CHAPTER 310: CHAPTER 211: THE PRICE OF DIGNITY (2)

He continued reading, his face growing gloomier. He finally understood why Gode did what he did.

The issue now wasn’t about keeping the navy but whether he could hold on to the monarchy.

The local powerful nobles and family branches were colluding, preparing to seize the opportunity of his absence from the Imperial Capital to support a new king.

He was so angry that he trembled all over, wishing he could immediately lead the Imperial Guard back to the Imperial Capital to capture these rebels in one fell swoop.

However, he couldn’t leave, for Roland was just outside the city.

The terrain of Hosen Castle is unique, built by the mountains; a complete siege is impossible. Sven the Seventh could easily slip away with a few bodyguards, but leaving alone was useless.

Only the king with military support was truly a king; without military protection, he was just a vagrant called Sven.

Sven the Seventh took several deep breaths and waved to signal the messenger to withdraw.

He shook the bell on the table, giving orders through gritted teeth to the deputy who hurried over.

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

The deputy was shocked and was about to persuade him when Sven already threw the secret letter in front of him.

After a quick glance, the deputy’s face turned pale, stammering and unable to speak.

Although Sven behaved like a coward in the Battle of Helentz, this time his choice was correct.

A small country like Oden only has the chance to rise when it can take advantage of the balance of power among great powers.

If they could seize the Three Overseas Provinces in one go and gradually absorb the new territories by exploiting internal conflicts in Sussex Country, they would have a chance to join the ranks of major powers.

Though in the short term they could not compare with big powers like Jin Yuan and Vladimir, they could at least have a position.

The intelligence of the Rurik people was accurate; indeed, the Sussex Empire had internal issues, and no troops from the Empire itself were invested in the war.

They got a precious historical opportunity.

However, they never dreamed that the Hansa New Army, which they looked down upon, achieved a great victory despite being outnumbered and out-equipped.

It’s not that the Oden Kingdom didn’t try, but that they were unlucky to encounter Roland and Sif.

If not for Roland and Sif, relying only on the old army and bureaucratic system of the Three Overseas Provinces, the land of the provinces would most likely be lost.

Although it was frustrating, Sven decided to bow to reality.

Perhaps the Oden Kingdom was never destined to become an empire.

At least maintain the family’s ruling position, and leave future matters to the descendants.

...

Outskirts of Hosenburg City, small hills.

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

Raikkonen was Roland’s trusted subordinate and felt quite at ease. Tom, having met the Governor for the first time, was nervously at a loss.

Seeing Tom’s anxious expression, Roland smiled and said, "Is the young hero of Helentz Castle so nervous?"

Tom smiled sheepishly, wiping sweat from his brow with his sleeve, and softly said:

"I never dreamed I could meet Lord Governor, it’s my first time seeing such a high-ranking official."

Raikkonen standing beside him suppressed laughter, secretly thinking, you were just received by the actual Empress, weren’t you? If you knew the truth, you might faint.

In Tom’s eyes, Countess Sif was the Vice Governor, whose status was not as high as Roland’s; he didn’t know this Empress had a penchant for cosplaying as the Countess.

Roland laughed and teased, "You should learn from Raikkonen. He’s only a year older than you, yet he’s not nervous at all."

Tom chuckled, not daring to respond.

Raikkonen had been following Roland since the Imperial Capital and was an old associate; Tom was a new recruit overseas.

The military is a place that values seniority and rank.

Raikkonen was both a Golden Knight and a Cavalry Lieutenant Colonel, far above him in status and closeness with the Governor.

Roland understood what Tom was thinking and did not push, instead smiling and changing the topic.

"Tom, I read the battle report of the defense of Helentz Castle, but the details aren’t very clear. Tell me about it."

Raikkonen gave Tom an encouraging wink, signaling him to speak boldly.

Tom was a key figure in the Battle of Helentz, performing outstandingly in the city’s defense, discovering a mysterious ruin, and ultimately sniping the enemy commander.

These three merits, each remarkable on their own, fell upon a boy just under seventeen, making it even more astonishing.

Raikkonen also knew why Tom was nervous; the lad feared not only Roland thinking he was too overbearing but also worried about the jealousy of Raikkonen, who was similarly young.

Tom still didn’t understand the Governor, Raikkonen silently thought.

Working for Governor Roland required no internal strife with colleagues, just doing one’s job was enough.

All merits achieved would be unmistakably reflected in Performance Points.

If you felt your achievements weren’t recognized, you could appeal. As long as the reasons were adequate, Governor Roland would naturally consider suggestions.

But it was normal for Tom to be cautious; leaders like Governor Roland weren’t common.

Tom carefully recounted the process of the defense at Helentz Castle.

He did not exaggerate in the slightest, even transferring his achievements quietly to his colleagues.

Captain Jacobs commanded well, Jerry and Joseph were invincible, and he merely followed behind contributing a little.

Discovering the ruins was just luck, and sniping the enemy general was the Empress’s blessing.

After listening to Tom’s account, Roland only gave a faint smile, neither approving nor disapproving.

Raikkonen kept signaling to Tom, but being their first meeting, Tom couldn’t understand his eyes, and even spoke more conservatively.

After Tom finished recounting the siege, Roland laughed and teased, "Captain Jacobs says the credit is yours and Jerry’s, Jerry says it’s you and the captain’s merit, yet you say it’s theirs, what’s going on?"

"I, I..." Tom was flustered and at a loss, sweating profusely.

Seeing his awkwardness, Roland smiled and patted him on the shoulder, solemnly saying:

"Tom, your achievements are yours; you need not be modest. It wouldn’t be fair to those who risk their lives if great achievements aren’t rewarded. Captain Jacobs and Jerry certainly achieved merit, but your credit shouldn’t be buried."

"I promoted you to Major because you were just a private a few months ago; ascending too quickly makes it hard for others to accept. I remember all your honors, and they will be gradually realized later."

Tom’s eyes reddened with excitement, and tears fell involuntarily.

He had never seen a leader like Governor Roland.

Perhaps, he really had a chance to avenge his father and uncle.

Seeing Tom’s reddened eyes, Roland smiled and gently said, "After this battle, I will consult Her Majesty the Empress to bestow titles to all who achieved merit. Your title will be Imperial Knight, and your fief will be near Helentz Castle."

Military rank promotions must be rigorous, considering abilities, merit, and seniority comprehensively, but title bestowal does not.

Granting a title to Tom was compensation for not being able to promote military rank continuously.

Tom nearly knelt on one knee to declare his loyalty to Roland, but was seized by Roland, who sternly said, "We are all subjects of Her Majesty the Empress, understand?"

Tom nodded quickly, hurriedly expressing his stance, "I will do my utmost to serve the Empress and follow your orders."

"Countess Sif’s orders are equal to mine!" Roland earnestly added.

Tom nodded repeatedly like a pecking chick.

He suddenly thought of the frightening rumor widely spread in the Governor’s Territory, that Governor Roland was the Empress’s lover, while Countess Sif was the Governor’s lover.

He shivered, quickly dispelling these thoughts from his mind.

Mind less about the affairs of big characters!

Regardless of their relationship, they were together, so his job was just to remain loyal!

As Roland encouraged Tom, a galloping horse came flying from the direction of the main camp.

The knight on the horse dismounted at the foot of the hill and ran swiftly to within a few meters of Roland, about to report loudly, but hesitated upon seeing the two young men beside Roland.

"Speak!"

"Lord Governor, the Count requests your immediate return to the camp, Oden Kingdom’s negotiation envoy has arrived."

Negotiation envoy?

Roland’s lips curled into a slight disdainful smile.

It seemed Sven the Seventh’s mind wasn’t quite clear yet; he wasn’t in any position to negotiate. The best he could achieve was a slightly dignified surrender.

For that dignity, he must pay a heavy price.