Chapter 1557: Chapter 53: Crossroads
Local wars do not affect the kingdom’s strategic layout; the strategy to annihilate the Orcs remains the top national policy. Caesar IV affixed his signature to the document, and the Treasury, always a debtor, finally became a creditor for once.
Among the noble lords enfeoffed this time, over 95% chose to defer the payment of Title Gold. It is clear that the Noble Consortium of the Alpha Kingdom is truly not affluent.
Even after receiving a sum from the Papal State, everyone’s pockets remain tight. Even if they have some spare money, they dare not use it casually.
After all, they need the money for land reclamation on the border, with many expenses ahead!
The dismal data also indirectly confirmed the fairness of this noble enfeoffment. The military did not just collect connections but carefully screened them.
At the frontline, everyone becomes comrades. Needing to entrust their backs to others at any time, encountering someone unreliable can only harm both parties.
Of course, the most crucial point is that Commander Hudson is not short on money!
Since taking on the role of Kingdom Military Commander, he has never earned a single copper coin from it, nor has he used his position for personal gain.
Not only is he not greedy himself, but Hudson also vigorously combats corruption within the military. The commander’s integrity has influenced many high-ranking officers in the army.
In the process of territorial expansion, everyone has already gained considerable benefits, making it unnecessary to continue taking risks.
Hudson doesn’t directly execute noble leaders but is adept at getting others to do it for him. Once any corruption is found, those involved are required to “atone for their crimes” by being transferred to the Cannon Fodder Troop.
A typical noble-style tactic, causing no complaints from anyone. Apart from the person transferred, who may have a minor grievance, even their clan is quite satisfied.
Staying on the battlefield to “atone for crimes” is better than being directly repatriated with a “corruption” label.
Seeking fortune amidst danger: after winning several battles, past misdeeds are written off; and if unfortunately killed in action, their blood can wash away disgrace, preserving the clan’s honor.
…
Blood Moon Defense Line.
The celebratory banquet has already begun, and Hudson is busy shuttling through the crowd, feeling both pain and joy.
In general, defensive counterattacks result in substantial losses, usually achieving only a minor gain from enemy remnants’ weapons and logistics.
This time, things are markedly different. Just the special Demon-Breaking Guns mounted on the city walls are of substantial value.
Along with the loot seized in subsequent pursuits, it was surprisingly enough to offset the war expenses.
The Earth Core race, impoverished to the point of eating dirt, unexpectedly showed off a wealthy side in front of everyone, which is no small matter.
After seeing the gains, the Peace Faction within the province has all turned into the War Faction, having confirmed that the Giant Centipede’s domain in the Earth Core World is a treasure trove of rich minerals.
All the proof is reflected in the weaponry. During the interrogation of prisoners, this was also verified.
“The opportunity to get rich has arrived!”
The spirits of everyone are high; even during the celebratory banquet, they cannot resist the urge to discuss.
“A usable military spirit” is a good thing, and a troublesome thing. It’s not easy to halt the chariot when subordinates are overly militant.
The lively celebratory banquet ends, but the anticipated grand counterattack is long in coming, quickly unsettling people below.
For a time, Hudson and Governor Piers became the focus of everyone’s pestering, continually advocating the benefits of launching a counterattack.
…
“Marshal, keeping this pressure on indefinitely is not a viable solution!”
Governor Piers remarked with a face full of distress.
Compared to Commander Hudson, his position as Governor bore greater pressure. Not only were the small and medium nobles within the province urging action, but even voices within the Dalton Family were all pro-war.
“If we can’t hold on, then we might as well tell them!”
Eradicating the Centipede Clan can be done at any time, but the chance to open the trade route to the Black Forest Kingdom is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
We are allies, and if the Black Forest People do not agree, we also cannot forcibly establish this trade route.
Now that the opportunity has come, we naturally cannot miss it.
This matter is a boon for all Nobles of the Southeastern Province, ensuring their support is not a concern.
Anyway, since the Earth Core race is the villain, we only need to deny involvement afterward, and the Black Forest People will have to accept it, pinching their noses.
If these annoying Centipedes perform well on the battlefield, the Black Forest People might even have to seek the Kingdom’s assistance once more.
At that time, we can openly occupy the Hundred Mile Corridor, only needing to construct a military fortress at the other end to gain strategic initiative in the future.
As long as the Black Forest People behave, we remain allies and everything can be discussed; if they dare to cause trouble, we can immediately…
It’s not an honorable strategy to plot against allies, but national interests are eternal.
As an important shareholder of the Alpha Kingdom, Hudson naturally prioritizes the Kingdom’s interests.
The same reasoning applies to Governor Piers.
Setting strategic interests aside, once this trade route is open, both families can recover substantial commercial benefits.
Though not guaranteed, an additional three to five points on the annual family financial accounts is certainly achievable.
While it seems like a small percentage, for two families of such scale, the increase in tax revenue is not insignificant.
As for the increased national defense pressure, the two simply ignored it.
Perhaps after completing military reforms, the Black Forest Kingdom may grow stronger, but that remains just a possibility.
Currently, the military strength disparity between the two countries is already significant.
Had he not personally led troops to support the Black Forest Kingdom, Governor Piers would not have believed how drastically this neighbor had declined.