Celebration and Promotions

Before returning home, the legions needed to converge at Enzo City of Durham County, for a victory celebration. After all, the battle was a success in both process and outcome; at least for the next five years, the northern border would not suffer large-scale Barbarians invasions, and the losses of the main participating Northlands noble families were also within control.

All nobles who participated in the battle could use the victory celebrations and promotion ceremonies to socialize, as such events were rare for the Northern Frontier nobles who were not adept at socializing. Moreover, after attending the victory celebrations and witnessing the promotion ceremonies, Count Colt would oversee the distribution of the remaining spoils, which was also a considerable fortune.

The return journey was not difficult, but the Second Legion did not move quickly. On the one hand, the war was over, and there was no need to exhaust their strength. On the other hand, the returning column had become bloated. In addition, they passed through some noble territories from time to time. These nobles could contact the nobles of the Second Legion. These nobles would take the initiative to pay their respects to Viscount Victor. They believed that Victor had a limitless future and wanted to make good connections. Victor had no choice but to meet with these nobles. This was a matter of social etiquette.

Baron Brown's injuries have healed considerably, and he can now ride a horse. As a long-established nobleman of the Northlands, Baron Brown indeed has a wide circle of friends. Along the way, he kept introducing Vic to the nobleman's background and the beautiful scenery along the route.

Finally, on September 21st, Victor led the Second Legion back to Enzo City, marking the end of this battle that had lasted for more than two months.

With the arrival of the Second Legion in Enzo City, all four legions had now arrived. Count Colt believed that there was no time to lose and immediately began the victory celebration ceremony.

At the victory celebration, Victor was surrounded by a number of nobles. Victor had to be extra careful and do his job well. If he appeared too aloof or unsociable, it would affect his reputation.

Just as Victor was still debating whether he should use the excuse of needing to pee or getting drunk to escape, Count Colt walked to the center of the hall with his scepter. Everyone knew that the social gathering was over.

"Proud Northern Frontier nobles, we have won a great victory in this battle, securing precious peace for the Northlands. For at least five years, the Barbarians will not harass or invade our Northern Frontier. This is all thanks to your efforts and sacrifices," Count Colt raised his right-hand goblet. "Let us drink to the fullest of this fine wine that symbolizes victory! To the Northlands!"

"Respect to the Northlands!" All the nobles echoed in unison, regardless of their inner thoughts, but at this moment no one wanted to spoil the mood.

Without further ado, Count Colt began the promotion ceremony quickly under his supervision.

The highest rank that could have been promoted during the campaign was Victor, but since the promotion ceremony had already been held, Victor would not participate in this promotion ceremony.

Given the Second Legion's commendable performance, the promotion ceremony, arranged by Count Colt, began with the two barons of the Second Legion.

"James Blue Rose!" The announcer's shout made the crystal chandelier tremble slightly. James, dressed in tattered chainmail, knelt on one knee, with Count Colt's scepter resting on his shoulder.

"In the name of the Governor of the Northern Frontier," Count Colt proclaimed, "You are granted the honor of a Baron and the power to expand northward by 1,000 square kilometers." The Count slipped the newly minted Baron's coat of arms ring onto James's finger—a design of Blue Rose entwined around a blood-dripping sword, the ring face set with turquoise.

Next came Baron Raymond Marjoram, Count Colt scepter tapped lightly on Raymond right shoulder. Even with one arm missing, Raymond still exuded an imposing aura.

Marjoram is a unique medicinal plant, and the ointment made from it is very suitable for pain relief. In particular, the ointment extracted by the medical squadron in the Two Rivers Territory using new technology has a very high concentration and is very effective. Raymond relied on it to get through the phantom pain in his left arm during this period, so Raymond simply chose it as his family name.

"Blade of the Northlands," the Count said to Raymond. "I believe that being one-eyed and one-armed will not prevent you from continuing to achieve victory. In the name of the Governor of the Northern Frontier, I bestow upon you the honor of a Baron and the power to expand northward by 1,000 square kilometers." The Count also placed a newly forged Baron's coat of arms ring on Raymond's finger.

Led by Victor and Benjamin, the nobles of the Second Legion gave the two newly crowned barons a warm round of applause.

Other nobles who witnessed this moment were willing to offer smiles and blessings, but there were exceptions. Viscount Crimson Maple was tapping the back of his gilded chair with his malachite ring. "Anyone can be a nobleman, a second son from the interior and an old cripple." His sneer was quickly drowned out by the sound of the pipe organ.

Victor also noticed Edmund's behavior at that moment. Although he couldn't hear what Edmure said, his expression proved that he was up to no good. Victor secretly made a fuss about this guy and planned to teach him a lesson one day.

After all the new nobles had completed their promotions, Count Colt once again raised his glass. "Let us offer our blessings to the new blood of the Northern Frontier nobles. May they possess indomitable courage, unwavering determination, and soaring fighting spirit, and continue to write the glory of the Northern Frontier nobles, making the name of the Northern Frontier nobles shine even brighter."

Victor noticed this as well. Including his speech during the promotion ceremony, Count Colt completely disregarded the existence of the duchy and always referred to the Northern Frontier nobles. None of the nobles around him objected; on the contrary, they all felt honored, even the one who loved to talk strangely, Edmund. Victor remembered that Crimson Maple Territory was also a distant relative of the Ducal House.

It seems that, just as Victor discovered before, the nobles of the Three Counties of the Northern Frontier have long been alienated from the duchy. Even if Count Colt raises the banner of rebellion now, it is estimated that no Northern Frontier nobles will oppose him; on the contrary, most will respond and support him.

Victor was happy to see this happen, since he had already chosen a side and naturally wanted his side to be as strong as possible.

Count Colt was indeed very decisive, which explains why he won the approval of the Northern Frontier nobles. After the ceremony, he immediately distributed the spoils of war.

Iron Birch Territory only received a small share of the spoils, which left all the nobles with no objections to the distribution plan. After all, those who take a bribe are obligated to help. It's like an older brother leading his underlings in a battle. Every time, the older brother shouts "Follow me!" and after winning, the spoils are divided. The underlings get the lion's share, and the older brother gets a smaller share. If anything goes wrong, the older brother takes all the responsibility. Who wouldn't like such an older brother?

Victor also got what he wanted: more than 1,600 warhorses and more than 2,000 packhorses. Combined with the spoils he had previously acquired, Victor had gained a total of 4,000 warhorses and 6,000 packhorses in this campaign. It can be said that even if the army of Two Rivers Territory were to double in size, there would still be enough horses for them to use.