Chapter 544: Van’s Choice

Eppen.

This coastal city, which was once a bustling gateway of trade and salt-scented prosperity, has become the last stronghold of Blande.

After their defeat at Ergel, all of its soldiers fled here in disarray. No one spoke of counteroffensives anymore.

Survival was the only thought left.

Eppen’s port was crowded with people. Whether they are nobles, merchants or common people, everybody wants to get on board the ships to leave.

Ships... Any ship that could still float was being boarded.

Fishing vessels. Coastal traders. Smugglers’ craft that normally crept in under the cover of night now docked openly, charging obscene prices for passage.

Everyone knows this country is doomed. And so Eppen became a marketplace of desperation.

Public security collapses as soon as the news of defeat reaches the city.

The city watch, undermanned and demoralised, either fled, joined the mobs, or sold their authority to the highest bidder.

Street patrols vanished. Law existed only where someone was strong enough to enforce it.

Crime becomes increasingly rampant.

Warehouses were looted in broad daylight, homes of absent nobles were stripped bare, and gangs formed and dissolved within hours.

Everybody takes advantage of the chaos to profit themselves.

Even with Van’s presence, he could no longer control the situation.

He could suppress a riot in one district, only for two more to erupt elsewhere.

He could post soldiers at the harbour, but those same soldiers would abandon their posts by nightfall, slipping away to secure passage for themselves or their families.

"Did you find Hadrian?" Van asked. It’s been a while since he saw his friend.

As soon as he got to Eppen, he ordered his soldiers to search for the head of the Kempten family. He hopes to cooperate with him to reorganise the army.

The officer standing before him stiffened. "No, my lord. There’s no trace of Lord Kempten anywhere in the city."

"Is that so?" Van closed his eyes for a brief moment and sighed.

He has most likely assumed that Hadrian has left.

"Very well," Van said quietly. "You may withdraw."

"My lord... There is someone else who wishes to meet you."

"Who is it?" Van’s gaze lifted. Although he doesn’t know who, he probably knows their purpose.

Over the past week, such interruptions had become routine. He had received countless invitations.

To be honest, Van was surprised to see himself being valued that much.

Blande was not yet officially dead, but the vultures were already circling.

After a moment of contemplation, Van straightened his back. His expression became firm once more.

"Very well. Bring them in."

The man who entered the room did not look like an envoy. He wore the robes typical of a travelling merchant, plain enough to vanish into any port crowd, yet clean and well-kept.

"Lord Van Vernau. I am merely a merchant by trade, but today, I speak on behalf of Cerdeauxia."

Van gestured for him to speak.

The merchant delivered the offer, such as asylum, protection, a formal position as military adviser, resources to rebuild a force and freedom to act within reason.

The words flowed like countless others Van had already heard this past week, differing only in phrasing.

When the merchant finished, Van did not respond immediately.

"I’ve received many invitations."

The merchant smiled. He neither offended nor surprised. "I would expect no less, my lord."

Van continued, "The offer was generous, but not unique. However, Cerdeauxia borders Ryntum."

If there’s one thing that attracts him, it is definitely the proximity between the two, which makes it easier to spy on Ryntum’s movement.

In Van’s opinion, Blande’s fall was because they lacked time, structure, and understanding.

He looks at the merchant carefully. "Go tell your president, I’ll put Cerdeauxia at the top of my list."

The merchant bowed, "I will relay your words exactly, Lord Vernau."

As the man withdrew, Van remained standing, staring toward the sea.

Blande was finished. He ultimately has no choice but to accept that.

....

How fast would it take for Ryntum to conquer the northern cities? The answer is: very fast.

A mere week after Van Vernau met with Cerdeauxia’s messenger in the chaotic Eppen, he received news that the northern front collapsed entirely.

One after another, banners of Ryntum rise above city walls that had barely been contested. Five cities fell in succession.

Aside from a few rabble army trying to make a difference, Ryntum practically had no real enemy. In a few small towns, local lords speak of defiance only to surrender hours later.

Facing little to no opposition, they sweep the entire north.

The entire world once again saw the terror of Ryntum’s war machine.

Reading the report, Van knew he had to make a choice soon. The remaining cities left in Blande were Eppen in the south and Kempten in the west.

Under normal circumstances, Kempten would have been a fortress of resistance. But Hadrian was gone.

It is safe to say that with the absence of Hadrian Kempten, it is practically a free city to take.

After thinking for a while, Van finally resolved his heart to go to Cerdeauxia.

That place is close to Ryntum. Close enough to observe. Close enough to learn. And more importantly, it is also safe enough to survive.

In an instant, he ordered his family to pack up their belonging.

Van is no fool. Preparation to escape has long been made. As early as he arrived in this city.

Multiple escape routes had been mapped. Funds were transferred abroad discreetly. Trusted retainers were selected, and ships were secured.

If Blande was finished, then he would not be buried with it. Van loves his country, but he loves his life even more.

"Pack only what matters. Anything that cannot be carried is to be destroyed. And... do it quietly."

As his subordinates dispersed, Van Vernau returned to the window and looked out over Eppen’s harbour.

The situation becomes more and more chaotic since the news of Ryntum’s victory in the north arrives here.