Lord Chronicle

Chapter 98
"Gah!" Countless arrows flew into the air like locusts, nailing the two griffins into hornets' nests.

The two griffins flapped their wings feebly a few times, and then fell straight down with the dead knight on their backs.

"This is the last flying scout." On the city wall, the adjutant who witnessed all this said dejectedly.

The monsters that can fly are at least intermediate-level monsters, and there are only a few that can be fully domesticated and ridden.Therefore, apart from the winged horse troops of the elves, no race has a large-scale flying army.

In the human kingdom, only a limited number of monsters are assigned to the scout troops for scouting and news delivery, but they cannot form an independent army.

This is already the fifth day of the siege of Sidvila Fortress. During this period, Freeman organized four large-scale breakout operations. However, it is undoubtedly futile to attack tens of thousands of Lulin's most elite troops with his exhausted and hungry army. of.

There were corpses all over the fortress, and some of them had begun to stink due to the lack of time to clean them up.The city walls are full of traces of magic and bow and arrow attacks. For five days, no one has broken out of the encirclement.

The two Griffin Knights were the last flying scouts in the fort just now, but they still died under the enemy's sniper.In fact, Freeman himself understood, even if they let them rush over, so what?They also could not safely cross the Bahraini Territory.

For five days, all the food had been eaten, and there was nothing to eat in the fortress.The morale of the defenders was low, but they held on tenaciously with their last breath.

The news on the front line is even less optimistic. Although the enemy did not attack, the confrontation alone has exhausted all the strength of the troops. It is said that deserters have begun to appear in some places.

In the past few days, two defenders had abandoned their positions and fled into the fortress. Freeman did not blame their commanders, although doing so would only speed up the consumption of food.

The enemy still adopts a posture of encirclement, and will never attack unless they take the initiative to break through.Perhaps in their view, the opponent is at the end of his rope, and there is really no need to shed blood needlessly. Anyway, victory is within easy reach.Or maybe they want to use up the last bit of fighting spirit of the defenders, and then easily deal a fatal blow.

However, no matter what, the suspense of victory and defeat was very obvious from the beginning.

"Your Excellency, Legion Commander, please go back." After confirming that the Griffon Knight was dead, the adjutant said to Freeman.

In just a few days, the well-known commander of the Western Legion was already showing signs of aging. Due to long-term fatigue, his face was darkened, his eyes were bloodshot, and his gray hair drooped messily on his forehead.

It wasn't until the adjutant reminded him again that Freeman hummed as if he could react, and walked down the city wall accompanied by him.Soldiers saluted him along the way, but there was no fighting spirit in their eyes.

Walking down, the two unexpectedly saw Roque, the head of the cavalry regiment, leading a group of knights to enter the fort listlessly.

The former elite cavalry regiment has now become like a bereaved dog. Due to lack of food, both men and horses are lazily lined up to pass the city gate. How can there be any shadow of the former majesty?
"Captain Rock, why..." the adjutant asked in surprise.

Seeing Freeman, Roque showed a shameful expression: "Your Excellency, Legion Commander, I..."

"It's okay, let's settle your troops first." Freeman just waved his hand indifferently.

He didn't blame Rock for giving up his position without permission, because it was meaningless to do so.In fact, in this big encirclement, it's just going from one desperate situation to another.

Back in the command room, the adjutant carefully brought a bowl of porridge: "Your Excellency, Legion Commander, let's have something to eat."

Freeman didn't take it: "Is there anything else to eat?"

"There isn't even a grain of wheat left, even you can only eat this..." the adjutant lowered his head.

"I'm not hungry, you can eat." Freeman leaned back in the chair wearily.

"Your Excellency, you bear the heavy responsibility of the entire army, please take care of your health." The adjutant tried to persuade him.

Freeman smiled wryly: "Being forced to this point by the enemy, but I have no strength to fight back. What qualifications do I have to be the commander of the legion? After so many days, I don't know what's going on outside. If we fail, the kingdom will change." How's it going..."

If the Western Legion is wiped out, the entire western gate of Dinar will be opened to the Lulin Empire. The territory behind the Bahrain Territory has not experienced war for hundreds of years. If Lulin's army is allowed to drive straight in, the consequences will be unimaginable.

Thinking of this serious consequence, the adjutant was silent for a while.

At this moment, a guard came in to announce: "Legion Commander, Your Excellency Roque, please see me."

"Oh?" Freeman showed surprise: "Please come in."

"Your Excellency, Legion Commander." Walking into the command room, Rock saluted Freeman.

"Rock, what's the matter?" Freeman motioned him to sit down.

"Your Excellency, it's about the war..." Roque glanced at the adjutant before hesitating to speak.

The adjutant was not surprised that the senior commander often had to avoid situations when discussing combat matters.He bowed to Freeman: "Then, please allow me to step down." Then he left.

After the adjutant left, Freeman said, "Rock, tell me what you have to say."

"Yes." Rock bowed: "With all due respect, judging from the current situation, we have no chance of winning."

Freeman nodded: "Yes, it's only a matter of time before the fortress is captured."

"So what are your plans?" Rock continued to ask.

Freeman sighed for a long time, with a bitterness of complete loss of confidence in his tone: "We have no chance of winning, and even if we want to give up the fortress to break through, it is just a wish. Now it seems that we can only delay them as much as possible. I hope the outside world can get the news one day earlier and buy some time for the king."

"But even Cliff betrayed, and now our connection with the kingdom has been completely cut off, and it is impossible for the news to spread." Luo Ke suddenly became excited.

He gave him a strange look, and Freeman nodded: "I know."

"Then what's the point of your pointless insistence?"

"We are soldiers of the kingdom. We have no choice but to fulfill our duties. Otherwise, what else can we do? Surrender...Is it you?"

Suddenly, Freeman suddenly understood, and looked at Rock in disbelief.

Facing Freeman's questioning gaze, Rock showed no shame: "Yes, I came to you today to hope that you can surrender to the other party."

"Who told you to come here? Who else thinks so?" Freeman's tone became serious.

Rock looked at him without giving in: "Your Excellency, this is my personal opinion, but I believe that many people have the same idea as me. What's the use of persisting? If there is still a little If I win, I will sacrifice my life without hesitation. However, even if everyone is dead now, it will not help, and the lives of 20 soldiers are in vain, is it worth it?"

Facing Rock's aggressive gaze, Freeman's expression changed from anger to suspicion, then to helplessness, and finally, he involuntarily moved his eyes away.

"We are deeply trusted by His Majesty the King to guard the western gateway of the kingdom. If we surrender to the enemy, how can we be worthy of our military uniforms?" Even though he said this, Freeman's tone contained a weakness that even he could not convince.

"Your Excellency, Legion Commander, is it loyalty to let soldiers sacrifice meaninglessly? On the day we become soldiers, we don't care about death, but what is the value of such a meaningless death? Please don't hesitate any longer and order surrender Well, at least those innocent soldiers still have the hope of being reunited with their families." Rock stood up and pleaded eagerly.

Freeman's complexion changed several times, and it was obvious that he was also in a fierce struggle.But in the end he shook his head: "No, I can't do that."

As he said that, he stood up and walked to the window: "It just so happened that your knights entered the fortress and killed all the horses. They should be able to last for another two days. I will organize a breakout of the whole army, although there may be heavy losses, But someone must be able to break out of the encirclement, and the king must be informed of the news... eh?"

Suddenly, he stared in astonishment at the bloody sword tip protruding from his chest.

"I'm sorry, Legion Commander, but I'm afraid even you don't believe that it will be really useful. Please forgive me, you are responsible to the king, but I must also be responsible to the knights under me." On the other end of the long sword, Roque Slowly shook his head.

Without blaming him for his betrayal, Freeman turned his head and glanced at him, there was even a trace of relief in his eyes.Finally, he let out a long last breath, and his body slowly fell limp.

Perhaps, this ending is the best for him.

Silently retracting the long sword, Rock walked out of the command room.Outside, the knights he brought were also sheathing their bloody swords. At their feet, two guards and Freeman's adjutant were also lying in a pool of blood.

"Call the officers above the brigade in the fortress, we don't need to persist any longer." He ordered a knight.

"Your Excellency, is it a bit risky to do this..." The knight hesitated to speak.

Rock shook his head: "It's okay, no one has the confidence to fight anymore, they will agree to surrender."

"I understand." After bowing his head and saluting, the knight left in a hurry.

Looking down at the adjutant who was dying on the ground, Roque turned and walked to the other side.

"Inform Mr. Cliff that Freeman is dead, please prepare to accept the surrender of Fort Sidvila."

"Yes." At the corner of the wall, a figure responded in a low voice, slowly disappearing into the shadows.

The next day, the Sidvila Fortress opened its doors and surrendered. This strong fortress that had stood in western Xinjiang for decades finally surrendered at the feet of the Lulin Empire.

As the news of the fall of the fortress spread throughout the front line, the fighting spirit of the various regiments still fighting against the Lulin army also collapsed.Except for a small number of soldiers who still resisted tenaciously, most of the Western Legion, which was out of ammunition and food, made the same choice as Roque. In the end, all 17 denar elite soldiers surrendered.

At this point, the western army of Dinar was wiped out, and the west side of the kingdom was completely opened to the Lulin Empire.

Subsequently, a large number of Lulin troops began to enter Dinar through this corridor. Under the support of Cliff, the vanguard quickly captured the two territories of Uriel and Ferris, approaching Dinar The heartland of the kingdom.

And it wasn't until then that the Western Legion fell and the news of the Lulin Army's full-scale invasion spread.

"Master, this is Uncle Luya's newly brewed wine this year, specially brought to you." Marlene said behind Sol holding a pottery flagon in her hand.

"Really? Let me taste it." Sol pointed to the wine glass in front of him.

It was lunch time, and the whole dining room was filled with the strong aroma of food. Sol leaned back in the high-back chair, enjoying Marlene's meticulous service.Recently, it coincided with the leisure period, and Jessica also had a rare meal with him. The beautiful girl sat opposite Sol, her red hair shining brightly in the noon sun.

"Marlene, ignore him, sit down and eat too." Jessica gave Sol a dissatisfied look.

"It's okay, sister Jessica, I'm very happy to serve the young master." Marlene smiled sweetly, carefully holding the flagon over Sol's shoulder, pouring wine for him.

The little girl's developing soft breasts pressed against Saul's shoulders through the maid outfit, and there was a soft touch.Behind him is the body fragrance of Marlene mixed with the aroma of wine, which smells like a fairyland on the nose.

Taking a deep breath, Sol couldn't help closing his eyes: what a peaceful and beautiful day...

Before he could think about it, there was a loud bang, the door of the dining room was pushed open, and Kress rushed in like a whirlwind: "My lord, have you heard? Cliff's rebellion, our Western Legion The whole army was wiped out, and the war broke out."

"Ah!" It was Marlene who was frightened, her hand shook, and half of the jug of wine spilled on Saul's shoulder.

Seeing Marlene frantically wiping his drenched clothes, Sol smiled wryly: "I've heard now..."

Jessica was extremely surprised. She put down the food in her hand and asked, "Please explain clearly, what's going on?"

Regardless of apologizing to Sol, Kress said in a low voice: "This is the news from the adventurers who entered the territory this morning. Half a month ago, Cliff colluded with the Lulin Empire and fell to the Sidvila Fortress in the west in one fell swoop. , the Western Legion has all surrendered, and Lulin's army is currently advancing towards the hinterland of the kingdom."

Saul and Jessica glanced at each other, and both thought in unison: "Cliff really betrayed."

Sol had made such a guess since he received all kinds of clues in Bahrain last time, but neither he nor Jessica expected that the mutiny would come so quickly.Although Saul didn't know it, it was largely because of him.

"How is the current situation, where is the enemy?" Saul asked.

Cretti scratched his head: "This... I don't know, I just rushed to report to you after hearing the news."

This guy... Sol was depressed for a while: "Then why don't you hurry up and find out."

"Oh, I see." Kress nodded, not forgetting to take a piece of steak from the table before walking towards the door.

"There's no need to go. The enemy has already captured the two territories of Uriel and Ferris, and is currently marching straight along the southern part of the kingdom." Just then, an old voice came from the door.

"Grandpa?" Jessica turned around, just in time to see Vince and Albert walking in.

Sol quickly stood up: "Grandpa Vince, Chief Albert, why are you here?"

Vince said to him, "Albert and I came here quickly when we got the news. The whole town is in a turmoil, and everyone is talking about it."

Quickly moving the stools for the two old people, Jessica said: "Have you reached Ferriss? The speed is really fast, so it is almost close to the hinterland of the kingdom."

Vince nodded worriedly: "Lowell is located in a remote place, and the news spread very slowly. This news was not known how many days ago, and now I don't know where the enemy has advanced now."

"Uh... Where is Ferris?" Suo Ran asked with a puzzled expression.To be honest, apart from flipping through a little geography book when he first came to this world, he never touched the books in the study, and knew nothing about the distribution of Dinar's territory.

Jessica couldn't help giving him a blank look, as if blaming him for his ignorance.She said to Kress: "Go to the Lord Lord's study and get the map."

Soon Kress took the map and spread it on the table, and several people immediately surrounded it.Under Jessica's guidance, Sol finally understood that Uriel Land and Ferris Land are two territories in the south of the Kingdom next to Bahrain, and beyond that are the Lamo Land and Dix Land of the dead Ramo, where Already approaching the hinterland of the kingdom, Lu Lin's advancing speed is not uncommon to capture these two territories in a short period of time.

At this time, Albert pointed to the map and said, "This time, Lulin's four major ace corps are all involved. If the news is accurate, it is impossible for Dinard's territories that have enjoyed decades of peace to stop them."

Vince also sighed: "That's right, those nobles usually only know how to enjoy themselves, and the garrison of the territory is more used to oppress the people, so how can they stop Lulin's elite army?"

Due to the efforts of the border guards, Dinar has not experienced war for decades, and the long peace has made those nobles forget what danger is, and they can't stop the advance of Lulin's army.

Sol noticed that Jessica hadn't spoken, but was staring at the map, wondering what she was thinking.He asked strangely, "Jessica, what are you looking at?"

"Ah, it's nothing." Jessica straightened up: "What should we do now?"

Unlike them, who were born and bred in Lovell, Saul did not regard Dinard as his motherland in his subconscious until now.Therefore, when he heard the news of Lu Lin's invasion, he was not like Jessica and others who immediately regarded Lu Lin as an invader and worried about it.

He shrugged and said, "What's the matter, as long as they don't come to Lovell."

As soon as these words came out, not only Jessica and the others, but even Albert stared at him in disbelief.

After a while, Vince coughed dryly: "Master, please don't be joking. The other party is a shameful invader. As a subject of Dinar, how can he not care about such behavior?"

Jessica glared at him: "Is this what a lord should say?"

Albert also said: "Although I have no right to speak, I still have to remind the lord. Dinard and Lulin have experienced dozens of wars in the past few hundred years, and they have formed a feud that cannot be resolved. This time Lulin The invasion is to hold the idea of ​​​​occupying the entire Dinard, even if we can't hit Lovell for a while, we can't stay out of it."

Knowing that he had said the wrong thing again, Sol smiled awkwardly: "Ahaha, I am indeed too optimistic. You are right, this matter is indeed very serious."

At this moment, a member of the guard hurried in: "Lord Lord, many townspeople are outside asking to see you."

What are they doing here?Sol was feeling puzzled, and Vince said: "Master, everyone is deeply disturbed by this news now, please go out and give everyone an explanation as soon as possible, if the people's hearts cannot be stabilized, there may be turmoil in the territory."

Sol nodded and said, "I see, let's go out and have a look."

Arriving outside the lord's mansion, many townspeople had already gathered there, obviously they all came after hearing the news.Saul also saw that Chip and some refugees from Lulin were also in the crowd.

"My lord, the war has broken out, what should we do?" Seeing him coming out, some people couldn't wait to shout.

"That's right, Lovell is so small, if Lu Lin's army comes over, it's impossible for us to resist." Others also echoed.

"Seeing that life is just getting better, but encountering such a thing, is it doomed not to have a happy life in Lovell?" A townsman said with a sad face.

His words resonated with many people, and they looked at Sol with hope: "My lord, please come up with an idea." "Yes, you can solve any difficulties in the past, and there must be a good one this time." How about it?” “We don’t want to go back to the old days.”…..
Seeing that everyone was getting out of control, Sol hurriedly said: "Don't panic, everyone, Lovell will be fine. It's really not going to happen at that time, it's a big deal for us..."

He wanted to say, "The big deal is that we surrender." Fortunately, he remembered his position in time, so he swallowed the words abruptly.

"How are we?" Seeing that he really seemed to have a solution, the townspeople asked eagerly.

"Uh... this..." Saul couldn't find an excuse for a while, and couldn't help being dumbfounded.

At this moment, Jessica suddenly stood up: "Everyone, please listen to me, Lu Lin's army will not come to Lovell, so please don't worry."

In terms of credibility among the townspeople, Jessica is undoubtedly much higher, and many people were pleasantly surprised at the moment: "Is it true? Miss Jessica."

Even Saul didn't expect her to say that, and quickly pulled her sleeve: "Don't speak indiscriminately, if it is found to be nonsense, it will be even more difficult to end."

Jessica whispered: "Who is talking nonsense."

Before Saul could speak, she said: "Of course it is true. Now Lulin's army is in the area of ​​Ferris, which is the south of the kingdom. Our Lovell is in the most remote northwest, and there are many people in the middle." If the territory is in the way, they will definitely not be able to fight over."

In fact, these townspeople didn't know how much truth Jessica said. They were just instigated by panic, hoping to come to the lord for some reassuring news.Now that Jessica said so, many people's high hanging hearts have been relieved.

"So that's how it is, that's great." "Let me just say, Lovell is so remote, how could the enemy come here."... Everyone discussed happily.

"Everyone, please go back, our territory will be fine." Finally, Jessica said.

Her words played a decisive role. After getting the answer they wanted to hear, the townspeople who felt a little more at ease dispersed one after another, and a possible commotion was finally resolved invisible.

Sol also secretly heaved a sigh of relief, thanks to Jessica just now.At this moment, Vince asked suddenly: "Jessica, are what you said just now true?"

"Yes, Grandpa, I don't think Lu Lin's army will come here." Unexpectedly, Jessica nodded seriously.

"What, didn't you just say that to appease everyone?" Sol was surprised.

Glancing at him, Jessica said lightly, "Go into the room and talk about it."

Following her back into the house, Jessica walked to the table with the map: "Actually, I just came to this conclusion, but I believe there is nothing wrong with it."

"Oh, why?" Saul became interested.

Pointing to the location of the Bahrain Territory on the map, Jessica explained: "Because our location is too remote, if the war starts from here, it may advance to the vicinity of the king's capital very quickly. But if the army is led from Bahrain, Lovell is worth nothing to the enemy."

Sure enough, from the map, although Lovell is only separated from Bahrain by a relic forest, it is an insurmountable obstacle.Moreover, Lovell is located at the northwest end of the kingdom, surrounded by mountains. If Lulin's army really intends to attack here, it will have to change the current policy of advancing rapidly along the southern route. For a small worthless territory, this is obviously not enough possible.

Jessica continued: "And there are still many territories between us and the southern part of the kingdom. Although Lulin is invading in an all-round way this time, I don't think they will have enough troops to attack all places."

"Yes, Miss Jessica is right." At this moment, a voice came from the door.

Everyone looked back, but Chip also walked in.Walking straight to the table, he said, "Concentrating troops in one place to quickly achieve strategic goals is Lulin's consistent strategy of using troops. For them, the most valuable place is here."

As he spoke, his fingers moved to the holy city of Dusk: "As long as the capital is captured, Dinar will be considered a country in name, and it will only be a matter of time before it is fully captured, so they will definitely move forward here."

Chip was the only professional soldier present, and he was a Lulin soldier. His words undoubtedly had great persuasive force. At this moment, Sol finally believed Jessica's words.

"So we don't have to worry about it for the time being. At least until the kingdom falls, Lovell won't be the enemy's target." Finally, Jessica said so.

Sol's heart was finally completely relaxed. Since the enemy couldn't fight, there was nothing to worry about. I can live my life as I like.

What, you ask me what should I do if I call?Please, didn't you hear Jessica's words, when the whole Dinar has fallen, what can I do with a small territory, I will surrender at worst.

"Hehe, Miss Jessica is really smart, so I feel relieved for the old man." Village Chief Albert said with a smile.

"However, during this period of time, we must pay attention to appease the townspeople, so as not to cause any trouble." Vince urged.

"Don't worry, Grandpa." Jessica walked him to the door.

After the two old men left, Sol saw that Chip hadn't left yet, so he couldn't help asking, "Is there anything else?"

"My lord, I..." Chip, who used to act straightforwardly, now seemed hesitant to speak.

"what?"

"Forget it, it's nothing. Then I'm leaving, my lord." Chip saluted him, turned and left.

"What's wrong with Chip?" Sol looked at his back in confusion.

Jessica said suddenly: "I can roughly guess what he wants to say."

"Then what does he want to say?" Saul couldn't help but feel depressed for a while, why he always looks like he is not enlightened today.

Turning to look at him, Jessica said, "Think about it, where did Chip and Chief Albert come from?"

Saul was stunned: "From where? Of course it's Lulin, what's the matter...ah, you mean..."

Jessica had an expression of "you finally figured it out": "Yeah, this time Lulin invaded Dinar, as Lulin refugees, their identities are very embarrassing. But I don't know what to say about this , that's why Chip is hesitating."

"Damn it, how did I forget this." Sol slapped his head angrily.

After thinking for a while, he pondered: "This matter must not be neglected. We must find a way to prevent the townspeople and Lulin refugees from antagonizing, otherwise it may turn into an unmanageable situation."

Jessica nodded and said, "Leave this to me, and I will take care of it."

"Well, I'll leave everything to you." Thor let out a long sigh of relief.

Now he feels more and more lucky to have this smart and beautiful female manager.Just like the Lowell people trusted him, Sol also believed unreservedly that as long as it was entrusted to Jessica, there would be no problem.

(End of this chapter)