370: Chapter 34, Vortex of Power_2 370: Chapter 34, Vortex of Power_2 Just when he was about to make a big score, he ran into the toughest nut to crack.
Not only is revenge hopeless, even whether he can live out the rest of his life peacefully has become an unknown.
In an instant, he made a decision to distance himself from Viscount Gio, whose demise was imminent.
It was a pity for the generous gift he had just received, which he had not yet had a chance to open and see what it was; now it had to be returned.
“Your Excellency the Count, the incident has already happened, and blaming someone will not help.
The key issue lies with Earl Hudson.
If we can get him to keep quiet, we can pretend this incident never happened.
The trouble was caused by Viscount Gio, and he should be responsible for cleaning it up.
If he can’t fix this, we can turn to Viscount Rakel and ask him to mediate.”
It wasn’t a sudden attack of conscience, but a matter of principle, that once a bribe was received, work had to be done.
Even if the task fails, the gift has to be returned, but at least he has to try first.
Viscount Gio could bribe him, the Guard Commander, and he could also bribe others.
There were no secrets within the Logistics Department.
If Viscount Gio found out that he hadn’t done anything and ended up blaming him as well, it would be a big problem.
In any case, he has given his advice.
Whether Viscount Gio can seize the opportunity or not is no longer his concern.
…
In the Marshal’s Camp, Marshal Hodge was working by the lamplight.
As the front-line Commander, he had endless tasks to deal with every day.
This was a common occurrence.
Only after he finished the last official document did Marshal Hodge slowly look up and ask his deputy:
“I heard that the up-and-coming Earl Hudson has had a conflict with the Logistic Department.
How far has it progressed?”
It had to be admitted that news traveled fast in the military camp.
Even before the day was over, not only had the officials in the Logistics Department received the news, but even the Chief Commander on the front line had heard about it.
From Marshal Hodge’s question, it could be inferred that he was hoping to make a big news out of it.
The corruption in the logistics of Moxi Duchy has been a long-standing issue for the military.
The interests involved are too entangled for Hodge, even as the current frontline Chief Commander, to have the guts to remove this cancer.
Just because he didn’t dare to act, doesn’t mean he didn’t want others to do so.
The Layton County Legion, as a guest army, has no ties to these interest groups, making it an excellent pawn.
Once the conflict affects the logistics of the reinforcements, and it gets blown up, Alpha Kingdom will inevitably get involved.
By then, it would become an issue between two countries, attracting even more countries’ attention.
It would be impossible to cover it up.
Under such circumstances, no interest group could stand its ground.
Removing this cancer would undoubtedly be a boon for Moxi Duchy.
“Marshal, since Earl Hudson created a scene during the day, he has returned to the camp, seemingly indifferent to the incident.
Viscount Gio, who was injured, was saved by the priest.
However, his condition has declined significantly and he might have to retire prematurely.
The situation in the Logistics Department is a bit complicated.
Some officials are clamoring for revenge, but are scolded by Count Sandford.
It’s estimated that they want to cool things down and wait for the situation to blow over before seeking revenge.”
Upon hearing his deputy’s report, Marshal Hodge laughed, shook his head, and said:
“Haley, you’re wrong this time.
Since the handle is in their hands, that old fox Sanford doesn’t have the courage to seek revenge.
What’s more, even if he wanted to, what could he do?
Does he dare to withhold supplies from the Layton County Legion?
Even if he just delayed the supplies for a few days, the Kingdom of Alpha would protest to the capital.
If it affects the survival of the Kingdom, and the King investigates, Sanford would be the one to get the blame.
If I’m not mistaken, he should be busy now trying to downplay the incident.
After all, losing face is always better than losing life.”
The interests entwined with the logistics are indeed large, but these vested interest groups only want to reap benefits, with no intention of dragging the Moxi Duchy into the abyss.
Even during ordinary times when they skim off the top, most of them substitute the inferior for the good.
No one would be foolish enough to take everything, leaving the frontline soldiers starving.
They have never forced people into a desperate situation, which is why they have been able to make a fortune all along.
Besides, reading people’s intentions is an essential skill.
Generally, the logistics supplies of the Duchy’s main army can receive eighty to ninety percent of their share.
It is not surprising that some powerful commanders receive the full amount.
Those truly unlucky are the numerous Cannon Fodder Legion.
Their own strength is weak, their voice in the army is not high, and they do not have the ability to make a fuss.
It would be one thing to deduct from their own materials.
The Layton County Legion, as intimidating reinforcements, were clearly not in the category of being deducted supplies.
The circumstances along the way were apparent; none of the officials responsible for supplying along the way dared to practice deduction.
To achieve this, it was evident that the interest groups behind did not intend to exploit these supplies.
The problem was clearly that someone was making unilateral decisions.
The vested interest groups behind did not benefit from it and naturally would not stand up for them.
If a problem arises, the bureaucrats of the Logistic Department, including Count Sandford, must bear the consequences themselves.
Having understood all of this, Marshal Hodge was soon worried again.
The Layton County Legion is a valuable weapon, but he is not the one wielding it.
If he wants to stir up trouble with Hudson, he still lacks enough chips in hand.
Even though the title of Chief Commander of the Frontline sounds powerful, his actual power is not absolute under the checks and balances.
…
Inside the camp, Hudson, who was enjoying a large meal, had no idea that he had unwittingly fallen into the whirlpool of power struggle.
The events of the day were just minor episodes in life.
If not for the desire to establish authority, he could have solved the problem in a more civilized manner.
For example, he could have announced his departure from the front line on the grounds of poor quality food supplies, scaring off the greedy bureaucrats.
Or he could have used the diplomatic terms agreed upon by the two countries to intimidate the logistics officer.
He didn’t use any of these civilized methods, but chose the most violent one.
Therefore, the logistics officer was unlucky.
“Legion Commander, Viscount Gio requests to see you.”
Upon hearing the Guard Commander’s words, Hudson racked his brains but could not remember anything about Viscount Gio.
Lack of impression means a stranger.
He didn’t have the time to entertain unannounced strangers.
He waved his hand and said:
“Tell Viscount Gio, I’m busy right now.
If he has anything to say, he should talk to you guys.
If such strangers visit in the future, treat them the same way.
Of course, well-known figures, or nobles above the rank of Earl are exceptions.”
If it were in the Alpha Kingdom, Hudson would not have been so snobbish, but this was the Moxi Duchy.
Making friends with minor nobles is just meaningless socializing, offering no value for future development.
Hudson would prefer to reminisce with his knights than entertain an unknown Viscount.
“Legion Commander, the Viscount Gio outside is the same logistics officer from earlier today.
Judging by the abundant gifts he has brought, it seems he is here to apologize.”
Hearing this answer he hadn’t anticipated, Hudson was somewhat stunned.
Thinking about the obstinate attitude of Viscount Gio during the day, he had assumed he was influential.
It was surprising to see him soften up so quickly after being beaten up.
Traditionally, those who serve as logistics officers have connections.
Hudson had prepared ways to deal with difficulties and conflicts that were bound to arise later.
The unexpected apology was indeed surprising.
“Bring him in then!”