In the Name of the Queen

The bloody pursuit of the Hansa New Army basically ended after three days. Sporadic battles continued, but the overall situation of the war had been determined.

With Rune being sniped, the command system of the Oden Kingdom Army collapsed. The remaining generals had no idea what to do, and finally made the most rational choice driven by the desire to survive.

Escape!

This choice was originally fine, but the escape without unified command naturally evolved into a rout.

Christine showed the true face of a cold-blooded witch, continued to board the hot air balloon, and commanded calmly. Under her command, various armies chased and killed frantically, leaving no way for the Oden people to survive.

The pursuit started from Helensburg, crossed the town of Oro, and finally arrived at Hosenburg, the assembly point for the Oden Kingdom to launch the war.

The unfortunate Swain VII planned to fight a defensive counterattack here to consume the morale and fighting spirit of the Hansa New Army and wait for an opportunity to counterattack.

He issued a conscription order to all vassals, requiring them to lead the private soldiers of the territory to rescue.

However, his defeat hurt not only the royal army, but also the lords of various places were frightened by the fighting power of the Hansa New Army.

They responded to the king's call on the surface, but in fact they only sent troops verbally.

The Hansa New Army is now in high spirits and has won battle after battle. Who dares to show up?

More than 30,000 new troops surrounded the less than 10,000 people left by Sven VII in Hossenburg, and did not launch an attack. They just used artillery shells to call the garrison at irregular intervals every day to strengthen the garrison.

Hossenburg is a solid fortress, and the casualties of the strong attack are huge. Roland certainly couldn't bear to use these precious soldiers who had been on the battlefield and seen blood as cannon fodder.

Although the war of more than a month has achieved a brilliant victory, the total casualties of the new army have exceeded 5,000, which makes him feel distressed.

These are not 5,000 soldiers, but non-commissioned officers and grassroots officers when the army is expanded in the future.

According to the calculation that each veteran brings five to ten people, the loss is indeed huge.

This is war, and there is always a price to pay.

Although Roland and Sif led the way and fought hard to kill the enemy; Christine brought the art of command to the extreme; the navy and the army cooperated well, but the army of the Kingdom of Oden was also elite, and the losses were already excellent.

The next thing to do is to deal with the aftermath.

Roland did not take the initiative to send people to contact the Oden people for negotiation.

Whoever proposed negotiation first is also a psychological game, and whoever gave in first will lose in momentum.

The comprehensive strength of the Kingdom of Oden and the three overseas provinces is almost the same, and there is also support from foreign forces, and the hard power is even higher than the three overseas provinces.

As long as Hosenburg can be defended until winter comes, Roland's logistics supply will be difficult, and the situation will turn around.

In order to fight this war, Roland's new army almost went out in full force, and only the three provincial capitals had a few garrisons. If something unexpected happened, Roland would face greater pressure.

In order to boost morale, the queen played by the magic mirror also went to the front line and stationed in the Suwig area.

Although the situation was worrying, Sven VII, who retreated to Hosenberg, calmed down. He knew that Roland had no ability to attack the strong fortress, so he had to grit his teeth and wait for the situation to change.

The siege of Hosenberg lasted for more than half a month, and Sven VII also endured for more than half a month in anxiety due to the lack of intelligence.

Finally, in the heat of midsummer, he waited for the messenger to come.

The messenger was dressed neatly, but his face was not very good.

Sven VII looked at the messenger's face and his heart skipped a beat. Before he asked, the messenger handed a secret letter to Sven.

Just after opening the secret letter and taking a few glances, Sven almost vomited blood.

"These traitors!"

His blood rushed, and he wanted to go back to the capital immediately to deal with those who betrayed him.

This secret letter was sent by his confidant who stayed in the capital at great risk, and briefly described the recent domestic and international situation to him.

Roland did not attack Hosenburg by force, but sent a large fleet to surround the capital from the sea and landed to cut down the oak forest.

It took Sven VII a long time to realize that these oak trees were used to rebuild the navy.

He spat out a mouthful of old blood and almost fainted on the spot.

The navy of the Kingdom of Oden was severely damaged by the Sussex Empire more than a hundred years ago. Now the whole country can't get 30 warships together, and experienced naval generals and sailors are even more scarce.

This navy has to go around even the most powerful pirates, and it is no match for the Fourth Fleet.

In the battle off the coast of the capital, 27 warships went into battle, and only 13 retreated back to the port, which gave the Fourth Fleet a great performance.

General Good, who returned to the capital, saw that he was no match for the naval battle, so he simply dismantled the warship's artillery to replenish the port artillery, and then sank the warship.

Seeing this, Sven VII was so angry that he couldn't speak.

Sinking ships to seal ports and dismantling guns for defense, at first glance, is trying to reduce losses, there is nothing wrong, but it is standard army thinking.

Even if the Hansa New Army withdraws, the navy of the Kingdom of Oden is completely finished.

In this era, a coastal country without a strong navy is like a beautiful girl walking on the street without clothes, allowing people to ravage her.

It is not so easy to rebuild the navy.

The only warships all sank, and the wood for shipbuilding was looted by Roland. There is no hope of rebuilding the navy within a hundred years.

When he was young, Sven VII studied abroad in the military academy of the Golden Kite Republic and served in the Golden Kite Navy for a year and a half. He knew the importance of the navy.

Unlike Goode and Rune, who were pure army generals who only focused on the land, he was eager to build a strong navy.

"My ship, my tree! Ah!"

Sven VII closed his eyes in pain, and it took a long time for him to recover.

He continued to look down, his face became even uglier. He finally understood why Good did this.

Now it is not a question of retaining the navy, but whether the kingship can be preserved.

The local nobles and the family branches are in collusion, preparing to take advantage of his absence from the capital to support a new king.

He was so angry that he trembled all over, and he wanted to lead the guards back to the capital immediately to catch these rebels in one fell swoop.

However, he could not leave, Roland was outside the city.

Hossenburg has a special terrain and is built on the mountain. It is impossible to completely besiege it. Sven VII can easily slip away with only a few guards, but it is useless for him to leave alone.

Only those with the support of the army are kings. Without the protection of the army, he is just a wanderer named Sven.

Sven VII took a few deep breaths and waved his hand to signal the messenger to retreat.

He shook the bell on the table and gritted his teeth to give an order to the adjutant who rushed over.

"Send someone to contact Roland, I want to negotiate with him!"

The adjutant was shocked and was about to persuade him, but Sven had already thrown the secret letter in front of him.

After a quick glance, the adjutant turned pale and stammered.

Although Sven acted like a coward in the Battle of Helensburg, his choice this time was right.

A small country like Oden can only rise when the big countries are balancing each other.

If the three overseas provinces can be taken in one go and the newly occupied territories can be gradually digested by the domestic contradictions in Sussex, there will be a chance to join the ranks of the great powers.

Although it cannot be compared with big countries like Jin Yuan and Vladimir in a short period of time, at least there is a place.

The Ruriks' intelligence is very accurate. The Sussex Empire does have internal problems, and the empire itself does not have a single soldier in the war.

They have gained a precious historical opportunity.

However, they never dreamed that the Hansa New Army, which they looked down upon, won a great victory under the premise of being inferior in numbers and equipment.

It's not that the Kingdom of Oden didn't work hard, but that they were unlucky and met Roland and Sif.

If it weren't for Roland and Sif, relying only on the old army and bureaucratic system of the three overseas provinces, the three provinces would most likely be lost.

Although he felt very frustrated, Sven decided to bow to reality.

Maybe the Kingdom of Oden was not destined to become an empire.

At least the ruling position of the family should be preserved, and the future should be handed over to the descendants.

On the outskirts of Hossenburg, on a small hill.

Roland was taking a walk, accompanied by the Golden Knight Raikkonen and Tom, who had just been promoted to major.

Raikkonen was Roland's direct descendant, so he was very relaxed. Tom was nervous and at a loss when he met the governor for the first time.

Looking at Tom's embarrassed expression, Roland smiled and said, "Is the young hero of Helensburg so nervous?"

Tom smiled embarrassedly, wiped the sweat with his sleeve, and said softly:

"I never dreamed that I could meet the governor. This is the first time I have met such a high official."

Raikkonen, who was standing next to him, held back his laughter and secretly complained that you were just received by the real Queen. If you knew the truth, you would faint.

In Tom's eyes, Count Sif was the deputy governor, and her status was not as high as Roland's. How could he know that the queen had a hobby of cosplaying as a countess.

Roland smiled and teased: "You should learn from Raikkonen. He is only one year older than you, but he is not afraid of the stage at all."

Tom laughed and did not dare to answer.

Raikkonen was Roland's confidant when he was in the imperial capital, and he was an old man; he was a soldier recruited by Roland overseas, and he was a newcomer.

The army is a place that emphasizes seniority.

Raikkonen is both a golden knight and a lieutenant colonel of cavalry. Whether in status or in closeness with the governor, he is far above him.

Roland knew what Tom was thinking, and did not force it. He smiled and changed the subject.

"Tom, I have read the battle report of the defense of Helensburg, but I don't know the details. Tell me about it."

Raikkonen blinked at Tom and gave him an encouraging look, indicating that he should speak boldly.

Tom was an important contributor to the Battle of Helensburg. He performed well in the battle to defend the city, discovered mysterious relics, and finally sniped the enemy commander.

Any of these three contributions is remarkable, but it is even more surprising that they are concentrated on a teenager who is less than seventeen years old.

Raikkonen also knows why Tom is afraid of the stage. This guy is not only afraid that Roland will think he is too sharp, but also worried that the equally young Raikkonen will be jealous.

Tom really doesn't understand the governor, Raikkonen thought silently.

To work for Governor Roland, there is no need to intrigue with colleagues, just do your best.

How many contributions you have made will be clearly reflected in the performance points.

If you feel that your contributions are not recognized, you can appeal. As long as the reasons are sufficient, Governor Roland is of course willing to accept suggestions.

But it is normal for Tom to be so cautious. Leaders like Governor Roland are rare.

Tom carefully recounted the process of the Helensburg defense battle.

He did not exaggerate at all, and even quietly transplanted his own contributions to his colleagues.

Captain Jebacs commanded well, Jerry and Joseph were invincible, and he just followed behind and made some small contributions.

It was good luck to find the ruins, and it was the blessing of the Queen to snipe the enemy commander.

After listening to Tom's story, Roland just smiled faintly, but did not comment.

Raikkonen kept winking at Tom, but they just met for the first time, and Tom could not understand his eyes at all, and even spoke more conservatively.

After listening to Tom's story about the battle to defend the city, Roland laughed and teased: "Captain Jebucks said it was you and Jerry's credit, Jerry said you and the captain made the first contribution, but you said it was them, what's going on?"

"I, I..." Tom was panicked and sweating.

Seeing his awkward look, Roland smiled and patted his shoulder, and said solemnly:

"Tom, your credit is yours, don't be modest. If you don't get rewarded for your great contributions, it's unfair to those who work hard to make contributions. Captain Jebucks and Jerry certainly have contributions, but your contributions cannot be buried."

"I promoted you to major because you were still a private a few months ago, and it was difficult for others to accept it if you were promoted too quickly. I remember all your contributions, and I will gradually fulfill them later."

Tom's eyes were red with excitement, and tears fell uncontrollably.

He had never seen a leader like Governor Roland.

Maybe, he really has a chance to avenge his father and uncles.

Looking at Tom's red eyes, Roland smiled and said softly: "After this battle, I will ask Her Majesty the Queen to apply for the title of a knight for all the heroes. Your title is Royal Knight, and the fief is near Helensburg."

Military rank promotion must be rigorous, and ability, merit and qualifications must be considered comprehensively, but the title is not required.

Giving Tom a title is also a compensation for the fact that his military rank cannot be promoted continuously.

Tom was so excited that he almost knelt on one knee to declare his allegiance to Roland, but Roland grabbed him and said with a serious expression: "We are all subjects of Her Majesty the Queen, understand?"

Tom nodded quickly and made his attitude clear, "I will do my best to be loyal to the Queen and obey your orders."

"Count Sif's orders are the same as mine!" Roland added solemnly.

Tom nodded like a chicken pecking at rice.

He suddenly thought of the terrible rumor that was widely circulated in the Governor's District, that Governor Roland was the Queen's lover, and Count Sif was Governor Roland's lover.

He shuddered suddenly and quickly dispelled these thoughts.

Don't worry about the big shots!

No matter what the relationship is, they are together anyway, he just needs to be loyal!

Just as Roland was encouraging Tom, a fast horse came galloping from the direction of the camp.

The knight on the horse turned over and dismounted at the foot of the hill, and ran a few meters in front of Roland. He was about to report loudly, but he saw two young men beside Roland and hesitated for a moment.

"Speak!"

"Governor, the earl asks you to return to the camp immediately. The negotiating representative of the Kingdom of Oden is here."

Negotiating representative?

Roland's mouth corners slightly raised, revealing a disdainful expression.

Sven VII's mind seemed to be not very clear. How could he have the qualifications to negotiate? All he could strive for was a slightly decent surrender.

For this respectability, he had to pay a heavy price.