Chapter 714 - Reinforcements (1/2)

Bayer loosened his grip on the reins and his warhorse gradually slowed down to a halt. He turned around and gazed at the long, orderly rows of soldiers struggling forward. The thick snow had obstructed the army’s speed. The infantries trudged through the ten-meters thick snow, where even the tall, might warhorses grunted. Moreover, if it wasn’t for the leading troops who cleared the path, perhaps the supply chariots at the back would be caught in the snow entirely.

“Old man, is anything the issue?”

A young knight came to a halt beside Bayer. The latter turned around and glared fiercely, which the young man quickly changed his form of address.

“Sir, is anything the matter?”

“Nothing. I just think that we’re advancing rather slowly. The weather is great. We should move faster.”

Bayer shook his head and let out a long sigh. Then, he shifted his gaze to the sky. The weather was sunny and cloudless at the moment. Moreover, it didn’t seem to be snowing anytime soon. Perhaps this was the only good news in the most recent days.

“No problem, old man. We have enough time to reach our destination as long as those guys in front work hard enough.”

Unlike Bayer who had put on a stern expression, the young man shook his head casually. He had a head full of light chestnut-colored short hair and his face resembled Bayer’s to a certain extent. Bayer cursed inwardly at the sloppy character of this younger son of his. He thought that his son would learn seriousness and discipline by sending him to the military. However, he learned the craftiness of the experienced soldiers, which left Bayer in a headache. Even though this young man also had outstanding military service, Bayer stubbornly believed that his son was simply lucky. This time, it was a huge matter for Bayer to lead the army into the Land of Atonement Fortress to defend against the Undead Creatures’ infiltrations. If it was possible, Bayer hoped to not bring his troublesome son along, but he didn’t know why the young man insisted in following after knowing that his fiancée, Serena, would be joining as a military Mage. However, the young man behaved rather well along the way. Even though he was still as rude as ever, he didn’t overstep the bounds of what was proper.

“Our responsibilities for this mission are huge. You need to hide your bad habits and not screw things up, Frederick!”

Bayer pulled down his mask and berated. On the other hand, Frederick turned around and secretly pulled a face. Then, he turned the horse around.

“By the way, Serena, do you know what kind of place is the Land of Atonement Fortress? Gosh. Don’t tell me that it is an out-of-the-way uncivilized territory.”

“As a noble heir, you should watch your words, Frederick.”

The young lady wrapped in plush mink coat and sat on the white warhorse lifted her head. She gazed at her fiancé’s frivolous smiling face and shook her head while sighing.

“Although Land of Atonement is desolate, it isn’t located in the hinterland. I’ve heard from merchants that it has a tall, majestic city fortress. Even though most of the rumors were exaggerated, I think they might be reliable since the fortress has defended against the Undead Creatures’ raid.”

“That’s interesting… By the way, I heard that there is a popular ‘Mercenary Overlord’, right? Serena, you should have seen that Sir Overlord since you’ve participated in the Dragon Soul Ceremony as a diplomatic group. Does he look like a beauty just like the rumors mentioned?”

“You should watch your mouth, Frederick.” Serena glared. “That Sir Overlord isn’t one who is nice. I advise you to not poke fun of his face because even your father can’t protect you if anything happens.”

“I know. I know. I’m just trying to hype up the mood.”

Frederick spread his arms apart helplessly and curled his lips.

“Alright, I’ll stop joking around. Serena, what kind of a person is that Sir Overlord?”

Frederick glanced to the side and saw his father slowly approaching them on his warhorse. It was apparent that the old man was also interested in the young overlord. But, come to think of it, who in the entire Munn Kingdom wasn’t interested in this rumored ‘Mercenary Overlord’? Not only did he perform well in the Midsummer Festival, but he also participated in the Dragon Soul Ceremony and thrashed the Light Parliament’s Magician Knights. Moreover, he relied on his forces to defend against the Undead Army. His achievements were known far and wide in the entire Munn Kingdom. It was especially so for his abilities in dealing with the Undead Army because the other reputable nobles and army leaders were caught unprepared against the raids.

Even the Eastern Plains that was most experienced in dealing with Undead Creatures had also sunk into a stalemate. However, they were doing much better than others. The pitiful old overlord of Silent Field had crumbled entirely. Lydia was extremely dissatisfied that the old overlord evacuated his own family and disregarded the civilians. Even though his sin wasn’t worthy of death, it was an equally harsh punishment to strip his noble title off.

Only Rhode’s Land of Atonement Fortress stood strong against the Undead Creatures. Not only that, but he also repelled their attacks twice, which surprised many. They didn’t expect that a young overlord who obtained the territory for less than a year to perform so well. Besides, no matter the Land of Atonement or Grenbell, they were located in remote, uninhabited places. Although Rhode had mercenaries in his command, the nobles were clear that the mercenaries weren’t reliable. If not, they wouldn’t need to have their own private soldiers.

But the young overlord successfully relied on that small number of people to defend against the Undead Army?

Is he really that powerful?

Serena let out a sigh. She turned around and gazed at the chariots and knights who were donned in exquisite, yet different style of armor. They were representatives of noble families and local armies and were headed for Land of Atonement to assist in defending and transporting supplies. However, Serena knew what was going on in their heads. They wished to witness how Rhode went into battle and defeated the Undead Creatures. After all, this was the most important matter on hand.

I hope they don’t get into trouble.

Serena turned to her fiancé. No matter what, I must watch this fellow closely.

“He is an outstanding young man just like the rumors, Frederick. No matter which generation of young noblemen, such a talent is rare to find. Even though he is always expressionless, he is surprisingly not a man of little words. He is knowledgeable and smart…”

Serena said and recalled the things that Rhode had told them when he led them on a ‘one day trip’ in Casabianca. She had to admit that the ‘trip’ had moved her.

“But he isn’t easy to deal with, and nor is he soft-hearted. So I advise you to act meticulously. Don’t stir trouble or mess with anyone once we’re there. Also…” Serena swept a glance to the back. “We’re following Royal Highness Lydia’s orders to come here and provide reinforcements. Don’t be half-hearted when mixing with those people behind.”

Serena paused and turned to Frederick.

“Keep all your bad habits.”

“I know. I know. Serena, you’re always worrying too much. Relax. I know my limit.”

Frederick yawned and as he was about to leave, he caught a glimpse of a majestic shadow.

“Our final batch of reinforcements are here.”

Rhode stood on the balcony and observed the densely moving black spots on the mountainous path.

This was the final batch of reinforcements that Lydia had promised Rhode and they were the local nobles and armies. But there were only 1500 of them. Most of them were crossbow shooters while the others were knights and swordsmen. Of course, the reason was simple why they didn’t board the floating boats, but went on foot: because they were also serving the task of escorting supplies.

Apart from food supplies and weapons, logistics workers like craftsmen were also included. It could be seen that Lydia understood the situation of Rhode’s fortress well, which didn’t surprise Rhode at all. She was a smart ruler and this was to be expected.

“Marfa.” Rhode turned around. “Watch those guys and make sure they don’t stir any troubles.”

“Yes, Sir. I’ll get going now.”

The middle-aged swordsman nodded with might before leaving. Rhode turned around and squinted at the slow moving troops on the mountainous path. The reason why Rhode had given this order was that he knew this army constitution was complicated. Even though they were reinforcements, more than half were originally assigned reinforcements. The remaining ones were noble and army representatives from other regions sent here as ‘helpers’, which included some Mages and Clerics. Rhode didn’t investigate on purpose. Instead, when the name list was presented to him, their family names were already included, which was considered a noble etiquette.