The Performance on the City Wall

The short and stout Viscount Krick stood Orthodox God atop the high city wall, his round eyes fixed on the north, his face filled with worry.

Because just a short time ago, a huge fleet of ships loaded with grain sailed out of the port from that direction; this fleet was the grain transport fleet heading to the duchy's army.

At this moment, the gates of Blackwater City were tightly closed, and a group of Cavalry were patrolling back and forth below the city walls.

This group of Cavalry clearly belonged to Victor's army. They shouted from below the city walls, their voices echoing through the sky. "Blackwater City! Surrender now! Or face certain death!"

Meanwhile, they continued to hurl arrows at the city walls, but by the time they reached the top, they had lost most of their power and appeared weak and ineffective.

It turned out that the walls of Blackwater City were so tall and sturdy that ordinary arrows posed no threat to them.

Gaita ran to Viscount Krick's side. "Your Excellency, please leave the city walls first!"

These Northern barbarians below the city are despicable! They're actually shooting arrows at the city walls! Be careful they don't hurt you!

Viscount Krick's face also showed fear, and his forehead was covered in sweat, but he simply wiped his forehead and shook his head. "No, I must see the fleet on fire with my own eyes before I leave, otherwise I won't feel at ease!"

Seeing this, Gaita was helpless and could only stand with Viscount Krick on the city wall and continue to wait.

At that moment, not far behind them, two officers were whispering to each other; judging from their attire, they were probably two Battalion Commander.

One of them, his face full of astonishment, said to his companion, "It's unbelievable! That Viscount Krick, who's always been a coward, actually dared to climb the city walls! Isn't he afraid of being wounded by arrows from the Northern Frontier Rebels?"

Another person was equally surprised and chimed in, "Yes, I always thought that guy Krick only knew how to use his noble status to engage in illegal smuggling and business transactions to profit himself, but I never expected that at this critical moment, he would be so loyal to the Duchy!"

What's puzzling is why this guy specifically chose to send out the supply convoy before the enemy launched their attack?

"Isn't he at all worried that these ships might be intercepted and captured by the enemy?"

"I heard that the military grain warehouse got damp, so a batch of other reserve grains was temporarily transferred, which is why the departure was delayed by two days. Besides, if it is not sent out now, it will be impossible to send it out after the enemy surrounds Blackwater City."

I think the enemy shouldn't be able to catch up. The fleet is going downstream at a very fast speed, and only the enemy's Cavalry can keep up.

The fleet was also guarded by two squadrons of soldiers, and the supply officer, Book, was an old man, a veteran of many battles. If they defended the ships, even if the enemy Cavalry caught up, they would probably have a hard time taking down the fleet.

Just then, the Northlands Cavalry below the city wall seemed to receive a signal and all gathered together to pursue the enemy to the north.

Seeing this, Viscount Krick gripped the city wall tightly with both hands, watching the Cavalry head north until they disappeared from his sight.

Viscount Krick said to Gaita beside him, "We should be able to catch up!"

"No problem! Book knows what to do. He'll definitely slow the ship down on purpose. If the Northlands Cavalry can't catch up, then the duchy wouldn't have taken so long to suppress the Northern Frontier Rebels."

Viscount Krick breathed a sigh of relief.

Just then, the two Battalion Commander behind them suddenly walked over and saluted Krick.

One of them spoke up directly, "Governor, the enemy Cavalry suddenly headed north, probably because they discovered our grain convoy and are chasing it."

We still have two small Cavalry inside the city. Although they are not as many as the enemy's Cavalry, sending them out can still serve as a diversionary tactic and help the fleet shake off the enemy's Cavalry."

Viscount Krick frowned upon hearing this, then suddenly roared in anger, "Mind your own business!"

Suddenly, he seemed to realize something, and his tone softened considerably, but still carried a hint of warning as he said, "I lost my temper just now... I didn't mean for you to ignore it or let it go unchecked."

It's not that we should let our guard down, but rather that we must remind everyone not to take this lightly!

The enemy dared to attack Blackwater City this time, and the forces they dispatched were definitely not limited to what we see here.

Moreover, as far as I know, the Northern Frontier Rebels have always been known for their Cavalry. If they really intend to launch a large-scale attack, their follow-up forces will certainly include elite Cavalry.

Therefore, it is highly likely that this is a trap set by the enemy, deliberately using a small force to lure us in, while actually having a large number of troops lying in ambush waiting for the right opportunity.

If our Cavalry rashly launch an attack and get surrounded, they are very likely to suffer heavy losses or even be wiped out.

This would not only severely weaken our ability to defend the city, but also deal a huge blow to the morale of the entire army."

The two Battalion Commander felt that the excuse was a bit far-fetched, but seeing the governor's attitude, they dared not say anything more.

Just then, Gaita suddenly pointed in the distance and shouted, "Look! Another group of enemy Cavalry!"

Everyone, including Viscount Krick, looked in the direction Gaita was pointing. Suddenly, a Cavalry of two or three hundred men emerged from behind a grove of trees and headed north. The Golden Sunflower banner held high at the head of the Cavalry was particularly eye-catching.

This Cavalry was incredibly fast; they had clearly been building up their strength early on. Running at full speed, they disappeared from sight in no time.

At this moment, Gaita said to the two Battalion Commander, "Just as the governor said, the enemy has a large Cavalry force. We really shouldn't have sent out the Cavalry from the city and wasted them like this. As commanders of the defending forces, you should learn from the governor's cautious approach!"

Viscount Krick looked smug after hearing this, as if he had just predicted it.

Seeing this, the two Battalion Commander could only nod repeatedly to Viscount Krick, indicating that they had been too careless, and then lowered their heads and smiled wryly at each other.

About fifteen minutes later, a column of smoke suddenly appeared in the north. At this moment, Viscount Krick stared wide-eyed at the column of smoke.

Gaita crept closer. "Governor, Book should have set the grain ships on fire!"

The soldiers on the city wall were also watching the plume of smoke and whispering among themselves.

The two Battalion Commander also looked regretful. They knew that the grain convoy had probably been overtaken by the enemy, and that the grain transport officer, Book, had been unable to resist and had set the convoy on fire to prevent the grain from falling into enemy hands.

"I never expected Book to be so fierce. I should have won less from him when we gambled last time!"

Another person suddenly said, "This is bad. Krick has always been very harsh. Now that the supply convoy failed to deliver the supplies to the Duchy Army, even if Book and the entire convoy are wiped out, he will definitely blame everything on Book without hesitation and then take his anger out on Book's family. We have to think of something."

At that moment, Viscount Krick suddenly burst into tears, crying out, "My grain convoy! How can I explain this to the Duke! I have betrayed the Duke's trust in me!"

The two Battalion Commander exchanged a glance, knowing that Krick was about to shift the blame!

Unexpectedly, after crying, Krick did not shirk responsibility. "Although the grain convoy was unfortunately intercepted by the enemy, it is gratifying that, thanks to the brave and fearless grain officer, Book's tenacious resistance and self-sacrifice, the enemy was successfully prevented from seizing this crucial batch of grain supplies. It can be said that he has done his best to make great contributions to the Duchy!"

After the war, I will definitely report this matter to the Duchy and implore the Duchy to give Book the reward he deserves.

At the same time, as the Governor of Raine County, I have decided to personally award Book's family 20 gold coins as a token of my condolences to this hero.

Here, I solemnly urge all soldiers: in the upcoming battle to defend the city, please be sure to emulate the heroic performance of Book!

I guarantee that if anyone achieves outstanding military exploits, I will not be stingy and will reward them handsomely!

After he finished speaking, the soldiers guarding the city wall cheered.

Viscount Krick then left with Gaita. As they descended the city wall, Viscount Krick whispered to Gaita, "Your suggestion was excellent. Following your advice, the morale of these soldiers has skyrocketed!"

"You flatter me, Your Excellency. That was due to your wise leadership!"

"By the way, when should I send over the 20 gold coins to the Book family?"

Viscount Krick suddenly chuckled, "I'll deliver it myself!"

The last time I saw Book and his family, I noticed his wife was a delicate and beautiful woman. She definitely won't be able to accept this. I need to go and comfort her!

Gaita gave him a knowing look, and after descending the city wall, he immediately called for a carriage. The two of them got in and quickly drove away.

On the city wall, the two Battalion Commander, who were still somewhat bewildered, suddenly came to their senses.

"I never expected this! I really underestimated Viscount Krick. He didn't shirk responsibility at all, and he's so magnanimous!"

Another person nodded repeatedly in agreement, saying, "Indeed! No wonder he was able to become the governor of this duchy!"

Given his unwavering loyal to the Duchy, his composure in the face of crisis, and his skillful use of the generous reward given to Book to boost the morale of the entire army, it's easy to understand why he ultimately rose to a high position.