King
Chapter 1005 - 1005 129 Land Bonds_2

1005: Chapter 129, Land Bonds_2 1005: Chapter 129, Land Bonds_2 The war had degenerated to such a state that Marquis James, as the Commander, was definitely to blame, but more so it was the overall lack of quality in the Kingdom’s Army.

Since ancient times, examples of cavalry attacking cities were few and far between.

Not to mention charging into the enemy’s rear and launching a surprise attack to take cities.

One only needed to look at the final outcome to know, wherever the defenders were sufficiently vigilant, the enemy was kept outside the city gates.

Where the enemy’s surprise attack was successful, there were always serious issues with the defenders themselves; the city’s military officers had absolutely neglected their duties.

These guys got what they deserved, there’s no pity needed, dying on the battlefield was the best option, returning to face accountability would only bring disgrace to everyone.

However, for the Noble Lords of the Northern Border, Hudson still had to lend a hand.

As the leading figure among the emerging Major Nobles, even if only in name, he still had to make an effort.

In fact, even if Hudson didn’t bring it up, someone else would surely come forward to play the “good Samaritan.”

Nominally part of the Emerging Nobility, but essentially they were offshoots of established Noble Houses.

The so-called “emerging” was merely a political need for setting an example.

Hudson’s role as the figurehead was nominal, primarily because most of the Emerging Nobility came from established Noble Houses, and although conflicts did exist, they were not as acute as they appeared to the outside world.

If one were to think that the struggle between the Emerging Nobility and the established ones was a fight to the death, they were waiting to be duped!

Those truly at odds with the established Nobility were clans like the Koslow Family, who were the rising stars.

“Marshal is right, stabilizing the situation is now of utmost importance.

But merely contracting our fronts and restoring logistics isn’t enough.

Given the state of the front lines, Marquis James must be held accountable.

I propose his dismissal from the position of Commander, to be taken into custody and returned to the Capital for accountability, and to have Marshal Hudson take up the role of Commander,” advocated Duke Newfoundland, his voice seething with a murderous intent.

With such a fierce expression, it was as if he couldn’t wait to tear Marquis James into a thousand pieces.

But the expressions of political figures often carried deceit.

Nobles needed to maintain face, especially those in high-ranking command positions.

Even if they were to execute someone, they would provide a dignified way to die.

For example, the Five Great Dukes of the Northland all ended their own lives, rather than being publicly tried and executed.

Even when it involved the Human Alliance, the internal execution of a high-ranking Noble by the Kingdom would grant an even more respectable death, usually in battle or by accidental sickness.

If they really wanted Marquis James dead, there would be no need for detention, instead send Hudson straight over to take command.

At that time, a simple cold shoulder would suffice, and for the sake of Noble honor, Marquis James would find an opportunity to die on the battlefield and retain his last bit of dignity.

For Duke Newfoundland to step in at such a time was also not of his own volition.

He was not only the Chancellor of the Kingdom, but also a member of The Royal Family.

Marquis James was a direct leader from The Royal Family, and any serious discipline against him would implicate a host of commanders close to The Royal Family.

The Royal Family’s influence in the military had only been somewhat restored over the past two years.

If they were to be purged now, it would be difficult to regain that influence later.

Factional struggles were everywhere, and when an opportunity to weaken The Royal Family presented itself at their doorstep, the Kingdom’s Major Nobles would not hold back.

Handling the situation now was still relatively good.

The Major Nobles were mostly not in the Capital, and the power of The Royal Family held a dominant position in the Court.

As soon as the words were spoken, all eyes turned to Hudson.

Whether it was to severely punish Marquis James or to let him off the hook, it all hinged on Hudson’s nod as the Commander.

“Changing commanders in the midst of battle is a major taboo in military strategy.

Moreover, there are still matters of the Expeditionary Army Corps that need my attention, I can’t leave just yet.

Let Marquis James stabilize the situation for now, shrink our fronts gradually according to the actual conditions of the battlefield.

Once the Expedition Army Corps get a little rest and replenish their forces, I’ll take them to the front lines.

I’ll also take this opportunity to train the new troops that have been gathered from different regions,” Hudson said with a pretense of difficulty.

Every time there was a mess, he was expected to clean it up, always to pull everything back from the brink, that was just too abusive.

If he didn’t make his stance clear, they would really think he was too placid.

Since the enemy had made their move, it was impossible that this was the extent of their actions.

With a limited understanding of the situation at the front, who knew how many more pitfalls lay ahead.

Rushing to take over would mean taking the fall for Marquis James.

Their personal relationship wasn’t that deep yet, no need to eagerly rush into it.

After all, the situation was already deteriorated; it couldn’t get much worse.

Times have changed, even if given the chance, the Orcs don’t have the capacity to swallow the entire frontline army in one go.

Caesar IV was just about to speak, but ultimately he closed his mouth helplessly.

After the recent end of the conflict on the western front, the Military Department had proposed a change in command, and for political needs, he had decided to retain Marquis James.

Now with this mishap unfolding, the label of poor judgment was directly affixed to his forehead.

Along with the inherent reputation of being “different from military affairs,” Caesar IV had enough of his own problems, let alone reaching out to help Marquis James.

Now, proceeding with a strategic contraction, though it’s a conscious surrender of territory, in the eyes of others, it would still be seen as “losing cities and land.”

Hudson, who cared about his reputation, was unwilling to take the blame, and as King, he couldn’t force the issue.

Otherwise, if problems arose afterward, the responsibility would once again fall on his shoulders.