Imperial Crown.

Chapter 290 The Fall of the Empire

Anthony looked at the battle report in his hand, his brows twisted like lye knots.

He looked at the battle report over and over again, hoping to see some difference.

But as we all know, it is impossible to get different results by following the same steps.

So Anthony had to accept the fact.

The empire was defeated.

This is a public war report certified by the royal cabinet and sent to the entire empire.

It is said above that just last year, in 1197, the imperial army was triumphant. In just over half a year, it had penetrated 120 kilometers into enemy territory and captured a large tract of land.

But on November 11, the cunning and insidious Insa people launched a wave of raids, shamelessly cutting off the imperial army's food supply, leaving the army on the front line without food.

Although the front-line commander, Archduke Ferdinand, underestimated the enemy and advanced rashly, he still showed excellent judgment at the critical moment and led the main force to retreat to the city of Maquis.

In order to cover the army's retreat, the commander of the Empire's main Blood Fury Legion, the Imperial Count, and the 6th-level strongman "Zpenser" died heroically.

His Majesty the King said that this defeat was only temporary and that Insa's schemes and intrigues would never be able to defeat the upright empire.

However, the grain storage points on the front line were burned down, and 10 million pounds of grain and fodder, enough to feed 8 troops for two years, were burned up. Therefore, the whole country needed to work together to "fully support this war"!
Putting the battle report aside, Anthony took a deep breath and stood up: "Follow me."

He was speaking to Ezio, because the battle report was delivered by Ezio himself.

The frivolous man with a mustache frowned and asked, "Governor, I have just been running day and night for half a month. You have to give me some rest time, right? For example, a few beauties..."

In response, Anthony gave him a cold glance. If looks could kill, then Ezio would probably have been torn into pieces.

"All right." Ezio spread his hands. "I didn't say I wouldn't go. Please lead the way!"

Anthony brought Ezio to the conference room and immediately took down the original Nordic province map on the table and replaced it with a continental map.

"How did the Empire lose?" Anthony stared at the map and said, "The battle report hides a lot of details. Since you are a member of 'that organization', you should know the battle situation very well."

"Plot this war carefully on the map for me."

Ezio could see that Anthony was really anxious and even dared to mention "that organization".

"Of course, this is also one of my responsibilities." Ezio nodded, walked to the edge of the map, took out the war chess next to him and said: "Red represents the Empire, and black represents Insa."

There are a full range of war chess pieces, including cavalry and infantry, and different patterns represent different levels.

The three horizontal lines represent a level 3 legion, which is usually composed of local private armies with complex composition and limited combat effectiveness.

Two horizontal lines represent a Level 2 legion. This type of legion can be incorporated into the Empire's battle sequence, but is mostly responsible for logistics and supply and rarely participates in field battles.

A horizontal line represents the Level 1 Legion, which is the main combat legion of the empire. It is strictly trained and well-equipped, and is the main force in field battles and sieges.

The ones without horizontal lines but wearing iron crowns on their heads are the Empire's special-grade legions, also known as the "Title Legion". They are not only strictly trained and well-equipped, but also possess an organized and extraordinary combat capability. The "Iron Legion" and "Blood Rage Legion" belong to this category.

Ezio fiddled with the chess pieces, placing them on the map one by one. "Before this great defeat, from September 9th to November 28th, there was a period of stability. At that time, the situation was like this..."

The war took place in the northeast of the Keynes Empire.

To the south of the front line was the Blackwater Province of the Empire; to the north was the Naoyan Autonomous State of Insa.

The city of Majik, where the magic crystal mines were discovered, is located in the northern part of the Blackwater Province, just across the Naoyan Autonomous State.

In the city of Majik, two level 2 legions are stationed.

On the border, two level 3 legions were deployed as early warning to prevent small-scale infiltration by Insa.

50 kilometers to the north is the "City of Demeter" newly built by Archduke Ferdinand, where 13 level 1 legions and 1 special legion are stationed.

After putting down these war chess pieces, Ezio took out nine small flags representing fortresses from the side and placed them in a scattered manner between the border and the city of Demeter. A level 9 legion was placed next to each fortress.

At first glance, the border line starts at the city of Demeter, with 9 fortresses and 1 city connected in a line, and the distance between each other is no more than 8 kilometers, so they are in a position to help each other at any time.

If any fortress is attacked, other fortresses can quickly come to the rescue.

Anthony nodded slowly, his doubts growing louder in his words: "Continuously building fortifications and advancing step by step, this is indeed Duke Ferdinand's style. Although this tactic is slow to advance, it basically won't reveal any flaws. Even if we lose, it will only be a minor defeat."

"That's how it should be," Ezio said approvingly, "but since October 10, the situation has changed."

As he spoke, he picked up the 12 red chess pieces representing the empire in the city of Demeter and began to advance northward, stopping only when he was 70 kilometers to the north.

"Winter is coming. It's not wise to march and attack at this time." Anthony's eyes wandered over the map, his eyelids shrinking slightly. "60 kilometers further west is the capital of the Naoyan Autonomous State, Woche City. Duke Ferdinand wants to lead his army straight here to end the battle once and for all? But this is not his style."

"And... where are Insa's troops?"

Ezio shrugged and did not answer the question. Instead, he picked up five black chess pieces and placed them next to Demeter's city.

"This is the problem. Although the Empire made rapid progress in the first half of the year, it did not encounter any effective resistance. Insa's army never showed up and was always avoiding the front line."

"All we know now is that on November 11, five Insa Level 1 legions bypassed our reconnaissance and headed straight for Demeter City."

"Although there were two Level 1 legions in the city, and the legions stationed in the surrounding fortresses also spontaneously carried out rescue operations, due to the lack of unified command, they were surrounded and defeated one by one by Insa."

"On November 11, with the help of the Insa Druids, the city of Demeter was conquered."

"On November 11, with Insa's deliberate indulgence, the defeated soldiers brought the news of the city's capture to the 9 corps of the main force on the front line."

"And at this time..."

Ezio pushed 12 chess pieces with both hands and moved them to a place called "Swamp Forest Basin" 20 kilometers outside Woche City, the capital of Naoyan Autonomous State.

On the periphery, there are 23 black pawns, surrounding the red pawns.

"It was here that the empire suffered a devastating defeat."

At this point, there was no need to say much about the outcome of the war. In a field battle, being surrounded on enemy territory, with logistics cut off and morale shaken, being able to break out was already a remarkable achievement.

Ezio waved his finger, and 12 of the 4 red pieces were moved out of the map. The remaining 8 moved southward under the pursuit of the black pieces, and finally retreated into the city of Machik.

All the cities and fortresses along the way were occupied by black pieces.

Seeing this result, Anthony had new doubts in his mind: "Duke Ferdinand's initial strategy was to build a fortress and advance step by step. This Demeter City was obviously built as an offensive fortress. Why did he suddenly change his strategy, abandon the fortress, and lead the army to advance alone?"

Ezio paused for a moment and said softly, "Because the Empire needs to achieve a complete victory before the New Year."

A hearty victory.

Anthony was a little dizzy after hearing this. He couldn't help but start to think, is it the empire that needs it, or...

His Majesty the King needs it?!

"How much were the losses?" Anthony asked, shaking off his suspicions. Ezio said expressionlessly, "The 27 legions that were deployed to the frontline, except for the two level 3 legions stationed in Majik City at the beginning, all suffered losses to varying degrees."

"Of the 11 Level 2 Legions, 5 were wiped out, and the remaining 6 are in a semi-crippled state; of the 13 Level 1 Legions, 5 were completely wiped out, 4 lost more than half of their troops, and only 4 were barely intact, but the reduction in personnel was also more than 2%; the Blood Rage Legion was basically destroyed."

"There are a total of 13 troops, 7 of whom are dead or missing, and more than 3 are injured. Currently, the Empire is on the front line and can only hold the city of Majik."

Although he was not optimistic about this war and had made some preparations after war game simulations, Anthony still shuddered when he heard the specific numbers.

The empire had not suffered such a humiliating defeat in a hundred years.

The failure of this war meant that the northeastern gate of the empire was wide open. Although the city of Majik and the magic crystal mines in it were barely saved, Insa's army could invade southward through this gate at any time and gain more results.

I'm afraid the entire northeast of the empire will be plunged into war!

No wonder His Majesty the King sent war reports to the whole country and even issued a call for "full support for this war."

"What about Duke Ferdinand? How is he now?" Anthony asked about his good friend.

Ezio said, "He was not injured and returned safely to Majik City. He took the initiative to accept the responsibility for the defeat in the war. His Majesty did not pursue him because of his old age and great achievements, and retained his position as the commander-in-chief on the front line."

Anthony couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. This could be said to be the only good news so far. Being able to keep his position as the front-line coach meant that Ferdinand still had a chance to redeem himself.

Ezio shook his head and sighed: "Governor, although your friendship with Duke Ferdinand is touching, I still want to remind you that before worrying about him, you should take care of yourself first."

This sentence made Anthony frown.

Indeed, since he took office, the Nord Province has been in a mess, but that was because of the locust plague and had nothing to do with his governance methods. Moreover, now that half a year has passed, the impact of the locust plague has basically disappeared.

Even if you change someone, they won't do better.

"This is what His Majesty asked me to pass on to you." Ezio took out an envelope from his arms, placed it on the table, and exerted force with his wrist to hand it to Anthony.

Anthony held the envelope and opened the letter. The blood vessels on his forehead began to throb, and veins on his palms, which were placed on the table, also bulged.

This letter was not written by His Majesty the King, but the letter from Viscount John that listed his "seven deadly sins"!

"Slander, pure slander and frame-up!"

Looking at the merciless accusations, Anthony pressed down his lips and slammed the letter on the table: "This stubborn guy, did he crawl out of some ancient tomb?"

He looked at Ezio. "Your Majesty, you will not believe this old stubborn man's lies, will you?"

Ezio smiled and said, "Of course not, but His Majesty said...

He was disappointed. ”

Anthony's pupils shrank and cold sweat broke out on his forehead.

……

The news of the empire's defeat quickly swept across the Nordic province, spreading to the streets and alleys, and even the serfs knew about it.

However, neither the nobles nor the serfs showed any special concern.

After all, it happened thousands of miles away, and the war could not reach them.

As for His Majesty the King's call to fully support this war, it has nothing to do with them.

The territory has been eaten bare by locusts and we can barely support ourselves. What can we use to provide support?
Only Gul'dan, upon hearing the news, immediately dropped his hoe, washed his face hastily, took the villagers' carriage all the way to Eagle City, entered through the side door, and met Nancy through Jenny.

As soon as she saw Gul'dan, Nancy couldn't help but sigh.

Her brother has undergone a complete transformation and no longer looks like the handsome young man he used to be.

His lips were pursed, and wrinkles began to appear at the corners of his eyes and forehead; his messy hair stuck to his head in clumps, and he didn't know how long it had been since he had taken care of it; although he had washed his face, he didn't wipe it clean enough, and two dirty grooves appeared on his neck.

The linen shirt on his upper body had lost its original color and the black pants on his lower body were stained, but the exposed ankles were as black as charcoal.

Throw it in the water and rinse it, and you'll get at least two pounds of mud out.

"Why, are you short of money again?" Nancy asked with a hint of impatience.

"No, I've quit gambling recently, really!" Gul'dan smiled awkwardly.

But Gul'dan also knew that Nancy would not completely believe what he said, because he had indeed done such a bad thing.

Although I am a farmer, many habits cannot be changed easily.

For example, drinking, for example... gambling.

Bad wine is not expensive, what really costs money is gambling.

In fact, he didn't gamble much. The villagers just got together to play games, and each hand only involved 1 or 2 copper coins. But his luck was really bad, and he didn't pay much attention, and ended up owing someone 7 silver coins.

He couldn't reveal his identity and expose other people's business, so he had no choice but to bite the bullet and go to Nancy.

It’s better not to mention the process, it’s not very pleasant anyway.

Seeing that the atmosphere was a bit awkward, Gul'dan cleared his throat and said, "Nancy, you look more and more like our mother."

Nancy frowned. "What do you want to say?"

"That's right... you know, the empire was defeated." Gul'dan chuckled. "I'm in this situation because of Anthony. The empire was defeated, and he governed the Nord province into this mess. He is bound to be in trouble!"

"What a beautiful thing this is!"

The destruction of the family has always been the topic that Nancy least wants to hear. Gul'dan's unreasonable attitude made her feel a little angry: "...That's all?"

"Ah, that's all." Gul'dan noticed Nancy's dissatisfaction and raised his palm and said, "I just wanted to talk to you. It's also a happy event."

He stood up and said, "I'll leave then. You must take care of yourself."

"Do not look back."

As Gul'dan's words became increasingly irrelevant, Nancy began to feel uncomfortable:
"Otherwise you can stay in Eagle City. Raven can keep you safe."

"No, I'm doing fine now."

"…It's up to you, but are you really not short of money?"

"Very wealthy." Gul'dan stopped and rubbed his hands:
"But if you can give me some, that would be even better!"

Jenny next to her couldn't help but roll her eyes.

……

(End of this chapter)