Aftermath, Part Two

Victor had been about to refuse Alex, but he suddenly paused. With a conflicted expression, he said, "I understand. Leave it to me!"

Victor was no fool. He soon realized why Alex had done this. The Iron Birch Family had suffered devastating losses this time—not only among its core members, but also in its private army, which had lost more than half its troops. Internal turmoil was inevitable, and Alex had to return as soon as possible to stabilize the situation.

As for why Alex had not given overall command to someone else, only Viscount Edmund and Viscount Hawke remained qualified to take the post among the Northern Alliance Army troops in the duchy's interior. The Red Maple Family and Pumpkin family behind them were old Northern Frontier noble houses with roots tangled deep. Letting either man take command now might be no good thing for the Iron Birch Family, which had lost more than half its strength!

Victor might not bear the Iron Birch name, but he was related to the family, and he was on good terms with Alex. That made him a sound choice.

Alex knew Victor's character and had expected him to refuse. He was about to explain when Victor agreed instead.

Alex looked up at Victor's conflicted expression and knew he had worked it out. "That's you for sure—I didn't even have to explain!

"I'll take only the Iron Birch Family's troops back with me. I'll leave the rest of the Coalition of Nobles to you, and I'll have Hawke and Edmund report to your command!"

Alex was about to leave when Victor called him back. "Alex, take all the gold and silver coins we found in the Duchy Army's camp!

"I doubt the Iron Birch Family has much left in its coffers. You'll probably