When the Sidonis sent troops to the city, determined to force the necromancers to fight the final decisive battle, they agreed to cover their Hairington, the Flayden Alliance, and had just arrived in a town behind Sonali's flank.

Oh no, at this time, it should be said that it is the Hairington Army.

Realizing that the Feredden League had been invaded by an army of the undead and was no longer capable of defending itself, Tolz finally decided to join Headington in order to protect the people who had followed him to declare independence.

Due to the previous relationship between the two parties, and the righteous act of Hydington, Tolz's decision was not hindered much, except for a slight complaint from Fidd, Hermy and Moslin gladly accepted it.

As a result, after the annexation of the Ferredon Alliance, Headington's territory expanded to the entire western part of the Lavit Federation, and after absorbing the mining city of Rodia and the core six cities of Ferredon, both the population and strength have been greatly improved.

Today, Headington stretches from Kennett and Canton in the west, borders the Kingdom of Gaspard, and extends to the Federation of Rawitt in the east.

I'm afraid this is something that no one else, including Raymond himself, could have imagined at the beginning.

After the merger, in order to better command the forces of both sides before the decisive battle, Raymond spent some time consolidating the forces of both sides in the city of Ferredon.

Although Raymond did not doubt Tolz's determination, after the lessons of the Royal Praetorian Guard, Raymond knew that there must be no two command systems in the army. Therefore, he disorganized the original Ferredon troops, inserted them into the Hairington Army, and let the commanders of both sides cross-command the troops, so that the original Ferredon Army could no longer form a separate formation.

This can actually be done after the war. After all, the implication of this move is obvious, and it is tantamount to clearly telling the Ferredon side that he does not trust their troops. This is naturally not good news for a new guest army.

But in order to avoid command problems in the decisive battle with the necromancer, Raymond can only do it immediately. This did cause some commotion in the army of Ferredon, but fortunately Tolz and Hermy were both well-versed men. They quickly suppressed these commotions and fully cooperated with Raymond's rectification.

This is where Tolz excels, he is not a pure politician, although he has excellent talents, but his personality is more businessman, so he can quickly accept reality and does not try to make any small moves. This also made the two parties of the initial merger less suspicious, and laid a good foundation for future cooperation.

After hastily rectifying the army, Raymond immediately sent someone back to Hydington to inform him of the incident. And let Rickett send more supplies to help the refugees in Ferredon, after all, they will be his own people in the future.

On the other hand, Tolz, escorted by Fidi, personally went to the city of Rodia, after all, it is very important, and there are more than 100,000 refugees gathered, and he needs to go there in person to explain the situation and comfort the refugees. Once the war is over. It is necessary to deal with the transfer of rule.

Subsequently, the two parties broke up. Raymond led the newly integrated Hydington Army towards the flank and rear of Sonali City.

Upon arriving in the town called Grelyn, Raymond met with the emissaries of the Sidonis.

"Lord Raymond, your troops have finally arrived. The messenger named Bruni said with a little dissatisfaction. He wears the uniform of the denomination, and from the emblem it is the office of the chief priest.

In order to integrate the two armies, Raymond delayed a lot of time in the city of Ferredon. By the time he hurried here, the Sidonis Sect had already launched an attack on Sonali.

Raymond had to explain the reason to him, but Bruni complained, "I understand your dilemma. But if the army of the undead attacks our back at this time, it will be too late. ”

"So, have you found the whereabouts of that army of the undead?" asked Hermi, now Raymond's subordinate.

Bruni shook his head: "We've done everything we can. Still can't find where they are. ”

These days, both the Sidonis Sect and Raymond's side have sent out a large number of scouts to try to find the vanished army of the undead. However, the other party is like going back to hell, and there is no trace of it at all.

It was in this situation that the reluctant Sidonis had to spend a huge amount of money trying to force the necromancers in Sonali to send their troops back.

However, so far, the enemy forces have not appeared.

"Then, according to the original plan, we will set up a defensive line around here. Raymond said to Brunny, "Please go back and tell us, we will do our best to protect your flanks." ”

Despite the protection of Raymond's side, that army of the undead was still a formidable threat to the Sidonis cult that could not be ignored. With such an enemy army in the shadows, it is really difficult to let go of the siege.

But the matter has come to this point, and there is no other way, Bruni said helplessly: "I understand, then the rear of our army will be handed over to you, please be careful to take precautions." ”

"Don't worry, I'm not going to let the necromancer get his way. Raymond assured him.

Then, a worried Bruni took his leave and left. Raymond said to the crowd, "Then let's get to work." Bryce, you take a force to build fortifications in the north, Hermi, you take men to camp in the south, and Hilnis, you and Harlot go to the forest to the east to build a defense. Baster, you lead the scouts around the area and report back if you find an anomaly. ”

Then, he said to the centaur Tavent: "Tavent, your cavalry will stay here with me as the main support, and once you find the traces of the undead army, you will attack immediately." ”

Raymond was now extremely proficient in military operations, and he quickly set everything up, establishing a defense system with Grelin as the center and extending several lines of defense in all directions, effectively covering the flanks and rear of the Sidonis army that was besieging the city.

Now, just wait for the army of the undead to appear.

The people who had received the order then left and began to carry out the order. Soon, the whole army was in action, and one by one, under the leadership of commanders at all levels, left the city and went to their own defense areas.

After so many years of fighting, the Hairington Army today has become more and more like a professional army. Even if it is a complex operation, it is not chaotic at all, and it shows extremely good quality.

Harlot, Hilnis, and other people who originally knew nothing about marching and fighting battles have also been greatly trained in actual combat, and now both of them have grown into qualified commanders, so that Raymond can rest assured that one of the lines of defense will be handed over to the two.

As the troops left Grayling. The main forces remaining in the town were not idle, and began to build fortifications, making the whole town a strong stronghold to protect it from enemy attacks.

For a time, the whole town of Grayling was bustling, full of soldiers rushing back and forth, and the tinkling and knocking of sappers building fortifications were incessant, and the dust was all over the sky, like a large construction site.

At the time of the capture of the town of Grayling. In order to facilitate the stationing of friendly troops in the future, the Sidonis Sect has moved all the inhabitants here, so Raymond is left with an empty city.

Since there were no scruples, the Heddington army simply let go of their hands, many houses were demolished, and the sappers used the local materials to strengthen the fortifications with those bricks and wood. I'm sorry for the poor residents, but I don't care so much about it at this time.

Standing in front of the window of the town hall that served as the headquarters, Raymond watched as his soldiers rapidly changed the appearance of the entire town. In the eyes of the original residents, the dark path is probably the most hateful aggressor. Wantonly destroying other people's homes or something...

At the same time, he swore in his heart that he would never let such a fate befall any town under Headington's rule. To do this, it is necessary to defeat the necromancer, the Gaspard Empire, and the final opponent, the mad prince Renard, in the following battles.

There's still a lot of battle waiting for you... Come to think of it. Raymond couldn't help but sigh.

"Lord Raymond, please don't sigh, that's the end of the war. At this time, a voice came from behind Raymond: "The residents here are lucky compared to losing their homes, after all, they don't have to worry about losing their lives." ”

It was Holder who came. Since being rescued by Raymond during that night's battle, he and Goodwin have temporarily joined Haydington's side in the fight against the undead invasion.

Therefore, this time he also came with Grayling, preparing to participate in the final battle. He had just seen Raymond sighing in front of the window, mistakenly thinking that Raymond was worried about the residents who had been driven away, so he said that.

"It's Mr. Holder. Raymond turned his head and said, "I'm just feeling a little emotional." ”

"I understand. Holder walked up to him and looked out the window like Raymond: "I have seen too many wars over the years, and many innocent people have been implicated in wars. ”

"It's impressive in comparison, both for you, and for your military. As he spoke, he pointed to the soldiers outside and said, "For example, although they are destroying this town, no one has taken the opportunity to loot the property in the house, which shows the strict discipline. This alone dwarfs the armies of many countries. ”

"Well, because I specifically told me before I moved in, I can't touch the belongings here. Raymond replied, "After all, we occupy other people's homes, and if we are robbing their property, we are really no different from robbers." Fortunately, there are many soldiers of the Royal Praetorian Guard in the team, who have a strong sense of honor and will supervise other soldiers. ”

"In addition, I plan to leave some money behind when I leave as compensation for the damaged homeowner. ”

As if hearing something incredible, Holder looked at Raymond in surprise for a moment, and suddenly couldn't help laughing: "Ha Lu Ha ”

"To be honest, I've never met anyone who would offer to compensate refugees who have been implicated in the war, and you have been an eye-opener for me today. ”

"I'm just doing what I can. Raymond also smiled: "I have seen many Gaspard refugees in Beddington, and I know their difficulties. I'm not as merciful as you might think, though, or I wouldn't have allowed the soldiers to destroy the town. ”

Holder understood what Raymond meant, Raymond's move was not a woman's kindness, and the so-called "compensation" was also based on the fact that it would not affect his combat operations. In other words, Raymond will not hesitate to do whatever is necessary, and his compassion for the refugees will never get in the way.

However, this is also very rare, and in this era, even the most well-disciplined army will inevitably plunder civilians. It's just a matter of severity, after all, in war, it's easy to go crazy.

Not to mention facing such an empty town where everyone has run out. Raymond's ability to restrain his troops to such an extent was surprising enough.

"Still, you have such a merciful act. But these residents... No, it's the people of the entire LaWitt Federation. They will all face a tragic fate in the future. Suddenly, Holder said.

"The war will always end. Raymond thought he was referring to the devastation of war.

Holder shook his head: "No, I'm talking about the post-war period, after the Sidonis Sect occupied the Lawitt Federation. ”

"Hey, how did you know about the Dao?" Raymond couldn't help but be taken aback when Holder said the purpose of attending the Donis Sect.

The Sidonis sect attacked the Rawitt Federation, claiming to be helping the Krot Empire seize land, but in fact to establish their own church, which is their biggest secret. Raymond also learned about it from Reliana because of the cooperation.

Now that Holder said it casually, Raymond was really surprised.

Holder said, "This is just my guess, because unlike previous invasions, the Sidonis Sect is very impatient this time. Considering the recent changes in the Krot Empire, it's easy to think that they had other purposes. ”

"However, I didn't expect to be guessed, does the other party really plan to occupy the Rawitt Federation?"

At this point, there is nothing to hide. Raymond then briefly told Holder about the goal of the Sidonis sect, and finally said, "Anyway. I have made a pact with them that will help them build a state, and they will keep me at bay from the threat from the Krot Empire. ”

"I see. Holder mused, "This is indeed a good deal. However, the people of Lawitt are afraid that they will suffer a lot. ”

Seeing that he had just said this, Raymond was puzzled and said, "What do you mean by this?"

Facing Raymond's surprised gaze, Holder said, "Don't you understand, if the Sidonis Sect occupies Rawitt. The people of Rawitt will be forced to follow their religion, and those people will be greatly persecuted. Therefore, for them, I am afraid that the end of the war will be the beginning of suffering. ”

Sidonis is a very aggressive religion, and once the Commonwealth of Rawitt is occupied and a church is formed, it will certainly force the people of Rawitt to convert to religion.

And Lavit is a nation of merchants. The idea of freedom has long been deeply rooted in the hearts of the people, and this move is sure to cause great conflict. But the common people could not fight against the Sidonis cult with their heavy armies, so in the end it was only the innocent people who suffered.

"Hmm..."Understanding the meaning of Holder's words, Raymond pondered for a while, and finally said very simply: "I sympathize with their plight, but unfortunately, I can't help them." ”

Holder said this, probably also to attract Raymond's attention. But Raymond is not a person with a lot of sympathy, and it is obviously impossible to turn the other cheek with the LaWitt Federation and do such a feat as "saving those innocent people".

Because, Raymond also has his own people to be responsible for, that is, the residents of Beddington, and of course, the people of Ferredon, who have recently joined.

Anything that might threaten them was within Raymond's avoidance, even though the other side was just as innocent people.

Hearing Raymond's words, Holder smiled to himself: "Ah, of course I understand that it would be too reluctant to ask you to tear up your agreement with the Sidonis Sect because of this. Still, I hope you can promise me one thing. ”

"Say it. "Raymond has probably only arrived at Holder to say something.

Sure enough, I saw Holder bow his head: "Lord Raymond, I hereby ask you that if there are residents of the Lavit Federation who flee to your territory in the future, I hope you can accept them and not drive them back to Ravit." ”

"If there's anyone who can help them, it's you. ”

Raymond secretly said that this was indeed the case, and Holder had probably thought about it a long time ago after guessing the purpose of the Sidonis Sect. It is conceivable that many of the inhabitants of Rawitt will flee due to persecution in the future, and Rydington under Raymond is the best destination for them.

It's not too difficult, though. After all, it is not Raymond's responsibility to flee to, and the Sidonis sect also needs Hydington's support to fight against the Krot Empire, so they will definitely not turn against him because of this.

The people of Rawitt were very wealthy, and as the people migrated, they brought a lot of wealth to Headington. It's a good thing, so why not?

Therefore, Raymond nodded and said, "I understand, I will not close the border." ”

"Then I thank the people of Lavuit for your kindness. In gratitude, Holder bowed deeply to Raymond. Look at his expression at the same time. It seems that some kind of decision has been made.

From his involvement in the investigation of Gru to joining the fight against the necromancer, it is not surprising that Dohold may seem lazy, but he is actually a compassionate man, and he would bother so much for the inhabitants of Ravitt.

So, unconsciously, Raymond made another promise for the future.

"It seems that I still can't be as ruthless as my mother after all. He said to himself in his heart.

"By the way, how is Goodwin's injury?" Raymond changed the subject.

"It's still not optimistic. Holder shook his head: "The dagger that stabbed him has a strong necromantic power. Although Moslin and the doctors tried their best to treat them, the injuries were sometimes good and bad, and they never healed. ”

However, due to the invasion of necromantic power into his body, it was very difficult to treat Goodwin, and he was very old and his energy was also declining, so that he still did not recover.

In this decisive battle with the necromancer, Goodwin had to fight. Raymond and Holder talked so badly that they left him in Freedon to recuperate. And the elf Ehita also stayed there for the time being. Raymond hopes to use her knowledge of herbs and healing techniques to treat as many wounded as possible.

Raymond couldn't help but say, "If he comes along, maybe he can ask the priest of the Sidonis Sect to help treat his injuries." ”

Holder said, "Don't worry, I know his temper, Goodwin doesn't fall so easily." After defeating the army of the undead, it's better to figure out a way slowly. ”

Subsequently. The two talked about something else, but Holder had little experience in marching and fighting and could not help Raymond, so he took his leave and left.

Looking at the soldiers busy in the town, Raymond only hoped that the army of the undead would show up soon.

Boom!

There was a loud bang. The door of the house was kicked open, and several people nimbly rushed into the room one after another through the doorway, quickly assuming a fighting posture.

The house was very cluttered, the furniture was overturned, all kinds of debris were scattered all over the ground, and there was a thick layer of dust on the ground, and it was obvious that it had been badly damaged in the first place, and it had been a long time.

Under a fallen cabinet was a corpse that was rotting to the bones and emitting a stench of disgust.

Seeing the corpse, the look of vigilance on the faces of the people who rushed in receded, and they all let out an uncomfortable snort, covered their mouths and noses, and retreated outside the house.

Outside, several people breathed in the fresh air. At this time, it can be seen that they are all wearing the uniforms of the Headington Army, and judging from the style, they should be a group of scouts.

In order to find the missing army of the undead, Baster sends a team of scouts to conduct a comprehensive search of the surrounding area. The scouts happened to arrive in the abandoned village, smelled the stench of corpses emanating from one of the houses, and suspected that there were zombies, hence the scene just now.

"How's it going?" at this moment, a man in the shape of a leader walked towards them with someone.

"Captain, there's only a rotten corpse, nothing else out of the ordinary. One of the scouts replied.

"Really?" the captain nodded, "I've searched other places, but I haven't found any, and it seems that there is no trace of the undead in this village." ”

"Well, do you want to go somewhere else?" asked one of the scouts.

The captain spread out the map and pointed to the markings on it, "Lord Bathter's order is to investigate this area, and we're almost done. And..."

Speaking of this, he looked up at the sky: "It's going to get dark soon, let's stay here tonight, and go back tomorrow." ”

The scouts said yes, quickly cleared out a house, and soon started a fire.

It wasn't long before night fell, and the entire village was shrouded in darkness, except for the lonely glimmer of light from the house where the scouts were resting.

It's quiet outside, but it's very lively inside. Hot soup was boiling on a roaring fire, and scouts sat around the fire, eating game they had hunted from the woods during the day. (To be continued......)