When Raymond arrived in Orat City, it was when those who held this view made the most trouble.

Raymond, who got the news, was shocked, these nobles really had more than enough success and more than failure, and actually came up with such a bad idea. If Sophia is really moved by what they say, not only will all the previous arrangements be in vain, but this battle will definitely be lost.

So, he hurried to the palace and happened to see the beginning of the scene.

"Raymond, you're finally here. ”

As soon as she saw Raymond, Sophia immediately breathed a sigh of relief and said to him happily. Acting so urgently, it can be seen how much pressure she is under.

Stopping the nobleman's chattering and persuasion, Sophia said to Raymond: "Duke Raymond, these people do not approve of the plan made before, they have made a new proposal, I want to hear your opinion. ”

When Sophia called Raymond, she deliberately brought his title to remind these nobles who valued their origins of the identity of the other party. Sure enough, as soon as they saw Raymond, the arrogance of the originally menacing nobles in the hall immediately became a little shorter.

Raymond already had a rough idea of what was going on, and couldn't help but secretly rejoice that he had come back early, and if Sophia had been forced to let go by them, things would have been in trouble.

After thinking about it, he first said to Sophia: "Your Majesty, I want to know what your attitude is?"

"Of course, it supports the battle plan you have formulated. Sophia said without hesitation: "This will never change. ”

"That would be easy. Raymond nodded.

As soon as the other nobles saw Raymond coming, Sophia seemed to have found a backer, and her originally relaxed attitude became firm again, which made them all very unwilling.

The nobleman who spoke earlier was unconvinced: "Lord Duke, I admire your contribution to Headington. But I hope that you will not rely on your influence on Your Majesty to act arbitrarily, but listen to the opinions of others. ”

The other nobles also chimed in. Clearly, they weren't willing to give up.

Since the other party said so, Raymond said, "Okay, then tell me your reasons." ”

The nobleman immediately began to talk endlessly, but on the whole it was still the same thing, and he was reluctant to use the large area of land east of Gaspard, so he hoped to use the city of Orat for a defensive battle.

The most rear. The nobleman said, "When it comes to defense, Orat City is far more than the unfinished fortress of the Giant's Seal. So, I can't think of a reason to put the battlefield there. ”

"I see. Raymond sighed.

After a moment's silence, he said to the nobleman, "Can I ask you a few questions?"

The nobleman turned around, exchanged glances with the other people for a while, and then said cautiously, "Of course." ”

"Do you think Gaspard's army will be able to win a field battle with Dirk's army?" said Raymond first.

The nobleman immediately shook his head and said, "Absolutely not win." We have no objection to this. So very much in favor of a defensive war. ”

"Good. Raymond said: "So, how long do you think we can hold out if the main battlefield is really placed in Orat?"

The nobleman said confidently: "The city defense of Orat City has been strengthened over the years, and the city is huge, as long as you hoard heavy troops and hold on, no matter how many Dirk troops there are, you will definitely not be able to attack it..."

Raymond interrupted him: "I'm not saying whether the enemy can attack or not. I'm asking how long we can hold out on our own. ”

"Huh?" apparently never thought about it. The nobleman froze.

From his expression, it was clear that Raymond secretly said that this was indeed the case. These people are completely whimsical.

He said to the nobles: "If you want to fight a defensive war, there are two important conditions for the defender. First, it is necessary to have a large rear that can stably support the front line; second, it is necessary to have reliable foreign aid. It would be best if both were available, otherwise at least one or the other. ”

"Having a stable rear means that there is no rear, and there is enough material support to hold on for a long time. Having foreign aid means that you will not fight alone, and the enemy will be afraid. Don't dare to attack with all your might. So these two points are especially important for the defensive side. ”

"You must be well aware of this. ”

The nobles were stunned when they heard this, and they all nodded their heads again and again. However, looking at their blank expressions, it is estimated that there are few people who really know the Tao.

Although Raymond is talking about very ordinary military common sense. But these nobles knew almost nothing about marching and fighting, and everyone was stunned when they heard it, and they didn't dare to talk to it at all.

Raymond continued, "Although Orat City is very well defended, once it is besieged, it is isolated. There was neither a large rear that could be secured, nor reinforcements. When the time comes, trapped in the lonely city, no one knows when the enemy will retreat. ”

"In that case, it would be tantamount to depriving the soldiers defending the city of hope. Because they know that their country has been completely occupied by the enemy, and they are trapped in this lonely city without any reinforcements, and even the strongest soldiers cannot endure this despair. Not to mention that the more people defending the city, the greater the consumption of food and grass, and in the absence of external supplements, this is no different from suicide. ”

"On the contrary, the fortress of the Giant's Seal, although not as well as here, has a huge Beddington behind it, which can provide us with an endless stream of support, which is much better than holding on to an isolated city. That's why I'm putting the battlefield in the Giant's Seal, do you understand?"

After listening to Raymond's words, the nobles had nothing to say for a while. Raymond has explained very clearly that choosing to defend Orat City is tantamount to trapping himself to death. It's fine if you don't have a choice. But with the Giant's Seal, a better place, it would be foolish to insist on staying at Orat.

However, the aristocrats, who have huge interests involved, will not stop there. After whispering to each other for a while, another nobleman said loudly: "In this case, Lord Raymond can lead Beddington's troops to defend the Giant's Seal, and we, Hairington, will hold on to the city of Aorat, so that we can rely on each other, doesn't it mean that we all have foreign help?"

His words were immediately warmly responded to by the nobles, and the man was also triumphant. Thought the perfect solution had been found.

Raymond didn't refute either, he just smiled and said to the man, "Do you remember the first question I said?"

"What's the first question?" the man frowned. Obviously, they had forgotten what Raymond had said.

Even Sophia couldn't stand it anymore, and she said, "Raymond once asked you if you were confident that you could defeat the Dirk army in the field. ”

"Of course not," the man said without hesitation. But then I realized what I really meant.

Sure enough, I listened to Raymond say: "I don't know what you do, anyway, I don't have the confidence that when I am in distress in Orat City, I can lead the army to defeat the Dirk army besieging the city." ”

"If we should be caught between the inside and the outside—" the man tried to retort, but his voice grew quieter, and it was clear that he understood the absurdity of the proposal.

With the current quality of Gaspard's army, it would be thankful to stay in the city of Orat and pray that the Dirk army would not attack. As for rushing out of the city? I don't think anyone has the confidence to do that.

Thinking that these people had learned a lesson, Raymond said to them bitterly: "Anyway. The Mark of the Giants is the best place for the final battle. And our strength is already at a disadvantage, and we can't divide our forces, otherwise we will only be broken by each other..."

At this moment, perhaps because he had been refuted again and again, and he felt embarrassed and embarrassed, the nobleman suddenly said: "Lord Raymond, although you are the Duke of Gaspard, you are a native of Headington after all. What should we do. It doesn't seem like it's your turn to make a decision. ”

"Hmm?" Unexpectedly, the other party suddenly became aggressive, and Raymond's eyes narrowed.

Seeing that the plan to defend Orat is about to come to naught. Their property was about to be destroyed by the Dirk army, and in the face of interests, the rest of the nobles could not care so much.

Especially for many people who have lost their property in the western region, for them, the east of Orat City must be preserved in any case, otherwise there will really be nothing left. That's why these people are the craziest clamour.

They all said, "Lord Raymond." Please be careful where you stand. ”

"We're just working together, and Gaspard isn't a subordinate of Headington. ”

"You can't have the final say on such an important matter, we should discuss it together and find a better way. ”

......

Until this time. Raymond finally understood the meaning of what Thor said to himself.

Gaspard had only been liberated for a few days, and the nobles had already united to ensure their interests at all costs.

In their eyes, Headington has become a foreign country to watch out for. Even though the two sides are still in the stage of cooperating to resist the enemy, for these people, anything that endangers their own interests cannot be tolerated, so they show great hostility to Raymond.

War is like this, once the foreign enemy is driven out, after complete peace. One can imagine how much of a divide these men would create between Gaspard and Headington. At that time, no matter how close Sophia is to Raymond, she can only help herself.

However, Raymond is not worried about these people's troubles, because the Gaspard military supports him. When necessary, as long as Bryce is recalled, these people will naturally stop obediently.

Just when the nobles were excited and were on the verge of forcing Raymond to compromise, they suddenly heard a loud bang from the other side of the throne.

There was silence in the hall, and everyone turned their heads to look, only to see Sophia slapping on the armrest of the throne, her face full of anger.

"We, Gaspard, have been able to return to our country, and you can stand here again, all thanks to the assistance of Lord Raymond, have you forgotten so quickly? In order to resist the attack of the Dirk Kingdom, Lord Raymond has been working tirelessly and doing his best, what right do you have to accuse him!" Sophia said in a deep voice, with deep anger in her tone.

"But Your Majesty, this is between two countries after all...", some people still want to refute.

"Shut up!" Sophia interrupted him angrily.

I had never seen a gentle queen lose her temper so much, and the nobles were all silent, and no one dared to say a word.

Sophia said in an unquestioning tone: "I have already said that I will unconditionally support Raymond's plan. The battlefield was chosen at the Giant's Mark Fortress, and the evacuation to the east of Orat continued, so the matter was decided, and there was no need to say it again!"

Seeing Sophia so categorical, nobles, look at me. I look at you, and in the end I can only accept it helplessly.

However, some people are still unwilling: "But Your Majesty, do you really want to give up Orat City?"

Sophia was about to speak, but she heard Raymond say, "Who said to give up Aurat." ”

"Huh?"

As soon as these words came out, everyone was taken aback.

Sophia also wondered, "But didn't you say that the battlefield is in the Giant's Seal?" ”

Raymond said: "I came this time, and I was going to tell you about it. Although the main battlefield is in the Mark of the Giant. However, Orat City must also leave a part of the defensive forces, otherwise it will be very difficult to recapture it later if Renard takes it. ”

The city of Orat is the capital of Gaspard and is of great significance. Elsewhere, even if the land or town is lost, it is not a big problem, but the capital must not fall into the hands of the enemy.

"What do you mean, Lord Raymond?" said a nobleman, puzzled, "You just said that defending Orat is equivalent to being trapped in an isolated city, which is a very dangerous thing. ”

"yes. Very dangerous. Raymond said unabashedly: "Moreover, in order to ensure that the troops are not too scattered, there are not too many people left." ”

"That is—" Someone gradually understood what he meant.

Raymond nodded, "That's right." That is to say, with a very small number of troops, under the siege of the Dirk army, desperately hold this place. ”

As soon as these words came out, everyone was in an uproar. Immediately, someone said dissatisfiedly: "This is simply waiting for death." ”

"But someone has to do it. Raymond said to them: "Because in this way, the capital can be kept, and secondly, a part of the Dirk army can be dragged down, and the pressure on the Giant's Seal can be relieved." ”

"Don't worry. The city of Orat is well-defended and requires only a few men to defend it. And as long as the battle of the Giant's Mark is won, the siege here will naturally be lifted. ”

As he spoke, Raymond smiled and asked everyone, "So, loyal guys, who of you will come?"

However, the nobles could no longer hear what he was saying. As soon as I heard that I was going to stay in the city and wait for death. This is something they absolutely do not want to accept.

Everyone looked at Raymond like a madman, how could anyone agree?

"I'm staying. At this moment, a voice said clearly.

Hearing this, everyone showed expressions of surprise and disbelief, and they all turned their heads to look at the throne. Because I just spoke. None other than Sophia.

"What did you say, Your Majesty?" asked a man in a trembling voice.

"I said, I'll stay. Sophia said it again, without the slightest winch.

"How can this be!" the nobles immediately blew up the nest.

"How could you, as the queen of Gaspard, do such a dangerous thing. ”

"What if the city is breached?"

"No, absolutely not!"

......

The nobles were strict in their words, and tried their best to show their loyalty, but they forgot that no one on their side wanted to stay.

Sophia was unmoved, she raised her hand to signal that everyone didn't need to say any more, and then said to Raymond, "Is it okay, Raymond?"

Raymond touched his chin, "Well, why didn't I think it would work better if you stayed." ”

"What!?" "You fanatic!" "How dare you!"

The aristocrats have a tendency to run amok again.

However, Sophia didn't plan to deal with them at all. Hearing Raymond's words, she nodded and said, "Then, let's just decide." ”

Raymond said to her, "Sophia, I admire your courage, but you still have to think clearly. If you stay, it can greatly boost the morale of the soldiers, and Renard can't ignore it, it is bound to leave more people to besiege the city, which can greatly reduce the pressure on the Giant's Seal. ”

"But on the other hand, you will also make Orat City a bigger target, and the enemy may be desperate to capture you. So, the danger of you leaving behind will be greater. ”

"I understand. Sophia looked at Raymond with a firm gaze: "I've already figured it out." This is my country, and I have left her and fled once, but this time, I will never leave my kingdom again. ”

"So, I'll defend Orat City this time!"

Raymond was secretly admired by Sophia's firmness, and he had clearly explained the danger, but Sophia did not waver in the slightest. This requires not only great courage, but also a strong will.

No matter how fucked up those aristocrats are, Sophia is a queen worthy of respect. Even if it's just for her, it's worth it.

Compared with. The nobles were all ashamed and ashamed, and they all bowed their heads, but no one dared to ask to stay with Sophia.

No longer looking at those nobles, Sophia said lightly: "Okay, you can retreat." ”

In this way, the last turmoil before the war was calmed down.

Watch the nobles leave the hall dejectedly. Sophia buried her face in her hands as if she had exhausted all her strength, and let out a deep sigh.

Then, she raised her head and said to Raymond, "Will you come with me?"

Raymond refused, and Sophia abandoned the guards who followed her to protect her, and went with Raymond to the palace garden.

Unlike the rush and chaos of the eve of the war outside, the gardens of the University of Nuoda are full of strange fragrances, purple and red, and the exquisitely manicured gardens present a variety of beautiful landscapes. Bees and butterflies flutter among the flowers, and the sun shines through the dense foliage to the ground.

"Ah, it's so comfortable. ”

Sophia's expression became lighter, and she happily spun around in the shade of the tree, raised her head and took a deep breath of the forest air.

Only in front of Raymond, she will also show that she is not afraid of the sky and the earth at the beginning. A lively and bold girlish attitude.

Raymond strolled after her, and couldn't help but smile when he saw this: "It's not easy to be a queen, right?"

Sophia was furious when she heard this. She glared at Raymond in disgust, as if to blame him for saying such a sinister thing.

But then, she sighed: "It's really annoying, so I did everything I could to push it off." ”

Maybe it was because she was too upset during this time, as soon as Sophia opened the chatterbox, she simply complained endlessly: "Those nobles. When Duke Charles rebelled, he hid faster than anyone else. When we succeeded in recovering the country, we immediately ran to join us. ”

"Especially those so-called families, which are intertwined and have intertwined interests. All of them were huddled together, and even I didn't have a problem with them. If you hadn't come back in time this time, maybe I would have been forced to accede to their request. ”

Raymond understands Sophia's helplessness, she has just taken the throne, her foundation is still shallow, although she has the support of the military, but she still can't suppress those nobles who are grouped, this incident is a clear example.

Sophia's return to the country, the happiest are those ordinary people. The reason why they showed great patience in this evacuation was that these people had nothing left to sacrifice, and second, they understood that as long as the Dirk army was repulsed, there would be a stable and peaceful life.

But these aristocrats are different. Whether it is the reign of Duke Charles or Queen Sophia, their primary goal is to protect their property and interests. And Raymond's plan to abandon the whole of Gaspard has deeply stimulated these people, and they will vigorously oppose it.

At any time, the most important thing in the eyes of these people is always themselves.

The most ironic thing is that Sophia knows this, but she can't do without these people. Because no matter which country in this era, the aristocracy is the backbone of governing the country, and no one can ignore it.

"Well, I sometimes wish I had to strip those fellows of their titles, so that they don't always have to stir things up. Sophia said hatefully.

However, this is only limited to thinking that no matter how powerful the king is, it is impossible to offend the nobles, and then no one can sit on the throne.

Raymond smiled: "It's okay, when this war is over, your prestige will increase greatly, and when the time comes, pick a few of the most dishonest ones to suppress them, and they will be honest." ”

Sophia said distressedly: "It's just as difficult. Gaspard didn't have a new aristocracy, and Duke Charles and his henchmen were all in ambush, and there was no power to contain these people, which is why they were so unscrupulous. ”

As she spoke, she suddenly glanced at Raymond: "By the way, you are the first nobleman I personally canonized, the dignified Duke of Gaspard, can't you help me, the poor queen." ”

Sophia's words were a little coquettish, and Raymond could only say helplessly: "Haven't I been helping you." Besides, I'm not Gaspard's man after all, and those guys won't be convinced. ”

Hearing this, Sophia's expression darkened, and she said faintly: "Yes, you will go back to Headington after the war, and I am still the only one here." ”

"What if—" Sophia seemed to muster up a lot of courage and turned her head to look into Raymond's eyes, "If you can stay in Gaspard, I won't have to be afraid of those people anymore." ”

Although the latter words are not spoken, Sophia's eyes are clearly asking: Can you? (To be continued......