Heroes of Might and Magic: Grand Consul

Chapter 92 Parting on bad terms
Having won the battle, it was natural to go to Qiangnu Town to rest and recuperate.

However, Su Mu was different from Dean; he was cautious and sent scouts to investigate the enemy's movements.

Before entering the city, he found a grove of trees a few kilometers away from the south gate, which was a good place to hide. Only after searching and confirming that the enemy had indeed retreated did he feel at ease.

So Su Mu told Eugen what had happened at the South City Wall. Eugen was a little angry after hearing it, but still advised Su Mu to restrain himself.

"Dean Rich has been holding out for so long, and his troops are exhausted. The timing for the rotation is definitely wrong. I'll talk to him."

With Eugen acting as a peacemaker, Su Mu was too lazy to argue with Dean.

After they entered the city, although Qiangnu Town was in ruins, Dean still entertained everyone in the reception room, bringing out fine wine and meat to reward the soldiers.

The three commanders naturally sat in the very center.

After exchanging pleasantries with Dean, Eugen conveyed Maggie's message.

Longlet Castle has reported to the kingdom and is actively contacting other nobles, urging them to send troops south. There are even plans to amass a large army and launch a pincer attack from the south via Qiangnu Town.

Of course, this requires a call from Congress, and it will take some time. As long as Richie holds Strongbow Town, Maggie will report his achievements and the kingdom will reward him.

Having reassured Dean, Eugen didn't mention the unpleasant incident during the city defense. He had spent a long time in the marquisate and had dealt with all the major city lords. Knowing Dean was a proud man, he saw no need to bring it up in public, as it would be somewhat demeaning.

Su Mu didn't want to dwell on the matter; as long as the other party paid him enough, he would let it go.

Eugen took a sip of wine and asked, "I see there's still some unrest in the city. Could it be that bandits are causing trouble? Should I send some troops to suppress them?"

Dean smiled and waved his hand, saying, "No need. These are thugs I hired to bolster the town's forces."

After entering the city, Su Mu also saw these miscellaneous soldiers. There were some thieves, as well as spearmen and halberdiers from the wilderness, and even mages from the tower, who he didn't know which lord they had borrowed.

However, this is also good, as it can at least protect the town and strengthen its defenses.

With nearly half of their forces killed, Hirel and Kyle suffered heavy losses and may not dare to invade.

As long as Dean can hold the city, the other nobles can quickly provide support, making it difficult for the enemy to take the city.

After a few rounds of drinks, they gradually got down to business.

Everyone helped, primarily because of Longletburg's orders, but the significant effort involved was also related to the reward offered by Dean.

Seeing everyone looking at him, Dean laughed heartily, "Everyone has come from afar, and Qiangnu Town is extremely grateful. Each lord will receive a box from me as a reward for everyone."

As he spoke, he ordered his men to move the treasure chest to the banquet.

Every nobleman received a share, though it wasn't explicitly stated, the various sizes of the boxes represented different levels of merit. 500, 1000, 1500 gold coins, and even a large box containing 5000 gold coins.

Everyone was happy to receive money.

The largest box is undoubtedly the protagonist of this battle.

Dean pointed to several large treasure chests: "Baron Sumu, you have made great contributions in this battle and deserve these gold coins."

Su Mu glanced at the treasure chest but didn't move. He simply asked, "I wonder if Lord Dean still keeps his promise?"

Upon hearing this, Dean's expression instantly changed.

The siege was urgent, and the buildings outside the city had also been occupied, so he took out the archer towers and waterwheels to reward those who came to his aid.

The enemy forces were now routed, and he had even brought in additional mercenaries to help defend the town. Dean believed he could hold out on his own. Most importantly, he was certain that Longlit Castle would not abandon Strongbow Town, and that nobles from all over would come to its aid should a crisis arise.

Therefore, he wanted to give Su Mu some incentives first, so that he would give up the Archer Tower.

Dean looked helpless: "The stronghold of Qiangnu Town is currently short of troops and urgently needs to replenish its archers. I know you have contributed greatly to this battle. Here's what I'll do: I'll take out my last savings and give you another 3000 gold coins. I can use the archer towers in the wild first, and you can handle them once the situation stabilizes."

Upon hearing this, Su Mu immediately stood up, and the entire banquet fell silent.

"If you can't keep your promise, who will be willing to help Qiangnu Town again? Besides, to be honest, can your ragtag troops hold the archer's tower?"
If we wait for Hillel to come back, won't we fall into his hands again?

Dean was displeased that Su Mu had refused outright and even mocked him in front of everyone: "I only proposed other conditions because I considered that you have traveled a long way to get here and might not be so interested in resource sites."

"Since Baron Sumu insists on having this archer's tower, then I will keep my promise."

Su Mu nodded and then turned and left.

In peacetime, 3000 gold coins would indeed be more worthwhile. However, given the current chaos and the fact that the Archer Tower is the only reinforcement the Earth Bow can provide, Su Mu prefers to choose this building.

But Su Mu had no respect for Dean, who was so fickle. If Dean weren't still a vassal of Longlitburg, Su Mu would have already turned against him.

After Eugen returned, he went straight to see Sumu.

"I gave Dean a dressing down. He can't defend the archer tower. At this critical moment, it would have been better to let our allies use it. I think he's lost his mind. Does he really think he can withstand Hillel's army with those few sharpshooters?"

Su Mu was somewhat irritated: "I'm not forcing him to seize the building, but he went back on his word at the last minute. Is he treating war like a game?"
I don't want many gold coins; give me what's rightfully mine.

Eugen remained silent, only tapping the table, seemingly troubled by the dispute between the two nobles. Suddenly, he stopped tapping: "Dean may be a bit concerned with his reputation, but he's not that stupid. Something's wrong with the newly recruited mercenaries in the city; perhaps some have infiltrated them."

Su Mu frowned immediately: "You mean there are thieves from Isildur?"

Eugen paced around the room a few times: "I think it's very likely. Dean has been blinded and can't see the situation clearly. It might be related to this sudden arrival of mercenaries."

"Whose unit are they?"

“Merrick Morris, the leader of another refugee camp, has always been in charge of border business and has good relations with Longlet Castle.”

In these chaotic times of war, these border lords are indeed prone to trouble. However, they have strong armies and powerful backers, and are usually treated as honored guests by lords from other regions.

Eugen stood up: "No, I have to go and warn him! Otherwise, Strongbow Town will be in danger!"

Su Mu suddenly grabbed the other person and asked, "Thieves are hiding in the shadows, and mercenaries are Dean's current source of confidence. If you rush over like this, do you think he will believe you?"

Without mercenaries, he'll have no choice but to obey, and Dean will think we're toying with him.

Eugen thought about it and realized that was indeed the case. The relationship between the two sides was already somewhat strained, and if they brought this up rashly, Dean would definitely suspect them first.

"That idiot! If it weren't for the fact that Qiangnu Town is currently a sensitive place to move, I would have asked Miss Maggie to replace him!"

Longleat Castle has been plagued by internal strife and needs time to recover. Besides, Dean Ritchie is a resistance fighter, and whether for the sake of his family's assets or the trade he controls, he is willing to stand against Isildur, which is enough.

Eugen said this out of anger, and it was mostly meant for Su Mu's ears.

However, Su Mu had anticipated the foolishness of these nobles, but Qiangnu Town was too crucial and it was indeed difficult to give it up.

"Are you sure you want Dean Rich to keep going? He'll have a hard time holding this position."

Eugen pondered for a moment, then sighed, "If we can hold on a little longer, Lady Maggie has personally requested reinforcements, and a large army will soon march south. At that time, we can give the Richie family some benefits and make them vacate a place."

Since Longlitburg had made a decision, Su Mu naturally couldn't say much, but he always felt that the Richie family was unreliable.

The immediate priority is to solve the infiltration problem, and Su Mu has an idea about it.

He called Eugen over, whispered a few words to him, and then the two parted ways.

……

The next day, the nobles had just woken up when they heard some earth-shattering news.

Dean Rich was still obsessed with the Archer's Tower and wanted to persuade Su Mu to give up the building by offering a higher reward.

Unexpectedly, Su Mu was furious and cursed at Dean before leading his troops away from Qiangnu Town.

Despite losing this elite garrison, Dean remained calm, sending his newly recruited men to the city walls and having the private armies of various nobles temporarily remain to assist in the defense.

Of course, Dean then took out a lot of gold coins and made a promise to everyone.

Over the years, Qiangnu Town has been adjacent to the river valley and has made a lot of money by relying on the river. No wonder he wanted to exchange gold coins for buildings.

The nobles stood on the city wall, watching Su Mu's army disappear into the distance, until even the dust and smoke could no longer be seen.

At this point, everyone started to panic a little. After all, without Su Mu's support, they really wouldn't be able to defeat Hillel and Kyle.

However, Dean brought out Eugen and told everyone that Miss Maggie would soon be heading south with reinforcements, and that they just needed to hold out for a while.

Baron Eugen was still furious in the early morning, but Dean appeased him by finding several beautiful young women and presenting him with a small box of gold coins.

Finally, Dean complained, "I don't care about a shooter tower at all; I care about the Richie family's reputation!"
He's a newly appointed baron, and he made me lose face in front of everyone on the city walls. If I gave him the archer's tower directly, he'd think the Richie family was cowardly.

Fine, he can take the tower himself.

Now that you all are helping me, let's see if I can hold out without you!

With this explanation, the nobles understood.

Many nobles were envious, fearful, and resentful of Su Mu, this rising star, yet they also longed to become close to him.

They crave genius, yet desire to be in a higher position of control or as stakeholders.

Eugen saw through the selfish motives of these guys, but he was extremely disdainful of them.

At this point in time, why are people still thinking about seniority and following the rules?

The battlefield should be defined by the strong; survival is the ultimate goal.

Perhaps Su Mu is right. Relying on them to guard Qiangnu Town is a bit naive. This matter should be reported to Miss Maggie as soon as possible.

(End of this chapter)