King
Chapter 863 - 863 81 High Position and Great Power_3

863: Chapter 81, High Position and Great Power_3 863: Chapter 81, High Position and Great Power_3 “Enough, as a new Major Noble, if Hudson wants fame, then let’s grant it to him,”

“having a competitor with a semblance of decency is always better than one without any scruples.”

The Koslow Clan had a millennium of heritage, and Hudson was the only one who emerged as a standout, while the overall quality of the other members was still far from ours.

As long as we survived the continental war, leveraging our family’s foundation to stabilize our footing wouldn’t be difficult.”

Send word to Jike to make more connections at the Arcane Academy, he’ll be of great use in the future!”

Earl Piers said helplessly.

Though the member quality of Koslow Clan wasn’t very high, the quantity was certainly plentiful.

In just two to three years’ time, they had produced as many people as the Dalton Clan.

However, Caryo could only keep these thoughts to himself.

Voicing them would only make the situation more awkward.

…

In the Omega Duchy, the exhilarating Capital defense war was entering its final stages.

Facing the relentless assaults of the Orc Army, the defenders could only retreat to the inner city for a last stand.

Inside the Royal Palace’s grand hall, the Duchy’s finest were clad in armor, waiting for the city to be breached and for a breakout attempt.

“Tell everyone below, we must hold out until nighttime by any means possible, as it’s our only path to survival!”

Baird I said, using the harshest tone to emphasize their dire situation.

Surviving together with the nation was not an option.

A Duchy born less than three years ago, it hadn’t yet developed a sense of belonging.

Before the Orc Army had even besieged the city, everyone had already moved their families out.

If it weren’t for needing to provide an explanation to the Human Alliance, they would have fled long ago, and would never have resisted until now.

The fact that they planned to break out from the beginning made it clear how strong the upper echelon’s resolve to resist was in Omega Duchy.

The ones truly fighting desperately were the low-ranking soldiers who knew nothing of the truth.

“Don’t worry, Your Majesty!

We’ve set up many traps within the city, and even if it falls earlier than expected, we can still hold out until dark,”

Jefferson said confidently.

Without any reinforcements, the fact that Omega Duchy had held out until now had exceeded many expectations.

According to the original plan, they were to resist for a month and then break out.

Thanks to the efforts of the Military Department, they had managed to hold out for 32 days.

No matter the reason, the fact that the Capital Defense lasted this long was already enough to account to the countries of the Human Race.

Including the initial period when the Orcs invaded, Omega Duchy had resisted the Orcs’ assault for 42 days, an achievement that fits the self-image of a new Duchy.

“Prime Minister, are our reinforcements well arranged?”

Baird I asked with concern.

He intended to restore his kingship and needed to survive this war, as there was hope only if he was alive.

“Your Majesty, please rest assured!

The most elite troops of the Duchy are positioned outside, ready to cover our retreat.

Once we break out, they will take charge of holding back the Orc pursuers,”

Prime Minister Cameron confirmed.

The elite army wasn’t used to resist the invasion but was rather arranged to cover the breakout, clearly indicating a lack of commitment to the war effort.

There was no choice, to restore the monarchy, preserving the strength was a necessity.

Everyone had ventured out after having received venture funding from the family.

Losing all their assets in this endeavor and seeking a second venture wouldn’t be so easy.

The early withdrawal of forces from the Duchy, realizing they could not hold, was a timely cut of losses after a failed venture.

What seemed like merely shirking responsibility involved intricate operations, posing significant challenges.

Simply arranging the retreat was a skillful task.

If they acted too early and were discovered by the Orcs, it would equate to handing over their lives.

If they acted too late and failed to coordinate timely support, these “entrepreneurs” would become the casualties under the swords of the Orc Army.

To use the limited strength at hand and manage a respectable fight also severely tested their capabilities.

If the Orc Army’s attack had been any stronger, the city might have fallen within a month, tarnishing their military achievements, leaving their supporting families unable to help them maneuver.”

Being disqualified for restoration was secondary, the key issue was that they could possibly be made an example of by the Human Alliance, who would pursue their crime of desertion.

As the sky gradually dimmed, a loud “boom” resounded, and the ground trembled along with it.

Anyone with a bit of military experience would know that this was the aftermath of a city wall collapsing.

The city had fallen, and for some reason, instead of panic and confusion, a sense of relief surged among the people.

Being trapped in a besieged city was a pressure unimaginable to ordinary people.

Rather than living under such repression every day, it was better to fight back.

The forthcoming breakout battle marked a moment where life and death were fated, and wealth and honor determined by the heavens.

Baird I drew his Knight Sword and commanded to the people, “Break out!”

…

In the Jade Palace, the issue of the “Staff of Glory” still caused endless debate within The Royal Family.

Fed up, Hudson directly resigned to Caesar IV.

Unfortunately, he was a step late, just as he stepped out of the great hall, Duke Efiel stopped him.

The Military Department had waited for him for several months, and now that he had finally arrived, they were not about to let him leave.

With the merit of delivering the Divine Artifact, no one brought up previous issues.

The previously intense struggle for power also saw a glimmer of hope.

It wasn’t that Caesar IV wanted to compromise, but that various factions within the Kingdom forced him to.

In the view of many, when it came to military matters, it was best for His Majesty the King to just watch from the sidelines.

The local nobility’s pressure was not obvious due to their distance, but the ministers in the Capital were the main force pressuring Caesar IV to compromise.

The closer one was to The Royal Family, the stronger they demonstrated their stance on this issue.

After confirming through eye contact, everyone genuinely feared that Caesar IV might pull another dubious move.

The Kingdom of Alpha could not afford to lose, the major nobles within the country could not afford to lose, and the multitude of civil and military officials in the Capital similarly could not afford to lose.

If power transitioned smoothly after the war, all the better.

If someone inconsiderately continued to occupy their position, then considering taking measures was not too late either.

Mainly, everyone had too good an impression of Hudson; most people did not believe he would monopolize power.

“Without the proper title, words will not be conveyed effectively.

Your Excellency the Grand Duke, perhaps waiting for His Majesty’s formal order before I assume office would be better!”

Hudson declined politely.

Though it was not customary in the Kingdom of Alpha to decline three times, there were periods when being too proactive was inadvisable.

Without a formal document specifying the duties of power, he would not assume the office and perform the duties.

If nothing unexpected occurred, the next order from Caesar IV would not only include a detailed division of powers and responsibilities but also a promotion to Marshal.

There was no help for it; he could not be suppressed anymore.

In the last war, with the combined efforts of all parties, Caesar III used his “inadequate supervision in the military supply scandal” as a reason to suppress his promotion to Marshal.

With the outbreak of a continental war, not only would Hudson command the national army, but he would also likely command the armies of the allies once the Kingdom officially entered the war.

Without a Marshal’s position, facing the Marshals of allied nations, how would Hudson manage?

He couldn’t possibly rely on the honorary title of Marshal given by the Moxi Duchy?

Even if Hudson didn’t mind, the nobility of the Kingdom couldn’t afford to lose face.

“Rest assured, Count, His Majesty’s formal commands are being drafted and will be issued shortly.

You can familiarize yourself with the situation for now to facilitate adjustments to the Kingdom’s strategic deployments moving forward,” said Duke Efiel.

Upon hearing Duke Efiel’s words, Hudson nodded slightly; this was how matters should be handled.

The title of “Chief Commander” seemed prestigious and powerful, but it also came with endless troubles.

Just coordinating the private armies of nobles big and small throughout the Kingdom could drive one to despair.

Without the full support of the government, it was impossible to proceed with subsequent work.

Nominally, these tasks should belong to the Military Department, separating pre-war and wartime preparations from commanding generals’ authority, making it easier to maintain a balance of power.

Unfortunately, the odds of winning this war were too low, and the multiple projections by the Military Department were not optimistic.

In order to maximize the Kingdom’s combat power, Duke Efiel, the Minister of Defense, took the initiative to propose an integration of forces.

Hoping to enhance the Kingdom’s military strength in the shortest possible time.