The news of Victor's continued and rapid victory spread across the kingdom. But for Victor it was different; he knew due to the sudden increase in territory his responsibilities would be heavier.
When the news of all the other Marquis defeats spread through the Fractured Kingdom, nobles could not help but admire Wildwood Soldiers discipline as well as Victor's great leadership.
The messengers brought the reports of how the Wildwood soldiers marched and defeated their enemies. They also speak about the young lord with a strategic mind.
When Duke Hemud received the news. He was shocked he did not give much thought to the upstart young Lord of Wildwood.
He always believed that Elmsworth lost because he was a fool and overconfident.
But when he read the way Victor used his army to outmaneuver other marquises and fool them, he felt fear.
"Seventeen years old, to achieve such a victory, either that boy has extraordinary talent or he has luck."
"Maybe, my lord, both, but we should admit his tactics are something different. He fights in a completely different manner; he tricks his enemies." One of the advisors gave his opinion.
Even Hemud nodded that boy has indeed used various tricks to win the battles. Hemud knew he couldn't underestimate Victor from now on.
Meanwhile, when Duke Balthazar received the reports of the battles,. He was disgusted at how these fools were defeated so easily by Victor. Another damn Armstrong rising to power at a time like this.
"This is an outrage that brat is conquering those territories like it's nothing, but as for me, I am here like a fool waiting for that idiot Hemud to make his move." Balthazar was feeling humiliated.
Meanwhile One of the trusted advisors of Duke 'Varkos' Spoke
"Even if that brat, my lord, now controls vast territory and has huge manpower, how will he maintain his territory? I think sooner or later rebellions might break out. And not only might that fool lose his newly acquired territory, but he might lose Wildwood as well."
Because of Varkos's opinion, Balthazar became relieved.
"Yeah, so what if that brat conquered those territories? Handling them will be hard after all."
Balthazar looked at Varkos and said,. "I want our army ready; we will invade Riverland."
Varkos was caught off guard. "My Lord, but we should wait and see what Duke Hemud will do, and then we should—"
"I don't care, Varkos. Once we conquer Riverland, do you think. Hemud will just sit around; he would also have a plan to invade Riverland after all. This is the best opportunity we have with a weak leader . Ruling Riverland."
And not a strong army. Once we conquer Riverland rapidly, before Hemud can even make a move . Our influence will rise.
Balthazar had a determined look on his face.
Now that the unfolding events in Riverland. Has given him an opportunity to increase his power and influence. The news of Duke Elmsworth's assassination at the hand of his own son .
Evander and that boy's declaration of war against both Hemud and himself and not following the treaty. Gave him enough reason to start his move.
Meanwhile, for Hemud, after he got news of Evander killing his own father, he was ready to start preparing his army and quickly conquer Riverland, which would give him vital waterways and fertile land.
But now he has started to have other ideas. He thinks dealing with that brat Victor is more important than Evander.
So Hemud decided to write a letter of alliance to Balthazar against Victor.
Meanwhile, Victor has still not returned to Ebonwall. He is still in Veroda; he is trying to consolidate his newly acquired territories. He is reading various reports, and it's hectic.
Dammit, we lack administrators and officials to run these territories," haaa," Victor sighed. It's one thing to win a battle, but ruling is just totally different.'
Meanwhile, Colton also nodded. "Yes, my lord, the taxes are just mismanaged, and the trade routes are often attacked by bandits, and there is also discontent from some of the former loyalists of these three marquis."
"I am just tired, Colton. Deal with those damn fools. As you see fit, but we must ensure that it does not turn into an open rebellion. Roads must be secured as for taxation.
Victor turned his head towards an official sent from Ebonwall. "George, I believe you can deal with it."
"My Lord, you don't have to worry; I will take care of it." George said with a smile.
Victor has spent hours reading various documents trying to understand Drafuni rule so that he can make changes and win the people's trust.
Victor is choosing new officials; he is reducing taxes and is also trying to compensate the families of dead soldiers from the treasury.
He is receiving constant letters from Jon nagging him about taxes. He also ordered the laborers to repair the neglected infrastructure so that they connect the territories with each other.
But Victor is just ignoring it. He knew they could manage after all the treasury of these three corrupt marquises was filled with gold coins and rare jewels.
I hope Lewis can train 10,000 more soldiers. After all, you never know when those two dukes will arrive with their armies. But I believe Evander causes them some difficulties.
Victor has also been touring around visiting various cities, towns, and villages. He listened carefully to the problems people are facing.
Offering practical solutions and showing genuine commitment to their well-being.
He understood he can't control these territories with just military might; he also needs the support of the people.
It has been 3 days since Hemud sent a letter to Balthazar regarding forming an alliance against Victor, but he has not received any reply. He had expected a swift reply from Balthazar.
Hemud started to feel uneasy. Has that fool rejected my alliance? Is he really dumb, because the threat posed by that brat Victor is much more dangerous?
The lack of news has started to make me feel suspicious. Just as he started to feel certain that Balthazar had rejected his alliance.
A breathless messenger arrived, bringing with him the news about Balthazar. "My Lord," he gasped, bowing low, "terrible news from Riverland."
Hemud's heart tightened. "What is it?"
"Duke Balthazar has invaded Riverland; his armies crossed the borders yesterday. Reports suggest that he is making rapid progress, meeting little resistance."
A wave of fury washed over Hemud. "Balthazar, that arrogant fool, had not only ignored my alliance but seized the opportunity to invade Riverland.
"And what about that idiot Evander? Has he tried to put up any resistance"? Hemud questioned Messenger.
"Scattered Skirmishes My lord, hit-and-run tactics are being used, but his forces are disorganized and lack equipment, and citizens of his domain are also not supporting him."
Messenger continued, "Meanwhile, Balthazar's army is seasoned and led by himself."
Hemud He clenched his fist, his knuckles turning white. Now Hemud was faced with a critical decision: either to continue focusing on Victor or to take care of Balthazar first. After all, he can't let Balthazar consolidate his power in Riverland when he is busy dealing with Victor.
If Balthazar becomes too strong, he won't be able to handle him. And dealing with Victor won't be easy because he knows Victor is a damn trickster, and he would definitely inflict major losses on Hemud's army.
"Summon the commanders," Hemud commanded. His voice was now firm; meanwhile, his advisors objected.
"But what about Victor, my lord? We should deal with him first."
"Are you a fool? Victor can wait; we will first defeat Balthazar and then take care of that brat. Even though his army is strong, he does not have numbers, and after defeating Balthazar and conquering Riverland and
Arrogant Balthazar's territory."
"I will march towards the capital, removing that bastard Aloysius from the throne, and instead of him, Jack will sit on the throne, and then with the help of the Royal Army and my army, we will take care of that brat Victor."
But deep inside his heart, Hemud knew this was a risk; if he could not deal with Balthazar quickly, it would only create trouble for him. Because it will give Victor the ability to consolidate his power.
As the preparation for war began in earnest, Hemud could not help but feel nervous. The young upstart of Wildwood, who carried the surname Armstrong, and the foolish and arrogant Duke Balthazar presented a formidable challenge for him.
As for Victor, he has sent letters to two barons of the Golden Grove kingdom to pay him tribute if they want to safeguard their territory.
I am not going to invade their territory, but I will extort money from them after my news victories have reached them.
And they can't do anything but Send those sweet gold coins to me after all, even if they try to ally themselves with the Duke's.
They know that both Duke Balthazar and Duke Hemud are busy dealing with each other, and even if they form an alliance, they should be sensible enough to know that before those two dukes can send their armies.
My army would be all ready in front of their capital bombarding their walls.