Chapter 549 - 19: A Smooth War

Chapter 549: Chapter 19: A Smooth War

"It was all due to the excellent command of His Highness Prince," Robson said with a smile.

’A little praise costs nothing, and the credit won’t just run away on its own.’

Hearing this, even the thick-skinned Prince Noah felt a little embarrassed.

’Excellent command? I didn’t do anything. I just watched Robson handle everything.’

"General Robson, you’re being too modest..."

"However, the performance of those Gnolls in this war was indeed outstanding," Prince Noah reminded him.

Robson knew that Prince Noah wanted him to pave the way for the establishment of the Alien Race Corps.

The battles over the past few days had been Robson’s way of showing Prince Noah the combat effectiveness of the Alien Race Corps.

’No wonder the Beastmen like using them; they really are effective.’

Of course, Robson would never tell him this was all thanks to his commander interface.

The 26,000 slots on his commander interface had been completely filled with various alien races.

Of course, there were only so many battles to be fought. Without a large-scale war, it was difficult for Robson’s massive Alien Race Corps to improve. Newly promoted Tier-5 units were practically nonexistent.

But Robson didn’t mind. He would use Gnolls to fill the ranks for now, and just replace them later when he had the Human Corps.

In any case, during the few days Robson spent with Prince Noah, they had thoroughly discussed the matter of the Alien Race Corps.

Prince Noah was, after all, young and full of vigor.

He now viewed the reform of the Alien Race Corps as the first major undertaking after his ascension to the throne.

Normally, a ruler shouldn’t make such rapid changes upon taking power; they should first consolidate their rule.

But considering Prince Noah had a good father and the kingdom was stable, Robson didn’t try to dissuade him.

Robson went along with Prince Noah’s line of thought.

"Indeed. These past few days, the Alien Race Corps has truly played a pivotal role."

"His Highness Prince and I have already discussed this and are considering whether to formalize the Alien Race Corps," Robson said.

"That is so."

Hearing this, Earl Lu Wen frowned.

’Hatred cannot be resolved overnight.’

’However, Marquis Oscillate had previously expressed his clear support. The future of the kingdom’s politics belongs to Robson and Noah, and it will have little to do with me. Even if I’m unhappy about it, there’s nothing I can do.’

’Besides, from a purely pragmatic standpoint, this matter actually has quite a few benefits for the northern faction.’

"I was wondering, what did the Earl mean just now when you said the campaign was going smoothly?" Robson asked.

"Oh." Earl Lu Wen nodded.

"The Marquis has already broken through Riliman Fortress. The army has passed through the Riliman Corridor and arrived at the walls of Barol City.

Many from the military merit faction have surrendered without a fight. It’s estimated that Barol City will fall by the end of the month.

The Marquis sent me to tell you that you can prepare to set out," Earl Lu Wen said.

’So smoothly?’

Robson and Prince Noah exchanged a look, both seeing the confusion in the other’s eyes.

Logically, this rebellion was a farce to begin with. With Marquis Oscillate taking action, it should have been instantly crushed.

However, their opponent was Grantham. The moment Grantham was involved, things became different.

Earl Lu Wen seemed to notice their concern.

In fact, Earl Lu Wen and Marquis Oscillate were also pondering this very issue.

’What is Grantham doing? Since he rebelled, he should have locked down Riliman Fortress. With the fortress breached, what hope do they have of survival?’

"Don’t overthink it. Perhaps he’s just gone mad," Earl Lu Wen said.

"You all need to move quickly. The Marquis is already considering a second counter-offensive onto the grasslands."

Robson nodded, forced to accept this flimsy explanation.

"In that case, let my army bring up the rear," Robson said.

’He wouldn’t dare charge ahead blindly with his own army without first assessing the situation.’

"On the logistics side, there are still a few things that haven’t been cleared up.

Robson and I can stay behind for a few days," Valentino said.

’Not having "cleaned up" the logistics meant they’d dipped their hands in the pot but hadn’t wiped them clean yet.’

This, of course, had to be handled carefully. Otherwise, it would be bad to leave an opening for political enemies in the future.

"You should all move out first. Winter is coming soon.

The matter of the counter-offensive onto the grasslands is indeed urgent. The army can remain in the rear for now," Earl Lu Wen said.

Valentino looked at Robson.

’The books could be cooked on the road, but it depended on Robson’s opinion.’

Robson nodded.

"Let’s set out tomorrow morning, shall we? We should at least have some time to rest and reorganize," Robson said.

’Robson still had his eye on many things that hadn’t had a chance to be "expended" yet. How could he leave so easily?’

Of course, this was also a performance for Prince Noah’s benefit.

Prince Noah was very pleased. Seeing that Earl Lu Wen was about to protest again, he spoke up.

"I happen to be a little tired myself. These matters aren’t so urgent that they can’t wait, are they?"

Prince Noah wasn’t afraid of Robson’s corruption; he was afraid of him acting like a saint.

After all, Robson was too perfect in every other aspect. Corruption proved he still had worldly desires. Besides, Robson wasn’t making outrageous demands; he knew his limits.

If Robson didn’t even have these kinds of inclinations, he would be like a lotus blooming from the mud—far too dazzling.

Military logistics were, in the end, a matter for the government.

Seeing that Prince Noah himself was speaking up for Robson, Earl Lu Wen no longer tried to persuade them.

"In that case, you should all get some rest. We will gather tomorrow to meet with Marquis Oscillate," Earl Lu Wen said.

"Thank you for your trouble."

Earl Lu Wen left.

"Enjoy yourselves, my friend."

"The grasslands are so beautiful, and this is our last night here."

"It would be a bore if all you remember of this place is fighting and killing, so enjoy it. The next time we come back might be thirty years from now, and by then, this old man won’t be able to appreciate such beauty."

With a smile in his eyes, Prince Noah looked at Robson and Valentino, then left with his arm around Princess Yifulei’s slender waist.

Valentino was still blushing, but Robson bowed nonchalantly.

"Farewell, Your Highness."

Robson looked behind him at Earl Uman and the talented individuals he had recently scouted while managing logistics.

Robson patted Earl Uman’s arm.

"Well done, Uman. Your contributions will be remembered. I’ve already mentioned it to His Highness Prince," Robson said with a smile.

"Perhaps you can attend the rites at the King’s Altar," Robson said.

Robson didn’t want to beat around the bush; he got straight to the reward.

The rites at the King’s Altar were an event for after Prince Noah’s ascension. The new officials valued by the new King would ascend the King’s Altar with him.

Robson was certain to be on the list, and his ranking wouldn’t be low. It just remained to be seen if anyone else from beyond the pass would also make the cut.

Earl Uman’s face lit up with a grin.

"Just doing my duty, General," Uman said with a smile.

"Keep up the good work. We still have to wrap things up," Robson said.

....

"Robson."

After everyone else had left, Valentino walked up and took Robson’s left arm.

The earlier display by Prince Noah and Princess Yifulei had made the innocent Countess feel a little embarrassed. Along with the embarrassment, however, came a hint of anticipation.

’After all, the grasslands really were quite beautiful.’

"Regarding logistics, is the list ready?" Robson asked.

"Huh?" Valentino was taken aback.

"Oh, it’s all ready."

"As you instructed, I’ve already equipped Affleck’s first through third regiments. It was difficult to turn them all into Heavy Armor Warriors, but it’s close enough."

"Your other forces have also been allocated supplies."

"It’s just that, with all this, the Alien Race Corps ended up with a smaller share. We can only equip just over five thousand of them."

"Did we take too much?" Robson exclaimed.

He hadn’t been paying attention recently and hadn’t realized his fiancée’s hands had been so busy.

Valentino smiled playfully.

"Of course. Poor General Robson is about to be framed by his fiancée and sent to prison.

For the kingdom’s new commander to meet such an end, it’s truly lamentable," Valentino said with a laugh.

Hearing her say this, Robson knew there was no problem.

He trusted Valentino to know the limits. Knowing how to properly "reach out" was a required course for the heir of a great noble house.

However...

Robson suddenly pulled Valentino in by her slender waist.

The two looked into each other’s eyes.

Valentino was stunned for a moment, then remembered Prince Noah and Princess Yifulei and shyly lowered her head.

"Wh-what are you doing?"

"I think Prince Noah was right," Robson said with a smile.

"Hm?"

"The grasslands... are indeed beautiful."

"You’ve set me up for such a fall. Shouldn’t I collect some interest?"

"But, we agreed, after we’re married..."

"It’s fine. We can try other things..."