Armored Cavalry, survive in a world full of mods

The messenger cavalryman immediately spurred his horse through the passage left in the middle. Because of prior preparation, he passed through most of the troops without any hindrance and delivered the order to the front of the troops in the blink of an eye.

The army marched forward without pause, brazenly traversing the wide roads between towns and villages, allowing countless people to witness their progress.

………………

Labufia was exceptionally lively today. The city streets were swept clean by the residents early in the morning, and everyone excitedly changed into the clothes they would only wear to festival celebrations and gathered in front of the city gates.

The towns of the empire are the most distinctive of all the nations. As early as the time of the Six Kings, this land was filled with war and conquest. This fertile and rich land is like a large chest of undisguised gold, attracting every greedy eye.

But no one could completely occupy this land. Although it was fertile and rich, it was indefensible. Taking over a region was not difficult, but holding it was incredibly difficult. In this brutal war, everyone instinctively began to build sturdy cities. Even if they could not seize more land, they could at least rely on strong fortifications to defend what they had.

For this reason, the war technology of this land developed rapidly. The imperial people were skilled in building cities and roads, and could build a fortress and city with complete defensive functions in a few years. They were also good at destroying cities, and their terrible heavy machinery could bring devastating blows to the city walls.

To counter these siege weapons, cities built increasingly thick and sophisticated structures. Meanwhile, the siege weapons themselves became ever larger, heavier, and incredibly powerful.

It is through this constant competition that the empire of today has come to be, firmly occupying the most fertile central plains and possessing immense wealth and national power.

The walls of Labufia were built 78 years ago and remain sturdy and intact to this day, without any leaks or weak points, protecting the city from wind, rain, and external enemies.

Suddenly, a horn sounded, and the city's citizens were surprised to see the city lord's entourage appear at the city gate. The guards dispersed the crowd, placed the lord's flag and flagpole in front of the city gate, and cleared a space there.

What's even more surprising is that the city's master, that bloated middle-aged man, is actually wearing a heavy suit of armor... Although the weight of the thick chainmail and the outer lamellar vest is distributed over his entire body, this pampered man is clearly struggling to bear it, with sweat constantly dripping from his forehead, which he can only wipe away with a cloth again and again.

The helmet he wore was inlaid with gold and jewels, clearly the work of a master craftsman, but it served only a decorative purpose on his head. The sturdy steel was no longer used to deflect swords and arrows, but was polished to a shine, displaying wealth and authority.

…………

Just as everyone was drowsy from the sun, the city lord, who was already swaying and about to lose his balance, finally heard a voice as beautiful as heavenly music:

"Here they come! They're coming!"

86 Imperials (4)

When the black banner came into view, everyone became extremely attentive. The elite cavalry, surging in like a tidal wave, carried a terrifying aura, causing everyone to instinctively retreat. Even the city lord's guards showed signs of panic, and some even instinctively drew their swords.

The captain of the guard immediately realized what was happening and loudly reprimanded his foolish men, ordering them to put away their swords.

Drawing a sword when meeting a general could be considered an act of treason, and if the cavalry dragged them out and beheaded, no one could say anything; only the city lord could save them.

But their city lord… The captain sighed helplessly. Their city lord had never been brave at all, never interested in hunting, the sport most favored by the imperial nobles. His greatest hobby was hiding in the backyard of the city lord's mansion, reading and drinking tea alone. Even a vicious dog could terrify him.

In contrast, it was the city lord's wife, a woman, who was more courageous. She always helped him make up his mind at crucial moments. It was better to rely on the city lord's wife to come in handy at those times than to hope that the city lord could step in front of that famous general to protect them.

His fine armor was crafted by the most skilled artisans, but apart from the moment he received it, it had been kept on a shelf for the rest of the time. Every day, his servants maintained it with oil and fine linen. Only today did he hurriedly put it on, but because of his weight gain, he couldn't even fasten the armor straps properly, making it look somewhat loose and sloppy.

Almost everyone was so nervous that their legs went weak. Amidst the billowing dust and the shouts of men and the neighing of horses, the cavalrymen stood in orderly rows on both sides of the road, coldly scrutinizing them all.

As the crisp, heavy sound of hooves came from the center, a tall figure riding a magnificent warhorse approached the city. The magnificent and extraordinary winged helmet drew gasps of astonishment from the surrounding imperial people. The thick, dense armor on his body reflected the sunlight, making it almost impossible to look directly at him.

His towering figure and equally magnificent warhorse made him appear as majestic as a demon, while the city lord, standing trembling before the city gate, looked comical and ridiculous in comparison.

When the general looked down at him, it was as if an eagle was looking down at a short, fat chicken. The cold pride was more unbearable than swords, and his back seemed to bend involuntarily.

………………

Thesolius reached down and unbuckled the leather buckle on his chin, slowly removing his helmet from his neck to reveal his sharp and heroic face.

His freshly washed hair looked loose and smooth. This was his first public appearance in the Empire since the war. Although scars and frost were a warrior's honor, he didn't want to look unkempt. A sharpened dagger and some toiletries from the doctor would solve all his problems.

After giving the portly middle-aged man in front of him a quick glance, Tersolius nimbly dismounted, his iron boots kicking up a cloud of dust on the ground.

“It’s been a long time, Lord Trollope. I never expected our second meeting to take this form.”

The moment the other man spoke, Trollope felt a chill run down his spine, and his undershirt was instantly soaked with sweat. He frantically tried to recall where he had first met this renowned general, so he could respond to his question.

Unfortunately, the more anxious he became, the harder it seemed for his brain to function. Poor Lord, even sweat was pouring down his forehead, trickling through the gaps in his helmet and onto his face, washing away the dust and leaving his cheeks looking dirty.

Just as all the onlookers were wondering why the city lord had suddenly fallen silent, a voice finally rescued the disheveled man from his predicament:

"Your victory banquet back then attracted the attention of the entire empire. We were just insignificant participants. It is our honor to be remembered by you."

A plump, black-haired noblewoman walked over, accompanied by her maid. Her red robe, embroidered with gold thread, revealed her full shoulders and arms. She wore a polite smile, and her overly pale skin, which had been exposed to the sunlight for a long time indoors, was now tantalized.

“Nobles as outstanding as you are certainly worthy of my attention, and the facts have proven that my choice was not wrong...isn’t that right?”

Thesoris lowered his voice, and the noblewoman immediately nodded, then reached out and took her husband's arm.

"Your arrival brings glory to the entire city. Please lead your army into the city. We have prepared ample supplies to ensure a smooth journey for you."

“No need for that.” Tersolius shook his head slightly, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Let my soldiers set up camp outside the city. I think there is already a piece of land ready for us, so there is no need to disturb the order of the city.”

"Of course, everything is ready... All the citizens of Dalifia are eager to see you, General, and we have prepared a banquet. Please be sure to give Dalifia this opportunity."

Tersolius did not refuse the invitation, or rather, he had planned to do so anyway. He needed to make a big fuss when he returned to the Empire, and the bigger the better. Naturally, he couldn't avoid the cities along the way.

The legion received the order and immediately began to build a temporary camp outside the city. Although it was still sturdy and well-prepared, it was far less rigorous than when marching in the Holsian territory. It only retained the most basic defensive function, and it took much less time. In the blink of an eye, the camp had already taken a rough shape.

Supplies were continuously sent out from the city, filling up the previously mostly empty vehicles and adding many new horse-drawn carriages and livestock. Fresh meat and vegetables were also delivered, eliciting cheers from the crowd.

These battle-hardened, fierce soldiers, though still maintaining order, were excited to have finally reached the town of the Empire.

Although they could not enter the city, the supplies were enough to satisfy them. They didn't even need to prepare firewood themselves. Everyone could rest well in the camp and cook in an iron pot when the time came.

Long marches are extremely arduous, even for the strongest soldiers. Even after setting up camp, there is still much work to be done, keeping them busy until nightfall before they can rest. The next day, they have to get up early to continue their journey. Although they can still endure it, they are naturally very willing to take a break.

The cavalrymen's warhorses needed ample rest. A mixture of eggs, beans, and grains was piled in the mangers, looking even better than what people ate. A lot of salt was added to replenish their strength, and some slaves would cast envious glances as they passed by.

This season is not suitable for warhorses to be deployed. Even with careful breeding, their inherent physical structure means these warhorses are far from reaching their optimal physical condition. However, for some reason, these precious mounts have to be used.

Natamus sat in the camp, where ale from the city was stored in the cellar, its cool, comforting aroma perfectly complementing the freshly roasted lamb—enough to satisfy even the most discerning palate.

Add to that the freshly baked, soft bread, and even wealthy citizens wouldn't dare eat this every day.

But Natamus didn't rush to make a move. He watched as Talina used a slender bone needle to probe through the piles of grain and meat. Only after the blue light on the needle remained unchanged did he reach out and grab a tender lamb leg.

Food in the army is always strictly controlled. If a general loses his army's fighting ability due to food problems, then that negligent general is not qualified to lead an army into battle. Not to mention the potential sabotage that malicious individuals might cause.

The Legion has the strictest regulations when procuring food outside the Empire, precisely to prevent disgruntled locals from poisoning the grains and vegetables.

After Talina finished doing everything, she looked at Natamus with some hesitation and unease, unsure whether she should ask him a question... but she didn't want to give up easily.

"Girl, are you asking me where my brother went?"

Natamus suddenly spoke up, wiping the grease from the corner of his mouth. He had already gnawed the whole lamb leg down to the bone, then picked up the cold ale next to him and took a big gulp. The ale would soon become warm, and then it would not taste or feel the same as before.

The girl nodded somewhat flusteredly; it was a completely subconscious action.

A slight smile appeared on Natamus's lips as he reached out and tore off a large piece of meat, simultaneously grabbing a nearby bottle and sprinkling it with freshly ground salt and pepper.

"No wonder you don't know. Apart from the advance troops, this news hasn't spread yet... no, I should say I deliberately prevented it from spreading."

“My brother has entered the city and is being entertained by the lord. If nothing unexpected happens, we should hear some commotion coming from the city soon.”

His glass was empty, so he reached out and picked up the huge barrel of wine from the side, as if he were carrying a sack of cotton, and poured himself another glass.

"You know, he's really good at these kinds of situations. If this kid wanted to, he could shut the whole city up and make them go crazy in the blink of an eye... That's about it."

Before Natamus could even suppress his smile, a tidal wave of cheers erupted from the city, sweeping across the army's camp in waves. Many soldiers eating their meals turned to look at the city in surprise, wondering what was happening inside.

The meat porridge was still bubbling away in the big pot, and the freshly baked bread still retained a slight warmth in the center. Icy beer was handed to every soldier, who were allowed to drink to their heart's content today, except for those who were to serve as sentries.

But everyone's attention was drawn to the enormous sound, and the cold ale lost its palatable temperature. Some even stood up curiously, tiptoeing to look around, even though they couldn't possibly see anything over the towering city walls.

Almost simultaneously, a strong sense of curiosity arose in the soldiers' hearts. The allure of this bustling city reached its peak in an instant, and everyone was wondering what kind of grand celebration was taking place inside to elicit such excited cheers.

Only Natamus laughed heartily, reached out and broke the lid of the barrel, then dipped his cup in and filled it to the brim.

"See, I told you so? So there's no need to worry about him, girl, you'll see him soon."

A blush crept onto Tarina's cheeks, and she quickly made an excuse to leave the tent, leaving Natamus, still wearing a strange smile, to continue tearing at the lamb in front of him with his wine glass.

"This kid..."

………………

The cheering imperial people were stopped at the bottom of the steps by the incorruptible cavalry, and Tersolius left at just the right moment, leaving behind a deafening roar of cheers and shouts, and entered the city lord's mansion.

This was the place where the banquet was being held. As he entered the beautiful courtyard paved with bluestone slabs, a large group of nobles and wealthy merchants stood up from their seats and rushed toward him.

The order to start cooking was immediately relayed, and the tender lambs that were still grazing were dragged out and had their throats slit. The chef quickly skinned and butchered them, and then began to cook the fresh food.

Plump fish from the river, vibrant peacocks, and large chunks of beef still twitching slightly… these fine ingredients, paired with fresh vegetables, are enough to constitute a high-class banquet. Cooked by a professional chef, they can satisfy even the most discerning nobleman.

Thesolius handled the crowds surging towards him with ease, calmly conversing with them, seemingly making promises or saying a few meaningless words, and in the blink of an eye, he had sent most of them away.

The marble tabletop was sturdy and durable, already piled high with seasonal fruits and fine dried fruits and candied fruits. Just as the last man left, heartbroken but satisfied, he arrived here and naturally sat down in the largest chair. Two cavalrymen stood silently behind him, their left hands resting on the swords at their waists.

The table at the very top had only three seats, and the city lord and his wife were already waiting there. Everyone wisely refrained from approaching, knowing that General Tersolius and the city's master had something to discuss.

87 Night

Today, Tersolius realized that his alcohol tolerance was really not that high... He had thought that the wine produced in this day and age would not make him drunk, but it turned out that he had underestimated the people of this world.

A fountain in the courtyard leads to a cool stream that flows through rows of tables and chairs surrounded by bricks and stones. Wine in earthenware jars is kept at a refreshing temperature in this cool stream.

These fine wines have a blood-red color, and when you taste them, you can only feel the aroma that fills your mouth and nose. Before you know it, you've already drunk most of them. The mellow wines paired with freshly roasted tender lamb, various seasonal fruits and stews make for a feast that can be called a luxury in the world.

Meanwhile, Tersolius enjoyed the food and wine before him without a care in the world. The imperial cuisine was surprisingly to his liking, as if he had been eating it since childhood...

During this process, he would occasionally exchange a few words with the city's administrators and his wife. Although these exchanges sounded like trivial matters, an unspoken agreement had already been reached between them, or rather, this agreement had already been reached long ago, just as he was relaying his orders to the city.

He was a general who commanded an army and wielded immense authority, and was also the emperor's right-hand man. All of this meant that their relationship was inherently unequal. They could not risk disobeying his orders by siding with the Senate; they had only one option from the beginning.

Agreements reached under the influence of threats and power often collapse when power is compromised. Some appeasement is necessary, at least to reassure them temporarily and alleviate their fear of potential retaliation. Only in this way can they be truly bound to one's own side.

In this atmosphere and environment, Tersolius unexpectedly found his thinking becoming sluggish, and the city lord's wife immediately understood and announced the end of the banquet, politely seeing off all the guests and restoring the courtyard to quiet.

“Lord Tersolius, it seems you are a little drunk… If you don’t mind, there is a quiet and comfortable room here where you can rest for a while.”

Tersolius realized that he had become intoxicated while drinking wine, which surprised him with the world's fine wines... or perhaps it was just a matter of his constitution.

He slowly stood up from the stone chair, his steps slightly unsteady, and only then did he realize how much wine he had unknowingly drunk.

"I've really lost my composure. Please arrange a room for me; I need to clear my head."

………………

The soft velvet bed is large enough for five people to lie down on, and delicate white curtains hang from the ceiling to the floor, blocking out flying insects and sunlight.

The room's windows weren't large, but their excellent location still provided ample natural light. Three candles, held aloft by gilded bronze candlesticks, offered a soft glow, illuminating most of the room's corners.

Arka and another cavalryman personally removed his armor. They distrusted everyone there and refused to let any servants near Thesolius. After doing all this, Thesolius, wearing only a red jacket, washed his face and lay down on the bed.

The bed was so soft that Tersolius, who had spent most of his time sleeping in haystacks on the city walls, felt somewhat uncomfortable. But his dizzy drunkenness calmed him down completely, and he closed his eyes and began to breathe evenly.

The sunlight gradually turned reddish, dimmed, and finally disappeared completely. The moon's time quietly arrived, and soft moonlight shone through the window onto the ground. In this quiet moment, a small conversation suddenly broke the silence, causing Thesolius to immediately open his eyes.

He sat up a little wearily. The long hours of living outdoors had taken their toll, and even he couldn't ignore the effects, but now was not the time to rest.

After three knocks on the door, and receiving Claude's permission, Alka poked her head in:

"Sir, a servant has brought in some hot soup to help her sober up. May she come in?"

"Has it been checked?" Tersolius rubbed his temples.

"She has already tasted it herself, and there are no abnormalities so far."

"Let her in and put the soup down."

Thesolius was indeed thirsty. He took his chainmail from the nearby rack, put it on, and prepared to return to his army after finishing his soup.

A maid wearing a cloth skirt and a headscarf walked in with her head down, carrying a soup bowl on a tray, and immediately bowed to him.

"Put the soup on the table, and then you wait outside..."

Tersolius suddenly stopped, gave the maid a meaningful look, and at the same time subtly hung his long sword at his waist.

The maid, head bowed, carried a tray containing a bowl of soup towards the table. A strand of her neatly combed, bright yellow hair fell across her cheek from under her headscarf. The neckline of her dress was low, revealing a glimpse of her full, white skin, and her plump arms were as smooth as jade.

At first, her face wasn't visible, but judging from her voluptuous figure, she was a beauty. It wasn't surprising that such a pretty woman would be here as a maid, but Teresa noticed that she seemed quite nervous…

This tension may be understandable, but it was enough to put him on guard. Having just left the battlefield, his still-tense nerves prepared him for the worst.

The woman slowly placed the soup on the table, then clasped her hands together, bowed, and stepped back. As she retreated, she became increasingly nervous, her fingers trembling, which made Thesolius squint his eyes.

Nothing happened until the other person left through the door, and Tersolius realized that things might not be as he thought...

The door opened again, and Alka came in to help him put on his full suit of armor. Before picking up his helmet, he took a couple of sips of the hot soup on the table, then opened the door and walked out. The maid was still standing awkwardly in front of the door, seemingly waiting for something.

Thesolius found it somewhat amusing, but before leaving, he turned to look at her:

"Go and rest, servant, and tell your master that I am satisfied with everything."

The maid's tense shoulders relaxed instantly, and she quickly bowed her head in response, as if she had been granted a pardon.