Chapter 399 - 395: Hardy’s Highlight Moment
After a brief rest, Duane’s army set out once again.
Since the remaining forces of the Nobility within the Duke’s Territory were weak, Duane assigned the cleanup operation to the five battalions led by Raymond, Marles, and others.
He personally led his main force straight for Lange Valley on the border of the Duke’s Territory—the land occupied by Viscount Freddy.
Although he had divided his forces to garrison the cities and Secret Realms of the Duke’s Territory and had dispatched the five battalions, Duane’s army had not shrunk. In fact, it had grown by several hundred people.
These new recruits were Warriors and Mages from the Magic Academy in Star Sea City, as well as some individuals seeking better prospects or harboring hatred for the Scorching Wind Territory.
However, there were no exceptional talents among them. The strongest of the Warriors was only at the Human Tier, and the most powerful Mage was merely Level 3.
After all, most of the formidable individuals had already been conscripted by Duke Eldrin and were now imprisoned in the castle’s dungeons.
Star Sea City was about a four or five-day journey from Lange Valley. Before setting out, Duane had his subordinate, Hardy, depart ahead of them with a letter.
After all, according to the agreement between Duane and Viscount Freddy, Freddy would surrender unconditionally as soon as Duane captured Star Sea City.
Although whether Freddy surrendered or not wouldn’t change the outcome, Duane was a man who valued his integrity. A direct attack might lead to accusations of treachery, which would be detrimental to his future reputation.
Inside the main hall of the fortress in Lange Valley, Viscount Freddy, having learned that Duane’s army was on the move, was currently gathering his subordinates to discuss a strategy.
"The Crown Prince has sent me a reply. The Kasa Kingdom will not stand by and watch Akutas be annexed, and now a civil war has broken out in the Pruck Kingdom. So, it’s not yet certain who will win or lose this war!"
Freddy had already decided to surrender to Duane, but after receiving this secret letter, he decisively abandoned the idea.
"The Kingdom’s reinforcements will be here soon! I’ve heard they are experts personally trained by His Majesty Tyron. Even against Duane, they might not lose!"
As his words fell, everyone in the fortress hall couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief. Surrendering to a new noble was certainly less advantageous than remaining loyal to their current master.
Moreover, the Star Sea Clan had already been defeated. In the future, even if Duke Eldrin retained his title, his territory would likely be drastically reduced.
For Freddy and his followers, this was an opportunity.
"My lord, when will the Kingdom’s reinforcements arrive?" Knight Rico asked immediately. "What are your plans?"
Beckett, Casio, Brison, and the others all looked toward the Viscount.
"The reinforcements will land in the Scorching Wind Territory. Their exact arrival time is still uncertain, so we need to delay the advance of Duane’s army as much as possible."
Viscount Freddy revealed his plan. "Beckett, now is your time to shine. I need you to lead the Third and Fourth Legions to defend Lange Valley to the last!"
𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎
This arrangement seemed like throwing an egg against a rock, but with their numbers, once the battle began, Duane’s forces would inevitably consume a great deal of stamina and supplies, forcing them to rest for a few days.
Beckett’s face paled slightly. "My lord..."
Freddy narrowed his eyes, his expression malicious yet twisted into an unsettling smile. "Don’t worry. Duane won’t kill a noble so easily, just as Eldrin and the others are still alive and well. Once the situation stabilizes, I swear on the name of the Yalvis Clan that I will ransom you back!"
He paused, then added, "Besides, the granary fire last time was your mistake. And it was your insistence that led me to mistakenly believe it was the Duke’s plot. If the Crown Prince investigates this matter in the future, the fate of you and your family will be the same as Garrot’s."
Beckett couldn’t help but tremble. Garrot had been executed because his assassination attempt on Duane caused a diplomatic incident that resulted in heavy losses for the Viscount. His family had been made into Slaves and were likely all dead by now.
At this thought, he couldn’t stop himself from rising and kneeling on one knee. "Rest assured, my lord. Beckett will defend Lange Valley to the death!"
Freddy laughed. "Don’t worry. With me here, not only will you and your family not be held responsible, but your past mistakes will also be wiped clean. Just wait. The future is sure to be bright!"
Hearing this, Beckett felt a little more at ease.
’As long as the Kasa Kingdom helps Akutas, the Kingdom won’t fall.’
’As long as the Kingdom exists, the Starfall Islands won’t be simply occupied by a noble from Pruck.’
’Even if I’m captured by Duane, being ransomed is only a matter of time.’
Beckett thought to himself, ’I just need to be clever on the battlefield and avoid getting killed on the spot.’
Just then, Brison stood up and knelt on one knee. "Lord Viscount, as the representative of Sharp Stone Territory, I am willing to stay behind and defend Lange Valley with Lord Beckett!"
Hmm?
Freddy’s eyes lit up, and the corners of his mouth turned up. "Knight Brisson, your courage moves me. It’s just that I had originally assigned Sharp Stone Territory to defend Faraway Town."
Brison argued, "My lord, Faraway Town has no strong fortifications, and Sharp Stone Territory lacks sufficient troops. I’m afraid Duane could take it with just a single battalion, making it ineffective at slowing his advance."
He looked up and said resolutely, "It would be better to let me assist Knight Beckett and strengthen the defenses of Lange Valley!"
Beckett couldn’t help but look at Brison in a new light. ’This Earth Tier Warrior really has courage.’
"Very well!"
Viscount Freddy thought for a moment and agreed to Brison’s proposal.
"Torre is fortunate to have a Knight like you, as are Selena and Willard!"
Brison immediately bowed in thanks.
In response to Viscount Freddy’s call to arms, Sharp Stone Territory had mobilized ninety percent of its forces from Mountain Village.
His contingent now included several experts, such as Lune, Conrad, and Ross.
In addition, Duane’s Demon Beast Cat was lying in wait in the forests of Lange Valley.
One could say that as soon as Viscount Freddy, Rico, and the others left, Brison and his men could take control of Lange Valley with the Demon Beast Cat.
This was the plan Lune had proposed, and it was now about to be put into action.
While the group was discussing how to defend the valley and retreat, a Guard hurried to the entrance of the fortress hall.
"Lord Viscount, there is a man named Hardy outside Lange Valley. He claims to be a special envoy from Duane and requests an audience with you."
Brison’s heart stirred. He had heard this name before; Hardy was one of the men from the Broken Wave Gang on Black Forest Island back then.
"Heh, he’s probably here to ask me to surrender directly," Freddy said. "Bring him in!"
"Yes, sir!"
A short while later, Hardy, clad in a full suit of armor, strode into the hall with his head held high.
This mission to deliver the letter was personally assigned by Duane. Although it came with the risk of death, Hardy had agreed without hesitation.
After all, Duane now had more and more powerful Extraordinaries under his command. Even though Hardy had become a Human Tier Warrior, he still seemed quite ordinary. His status was even lower than John’s, as John had greater potential.
Hardy’s opportunities to prove himself were dwindling. Now that he finally had a chance, he certainly wasn’t going to let it slip by.
"Greetings, Your Excellency the Viscount!"
He bowed slightly, a gesture that was neither sycophantic nor disrespectful.
Freddy let out a cold laugh. "Hardy, is it? What business do you have here?"
Hardy straightened up and announced in a loud voice, "I have come to visit you on the order of my master, Earl Duane Brian, and I bring a message from the Earl."
He paused, then continued, "The Earl says that he has now occupied the Duke’s Territory. It is time for you to fulfill your promise!"
The hall fell so silent you could hear a pin drop.
Suddenly, Viscount Freddy burst out laughing.
Hardy’s expression darkened. "What are you laughing at?"
"I’m laughing at how naive Duane is. In a war between two kingdoms, what does a promise like that even count for?"
Freddy said without hesitation, "I merely used a ploy to make Duane attack Star Sea City first and wear down his army. To think that alone would make me surrender... isn’t that a bit childish?"
"You!" Hardy’s face changed, and he demanded sharply, "Do you have any idea of the consequences of this?"
Freddy’s expression darkened. He did not like being threatened, especially not by a commoner.
Seeing the Viscount’s change in expression, Rico immediately stood up and threw a punch at Hardy. The latter quickly tried to block, but was still sent flying and coughed up blood from the blow empowered by Fighting Qi.
"Who do you think you are, daring to threaten the Lord Viscount directly?"
Freddy was very pleased with Rico. ’Beckett doesn’t have that kind of perceptiveness.’
"My loyalty is to the Akutas Royal Family, to His Majesty Tyron and His Highness Howard! There is only a Scorching Wind Territory that fights to the death, not one that surrenders!"
Freddy stood up as he spoke and gave a cold command, "Men! Drag this person out and hang him!"