Chapter 377 - 263: Eve of the Full-Scale Civil War

Chapter 377: Chapter 263: Eve of the Full-Scale Civil War

Claude nodded, a grave look flashing in his eyes. If he wasn’t mistaken, Henry’s next target would be Count Akakarat.

Count Akakarat’s domain was adjacent to Odoche. Although his strength was slightly inferior, he was not to be underestimated. Now that Odoche had changed hands, Count Akakarat would certainly not let the matter rest.

Count Akakarat wasn’t an idiot. While this land might not have a saying like "when the lips are gone, the teeth grow cold," he understood the logic of who would be next to fall.

Claude just hadn’t expected the interval between the two wars to be so short. Henry’s decisiveness always exceeded his expectations.

Claude frowned slightly and said in a low voice, "My lord, Count Akakarat won’t be that easy to deal with.

His military strength might be comparable to Count John’s, but his domain’s defenses are strong. He must have heavily invested in his city’s fortifications.

We just conquered Odoche, and the soldiers need to rest and reorganize..."

Henry cut him off. "I know Akakarat isn’t easy to deal with, but this is the perfect time. He won’t just sit by and watch us put down roots here. Rather than wait for him to attack, it’s better we strike first.

Besides, we’ve seized plenty of supplies from Odoche’s granaries and armories, enough to support the next operation."

This was also why Henry hadn’t arranged promotions for the veterans yet. They had seized too much military equipment! Enough to completely re-equip and upgrade his entire army.

Claude knew that once Henry made up his mind, it was hard to change it. He said in a deep voice, "Then we must prepare as quickly as possible, my lord. We’ll need more troops. How is the new recruits’ training going?"

"The recruits’ training is progressing smoothly. Although they lack combat experience, their enthusiasm is high. They’ll soon be a great help to me."

Claude nodded and said, "Alright. I’ll work with Leon, Bain, and the others to strengthen military discipline and ensure the army’s combat effectiveness. At the same time, I’ll keep a close watch on Count Akakarat’s movements and prepare to respond."

"Claude, you’ve always been my right-hand man. This time is no exception."

Claude shook his head helplessly and complained jokingly, "My lord, I’m the Minister of State Affairs, but I’m turning into the army’s chief of logistics."

The two discussed a few more details, not ending their conversation until the sun began to set outside the window.

In the days that followed, the atmosphere in and around Odoche was relatively relaxed. On the training grounds, new recruits sweated profusely amidst harsh shouts. They progressed from initial clumsiness and panic to skilled movements and fierce gazes.

The trained soldiers stood under the sun, their skin tanned dark, sweat trickling down their foreheads, yet no one wiped it away.

The determination and focus in their eyes was a toughness forged through hardship.

This kind of gaze was completely different from those who hadn’t undergone physical training. The latter’s eyes often seemed lost, unfocused, and even held a trace of cowardice.

Military training is not just a workout for the body, but also a tempering of the will. After rigorous training, a soldier’s body becomes leaner, their steps steady, their breathing even. They can maintain their composure even during high-intensity drills.

But the untrained appear loose-limbed, their movements slow, their eyes dazed and bewildered.

They are prone to retreat or break down when a battle turns against them, and they lack the courage to face challenges.

This gap is not merely physical, but mental.

These new recruits were just one war away from becoming true Warriors!

Meanwhile, Henry had not neglected the stability of his new domain.

He took a hardline stance against the Free People who tried to stir up trouble amidst the chaos.

These people had originally thought that Henry, having just established his foothold, would be hesitant to act. Instead, they were met with a merciless crackdown.

With Bain, Leon, Selas, and others striking out in all directions, the army acted like an Iron Fist, smashing down hard on every corner that dared to be defiant.

The once-arrogant and domineering leaders of the Free People were now all imprisoned in the castle dungeons, awaiting their final judgment.

"Six strikes a second isn’t the limit, you bastards!"

This was the army’s catchphrase when dealing with troublemakers. Under such severe measures, the situation within Odoche quickly stabilized, and no one dared to challenge Henry’s authority again.

For these people, it was as if the sky had fallen! And they thought they’d seen it all!

Just as this batch of new recruits was about to complete their training, a letter from Ratifa was delivered into Henry’s hands.

The messenger was a young Knight, covered in dust from his travels. He had clearly journeyed a long way to deliver the letter.

Henry took the letter and frowned slightly. A letter from Ratifa was usually no small matter.

He broke the seal, scanned it quickly, and a strange expression gradually formed on his face.

"What is it, my lord?" Claude asked hastily, noticing the look on Henry’s face wasn’t right.

Henry looked up. "Hmm... there’s a bit of trouble on Ratifa’s end."

"Such as?"

Henry rubbed the bridge of his nose, speechless for a moment. "This foolish woman is asking when her army will be finished with its training," he said. "She also says she’s already assembled her troops and wants to know if I’m really planning to rebel."

Claude: ???

’Huh? What the hell is going on? Is this still Caladia?’

’Claude’s head was spinning. It’s only been a few years, has the empire really gone to shit this badly?’

’Great, just great. Everywhere you look, it’s nothing but rebel leaders!’

Claude frowned and asked in a low, serious voice, "My lord, what do you think of Ratifa’s proposal? Does she really intend to go through with it?"