Chapter 108: Half Victory

Chapter 108: Half Victory

Half Victory

Several weeks before Lord Lansius' battle in South Hill, Sir Michael and the White Lake cavalry had arrived safely in Korelia. The city celebrated their victorious return from the Korimor campaign. As Korelia's leading authority, Sir Justin promptly organized a celebration to honor their allies and commemorate House Lansius' latest victory in Korimor.

After resting for three nights, Sir Michael and his contingent resumed their march back to White Lake, eager to return home before the harvest season.

Their all-cavalry force swiftly covered the distance, arriving in White Lake just in time for the harvest. Sir Michael's triumphant return to the city, laden with spoils that sparked envy among many, quickly became the talk of the town.

The stories of their battles against the Nicopolans captured the admiration of the populace. Even the nobility, who had previously disgraced him, began reconsidering their stance, impressed by the spoils he secured and his exploits in battles. Moreover, the fact that he had fought alongside the Lord of Korelia, a rising power in Lowlandia, indicated that Sir Michael had made a significant name for himself and was likely in favor.

Subsequently, talks began about restoring his reputation or at least amending their relationship. The once-fallen Marshal was now viewed as a redeemed figure.

Watching this unfold, the most pleased was Lord Robert. He had gambled on sending Michael to Lansius, hoping for a positive outcome, but he never expected such a turn of fortune.

The Viscount's belief in Michael had been vindicated. He had always known that Michael possessed the necessary qualities. Maybe not as a general, but certainly as a competent knight and an able nobleman.

And now, fulfilling his daughter's wish, Lord Robert had allowed Sir Michael to meet her in the castle's garden for a quiet chat.

...

"Sir Michael," Lady Astrid called as she saw him at the garden's entrance.

The knight, who was the talk of the city, broke into a smile. "Lady Astrid," he greeted as they approached each other.

For a moment, they both smiled, unable to hide their feelings.

"I've returned," the knight reported warmly.

"Pray that you're not injured. How is your eye?" the lady asked with concern.

Michael adjusted his eye patch as he reassured her, "It's not painful, and it doesn't hinder me anymore."

"Michael," Lady Astrid began, her tone filled with excitement. "I've talked to Father."

"Yes?" the knight responded, full of anticipation.

Astrid blushed and, instead of giving a direct reply, asked carefully, "Do you still want my hand in marriage?"

"The sky is my witness. I didn't fight battles in faraway Korimor for myself. The glory and prestige are dedicated to you, My Lady."

"Michael..." Astrid gazed at him affectionately before revealing, "Father has agreed."

Michael's eyes widened. "The Lord agreed to our betrothal?"

Astrid nodded, her sweet smile gracing her lips.

Michael's reaction was one of unbridled joy, his wide grin accompanied by clenched fists as if he was ready to leap for joy. Discipline kicked in, and instead of jumping, he knelt and asked for her hand.

Astrid happily extended her hand, and Michael vowed, "I will be a good and loving husband. I shall be loyal, protect you, and bring honor to your House."

Astrid, blushing red, turned her face away. "You've already brought honor to my father's House. He's pleased with your triumphant return. Now, no one in the court can look down on you."

Standing up, he said, "The court may need more time to accept me back. Only after they're comfortable can we arrange our marriage. Perhaps a season or two will be necessary."

Astrid let out a small grin. "A wise approach. But unfortunately, the marriage needs to take place as soon as possible."

Michael blinked in surprise. "I have no complaints, but won't it cause issues for your father's standing?"

"There will be no issues. The letter you gave to Father has already solved that problem."

"The letter from the Lord of Korelia?" Michael was surprised and curious. "What did it say?"

"The Lord of Korelia expressed his desire to take you under his wing."

Michael was stunned by the answer.

Astrid continued, "It's prudent not to waste this opportunity. The Lord of Korelia is the biggest name in Lowlandia right now."

"The Lord of Korelia actually said that?" he muttered, still in disbelief.

"He wrote it in a letter with his seal on it. Sir Michael, it seems you truly did a commendable job," she said with pride in her eyes.

"But, My Lady." Michael was hesitant. "If I am to be under the Lord of Korelia's command, then you'll have to accompany me to Korelia or even to Korimor."

"Likely to Korelia," she answered lightly and without hesitation.

"You don’t mind leaving White Lake?"

Astrid gazed at the garden around them. "I love this place, but I am no longer a child. We are about to unite our Houses, and I will do my part. Whether it's Korelia, Korimor, or elsewhere, I'll go with you."

Michael was dazzled by his change of fortune and could ask for nothing more.

"Besides," she whispered, turning to him, "Father is also moving to Korelia."

Michael was surprised and lowered his voice, asking, "The Grand Alliance, has it been approved by everyone in the council?"

"Almost, but with the Lord of Korelia's victory over Korimor, those opposed are losing ground fast." Astrid then added, "Father will risk it and support the Grand Alliance wholeheartedly. Our House won’t let anyone steal our initiative."

...

Riding the wave of Sir Michael's popularity, the castle officially announced his marriage to Lady Astrid, to the delight of the people. The ceremony was scheduled to take place at White Lake Castle, just six days after the knight's triumphant return. Lord Robert had acted swiftly to solidify his standing by welcoming a victor into his House.

Lansius waited in the front section of the command tent where he usually held council. He didn’t have to wait long.

“You summoned me, My Lord?” Servius asked as he arrived, escorted by Carla.

“Please enter,” Lansius said. “I apologize for summoning you so late, but this matter is dire.”

“I’m here to serve,” Servius replied as he approached.

“We have a problem. The records indicate that South Hill didn’t have enough men.”

“Men, My Lord?” Servius inquired.

“They might have cultivated enough land in the spring, but they don't have enough men to harvest."

Servius gave Lansius a sharp look as he pondered. “How much manpower are we talking about?”

“This summer, the previous Lord levied two thousand for a campaign. Only four hundred returned.”

“By the Ageless.”

Lansius exhaled deeply. "You asked about the amount of manpower we need. I’d say at least a thousand farmers, ideally closer to three thousand."

Servius’ face turned grim. “My Lord, I have farmers in my ranks, but not three thousand.”

Lansius walked closer and whispered, “We need to solve this. Otherwise, we can only expect half of the region's annual harvest. I’ve checked the numbers, and they don’t bode well for us or the populace.”

"My Lord," Servius pleaded. "I’ve already followed your instructions. I’ve secured the men who uncovered Sergio’s ruse. The dirt and sand at the bottom of our supplies have remained untouched. So please, I beg you, don’t let another famine befall us."

Lansius could see the horrors of famine reflected on the former legion leader's face. Even veterans of countless conflicts bow down in the face of hunger threatening their men and families. "I haven’t abandoned you. We’ll overcome this."

The legion leader grasped Lansius’ hand and knelt. "Please give me instructions. Command me."

"Servius,” Lansius began, pulling him to his feet, “at first light, gather all Nicopolans who have experience in farming. Don't give up yet. We still have a chance."

...

Lansius watched Servius leave and was about to return to the rear section where he slept when he noticed a figure waiting for him, standing silently in the dim glow of a lantern. "Sorry to have kept you awake," he said apologetically.

"Do you need someone to talk to?" Audrey offered a waterskin. "I might not be able to help solve the issue, but I can keep a secret. Or I can pretend that I hear nothing."

Lansius took the waterskin and drank from it. Afterward, he revealed, "South Hill's harvest is in big trouble."

Audrey pondered for a bit before responding seriously. "It's related to those men you captured and kept in Korelia, isn't it?"

"Yes, almost all of the South Hill column are peasants," Lansius confirmed.

"Still," she hesitated for a bit. "I imagine there will be a lot of issues if we free them before they've finished their work. Besides, the harvest is not even a month away."

"Indeed, there's no time to transport them here."

Audrey sighed. "I feel like we're going from one famine to another."

Lansius could only nod. "This is what warfare does. In their quest for power, the nobles use peasants to fight, and thus the farms get neglected."

"Crippled men make poor farmers," she commented, then stared off into the distance before turning to look at him. "So, what is the Lord of Korelia planning?"

Lansius had nothing and shook his head. "Only some rough ideas. But I'm not sure if any will work or if it will cause a riot."

Audrey closed the distance between them and hugged him tightly. "You know, I wish I could help more."

"You're already helping," he reassured her. "I bet if I married another Lady, she would pester me with castle decorations, winter furs, and perhaps even jewelry."

Audrey chuckled and teased, "Is it a bad time to ask for a decoration for my armor?"

Lansius chuckled and lifted her. All his armored exercise and riding had paid off, he could do it with ease. Carrying her in his arms, he went to the sleeping section and laid her on the bed, but refrained from joining her.

"You sure you don't want company?" she asked again.

"I'm perfectly happy seeing you asleep."

"Then, I'll be here when you need me. Just wake me up," Audrey said, closing her eyes.

She must be weary.

Despite her status, Audrey took charge of the cavalry, their training, equipment, and maintenance. With their numbers reaching four hundred, it was no small task.

Lansius returned to his seat and a small table.

Time passed, and despite his thorough study, only one solution continually came to mind. Initially, Lansius had favored a Roman model to aid the harvest, but now the situation called for something more drastic.

The problem was that fully implementing military-agricultural colonies would take years to develop. However, he could extract the essence for a more immediate, crash course solution.

Thus, he wrote in his native Earthen language: the Han Dynasty's Tuntian strategy?

While unsure, Lansius began to lay out a heavily modified yet simplified version because he didn't have multiple years to develop it.

The next morning, Lansius was awakened by an unforeseen development. Unexpected reinforcements had arrived.

***