LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 65: War Begins, Turbulence in the Maine River Valley
Chapter 65: War Begins, Turbulence in the Maine River Valley
Baron Valmy and Baron Graton launched a grand military expedition, joined symbolically by forces from Lawrence's barony. This massive mobilization shook the entire Main River Valley to its core.
Pioneer lords all felt a wave of unease.
As the valley's de facto rulers, the three noble barons' sudden "alliance" caused widespread concern among the pioneer lords.
"Oh my god, what are they planning?"
"Goddess of Life, protect us."
"Baron Valmy, Baron Graton, and even forces from the Lawrence barony?"
"My goddess, can anyone tell me what's happening?"
Anxiety spread rapidly among the lords.
A few days later, it became clear that the barons' forces were not converging on them but heading west towards a new pioneer lord.
This revelation brought a collective sigh of relief.
Curiosity replaced fear as the lords speculated about the target who had provoked the valley's three barons.
They sent out their knights to investigate.
The activity caused a buzz across the valley and even drew attention from nobles outside the Main River Valley.
Yet, most people, both inside and outside the valley, remained in the dark about the true situation.
Baron Valmy and Baron Graton had received information, but they naturally kept it secret.
As for Orper Lawrence, he was even less likely to reveal the truth. The claim of a large iron mine was merely a pretext to manipulate the two barons.
In reality, Orper's goal was to lure the lord of Eagle's Ridge into attacking, hoping this would ensure his father and brother's deaths, thereby securing his inheritance without opposition.
Unbeknownst to Orper, Thor Dresrosa, the lord of Eagle's Ridge, didn't care about such ploys. Instead, Orper's actions reinforced Thor's resolve.
As night fell, tension in the Main River Valley heightened.
Five days later, Baron Valmy and Baron Graton's forces were just thirty miles from the mine.
One more day, and they would arrive.
Scouts roamed the area, undoubtedly sent by the two barons.
Their efforts, however, were futile.
Thor had withdrawn all his knights to the mine, avoiding any road ambushes despite his comparable strength to the combined forces of the two barons, save for lacking one grand knight.
Thor knew every ounce of his strength was precious and refused to waste it needlessly.
The scouts' reports left Baron Valmy and Baron Graton hesitant.
"Are you sure there are no ambushes around?" Baron Valmy asked his knight incredulously.
"Positive! The area is clear of ambushes. They must have retreated to the mine or abandoned it altogether," the knight replied confidently.
"Understood," Valmy nodded, though a hint of doubt lingered.
Similarly, Baron Graton, upon receiving the report, shared Valmy's uncertainty.
Despite the temptation of the large iron mine, they were no fools. They remained wary of Thor Dresrosa, who had defeated Baron Pape.
Even if Thor's forces had suffered losses in the recent battle, caution was paramount.
"Baron Valmy, you must have heard the scouts' reports. There's no sign of Eagle's Ridge's knights ahead," Graton said, frowning.
"It doesn't necessarily mean anything," Valmy replied, shaking his head. "Pape's attack likely caused significant damage to Eagle's Ridge. They might have chosen to retreat knowing we were coming."
"True, but remember, Thor Dresrosa is not just any pioneer knight. He's a Dresrosa scion, and their forces are formidable. What if he notified his family? Or if they're preparing a trap?" Graton pondered.
Valmy considered for a moment. "It's unlikely. The Marquis Raymond restricts resource outflows. Compared to him, the Dresrosa family is just an Count. Support from them is improbable. But you're right; we must remain cautious. Let's send two knight squads to probe first."
"Agreed," Graton's eyes lit up at the suggestion.
The barons quickly decided on a reconnaissance mission, aware of the potential dangers.
Two knight squads, mostly reserve knights with a few official and apprentice knights, soon set off.