322: Chapter 14, Ambition_3 322: Chapter 14, Ambition_3 “If we could annihilate a ten-thousand strong Bimon Army Corps, even if Duke Liufeng sacrifices every soldier of the Fengyun Province, the Kingdom would cover his losses!”
Listening to Viscount Orlan, Hudson rolled his eyes.
To annihilate a ten-thousand strong Bimon Army Corps was a mere dream.
In the past several centuries, there were only two recorded instances of a Bimon Army Corps annihilated in entirety, and both were accomplished after the arrival of reinforcements from various countries on the continent.
The recorded price for such victories was summed up in two words―painful!
If Duke Liufeng could do so, he would be a hero respected by billions of the human race, rather than the negative example he currently is.
Never mind those untrained soldiers, hastily sent into battle.
Even if the Kingdom’s standing army were to take on the fight, without ten times the forces, it would be challenging to defeat a Bimon Army Corps.
To fight a war of annihilation, the Bimon would have to foolishly rush into a trap.
Otherwise, wouldn’t they just run if they couldn’t win?
Unlike the humans, the Bimon are twin-born, one as a “human” and one as a “beast”.
The war beasts and Bimon are like brothers, growing up together, with their coordination being incredibly seamless.
In terms of speed, they surpass a large part of the human cavalry.
Only a small amount of elite horses can match their speed.
Fleet of foot and strong in battle, this is why the Bimon Clan, despite their small population, holds the top position among the Five Royal Clans.
In fact, the Five Royal Clans of the Orc Empire are not static.
If one clan falls into decline, it could be replaced by a stronger species from below.
The Five Royal Clans continually instigate wars of southern aggression to eliminate excess population and weaken powerful combatant races within the Empire.
After numerous wars, the supremacy of the Five Royal Clans has been firmly established.
Apart from the Five Royal Clans, the population of other strong combatant races remains at a low number and they find it difficult to grow.
“Viscount, the nobles of Fengyun Province have suffered significant losses already.
After they complete their garrison duties, their strength will likely dwindle further.
Moreover, following the first conscription, there will be a second, and a third.
I fear that by the end of the war, they will be utterly drained.
Duke Liufeng has made a grave mistake, which will inevitably lead to discord among the provincial nobles after the war.
It is inevitable that a major reshuffle will occur in Fengyun Province.
At this once-in-a-century opportunity, I wonder if the Hollis family has any plans?”
Hudson asked directly.
Having talked at length over the map, Hudson did not believe his father-in-law’s purpose was only to discuss the military situation.
Even if he wanted to discuss, only after a barrage of criticism, would the discussion proceed gradually.
He even overlooked the opportunity to pull him up on his wrongdoings, showing clearly that there were important matters to discuss, which would preoccupy Viscount Orlan from dwelling on his minor issues.
The conversation revolved around the Liufeng family, indicating clearly that the Hollis family was seeking to regain their status as a major noble, as it was difficult to make any headway in the Southeastern Province.
“The mess Duke Liufeng has stirred up this time is too large, a chaos is inevitable in Fengyun Province after the war.
To prevent this chaos from spreading to the Southeastern Province, I have been keeping a close eye.
However, if the situation in Fengyun Province remains unstable for too long after the war, the Hollis family would certainly be willing to share the Kingdom’s worries.”
Viscount Orlan said with a worried demeanor.
Seeing this, Hudson felt enlightened.
Although the explicit intent was to expand due to the opportunity, they claimed to be sharing the Kingdom’s worries.
It seems to thrive amongst the nobles; one must acquire thick skin.
To be impervious and heartless, that’s the right way to survive.
As an ally, if the Hollis family wished to expand externally, Hudson would certainly support them as long as it did not harm his interests.
If the Hollis family regained their status as a major noble, it would also be beneficial to Hudson.
The only ones to suffer would be the Dalton family.
However, judging by Viscount Orlan’s style, he likely wouldn’t conflict with the Dalton family over dominating Fengyun Province.
Chances were, a deal would take place behind closed doors between the two families.
If that happens, the nobles of the Southeastern Province should be careful.
With no second family in the Province to stand against them, the existing political balance would certainly be broken.
Facing the formidable Dalton family, the remaining intermediate aristocracy may not manage to form an alliance against them.
The situation with one dominant power is undoubtedly unfavorable for the Mountain Domain, which is currently amassing power.
While musing, Hudson had an epiphany.
The private armies of the nobles in the Southeastern Province had not yet entered the battlefield.
Who knew what could transpire there?
If they were unlucky, just like Fengyun Province, they might get severely devastated by the Orcs as soon as they go to battle.
They wouldn’t even have time to think about anything else.
If everyone suffered the same fate, it would be good, just enough to level the playing field.
To ward off outsiders, they could form an alliance.
What if only a few suffered severe losses while others incurred minimal or no losses?
That would be genuinely problematic.
In the short-term, they might consider their alliance and feel bad about taking action against their own people.
As time passes and emotions wane, driven by their interests, conflicts are inevitable.
With everything uncertain, Hudson found himself carefree.
Compared to other nobles, the Mountain Domain had fewer interests at stake.
Their primary interest was the mining area, and the barren lands that had been opened up.
It wouldn’t be easy for others to come and seize them.
As long as he lived, with Belsden on guard, there would be no issues in retaining his fundamental assets.
With the foundation intact, rebuilding military strength would also be simple.
As long as the soldiers were not entirely wiped out, it would take a year, maybe a year and a half, to recover.
“Viscount, truly you are the model for us all.
Your concern for the country and its people is worth emulating.
If needed, the Koslow family can also lend a hand!”
At this point, Hudson immediately wrote a blank check.
As for the fulfillment of it and how much support to provide, that would depend on the evolution of the situation.