Crusader Kings: Prisoners of War.

Chapter 174 Resistance
Orville did not move his camp into Wessex, but continued to camp outside the city.

Inside the military tent, he was chatting with Astolfo, trying to get him to join the group.

"Would you like to join my army? I admire you. If you are willing, I can arrange a respectable position for you in England. In addition to giving you citizenship, you can also be directly elected to positions such as centurion. This is my little favor to you."

Astolfo rejected Orville's offer without even thinking about it: "Forget it, you should know a little bit about my character. I don't like to be restricted by the rules and regulations of the army. Even if I join the army, I will probably be the first to violate military regulations and be punished.

This matter has come to an end. If you allow me, I will do justice in England and nearby areas. There may be some conflicts with the soldiers under your command. I hope you can be a little tolerant. "

He was still smiling as he spoke, because he had never considered himself a so-called politician, but just an ordinary person who liked adventure and chivalry. The other party's self-positioning was so clear, so Orville naturally would not use the strict standards of a politician to demand him.

"It's up to you, but you'd better be careful. If you do something that makes me embarrassed, I can only deal with it impartially. This is my bottom line."

He didn't feel that he was being insulted. It was a simple matter for everyone to part ways in peace. Such a big country could accommodate a talented person from a different camp. It would be best not to make things difficult for him in the future.

"Of course, I also cherish my life and freedom." Astolfo agreed to Orville calmly, but Orville knew in his heart that it would be strange if such a person really followed the rules.

Astolfo was about to say goodbye to Orville and leave, but halfway through his walk, his feet stopped in mid-air and he turned back.

"Suddenly, I remembered something that I think you should know. Didn't my nominal grandfather, the former King Aethelwulf of England, marry a Frankish princess? I remember her name should be Julia or Judith. Her situation should be quite embarrassing now. If you have the energy to spare, please take care of her. Her husband died early, and the situation at home is a bit delicate. She is the kind of person who has no home to return to.

Perhaps letting her die quietly would be a more favorable outcome for the Frankish royal family, but I only see a poor helpless person in need of help."

Orville was slightly stunned when he heard this, not knowing why the other party suddenly brought up this matter. After a little detour, he finally understood the other party's deep meaning.

The current royal family of the Frankish Kingdom is the famous Carolingian family, who have been on the throne for only a few years. The Frankish princess named Judith was married into the kingdom during the previous dynasty and is considered a descendant of the old Merovingian family.

If no one cares, the matter may just pass. I think the royal court of Bethesse doesn't need such a person to feed them. But if someone wants, they can make a fuss about these things.

It is estimated that the people of the Carolingian dynasty forgot about this matter for a while, and they will probably remember it after a few years. Astolfo also reminded Orville.

However, Orville had an obvious question - Astolfo was a relative of the Carolingian royal family, and seriously speaking, he was also from the Frankish side. Why would he give advice to the Romans, who were hostile to Orville? Facing Orville's puzzled eyes, Astolfo did not answer his doubts, but left the scene without looking back.

Seeing this, Orville buried his doubts in his heart. He would know the answer sooner or later. At this stage, as long as Astolfo's advice was useful, it would be fine.
-
After Alfred succeeded as the clan patriarch, he also became the last king of the Kingdom of Wessex. Two days after he ascended the throne, the Kingdom of Wessex was announced to be annexed by the Romans and became a Roman province.

Orville did not relax. After writing a letter to Tia to explain the situation, he left a relatively decent security force in Winchester, and then commanded the rest of the large force to head north, preparing to confront the Vikings who were approaching the Wessex border.

In addition to the Romans, there were about 3,000 Welsh Celts in Orwell's army. These people were considered Boudica's direct troops. After taking revenge, the rest chose to return to Wales to recuperate.

Orville also recruited about a thousand people from the remaining garrison in Winchester as auxiliary troops to fight with the army. This was to let Wessex make its attitude clear and weaken the resistance of the Wessex people in Winchester.

Now this kingdom is only nominally subject to the Romans. If it really wants to make this place a proper province, it will need long-term transformation and adjustment. Orville does not have the ability to fight a war and carry out political reorganization at the same time, so he plans to completely resolve the threat from England before dealing with other things.

Speaking of threats, the most obvious and important ones are the Vikings. The Franks are also potential enemies but it is not certain yet.

Therefore, Orville chose to have a frank talk with Alfred about what to do in the future.

"I don't like to keep my subordinates guessing, and I also don't like my subordinates to act on their own. Based on this idea, you can always raise any questions or difficulties you have, but I don't want you to have any very unsatisfactory situations."

Orville's words were full of meaning, and Alfred understood: "Please rest assured, since we have decided to submit to the Roman Empire, we will not betray you. Although we are not as strong as you Romans, we still have the most basic spirit of contract, and we will not betray our promises.

But as you said, we are now facing two difficulties. One is the Vikings, and the other is Earl Harold Godwinson of East Anglia. He is very powerful in the local area. Even many nobles in our Kingdom of Wessex are his relatives, followers and friends. He is a very determined resistance faction, so he will never surrender to the Romans. I or my brother will definitely not be able to persuade him. If you want to subdue Harold, you need to work harder.

We have to deal with Harold's problem and keep an eye on those Vikings who are ready to make a move. I hope you can help us and give us some inspiration."

Orville fell into deep thought after hearing this, and what he was thinking about was nothing else but the background of this Harold Godwinson.

(End of this chapter)