A large parchment scroll lay out on the table, a rather old map of the Vast Lands, but the best Edward could have obtained by normal means, and beside it was a stack of dusty books, and on the top cover was a few large gilded letters of "The Legendary Vast Land".

These were all things that Lusen had given to himself before leaving Turin - more precisely, to Greene Turn, and then the chief lieutenant of the little prince Anson, who had forced his friend to pass them on to Edward. Although it was very hypocritical, it was still perceptible that Green's awkward intention was to apologize.

Edward, who was sitting at the long table, was still calm, but his frown could still tell his current mood, and his eyes were staring at the faded and yellowed marks on the map.

For him, the lack of information about Hantu may be the biggest shortcoming - books and rumors from other people's mouths can only be used as a reference, and there are even quite a few misunderstandings; there are at least six theories about the origin of the barbarian tribes in Hantu alone, and there are even more different opinions about their respective distributions, customs, and influences, and some of them can be detected by just looking at each other's nonsense just to attract people.

For the people of Turin, the meaning of the land is very special - the barren land, the monsters that roam the wilderness, the ancient and barbaric tribes of the land, there are so many mysteries that most Turin people sneer at this land, but they also yearn for it. Every year, some wandering knights come here in search of their future.

The black pupils were glued to the "castle" icon on the map, which represented the fortress of the Green River Valley, and there was a distance between Hantu City. Edward couldn't help but frown—according to the plan agreed upon with Greene Turn—his mission was to hold the fortress. At the same time, as much as possible, the army that originally belonged to Berion was slowly annexed. Completely dismantle his ruling power in the Vast Lands.

Then he took control of the western part of the Vast Lands and ensured that the enemy would not take the opportunity to break into the southern part of the kingdom during the Battle of the Great Lands - in short, Edward played the role of a rear guard, and the only hero who could annihilate the leader on the frontal battlefield and liberate one town after another was His Royal Highness the Prince, Anson Marcherus, the Duke of the Battleland.

This is the "plot" arranged by His Majesty Horace Marcherus - the whole rebellion of the Hamland is to completely dismantle Berion's power in the Hamland. and preparing Anson for the future succession to the throne.

But this was not what Edward wanted—the "grant" given by the Marquis of Holard Minest was not for nothing, it was all about being repaid. For anyone who owes debts, the most important thing is not to be able to pay off the borrowed money quickly, but to prove that they have the ability to repay and earn money, so that the creditor can rest assured and boldly lend himself more money!

What Edward had to do was to put his "ragtag legion" in order more thoroughly - half a legion was not enough, and he needed to recruit more soldiers. Whether it's Greene Turney or Holard Minest, that's all they can do for themselves, and the rest will have to be done on their own.

Seeing the frowning brow on his face, Alan who was sitting next to him was fine. Marco Tasker on the other side had no expression other than a wry smile on his face, and only let out a long sigh.

"If you're going to recruit troops in this part of the Green Valley. I advise you to abandon this plan. The silver-haired wizard said in a very helpless tone: "Several towns in this area do not have a very good attitude towards the expeditionary force, and it can even be said that it is quite bad. ”

"When our party arrived at the first town, they thought we were a caravan from the port of The Hague - at first the group was very enthusiastic, but when they realized it, their faces changed at once. Not only was he reluctant to provide supplies, he was even reluctant to shelter, he just let us rest for the night and urged us to leave!"

The next few towns were more or less in a similar situation, all with a lukewarm posture. Marco spread his hands: "You are only the chief flag officer of Your Highness, and you have no power to forcibly delegate, if they insist on unwillingness, we have nothing to do!"

"Why?" asked Edward in a deep voice, "is it because of the Duke of Barrion, or is it ......?"

"I'm afraid not. Marco Tasker shook his head: "To be precise, the people of these towns don't believe that you can defend the fortress of the Green Valley and protect their safety - you know, the 'good reputation' of the Battle Banner Legion is based on a hundred defeats!"

"The people of these towns also know very well that once the fortress of the Green Valley is captured, they will have to wait for reinforcements from the kingdom except for self-preservation. Speaking of this, even Marco Tasker himself couldn't help laughing: "But they don't know at all, the kingdom can't get more troops now." ”

"So if we want to get the support of the Green Valley, we have to prove ourselves – it's a paradox. Edward nodded: "If the Battle Banner Legion wants to restore its proper strength, it can only recruit enough soldiers here. ”

If he could not win even the support of the Greenland Valley, Edward's development throughout the Vast Lands would be extremely limited - and only in the Greenland Valley would he be able to recruit real Turin soldiers. There are only a very limited number of towns in the deep wilderness, and there are towns of the Turinees, most of which are indigenous people, or even barbarian tribes.

In that kind of place, unless it is to completely conquer those local villages and towns, or even to wage war with the war tribes of the barbarians, it is difficult to get the army to replenish it, especially the truly disciplined, trained, and well-formed phalanx corps, which can only be recruited here.

And the loyalty of the pure native armies was hard to predict - at least Edward didn't have to worry about the Turineites betraying him to the barbarian tribes. And those barbarian armies are difficult to say. He needs the support of the Green River Valley to provide him with an important source of troops and become his rear base!

Virgil Brutus, who had suddenly been recruited, opened the door tremblingly, and when he saw Edward sitting there, he hurriedly stepped forward with a smile - since he had chosen to serve the chief flag officer, of course he had to make some gestures.

"I would like to ask you to forgive me for some of my ...... a few days ago Arrogant words, dear clerk Mr. Brutus. Edward's smile was a little apologetic: "I was very bad at that time, and I hope you can forgive me for this, if you want, please accept my apology." ”

"Radiant Cross, what's going on?" The clerk with a bitter face hurriedly showed a posture of "sincere fear": "Dang, of course, you are my master, of course I can forgive you...... What should I forgive, though?"

"Your suggestion, after careful consideration, I think it makes a lot of sense. Edward smiled and said, "The Banner Legion can't do without the support of the entire Green River Valley if it wants to regain its strength, and we need the help of these towns - I was a little arrogant before, and now I have decided to take your advice." ”

"I need you to come up with a complete plan to negotiate with all the towns in the Greenland Valley and get us on our side...... No, it should be believed that we can hold the fortress and protect their safety. Edward smiled "frankly": "How is it, are you confident?"

"As long as it is your order, I will do my best. The Registrar sighed, "But before I do that, I need to recommend you a man who, if you are willing to believe him, should be able to help you a lot." (To be continued.) )