CHAPTER 300: CHAPTER 205: WHAT’S WRONG WITH BRINGING CANNONS ON A BUSINESS TRIP?

The entire Governor’s Territory was bustling.

Since they had decided to carry out a rescue operation and engage in a decisive battle near Helentz Castle, preparations had to be made.

A mobile rescue team composed of Light Cavalry set off first.

Jes, who had recently been acting like a firefighter captain, led this troop. This time, he had a total of three thousand cavalry under his command, nearly all the cavalry in the Governor’s Territory.

Cavalry is a technical branch, not something that can be quickly trained, mostly reconstituted from the former Three Overseas Provinces units.

There’s no doubt about their professional ability, but their tactical thinking was outdated, with a strong tendency towards rowdy military habits. Their main task these past few months was to receive ideological education, commonly known as brainwashing.

After all, it was difficult for them to accept the new army’s military building philosophy due to habits cultivated over many years.

Their minds were full of traditional military concepts.

However, in certain situations, old-style thinking wasn’t a bad thing.

For instance, now.

Upon learning that the Empress would personally lead the army, the passion of these cavalry lords was instantly ignited.

After all, entering the army and going to battle was for the sake of promotion and wealth.

What stage could be better than performing in front of the Empress?

Though it was dangerous, risks and opportunities coexisted, and the fire in their hearts was ignited.

Even if they unfortunately died in battle or were disabled, Governor Roland would provide them with a safety net.

If they died in battle, they could leave their family with sufficient wealth; if disabled, they could retire comfortably for the rest of their lives, which wasn’t a loss.

The cavalry unit, still dazed half a year ago, quickly found a new surge of energy, shouldering their lances and rifles, advancing towards Helentz Castle under the banner of the White Rose.

Jes, leading the Light Cavalry unit, sighed in relief.

In the previous few days, he had been worried that the Empress would abandon Helentz Castle.

To be precise, he wasn’t worried about the Empress, as he always believed in Her Majesty the Empress’s kindness and benevolence. He was concerned about Christine, that cold-blooded character.

She had a record of sacrificing even the Imperial Guard of her home country, so what baseline could she possibly have when stepping in as commander?

Luckily, Her Majesty the Empress suppressed her madness.

Jes would never know that he, who worshiped Her Majesty the Empress like a goddess, had briefly considered similar thoughts as Christine but changed his mind after weighing his options.

Looking back at the Governor’s Mansion and the Empress’s Palace, the flame in Jes’s heart was ignited as well.

He was now a Colonel, and if he established meritorious service in this battle, the golden star of a Brigadier General was within reach.

As long as he earned that golden star, his father wouldn’t force him into business to make money.

He couldn’t understand why his father had such a hunger for money. The family already possessed a massive fortune that could be squandered for dozens of generations without the need to start a business.

He really had no interest in money, as he didn’t lack it.

He needed to establish accomplishments to acquire the power to safeguard the family fortune.

Even though his father had paved a path through the Cabinet Finance Minister, helping him enter the army, it wasn’t enough.

The family’s wealth had far exceeded its power, attracting more and more people eyeing their assets, which was dangerous.

Fortunately, his father wasn’t too stubborn, having invested in a Cabinet Minister, but also not opposing his becoming part of the Iron Imperialist Faction.

In this battle, he had to achieve remarkable success!

The military and civilians of Hansa City lined the road on both sides, seeing off the Light Cavalry unit as they left the city to rescue their fathers, husbands, and brothers.

They were all well aware that this was the crucial battle determining the fate of the Three Overseas Provinces.

In this ultimate test, everyone had to submit their answers.

The Empress and Roland submitted their answers with the new policies and new army.

Christine answered by personally commanding the battle.

Jes’s answer was to fight with all his might and kill the enemy.

The answer from ordinary people was to wholeheartedly support the Empress.

Meanwhile, the merchants remaining in Hansa City also faced choices.

Would they offer help in the midst of snow, strike while the iron is cold, or continue to observe?

If they could ascertain Roland’s inevitable victory, many would choose to offer help; if they could ascertain Roland’s failure, many would strike while the iron is cold.

However, with the current stalemate, bystanders couldn’t discern victory or defeat.

Remaining neutral? Obviously not a viable option. Unless one possesses supreme power, not aiding either side would offend both.

What strength do you possess to be neutral?

The last one to remain neutral was Val City State, which had already been destroyed.

Standing on the balcony of the Governor’s Mansion, Roland maintained a confident smile, waving to the troops marching along Central Avenue, smiling at the crowd.

Although he felt a little anxious inwardly, he would never let his anxiety show.

He wanted everyone whose gaze met his to feel his confidence in victory.

He was indeed full of confidence, not just making a show.

Anyway, it was Christine responsible for the battles; he just needed to be CPU for her.

While displaying his confidence, his administrative secretary appeared behind him.

"Lord Governor, a representative of the Sassan Business Association seeks an audience."

"Business Association?" Roland turned around, somewhat surprised as he looked at the administrative secretary, hearing the term for the first time.

"Lord Governor need not be shocked; the Business Association is an organization newly established by the Sassan merchants."

"Notify them that I will receive them in the parlor."

Just as he finished speaking, Roland stopped the administrative secretary, "Wait, I will personally go to welcome them."

At such times, the formation of a Business Association and a proactive request for an audience was mostly a gesture of goodwill, deserving of sufficient respect.

In this era, merchants had low status, and even if they possessed enormous wealth, it could easily be encroached by feudal lords; offering them some respect could yield significant results.

Roland strode toward the entrance.

When he arrived at the staircase on the third floor of the Governor’s Mansion, several merchants in long robes stood there, waiting somewhat uneasily.

"It was my discourtesy not to greet esteemed guests at the door."

Roland gestured invitingly, "Esteemed guests, please come in."