Chapter 409 - 157: The High-Ranking and Powerful Count Sriphine

Chapter 409: Chapter 157: The High-Ranking and Powerful Count Sriphine

After Robson finished speaking, he turned and left, with Earl Uman and the other nobles following close behind.

Count Sriphine and Viscount Keanan exchanged a glance. Seeing no other choice, they too followed behind Robson.

’Although Robson didn’t agree outright, at least he didn’t refuse, did he?’

After giving a few instructions to the men of the Fengman Clan, Valentino caught up with Robson.

In the Fengman Clan’s conference room, a map of the lands beyond the pass was displayed in the center.

However, this map was different from an ordinary map of the region; it was much larger.

To be precise, north of Ehrlichland and Auric Province, an additional area the size of an entire province was marked out.

"Gentlemen, I trust you are all aware of the recent situation with the Human Alliance Army.

Just as in countless wars past, we Franks have once again held out to the very end!

Now, His Majesty has issued the order to counter-attack."

As he spoke, Robson paused and pulled a gold-edged Scroll from within his clothes.

Everyone present, except for Valentino who was already in on it, stared with wide eyes.

They knew exactly what it was. In the Frank Kingdom, a gold-edged Scroll held extraordinary political significance.

It typically signified a letter of appointment from the royal family—and not an ordinary one at that.

"Though I am unworthy, I have been shown great favor by the lords of the kingdom and have been granted the title of General.

The kingdom has appointed me Commander-in-Chief of the Eastern Front, with full authority over all war-related matters," Robson announced.

Everyone had anticipated this, so they merely showed a hint of envy without any further reaction.

Robson smiled and pointed to the map.

"I’m sure you’ve all noticed what’s different about the map before me.

This additional northern section is none other than our Frank Kingdom’s Julian Province!"

"Years ago, His Majesty the Knight King routed the Beastmen, forcing them to scatter, and opened up this land to trade with the Dwarf Kingdom. This proves it has been Frank territory since ancient times.

However, thirty years ago, due to a crushing defeat on the central front, our Frank territory was shamelessly stolen by the Beastmen!

Our objective in this northern campaign is to launch a counter-attack and make our lands whole again!" Robson declared, his voice ringing with conviction.

That’s right. Julian Province was at the end of the Ancient Trade Route, one of the economic factors behind the Fengman Clan’s past rise and subsequent decline.

Of course, the disruption of the Ancient Trade Route wasn’t caused by the Beastmen; it was actually related to the Gray Dwarves. However, the reasons were complicated, and the full story was a long one.

Regardless of the truth, everyone present felt their blood boil with excitement.

’It wasn’t for any noble reason, really. It was mainly because it was such a vast territory. Once it was conquered, Robson would certainly take the lion’s share, but couldn’t they at least get a sip of the broth?’

Robson, for his part, was quite satisfied with the nobles’ reactions.

That was one good thing about the Franks: they did not fear war.

Robson had said they were going to capture Julian Province, but there was much more he left unsaid.

Back when the Fengman Clan was powerful, they had constantly expanded their influence beyond the pass and knew the lands even further north like the back of their hand.

Julian Province was situated in the River Valley Region and was suitable for agriculture. Further north lay the outskirts of the Demon Beast Mountain Range, which, despite being mountainous, was perfect for hunting.

To the west lay the Beastman Empire. Based on current intelligence, the area was likely guarded by the Centaur Royal Court.

The territory of the Centaur Royal Court, while unsuitable for farming, had lakes and lush pastures, making it ideal for developing animal husbandry.

’In Robson’s mind, the best outcome would be to take it all. Perhaps even the Dwarf Royal Court, deeper within the continent, was worth a shot?’

Of course, it was too early to speak of such things. For now, Robson’s primary objective was to reclaim Julian Province and expand the borders of the Affleck Domain.

"General, how do you intend to conduct the attack?" Earl Uman asked.

The moment he spoke, everyone turned to Robson, their faces flushed with excitement.

This was the part everyone cared about most.

’Julian Province was a fat piece of meat, and everyone wanted a bite. To get a bite, you needed military merit, and to get military merit, you needed to be assigned the right post.’

The power to make those assignments rested solely in Robson’s hands.

Robson naturally understood what Earl Uman was getting at and gave an easy smile.

"I believe this is why most of you are here.

This operation is of the utmost importance, and I dare not be careless.

Therefore, I plan for the Affleck Domain to commit all of its elite troops. Furthermore, Count Valentino will mobilize the Fengman Knight Order to join the fight."

"Of course, in addition to the Affleck Domain and the Fengman Clan, the Military Commission will also issue a Recruitment Order for the front lines," Robson added slowly.

As soon as the words left his mouth, Earl Uman and his faction beamed with delight, while Count Sriphine’s group, in stark contrast, looked ashen-faced.

Robson’s words had made the distribution of roles perfectly clear.

’Lord Robson would eat the meat, members of the Military Commission would get the broth, and everyone else could have whatever scraps were left.’

"General, I fear this allocation is hardly appropriate," Count Sriphine said, stepping forward.

"Oh? And what might be inappropriate about it?" Robson asked with a smile.

"Beyond the pass, there are many nobles who have not joined the Military Commission. Must our ardent desire to serve the kingdom be simply cast aside?"

"Furthermore, while the Eastern Front is urgent, I’ve heard that bandits have been running rampant beyond the pass lately.

Surely, the Military Commission will need to leave some Soldiers behind to keep the peace," Count Sriphine said.

This was an almost blatant threat.

Of course, Count Sriphine could hardly be blamed. After all, their factions had all but dropped any pretense of civility with each other recently.

Now that Robson was taking everything for himself and leaving them not even the scraps, they had no choice. Even a cornered rabbit will bite, let alone a man.

Robson looked at Count Sriphine with a smile, his gaze then shifting to the nobles standing behind him.

The nobles from Ador Province lowered their heads, but they did not abandon Count Sriphine.

These men, presumably, were the last source of Count Sriphine’s confidence.

If Robson wanted a stable rear, he could not afford to ignore Count Sriphine and the nobles of Ador Province.

"Regarding my establishment of the Military Commission, Earl Harold himself praised it endlessly, calling it a brilliant strategy for defending against the Beastmen and coordinating our efforts.

Earl Harold even went so far as to recommend several nobles to me, hoping I would bring them into the Military Commission.

Since Count Sriphine has brought up the matter of bandits, I can take this as an opportunity to expand our ranks."

"With a great war ahead of us, a stable home front is essential. Therefore, I propose that nobles who stay behind to eliminate bandits should have their military merit calculated in the same way as those charging on the front lines."

"Viscount Keanan, what are your thoughts on this?" Robson asked with a smile.

Count Sriphine tensed and turned to look back at Viscount Keanan.

At that moment, Viscount Keanan’s brow was furrowed, and he appeared displeased.

Count Sriphine had just begun to relax, but to his surprise, Viscount Keanan’s face lit up with a broad smile in the very next instant.

"The General’s considerations are so thorough, what more could I possibly say?" Viscount Keanan laughed.

As he spoke, Viscount Keanan silently took a step to his right. While he didn’t move all the way over to Earl Uman’s side, he was no longer standing with Count Sriphine.

"Ador Province has also suffered from Beastman incursions for years. On behalf of the nobles of Ador Province, I request that the General allow us to join the Military Commission," Viscount Keanan said with a smile.

’No wonder Earl Harold and Marquis George had been acting so strangely recently,’ he thought. ’So there was a political deal behind it all.’

’Although Viscount Keanan didn’t know the details of the deals made behind his back, he knew this was likely his last chance to bend the knee.’

This sudden turn of events left Count Sriphine utterly stunned.

’That’s not what you were saying before! Where did that righteous indignation go? Didn’t we agree to present a united front?’

Robson nodded and produced a sheet of paper.

"This list details everyone’s specific assignments for the upcoming war," Robson said.

Only then did it dawn on everyone present.

’So he was prepared for this all along. Everything had gone according to his plan.’

Robson read the names from the list.

"Hm, it seems a few people are missing," Robson said, feigning surprise.

"Oh! Count Sriphine, you don’t have an assignment yet."

Robson walked over to Count Sriphine and said with a wide grin.

"As it happens, Count Valentino is finding it a bit taxing to handle logistics all by himself. I’ve long heard that you, Count Sriphine, have a talent for such matters.

So, Count Sriphine, why don’t you come help oversee logistics for everyone.

This is a crucial task, Earl. You must remain honest and incorruptible. No embezzlement or bribery now," Robson chuckled.

.....

When the meeting ended, both Viscount Max and Count Sriphine wore grim expressions.

’In charge of logistics...’

’The key point was they were managing it with Earl Fengman. It didn’t take a genius to figure out it would be a thankless, grueling task.’

"Earl, those men who were with us are starting to make noise again.

Perhaps... we should try to negotiate with Viscount Robertson..." Viscount Max was the first to break the silence.

Count Sriphine gazed westward and sighed.

"Alas..."

"I don’t know how things are going with the Marshal. Let’s just wait and see."