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Chapter 505 - 505 86 Coalition Commander_3

505: Chapter 86, Coalition Commander_3 505: Chapter 86, Coalition Commander_3 The reason was very simple, in order to relieve the siege of Dapes, the Moxi people had withdrawn troops from the front line, leading to a significantly reduced number of defenders.

Secondly, the city’s defensive works had several minor flaws, and the overall quality of the works was just barely passable.

With a multitude of unfavorable factors stacking up, Hudson naturally held a pessimistic view.

The defenders’ performance, having held out until yesterday, was truly excellent.

From the expressions on everyone’s faces, it was clear that everyone was not in a good mood, with many eyes slightly red and swollen from crying.

Most likely, they had younger generations fighting on the front line, and now that the defense line had completely collapsed, they were being subjected to the heartbreaking human tragedy of the old burying the young.

There was no help for it; when the nation fell into a difficult situation, these “major shareholders” had to fulfill their responsibilities too.

As the last one to enter the meeting room, Hudson didn’t seem flustered.

Once he got the notice, he got up and came right over, not purposely stalling.

Bathed in the sorrowful atmosphere in the room, Hudson’s mood also plummeted.

After being led by an attendant to his seat, he remained silent and shared in the sadness with everyone else.

After a few moments of silence, Chancellor Hercheg, struggling to suppress his grief, said, “Everyone is here, so let’s start the meeting!

The Terence Defense Line has collapsed, and given the current situation in the Duchy, it’s very difficult to build another defensive line to halt the invasion of the Orc Army.

If nothing unexpected happens, the Orc Army will start marching southward.

It won’t be long until the second Battle for Defense of Dapes happens.

The reinforcements from the Human Alliance are still on the way, even if we ask them to speed up now, we need to hold on for at least forty days.

What should we do about the defense plan, any suggestions from everyone?”

Impressed by Hercheg’s swift recovery, Hudson’s regard for Chancellor Hercheg immediately rose a few notches.

His eldest son had died on the battlefield, and the fate of his second son, trapped in the Flying Bear Fort, was unknown – not many people could remain this composed under these circumstances.

After all, Chancellor Hercheg had only two sons, at least officially.

If both died on the battlefield, he would have to hand over all he had worked for to someone else.

Most people under such circumstances would probably go straight into give-up mode.

But the chancellor came to preside over this meeting, a perfect example of nobility.

“Before we devise a defense plan, we need to elect a commander to lead the whole army.

Otherwise, every time we need to mobilize the troops, we’ll have to decide among ourselves, which would surely lead to great chaos.

I propose Earl Hudson to be the commander of this war, responsible for commanding both nations’ armies.”

Count Martins’ suggestion took Hudson by surprise.

It’s true that the Moxi military lacks a highly respected commander, but that does not mean there are no other options.

As Minister of Defense, Count Martins himself would be the best choice.

The previous Battle for Defense of Dapes was conducted by him.

His demonstrated military qualities stood out among the high-ranking officials of the Moxi Duchy.

Now recommending Hudson not only means Count Martins himself is giving up, but more importantly, it signifies a shift in the command of the army.

For a home game, handing over your own army’s command to an outsider means more than just courage, it is utterly unthinkable.

No sooner had he finished speaking than everyone started whispering among themselves.

Hudson guessed that if he had not been present, somebody might have already started hurling abuses.

No one immediately opposed this, not only because they were sophisticated enough, but more importantly because Count Martins had made his stance clear – he was not interested in the commander’s position.

If Hudson were also vetoed, they would have to pick another commander.

This is a tricky topic – there are plenty of generals in the Moxi Duchy, but very few of them have prestige.

Count Fidelis, who used to have some prestige in the military, led the armies of the southern provinces.

Unfortunately, his armies were ruthlessly beaten by the Bimon Army Corps along the way.

Although he didn’t suffer a major defeat, having ten thousand or more troops suppressed and beaten by a single enemy corps was hardly convincing.

If his own people don’t approve, the Expeditionary Army certainly wouldn’t.

If the Expeditionary Army doesn’t accept his leadership, there will definitely be issues when the two armies have to work together.

Unlike Hudson who can resort to a strategic retreat if he fails to win, the high-ranking officials of the Moxi Duchy don’t have the courage to give up Dapes and embark on the road of exile.

Count Martins’ recommendation of Hudson obviously takes this point into account; he doesn’t want to have any issues with cooperation in the future.

Even if they temporarily hand over command, the army is still the army of the Moxi Duchy.

It might be a blow to their pride, but their substantial interests will not be damaged.”

“I support the Minister of Defense’s proposal.

Earl Hudson has a distinguished record.

Ever since he joined the war effort, he has never been defeated in numerous battles.

He is the best candidate for the commander!”

The words of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Renato, were like pouring a bucket of water into boiling oil, instantly stirring up the room.

Interestingly, while everyone was discussing, nobody openly stood up to oppose.

While others didn’t oppose, Hudson wanted to.

The position of Coalition Commander was indeed good, but it also carried significant responsibility.

If he lost a battle, there would be no chance to shift the blame.

Most importantly, it carried responsibility without any substantial benefits to look forward to.

If he won, it was what was expected, but if he lost, he had to pay with his hard-earned reputation.

Just as Hudson was about to voice his opposition, Chancellor Hercheg interjected, “Since everyone has no objections, then Earl Hudson will be the commander of the army.

Your Excellency the Earl, for the safety of the Human Race, I implore you to undertake this heavy responsibility!”

When the issue of human survival was brought in, the people who were previously engaged in heated discussion suddenly fell silent, all quietly watching Hudson.

They suddenly realized that it seemed they were discussing this topic without having obtained the consent of the party involved.

What if he decided to reject?

What would they do then?

The change in their mindset directly affected everyone’s attitude.

What these men were considering wasn’t how to oppose Hudson’s appointment, but how to push him into it.