An unexpected development

Victor was very pleased with his visit to the new station. This time, the Railway Bureau had been meticulous in its work, making up for earlier shortcomings in railway construction and greatly improving the station's facilities.

However, Victor did not continue west toward Red Soil Town. Another matter forced him to cut his inspection short.

Victor returned to the Government Affairs Office building, where Powell was already waiting at the entrance to welcome him. "My lord Marquis, after receiving the news, we began responding according to the emergency plan.

"Greenplain Territory mobilized immediately. Its private troops have assembled and set out for the border under Viscount James.

"We also notified Viscount Brown and Viscount Markut by telegraph. Their territories are close to the area as well. Once their private troops have assembled, they will head straight there to join Viscount James's forces!"

Victor casually tossed his dust cloak to the attendant standing behind Powell, then strode up the stairs toward the upstairs conference room. "Were there no signs beforehand? How did such a large Barbarian tribal force suddenly appear?

"What are our vassal tribes doing? And what about our border outposts?"

Victor's tone was harsh, but Powell could only lower his head and follow behind him, unable to say a word.

Victor also knew he could not blame Powell for this. After all, Powell was not in charge of an intelligence agency. He was merely the governor of Two Rivers County and the head of its government; he could not possibly know more than the intelligence agencies did.

Neither spoke again as they hurried toward the conference room. When Victor pushed open the door, he saw that many people had already arrived.

They included several Regimental Commanders still in Woodfort City and their subordinates, as well as several heads of