Chapter 395 - 272: A Simple Deployment

Chapter 395: Chapter 272: A Simple Deployment

Time slipped by silently, and Henry had finally settled all his affairs.

As the saying goes, big problems get small meetings and small problems get big ones. It was the trivial, day-to-day tasks that had proven the most time-consuming and exhausting.

He sat at his command table, which was piled high with documents and maps. He tapped the table lightly and asked, "Have Fass and Boman reported on their progress?"

"They have."

Henry glanced at Claude, who was busy at another table, and said, "Fill me in. I can’t find the documents."

Claude looked up, recalling the details before answering, "Baron Boman and Baron Fass have followed your instructions and completed their mission of winning over the nobles of the grasslands. Your faction has been solidified.

Theoretically, you have almost no enemies in the eastern grasslands, aside from the other Counts and those powerful, arrogant Viscounts.

Oh, and according to Fass’s report, you don’t need to worry about the Imperial Legion and the nobles in the Baltahan region. They won’t be a stumbling block for you."

"However, your activities have also put the emperor on alert. A war between you and him may be drawing closer."

The emperor wouldn’t normally pay too much mind to a single, capable young noble. He would only move to suppress them to save face.

Henry nodded slightly, his gaze returning to the map where cities, castles, and topographical features were marked in different colors.

Henry’s finger slid gently across the map, his brow furrowed in thought.

Time ticked by, second by second, until the only sounds in the room were Henry’s breathing and the occasional scratching of Claude’s pen.

"Give the order: all allied nobles are to come to Odoche at once. Tell them to travel with the utmost speed."

"Yes, my lord." Claude asked no questions.

Countless letters were dispatched from Odoche by the Grassland Warriors. The messengers rode the fastest horses, their hooves thundering across the grasslands like a gale, kicking up clouds of dust.

The letters were a summons, like the call of a horn, spreading to every corner of the eastern grasslands. In just four days, the news had spread like wildfire, and nobles from all over began to respond.

The wait had been agonizing. Ever since pledging their allegiance, they had been waiting for Henry’s command.

The gates of Odoche opened slowly in the morning sun, and one mounted party after another began to stream inside.

Some nobles brought their Personal Guards, banners flying and faces full of anticipation, clearly showing how seriously they were taking the upcoming meeting.

Others, however, brought only their Attendants, traveling light to reach Odoche with all possible speed.

Some were travel-worn, having clearly hurried on their journey, while others looked anxious, terrified of being late and missing this opportunity.

Inside the city, the streets were crowded with commoners who stared curiously at these nobles from across the grasslands, whispering among themselves as they speculated on their identities and purpose.

Of course, no one dared block the road. They all pressed themselves against the buildings on either side, afraid a whip would find their backs at any second.

The nobles rode through the crowd, their horses’ hooves echoing on the stone road. The trail of dust they kicked up seemed to herald their arrival.

Four days later, the great hall of Odoche’s castle was buzzing with activity.

No fewer than eight Viscounts, thirty-eight Barons, and seventy-nine Independent Knights were gathered in the hall.

Some were standing, others sitting, all conversing in low tones. Their eyes held a mixture of reverence for Henry and anticipation for their own futures.

The air in the great hall was thick with a mixture of tension and excitement. A storm was on the horizon.

The moment Henry stepped into the great hall, the clamor of discussion instantly ceased.

He wore the magnificent attire of an Imperial Count, his long robes embroidered with gold and silver thread. The intricate patterns glinted dazzlingly in the light.

The robe’s collar and cuffs were set with exquisite gems, underscoring his noble status and authority.

The noisy hall fell abruptly silent, and every noble’s gaze instantly fixated on Henry.

They immediately straightened their backs, crossed their hands before them, and lowered their heads slightly as a sign of respect for Henry.

A solemn and dignified atmosphere filled the hall. The nobles’ coordinated gestures were as uniform as a carefully rehearsed ritual.

When a noble wears their formal court attire, it is customary for all to show respect, regardless of personal relationships.

Henry’s gaze swept slowly over the crowd. His eyes were sharp and profound, as if capable of seeing into each person’s heart. He gave a slight nod, acknowledging their respect, then strode toward the dais at the center of the hall.

His movements were unhurried, yet he exuded an aura of complete control that prevented anyone present from daring to relax in the slightest.

As Henry ascended the dais, the entire hall fell silent.

The nobles raised their heads, their gazes fixed upon him, awaiting the orders he was about to issue.

In this moment, Henry’s every word could determine their future rewards.

After sitting down, Henry waited a moment, then suddenly chuckled. "So many people came? The spoils might not be enough to go around."

"HAHAHA!" The nobles immediately roared with laughter, filling the hall with a mirthful atmosphere.

"I hereby order Viscount Carl Yang and Viscount Ernst Evans to lead twelve Viscounts and thirty Knights to encircle Autongard! You have one objective and one objective only: surround, but do not attack. As long as the enemy remains within Autongard, you will have achieved victory!"

"Yes, Lord Count Henry Bro!"

’To them, this was practically a gift-wrapped achievement! With so many nobles, their combined fighting forces would number in the tens of thousands. Attacking a city was difficult, but how hard could it be just to surround one?’