365: Chapter 32, Teluns City_1 365: Chapter 32, Teluns City_1 After a warm reception from the officials seeing off the army, Hudson had clarity regarding the rewards.
It was roughly as expected: an empty noble title, some gold and silver, jewels and a portion of cultivation resources.
Unfortunately, Hudson was already overpowered, so the ordinary supplementary resources didn’t mean much to him.
The real gain was the Moxi Duchy’s agreement to equip the Layton County Legion with some magic crossbows.
Without a doubt, this timely aid was due to the merits of those second-generation men.
In the previous battle report, Hudson had praised them extravagantly; the exaggerated battle achievements were mostly credited to these second-generation men.
Having reaped the benefits, it was only natural to give something in return.
Although the manufacturing process of the magic crossbows was complicated, it was achievable for a country.
The lack of large-scale equipment was mainly due to its cost.
Normally, these expensive weapons would only be equipped to the main army of the duchy.
Only when there were surplus quotas would it trickle down to other troops.
Each appearance would undoubtedly prompt a mad scramble.
The fact that the Layton County Legion was able to take food from the tiger’s mouth was not only due to the influence of their military exploits but also thanks to someone pulling strings behind the scenes.
Hudson sought these not only for the powerful long-range attacks of the magic crossbows, but most importantly for their air defense capabilities.
With the correct shooting angle, they would have a very strong impact on aerial targets.
It was one of the few air defense firepower in this era.
Of course, even more powerful was the Magic Crystal Cannon.
The problem was that the weapon was not only expensive, but also exceedingly bulky.
Even the lightest Magic Crystal Cannon weighed several tons.
The power of the heavy Magic Crystal Cannon, which weighed tens to hundreds of tons, could even injure a giant dragon.
The regrettable thing was, under normal circumstances, the cannonballs fired by this huge weapon couldn’t hit a giant dragon.
Unless there was concentrated firepower coverage, the speed at which humans adjusted the gun barrel to aim was simply impossible to keep up with the dragon’s speed.
Although the power of the crossbow was slightly less, it was smaller in size and more flexible to operate.
Some specially made magic crossbows from the hand of an Alchemist Master had a certain killing power against high-order demon beasts.
That was why experts would run away when faced with an army.
If a high-order demon beast could be injured, how could a fragile human body withstand it?
The quota was confirmed, but when the goods could be received, it depended on the efficiency of the bureaucrats in Moxi Duchy.
Hudson, however, was not worried about this issue.
With the help of newly-acquainted friends, the efficiency of those bureaucrats in the capital was destined to be high.
After all, they had agreed to act together on the upcoming mission.
Earning military achievement was one thing, but the more important incentive was that the Layton County Legion had a high degree of autonomy.
On the battlefield, Hudson could outright refuse any unreasonable tasks assigned by the front-line command at any time.
If the risk were too high, they could abandon the mission and run.
The Moxi Duchy had no right to enforce any repercussions.
If they wanted to force responsibility, the lawsuit would have to be taken to Alpha Kingdom.
As a prominent combat team, as long as they didn’t make a fundamental error, the punishment was basically a three-drinks penalty.
Moving together with such a team not only ensured a high degree of safety but also allowed them to reasonably shirk responsibility.
The rationale?
Communications officers must act together with their targets.
All the arrangements were in place.
Unless one was foolish, they wouldn’t set their sights on a group with such powerful backing.
…
“Honorable Viscount Rakel, has there been any progress on the investigation of the orc army’s boundary crossing?” Hudson asked with concern.
They were about to reach the front line.
If he didn’t get to the bottom of this problem, he really wouldn’t feel at ease.
The human race and orcs were archenemies.
The likelihood of the border garrison colluding with orcs was low.
However, no one could guarantee that there wouldn’t be a few fools among the border soldiers.
If those fools also held important positions, then it would be very bad.
“Honorable Earl Hudson, this matter is very complex.
All the front-line forces are conducting self-checks.
I believe we will have results soon.
The capital has issued a strict order for the soldiers on the front line to strengthen their guard.
Similar incidents should not occur again.”
Rakel’s answer left Hudson at a loss for words.
With such a serious incident at hand, the choice to “self-examine” is nothing short of incredible.
As per his understanding, such an incident should directly lead to accountability.
So many orc armies crossed the border, it was impossible not to leave a trace.
It was the responsibility of the local guards wherever they went.
If they bypass the fortress, it’s understandable if the guards couldn’t stop them, but they didn’t report it, which was unacceptable.
The investigation should be carried out layer by layer.
By tracing the source over several days, they should have already obtained general results.
However, Hudson couldn’t interfere too much in Moxi Duchy’s affairs.
He could only increase his vigilance during the upcoming action.
….
In Dapes City, Crown Prince Caesar was bidding a reluctant farewell to Princess Annie.
After several days of interaction, their relationship had moved closer to that of a couple’s, with just a slight barrier left to overcome.
He had wanted to invite Princess Annie for a “country outing and hunting” activity, but a compliant woman who had been deeply educated by the royal family would never agree to such an unusual invitation, would she?
Disputes arose over this matter.
In Princess Annie’s view, the nation was in a dangerous phase.
If she couldn’t help, at least she shouldn’t cause trouble!