Chapter 188 - 167: Entering the Pass
Chapter 188: Chapter 167: Entering the Pass
It was safe to say Viscount Sriwizi’s mind was buzzing.
At first, when the battle started, Viscount Sriwizi had watched from the sidelines as his allies seized the initiative, still hesitating on whether to join the fight.
Then, when Valentino’s Fengman Knight Order sent the enemy’s Extraordinary Wolf Cavalry fleeing in disarray, Viscount Sriwizi felt the time had come for the Kingdom to test him. It was time to do something for His Majesty the King.
But as soon as he exited the pass, a rumbling sound echoed from the distance. A human infantry legion, the likes of which Viscount Sriwizi had never seen before, swept through the battlefield like an autumn wind scattering fallen leaves, clearing it with swift efficiency.
By the time Sriwizi wanted to make his contribution to the Kingdom, the Kingdom had already cast him aside.
"His Highness Prince, Sriwizi has arrived late to your aid. I beg for your forgiveness." Fifty paces away from Prince Noah, Viscount Sriwizi dismounted and walked over to stand before Robson and the prince.
"Viscount, there’s no need for such formalities! Please, rise!" Prince Noah feigned surprise, also dismounting and walking to Viscount Sriwizi’s side.
To be honest, for Viscount Sriwizi to only be arriving now meant he had definitely been watching from the sidelines. Otherwise, no matter how slow he might have been, he wouldn’t have shown up even later than Noah.
However, Prince Noah had just commanded a glorious victory and was in high spirits, so he couldn’t be bothered to quibble with Viscount Sriwizi over such things.
’Besides, I’m still just a prince. A prince needs to be approachable and benevolent. It’s a king who needs methods of iron and blood and an inviolable majesty.’
’I’m still shouldering the burden of the defeat on the Western Front. This isn’t the time for me to be losing my temper. That military failure can only be redeemed by a victory here at Thermopylae.’
This was also why Prince Noah had been so generous to Robson. He knew he would need Robson in the future—or rather, the entire royal family would.
’As long as I can help secure our position at Thermopylae, there will be immense advantages to be gained on the Central and Western Fronts.’
At this moment, Robson also dismounted.
"And this is?" Viscount Sriwizi asked, looking curiously at Prince Noah.
"Baron Robson. Sir Robson," Prince Noah explained with a smile.
’Sir?’ A flicker of surprise crossed Viscount Sriwizi’s face. In the Frank Kingdom, "Sir" was an honorific used for those of lower noble rank who were nevertheless worthy of respect.
Looking at the blood-soaked personal soldiers behind Robson, and then at the immaculate Knights of the Royal Guard Knight Order behind Prince Noah, Viscount Sriwizi understood who the true hero of this battle was.
"A pleasure to meet you, esteemed Sir. I am Sriwizi, of the Vidor family," Viscount Sriwizi said with a smile, introducing himself.
’I don’t know if this Sir Robson was the mastermind behind the night raid, but he’s undoubtedly connected to this mundane army.’
’I just saw their combat effectiveness with my own eyes. The whole force... their rapid response, efficient command, tight coordination...’
’This army will likely be the main force defending Thermopylae from now on.’
’Since they’re the main force, building a good relationship with them in advance can’t be a mistake.’
"Your army is truly impressive," Viscount Sriwizi praised.
"Robson. Robson Odogin. My respects to the Viscount," Robson said, giving a slight bow.
"You flatter me, Lord Viscount," Robson said humbly. "If not for the able command of His Highness Prince, my army, no matter how valiant, would have been of no use."
Viscount Sriwizi nodded, understanding dawning in his heart.
’It seems that even if this man before me wasn’t the mastermind of the night raid, he certainly played a vital role.’
’The Prince’s able command?’
’In the Frank Kingdom, if Prince Noah were capable of commanding a battle like this, the royal family would never have had him enter the political arena by way of international diplomacy.’