army suffer heavy losses, but we also suffered significant losses. This time, a large amount of supplies stored in the three camps in the valley, along with the well-preserved valley camps, were destroyed by the mudslide.

Although this disaster turned the entire Front Valley of the Yalori Valley into a natural barrier, it blocked the Allied Army but also prevented our pursuit, so it cannot be called a perfect victory."

After listening to Viscount Ferry's regretful words, Victor suddenly remembered something. "Wouldn't the other passages connecting Ironvine Territory to Cornwall County become the Allied Army' main targets? Should we send reinforcements?"

"Those three passages aren't a big problem. The terrain here is mostly mountainous and forested. Although they can be considered passages connecting the two places, they're not suitable for large armies. We already have enough troops sent there, so there's no need to send more."

"So, next, should we prepare to go back and reinforce Ironwire City?"

Viscount Ferry nodded. "That's right, I will stay and continue to watch over the Rear Valley."

Although the enemy will find it difficult to pass through the now-destroyed Front Valley, it's better for me to stay just in case.

As for Ironwire City, we'll have to rely on you, Viscount Victor. This operation didn't turn out this way, and it also caused your troops to suffer some unnecessary losses."

"Actually, it's alright. That's how war is; losses are inevitable."

Victor didn't really care. He had lost less than a thousand men, which was negligible compared to the previous battle at Rotten Tree Beach.

"Lord Lenster, we'll have to trouble you as well. If Ironwire City has fallen and Count Lloyd has met with misfortune, Lord Lenster will become the new Count of the Iron Vine Family. Please, you must protect him."

Victor could see that Viscount Ferry was somewhat pessimistic. "Count Lloyd has held out for so long, I think there shouldn't be any problems. Once we lead our troops back to reinforce, we should be able to resolve the crisis in Ironwire City immediately."

"And Viscount Ferry, I think there shouldn't be any major problems in the valley. You can find a trustworthy subordinate to garrison here, leave some troops behind, and you can hold this place firmly. You could even leave Manzo here."

Viscount Ferry smiled wryly, "According to the original plan, our support troops should have already returned to Ironwire City by now."

But at this moment our army is still trapped in the Yalori Valley, and I have a bad feeling about it."

Viscount Ferry's expression was grave, Victor thought he might be overly worried. Just as he was about to approach Viscount Ferry to continue their conversation...

Viscount Ferry suddenly began to cough and waved to stop Victor from approaching.

"Ahem, ahem, I'm sorry, Viscount Victor, I might not be feeling well. You'd better keep your distance from me."

Victor looked at Viscount Ferry, whose face was flushed red from coughing violently, and was somewhat worried. He knew that Viscount Ferry might have been infected with the plague.

Starting yesterday, some soldiers in the camp began to show similar symptoms. Fortunately, there were still some medical officers from Victor's Medical Department here, and they, along with the healthy soldiers, isolated and treated these soldiers who were suspected of being infected with the plague.

The camp's epidemic prevention measures were already quite comprehensive, but to Victor's surprise, Viscount Ferry was also infected with the plague.

"So I really can't go to Ironwire City to provide support anymore. I'll have to trouble you with Lenster and Ironwire City from now on, cough cough..."

Seeing that Viscount Ferry was too distressed to speak, Victor finally nodded in agreement.

Viscount Ferry was overjoyed and immediately fainted.