459: Chapter 67, Marshal Goway_1 459: Chapter 67, Marshal Goway_1 The calm days were always short-lived, and the news of the rough treatment the Orton Duchy suffered from the Orcs traveled fast.
A whole Duchy was torn apart by the Orc Army without putting up a decent resistance, much to Hudson’s disbelief.
Perhaps this was the cost of “locking up arms and letting the horses roam free.” The idyllic and comfortable environment always made people let their guard down.
If a nationwide mobilization had been carried out sooner instead of relying on the safety of the Moxi Duchy, the story might have been different.
The misfortune that befell the Orton Duchy also affected the Expeditionary Army.
With their nation’s destruction imminent, the soldiers from Orton were panicked.
No matter how panicked they were, they were helpless.
To face the Orc main army, even with the addition of the Expeditionary Army, defeat was assured.
While Hudson initially wanted to lift spirits, he eventually chose to let things take their natural course— a silent test of sorts.
Competent officers would handle the morale of their troops ever than pestering their commander with problems.
In a sense, the tragedy of the Orton Duchy provided Hudson an opportunity.
In this world of knowledge monopoly, most talents were monopolized by the ruling class.
Only when a nation is on the verge of collapse do exceptional individuals have a chance to shine.
Under normal circumstances, wooing talent from the Orton nobles would be difficult.
But those nobles from the expeditionary force who lost their homes stood a chance of being persuaded to join his side.
Next, he would just have to see how the situation unfolds.
With the Moxi Duchy and the Warhammer Kingdom out front, the Orton Duchy’s territory was no longer considered a front line.
The security issue here is far less serious than on the frontline.
These circumstances were wholly unexpected.
Under normal circumstances, the situation in the Moxi Duchy should not have deteriorated so rapidly.
Theoretically, as long as a relatively stable defensive line could be established, the Orton Duchy would still be secure.
This security was not necessarily a good thing for the Orton nobles.
It meant that their land was valuable enough to attract the coveting eyes of others.
The Human Alliance would have to pay a price to help reclaim lost lands.
If luck was on their side, they might even keep the title of their nation, with others only able to claim a small share of it.
But if they were unlucky, they might be dismembered and divided directly amongst others.
In either case, the native nobles of Orton would suffer.
Some unfortunate nobles would inevitably lose their family’s foundation because of this.
Nobles who were send out to reinforce the Moxi Duchy were not particularly influential in Orton.
If such a misfortune struck, they would most likely become the first victims.
Realizing this, Hudson had begun observing the reactions of the Orton nobles, preparing to select the talented from among them.
After all these years, he didn’t even have a decent team of talented personnel.
Whenever a problem arose, it was always Hudson who made the decision.
It was even difficult to find someone to discuss matters with.
In his efforts to recruit talent, Hudson had worked hard, but the results were far from satisfactory.
Aside from attracting some basic talent, there weren’t any truly exceptional figures among them.
Even failed aristocrats would first consider pledging allegiance to the king, followed by major nobles within the country.
When it comes to Hudson, many potential recruits had already been vetted countless times.
It was normal for him to encounter any.
If he did meet any, it would be unusual.
…
The Jade Palace
“Your Majesty, the news from the front line just came in.
Duke Arondo has been assassinated by a skilled orc during his outing.
Almost simultaneously, Dukes Pias, Yagailong, Dias, and Cavadia were all attacked.
The current situation is strictly confidential.
We’re still unaware of the specifics.
Even Marshal Campbell, who was in his military camp, was also attempted assassinated.
Fortunately, the old marshal is strong and was not taken down by the assailant.
On top of that, several frontline generals were assassinated, with as many as seven dead.
The identities of these assassins vary greatly, including humans, orcs, elves, dwarfs, demons, and undead…”
Upon hearing Duke Aefero’s report, Caesar III’s face turned pale.
If one person is assassinated, it might be an accident.
But so many high-ranking officials getting assassinated at once couldn’t be a coincidence.
Managing the movements of so many people is not something that can be easily achieved.
Unless there was collusion both inside and outside, it’s impossible to accomplish.
“Who’s the perpetrator?
And how were these assassins able to infiltrate?”
His Majesty Caesar III asked with a murderous aura radiating from him.
Those who were assassinated were all prominent figures, and were certainly not weak in terms of personal defense.
It’s very unlikely that their close companions would be bought off by outsiders.
Other than Duke Arondo’s assassin who was an orc expert and thus seemed rather normal, all other assassination cases were wrapped in thick fog.
“From the current situation, the Orcs are the most suspect.
However, considering the deep-seated hatred between the human race and the orcs, it would be impossible for them to plant so many insiders.
Besides, considering the various identities of the assassins, the Orc Empire alone is unlikely to have the ability to control so many.
What is most worrisome is that these assassins, except for the undead who appeared out of nowhere, were all slaves and servants who had infiltrated us for a long time.”
Despite his discomfort, Duke Efiel forced himself to explain.
Although the event happened within the military, it wasn’t necessarily the military department’s responsibility to figure out the situation.
Every major noble had his private army, and personal security was the responsibility of their private army.