Warhammer Divine Throne

Chapter 1325: Chapter 567: Heroes Shaped by the Times (Supplemental 5,500-Word Chapter)

”Your Majesty Richard has already sent people to look for the former Duke of Leonais, Lord Dalheid, who is on an atonement quest. Meanwhile, Baron Adheid of the Leonais Duke’s family is ready to succeed the title, and as for Montfort, Fulcard’s eldest son, Fod, has announced his appointment as the new Duke of Montfort.” Laine nodded.

The banquet ended quickly because they had just captured Musillon, and everything was kept simple. After eating, the two Imperial Generals bid farewell. Alfred and Lucian stayed to say a few words to Laine before leaving.

On the streets of Musillon, the two Imperial Generals were still discussing the matter. Dietrich, who was in his fifties, gazed at the filthy Grismore River and suddenly felt emotional: ”I always thought that outside of the Knights, the people of Brittania were a bunch of useless individuals. But from this war, it seems our human compatriots on this side of the mountains aren’t as backward as we thought. In these battles, the infantry corps under Laine displayed extraordinary tenacity. Their combat determination and morale were even stronger than our Nuer army.”

Feeling the cool breeze of the summer night, Boris von Rukov sneered indifferently, ”That’s normal, Sir. Duke Laine’s peasants have good food and lots of training. Although their cultural level is relatively low, they win, and they keep winning. Laine has fought many battles and basically hasn’t lost. Following him for a long time, even the peasant soldiers have developed a belief in inevitable victory. Even if the battle suffers a setback, they believe it’s only temporary and eventual victory will come. In this situation, as long as the equipment, training, and treatment are kept up to standard, a truly elite force can be formed. This is the greatest asset for Duke Laine to establish the ’Old Guard.’ With follow-up training and cultural education, it’s not surprising to see a new unit of elite Nuer Iron Armor Army caliber arise.”

”Conversely, even if it’s our professionally trained Nuer army, if they keep retreating and fleeing before a strong enemy, over time, even the most elite army becomes useless.” Boris von Rukov continued with some arrogance, ”An army can only grow by being tempered in real battle; what good is endless training?”

”Well, maybe this is why Lady sent us to Brittania. In any case, this mission has been completed. Even if not perfectly, at least we did not suffer complete annihilation.” Dietrich spoke with the prudence honed over years of battles. He took a conservative view, ”With Duke Laine, we can report back to Lady. The spoils from this mission are lucrative, and with the king’s commission, we can earn a lot of money. These funds are sufficient for all compensations with a handsome surplus. When we get back to Nuer, I intend to rest for two years. What about you, Boris?”

”Hmm.” Boris nodded, looking as though he had something on his mind. He responded simply, ”Overall okay, as for me? We’ll see.”

”You seem preoccupied?” Dietrich perceptively noticed something was off about Boris and probed, ”Is it... something to do with your father?”

Boris von Rukov’s father is the Duke of the Imperial Oster Territory and Wolfen Prince-Elector, Vamil von Rukov. Since Boris has been granted the right to use the Rukov surname, everyone can discuss matters between him and his father openly.

Prince-Elector Vamil had a decent relationship with his illegitimate son, but Boris generally avoided meeting his half-brothers, Oleg and Vasily.

”Yes, Sir, do you know Airenas-Salt Water Hatred and her Swordfish?” Boris asked quietly, ”the privateering ordinance passed at the Imperial Assembly a few years ago?”

”Of course I know. I heard this pirate fleet received an imperial privateering license and raided along the entire Norsca South Coast. With Egil the Red-Eyed dead, the Northern Barbarians on the South Coast of Norsca are busy fighting for dominance. As a result, these raids have been incredibly successful, with all barbarian settlements on the coast suffering massive losses.” Dietrich nodded, ”I remember this was initiated from the Brittania side. Everyone is pleased to see those barbarians suffer since they often come south to raid us. Now it’s their turn to be raided.”

”My brother, Oleg von Rukov, is planning a military action while the barbarians are weak. He wants to lead the Oster fleet, allied with the Kislev Kingdom’s forces, to attack Norsca. Oleg, in particular, wants to penetrate Norsca’s interior and leave the barbarians with an unforgettable lesson. And father... he’s considering it, which is why he invited me to join the attack on Norsca.” Boris seemed conflicted, ”I’m not sure what to do for now.”

”Is the military operation imminent?” Dietrich was genuinely surprised. Penetrating Norsca? Do the Oster really want to risk their lives?

”No, not soon. It’s just an idea for now.” Boris shook his head, ”Oleg proposed it, but any attack would be two or three years down the line at the earliest.”

”Then don’t hurry for now. Wait for the military plan to be made—when they plan to attack, how deep they’ll go, how they’ll ensure supplies, along with the specific operational plans and involved forces. After reviewing it, you can decide whether to join.” Dietrich, with his cautious prudence, shook his head, ”Do not enter battle unprepared.”

”Seems that is all I can do.” Boris thought it over carefully. Although the method was slow and passive, it was a good approach.

The night gradually deepened, in Musillon, Jiangxin Island, Landuin Street.

In the master bedroom of the three-story building, Laine, Teresa, and Veronica, who had returned from handling matters outside, were savoring wine together. Veronica had rushed back, still dressed in her same short dress and high-heeled stockings.

The female sorcerer took a sip of red wine, somewhat exasperated, ”Honestly, I really don’t want to stay here any longer, Laine, when are we going back? I miss my Wizard Tower.”

”It’s almost time.” Laine nodded, ”Once personnel are arranged and garrisons are left, we can lead the remaining forces back to Gene, and besides, Surya is already eight months along. As a husband, I must return.”

”Great, I’ve actually had enough of this place.” Veronica shrugged. The Jialan Witch didn’t want to stay in Musillon any longer either. She only wanted to return to her Wizard Tower for a few days of rest and then use the summer environment to train. Now at thirty-five, the Jialan Witch was touching the threshold of the Holy Sanctuary, having reached the Legendary Peak of strength. She actually didn’t enjoy such frequent wars.

”In a few days, once everything is clearly arranged, we can go back.” Laine suddenly smiled, mischievously, ”Whose turn is it tonight?”

Teresa blushed, exchanged glances with Veronica, and signaled for Veronica to answer.

Veronica giggled coquettishly, looked at Laine, and deliberately took her time before speaking.

”No shifts recently, darling.”