Chapter 384: Chapter 132: Basking in the Radiance of Sir Robson

By the time Viscount Elton arrived, Vidom City was on the verge of being surrounded.

Now that Viscount Elton had made up his mind to break out and seek aid from Robson, he naturally wouldn’t linger in the city for long.

Once outside the city, it began to rain in Vidom County—perhaps even the Lord of Dawn was weeping over Viscount Elton’s plight.

Rain spattered against Viscount Elton’s face. The anger that had been there moments ago had vanished without a trace.

What anger? It was merely the composure of a seasoned actor.

There was no other choice. Count Sriphine had made it clear he would watch him die without lifting a finger, so Viscount Elton had to find another way out.

This way out was named Robson—also known as the Southern Faction.

Although Viscount Elton did not move in high circles and lacked great wisdom, he was cunning with age and possessed a fair bit of cleverness.

Switching allegiances was a major affair. Viscount Elton had no idea what arrangements Robson might have for him. By bringing a group of companions, their collective voice would be much louder if they were to be double-crossed.

At the very least, Robson would surely have to take them more seriously and couldn’t simply ignore their interests.

Of course, this wasn’t executed very gracefully. If it had been Lord Robson managing things, he would have surely manipulated the situation so that the nobles of Vidom County were begging him to lead their change of allegiance.

Then, if things truly went south, he could just sell out a portion of his new followers and return to his original faction.

"My lord, we’ve scouted ahead. There were only a few goblins guarding the eastern path. We’ve taken care of them."

Hearing the scout’s report, Viscount Elton nodded.

"There’s no time to lose. Let’s move out immediately."

.....

On this rainy night, Robson was reading a letter from Valentino.

The contents concerned the recent situation in the Royal Capital. As time passed, the proposal for a new general had now been placed on the agenda.

Robson also noted a very unusual piece of news: Marquis Oscillate had taken the initiative to meet with Viscount Kries of the military-merit faction. He didn’t know what the two had discussed.

He also wondered what Marshal Grantham would think of this. In Robson’s eyes, this was a classic four-step maneuver.

’The first step of the four-step: I may have done something that puts you at a disadvantage, but don’t worry, I’m not targeting you.’

Marquis Oscillate dared to make such a move because the first wave of reinforcements from the Human Alliance had arrived.

Had they not arrived soon, the Beastmen would have likely seen they couldn’t break the human defense line and retreated on their own.

Although many had their opinions about Marshal Grantham, there was one thing everyone had to admit: his military artistry was masterful.

Under the Marshal’s leadership, the Frank Kingdom had steadily weathered the most ferocious southern invasion by the Beastmen in its history.

Unfortunately, Grantham had offended too many factions. No matter how well a defensive war was fought, it couldn’t bring anyone tangible benefits.

Time and fate. Those two words vividly summarized the legendary Marshal’s life.

After finishing the letter, Robson let out a sigh for the Marshal.

Of course, it was only a sigh. The Frank Kingdom had no room for a man like Grantham, and there was nothing Lord Robson could do to change that. His rights and wrongs could only be judged by posterity. For now, Lord Robson had his own matters to attend to.

Normally, Valentino and Robson corresponded once a month. She had just sent news from the Royal Capital at the beginning of April, yet another letter had already arrived. It was likely a hint that Robson needed to quickly resolve his affairs beyond the pass; the trip to the Royal Capital was imminent.

Robson couldn’t do much about it. Everything had its own rhythm. If he really couldn’t make it in time, he still felt the tangible benefits beyond the pass were more important.

Just as Robson was about to go to sleep, someone entered his tent. It was Ais.

"What is it? What happened?" Robson frowned, looking at Ais.

"My Lord Viscount, Viscount Elton requests an audience."

"Who?"

Hearing the name, Robson was so shocked he immediately sat up in bed.

’What is going on?’ Although Robson had expected Viscount Elton to yield, he hadn’t thought the man would capitulate so quickly.

Robson had even been planning to ride his Flying Dragon tomorrow to check on Viscount Elton and assess the situation in Vidom County.

’Isn’t he here to pledge loyalty? What else could it be?’

Though Robson was puzzled, his actions were swift. He immediately got out of bed.

"Where is Viscount Elton? Lead the way!" Robson looked at Ais.

"I’ve settled them in the eastern part of the camp. They’re probably eating dinner now. I’ll take you there."

....

Robson donned his armor and immediately followed Ais toward the eastern side of the camp.

In the eastern part of the camp, several soldiers were gathered around a bonfire. The only noble not wearing armor had his back to Robson.

"Ha! Elton!"

Seeing the man, Robson immediately put on a formulaic smile and strode forward, his voice filled with practiced surprise.

Hearing the voice, Viscount Elton immediately stood up and turned to face Robson.

Regardless of whether the smile and voice were practiced, the welcoming attitude alone was enough to warm one’s heart.

This was especially true for Viscount Elton now. He had just suffered a major setback at the hands of the Beastmen that day, and with his domain facing a crisis of survival, his heart was in turmoil.

"Sir Robson... I’m terribly sorry to disturb you so late at night." Viscount Elton looked at Robson, his tone laced with embarrassment.

After all, he had just rejected the man’s goodwill, and now he was turning back to beg for help.

"Nonsense, Viscount! All Frankish Nobles are one family. But I wonder, what brings you here this time?" Robson smiled at Elton. The moment he heard the honorific ’Sir,’ he knew that the matter of Vidom County was more or less settled.

Viscount Elton hesitated for a moment, then recounted everything that had happened in Vidom County.

"Sir, I admit, I was arrogant before. I hope a man of your stature can forgive my foolishness..."

"Come now, Viscount, what are you saying?

I’ve heard you out. Those Beastmen were never an enemy you could handle on your own. It’s my fault, too, for not making myself clear at the time.

I recall... I sent a letter to Count Sriphine before, warning him to be wary of this group. Speaking of which, where is Count Sriphine?" While comforting him, Robson didn’t forget to twist the knife in Count Sriphine.

In truth, the very fact that Viscount Elton had come here was enough to show Count Sriphine’s stance.

Had Count Sriphine possessed even a shred of resolve, he wouldn’t have made such a decision.

As for the effect of his comforting words, one look at Viscount Elton’s touched expression was enough to know that although Lord Robson’s methods were old-fashioned, they were effective.

"Sriphine... Hah, it’s not worth mentioning.

Sir, I was wondering, when will we dispatch the troops? Vidom City is surrounded by those Beastmen, and the lives of many of our countrymen are in grave danger..."

The more resolutely Viscount Elton had rejected Robson before, the more awkward he felt now.

Begging for help, and with quite a few demands, too.

But there was no other way. As Viscount Elton had said, many nobles from Vidom County were still in Vidom City, and Elton’s entire fortune was tied up there.

When one needed to have a thick skin, one simply had to.

"Rest assured, Viscount. Since you have chosen to join the Military Commission, I will certainly support you with all my strength," Robson said with a smile.

Viscount Elton’s thick skin was only temporary; Lord Robson’s, however, could change between thick and thin as the situation demanded.

Right now, with Viscount Elton, Robson’s priority was naturally to appease him. After all, Viscount Elton was the first arrow Lord Robson had fired in Auric Province, and this arrow had to fly true.

"Sir, you are truly righteous! I wonder, when exactly will we dispatch the troops? It would be best if we could set out tomorrow," Viscount Elton said, looking at Robson.

Whatever rumors he had heard about Robson before, this was the first time Viscount Elton had truly felt the great radiance of Lord Robson.

The sun may be blinding, but it is also light!

At this moment, Viscount Elton felt his heart was filled with light!

"No, not tomorrow."

Before Viscount Elton could finish, Robson directly rejected his proposal.

Viscount Elton looked at Robson in confusion, thinking he was about to state some conditions. That was, after all, a standard move for a lord.

"Sir, do you have some other requirement? Rest assured, Sir, the funds for the Military Commission, we will definitely..."

Robson looked at Viscount Elton and immediately understood that the Viscount had misunderstood his meaning.

"I mean, we can’t go tomorrow. We’ll prepare right now! Ais, go and assemble the First and Second Regiments immediately!

The military situation is urgent, there’s no time to lose!"

Robson looked at Ais beside him and gave the order. He made this decision not because Lord Robson was handsome and kind-hearted, of course.

Just before Viscount Elton’s arrival, Valentino had already begun to press him. If possible, Robson didn’t want to give up this opportunity to make a name for himself both at home and abroad.

Opportunities like this didn’t come around every year. The next one would probably be thirty years from now.

Even though the kingdom’s rewards would be issued regardless of whether Robson made an appearance, it was best not to miss a chance to display his abilities on the grand stage.

Viscount Elton stared at Robson in shock, but Ais was already used to his lord’s way of doing things.

For the soldiers of Affleck, a Recruitment Order could appear at any time, any place. Orders for war could come on the first festival of spring, or in the middle of the night when the soldiers were in their deepest sleep.

"As you command." Ais received the order and turned to leave.

After Ais left, Robson turned to look at Viscount Elton.

"You should go and prepare as well, Viscount. My army will crush the Beastmen before dawn!"

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