421: Chapter 54, Logistics Line_1 421: Chapter 54, Logistics Line_1 With every benefit comes a drawback, gains come with losses.
As the Chief commander of the expeditionary force, returning home early was out of the question, but in exchange, Hudson’s voice carried more weight.
He was no longer just a frontline commander, but also a representative of the Alpha Kingdom.
The weight of his words and actions was wholly different from before.
The most immediate effect was that deserters were becoming increasingly obedient, especially those soldiers of the Alpha Kingdom Expeditionary Army, who were behaving exceptionally well.
Unlike his previous unauthorized handling, Hudson was now their legitimate commander, who could charge them for their “desertion” at any time.
“Atone through meritorious deeds”, was no longer a joke, but had become reality.
It wasn’t necessary to aim at them deliberately, simple truthful reporting would await them with charges and questioning.
Building connections would be useless, as the responsibility for the defeat in the great battle rested entirely on Crown Prince Caesar.
The King was worrying about how to lessen this responsibility on his son.
If they dared to protest, Caesar III would not hesitate to attribute the defeat in the battle to the part of noble military officers being too scared to die and causing the army to collapse with their desertion.
There isn’t any blaming going on now, that’s because the domestic situation of the frontline is unclear.
Otherwise, these surviving noble military officers, would most likely carry the blame for the crown prince.
Of course, this would not be unjust.
When the great defeat happened, they were the ones who ran away first, failing to fulfill their responsibilities.
However, Hudson understood this.
Everyone is an ordinary person and it is normal not to face death calmly in the face of life and death.
Failures in operations have always been common.
If they hadn’t met Hudson, these guys would have been destined to wander forever.
They would have had to count every step as a journey, and there would be no way they could return to their homeland.
Having incriminating evidence in hand, these nobles displayed extraordinary efforts during training.
Only a few surviving legion commanders were not in the right state.
Just because the lower nobles were unaware of the seriousness of the matter, did not mean that they were unaware of it.
“Atone through meritorious deeds” is indeed a possibility, but the merits that need to be credited are not negligible, but shoud at least be multiple times the oversights.
Especially for these people, who were involved with the Crown Prince and were passively engaged in the power struggle of the Kingdom.
Unless they have certain people to protect them, a few merits won’t be enough to fill the gap.
All of this naturally could not escape Hudson’s eyes.
These guys were not qualified to be legion commanders, but they can be very useful when brought down a rank.
Leaving other things aside, the private armies under their command demonstrate exceptional combat power.
Even if faced with a great defeat, they could gather several hundred people to run together, which can be considered elite.
Engaging in battle in foreign countries, any power is precious.
No matter the integrity of these people, it’s not like they can join Orcs.
Placed in the right place, they are bound to be of use.
…
“Viscount Andreas, Viscount Gudson, Viscount Robs, are you unsatisfied with me removing you from your Legion Commander positions due to your current state?
Or do you believe that I am deceiving you and think that ‘atone through meritorious deeds’ is just a joke?
How has my reputation become so worthless that I would risk it to deceive a few failed generals like you?”
Hudson wasn’t skilled at manipulation, but that was okay, he could be persuasive.
In an era where the reputation influences one’s fate, no one dares to ignore their own reputation.
It is undoubtedly not worth risking one’s reputation for a few failed generals.
“Your Excellency the Count, we never questioned your sincerity.
However, this time the matter is too serious.
The Kingdom might let the lower-ranking people off, but we are sure to be held responsible.”
As he spoke, Viscount Andreas’s gaze at Hudson was filled with resentment.
As if to say, ‘if you hadn’t sent people after us, we would have run away long ago’.
People who disappear on the battlefield are usually declared dead.
The dead do not bear responsibility; their sons can inherit their titles, and their families can continue to live in noble status.
They were very unfortunate to be found by Hudson’s cavalry while on the run.
Once their alive status was exposed, escaping again would make them wanted by the Human Alliance, leaving them with no place to shelter in the whole continent.
With no other choice, they had to follow the information given by the cavalry and report to the Flying Bear Fort.
“Viscount Andreas, your words are too absolute.
We all know clear what happened in the Battle of Dachias.
The defeat was destined from the start of the war.
Positioning an army in contraposition to the orcs meant that even if you had successfully defeated the Bimon Army, the armies of the other four Great Royal Courts would quickly pounce.
In the face of absolute strength, it cannot be reversed by will, so you don’t need to worry about it.
As for the Kingdom, it’s not as bad as you imagine.
If they convicted you, Crown Prince Caesar could get away.
We already have a great Caesar III, no one wants to see another great Caesar IV.
Now everyone hopes that Caesar IV will be mediocre.
What does this mean?
I believe the three of you understand.
The battlefield is a magical place that can lead one into an abyss and yet can also elevate one to a high position.
How do you know you can’t make it if you don’t try?
Instead of despairing and waiting for the blame, why not give it a shot?
Even in the worst-case scenario when you gain nothing, you can choose to die on the battlefield!”
Hudson tried to convince.