Chapter 8: Power Integration

  This unexpected alliance immediately pushed the atmosphere of the celebration to its highest point. After falling out with Lavinette, Hayden had been fighting alone all along, although he had the support of the Lowell Chamber of Commerce behind him, but after all, they did not belong to the Veronica Continent.

  This time, the acquisition of Auston as an ally was undoubtedly a huge boost to Haidington's morale. Although Auston's joining could not improve Haidington's disadvantaged situation, the psychological support effect would be far greater than the actual one.

  For a moment, everyone in the room was excited and frequently raised their glasses, with a very lively atmosphere. And after exchanging a glance, Raymond, Rickett, and Lutz also saw the excitement in each other's eyes.

  Auston is an agricultural town, although it doesn't make much money, but in the long run, getting it has great significance. With just Haidington and Auston's two small towns, a garrison of only a few hundred people, it is naturally difficult to compete with the Lavierte Federation, so in the future, it will be necessary to expand the scale of the town and the number of troops, and one of the major factors constraining these two points is the problem of food supply.

  With the alliance of Auston, it is equivalent to having a stable source of food. Not to mention anything else, just for future battles, the logistical support of the troops will not be a concern at all.

  Moreover, although Auston City does not have a good port like Haidington, due to its grain production, it has connections with many towns. Having Auston is equivalent to establishing connections with those towns, which will bring numerous benefits in the future.

  It's a sentence that might drive Derek crazy, this time the Lavierte Federation brought them such an ally, and they really have to thank them.

  "Mr. Javier, from now on, please ask the Lowell Chamber of Commerce to purchase more of our goods." After all, as a businessman, Derek didn't forget to promote sales to Javier.

  "Of course, from now on, all products of Austin City, our Lowell Chamber of Commerce will take care of them." Javier nodded excitedly.

  He naturally had reason to be pleased, for the alliance between Auston City and Headington meant that trade relations with Lovell's Guild had been established. It wasn't long after he was dispatched by Reid that Lovell's Guild gained a new trading partner on the continent of Veronia, an agricultural town that didn't make much money but was still significant in meaning.

  This achievement is like a windfall, how can he not be over the moon.

  So this proposal can be said to be a win-win situation for all parties involved.

  "Colonel Rubens, this time we were able to defeat the enemy, and the sacrifices of your mercenary corps are truly unforgettable." At this point, Charlotte raised her glass to Rubens: "Here, I represent all the residents of Haidingtown to express our heartfelt gratitude to you."

  Derek's expression also turned serious as he raised his glass: "To Auston City."

  At the same time, Raymond, Hillnis and others also raised their glasses with a solemn expression. They were not following suit, but also had a respectful intention in their hearts. This time, the Green Wolf Mercenary Corps accepted the commission despite knowing that the mission was extremely dangerous, and fought against the enemy until the last moment, almost annihilating the team. Such an extremely stubborn fighting spirit, as well as the professional quality of adhering to the commission, how can it not make people stand up with respect?

  A week after the battle, Rubens and Rudes were still fully bandaged, but he was very hard and insisted on attending the banquet. At this time, seeing everyone raise their glasses to themselves, a hint of emotion flashed in the eyes of this heroic big man, and then he burst out laughing.

  "Alright, alright, I'm getting a bit embarrassed." Rubens waved his hands repeatedly: "We mercenaries are just making a living on the edge of our knives. As the leader of this group for so many years, I've seen countless members come and go. Everyone who joins us is already aware that life and death are nothing to be concerned about."

  As he spoke, he put his arm around Javier and said: "Besides, the compensation for the team members who died in battle this time, as well as the medical expenses for the wounded, were given very generously by the Lovell Chamber of Commerce. To say that I even made a profit, haha..."

  Seeing him speak in a coarse and vulgar manner, Javier helplessly said to Charlotte: "That's it, the aftermath of the Green Wolf Mercenary Corps, our Chamber of Commerce will pay from the best. This is their duty, please don't worry about it."

  Only Javier understood the implication of Rubens' words, mercenaries get things done for money, clear and simple, so one of the biggest taboos is to involve emotions in a commission. In response to everyone's gratitude, Rubens deliberately put this commission on a purely transactional level, which was a manifestation of a qualified mercenary quality.

  So mercenaries are not without emotions, but they adhere to this tradition, which enables them to maintain their independence over the centuries and not lean towards any side. Otherwise, perhaps there would be no profession of mercenaries in the world.

  "So let's drink this cup for those fallen warriors." Charlotte said, not giving up.

  After a moment of silence, Rubens finally nodded: "Then I'll drink this cup for the dead brothers."

  Everyone raised their cups and took a drink, then Derek asked: "What's your next plan, Captain?"

  Rubens shrugged: "This time the loss is really too great, and half of the surviving brothers are still in bed, so I'm afraid I can only stay here for the time being. After their injuries can move around, I will return to the mainland of Mochina to recruit new members."

  "Please be assured, Colonel," Charlotte said hastily, "we will take good care of your wounded men here at Headington."

  Derek said: "Maybe we'll have a chance to cooperate in the future."

  Rubens suddenly made an exaggerated frightened expression: "Spare me, I don't want to experience that kind of thing again in this lifetime."

  Who would have thought that someone as majestic as him would also be so quirky, everyone couldn't help but burst out laughing, the previously gloomy atmosphere was slightly lifted.

  "Speaking of recruiting new members, Mayor, our defense team is severely understaffed, and we may also need to recruit some new soldiers." Shawn suggested to Charlotte at this time.

  "Austin is the same." Hillnis said.

  To Shawn's words, Charlotte did not comment. After a moment, she suddenly said: "Regarding this point, I actually have a proposal."

  Everyone couldn't help but look at her.

  Charlotte said, "Everyone knows that we are now facing a powerful enemy. With the strength of our two cities, it is difficult to contend with him. Therefore, we should concentrate all our forces. I hope that the armies of our two cities can be integrated and unified under one command, so as to exert their greatest effect."

  "As for the integrated army, Mr. Raymond, I hope you will lead it, what's your take on this?"

  "What?" Charlotte's request was unexpected, and it shocked everyone. Raymond himself was also stunned.

  Charlotte continued, "Actually, I had this idea after the last battle, but I never found a suitable opportunity to bring it up. Whether it was helping us eliminate the bandits or the strategy in this battle, it has proven that only you can serve as the commander of this unit. In order to better counter the Ravite Federation in the future, I request your consent."

  It seems that after several battles, they have forgotten Raymond's initial "merchant" identity and recognized his talent in combat.

  After the initial astonishment, Raymond immediately understood what Charlotte's suggestion meant, and his heart warmed up. Meanwhile, Rutz and Rickert, who reacted more quickly, also couldn't help but show their joy.

  Haiding and Auston's joint forces commander, which means that Raymond will have complete control over the military power of both cities. If new towns join in the future, the expanded military power will naturally also be under Raymond's command, which means what is already self-evident?

  For people like Raymond who want to make a name for themselves at Veronica Station, this is an excellent opportunity that has fallen from the sky.

  "Mayor, have you really made up your mind?" Morini asked, unable to hold back.

  Knowing what he meant by asking, Charlotte nodded: "Mr. Morini and Mayor Derick, think carefully about it. The two towns have a total population of at most 20,000 people. With such strength, we are still enemies with the powerful Lavite Federation. This time, although Mr. Rubens' Green Wolf Mercenary Corps assisted us, what about next time? It can be seen that in order to defeat the enemy, we must rely on ourselves in the end."

  "So, we must integrate every bit of strength at our disposal and bring it to the extreme, and only Mr. Raymond can do that. For our survival, this is a necessary move, I hope you understand."

  Charlotte's meaning was clear: to survive, one still had to rely on oneself. Although handing over power to an outsider might have all sorts of dangers, was there anything more urgent than being destroyed by the Ravite Federation? Therefore, after weighing the pros and cons, making such a decision wasn't strange at all.

  "The mayor's suggestion I agree with." At this time, Shawn said first: "All along, our garrison and Mr. Raymond's team, although fighting together, after all belong to different people, and often appear incoordination, affecting the play of combat effectiveness."

  "After these days of cooperation, I have great admiration for Mr. Raymond's command ability and strategy, and I believe that under his leadership, our army will certainly exert greater combat effectiveness. Therefore, we, the garrison troops of Heidingen, are willing to accept Mr. Raymond's command."

  Derek thought for a moment and looked at Hillnis. The elf also nodded: "Raymond is a good commander, I am willing to accept his command."

  Derek said, "Then Auston also accepts this proposal."

  "What does Mr. Ramond think?" Charlotte asked after Shawn and others had expressed their opinions.

  Raymond naturally had no reason to refuse, he nodded: "Since that's the case, I'm willing to accept this position."

  Javier smiled: "Congratulations, but since it's a new army, shouldn't you have a new name too? Have you thought of what to call yourselves?"

  "Then let's have our new commander name it," Charlotte said with a smile.

  Raymond didn't hesitate, he thought for a moment and said: "The union of Haidington and Auston is to get rid of the unfair rule of the Ravite Federation. I think there will be more people joining us in the future. So, let's call our army 'Independent Legion'."

  "Good!" Rubens shouted loudly: "To the new independent regiment, cheers!"

  Everyone raised their glasses in celebration. However, at this moment, no one present could have imagined that the unassuming banquet would give birth to an independent army that would bring a storm to the entire continent of Veronica.

  Although at this moment it is still just a verbal organization without establishment, lacking in troops and generals...

  And Charlotte, who boldly proposed this idea, also proved her strength, enough to make many men ashamed, no wonder she dared to resist the entire Ravi Federation with the power of one city.

  "Alas, but I have some worries." At this time, Dirk suddenly let out a sigh.

  "What's wrong, Mayor Derrick?" Charlotte asked curiously.

  "Forming a joint army is a great idea, but I worry that the Ravite Federation will let us grow strong?" Derick said anxiously: "Unlike us, the Ravite Federation can easily reorganize an army to launch an attack, while our new army needs a lot of time to recruit soldiers and train before it can form combat effectiveness, alas..."

  He let out another long sigh after finishing speaking.

  Derek's worries are not unfounded, now what they lack most is not money or materials, but time. But if the Federation of Ravit is smart enough, it will definitely not give them a chance to grow stronger.

  Seeing the low morale of the crowd, Derrick knew he had said something out of place. The kind-hearted Mayor Plump hastily added: "I was just saying that maybe this victory can make those old guys in the Sonari Council take heed and give us some time."

  "Charlotte shook her head and said, "Mayor Derick, you're absolutely right. The Lavierte Federation will not let us go without taking advantage of our heavy losses."

  Raimon said: "It's no use thinking about it too much. We have to start recruiting in both cities immediately and begin training. Hopefully, we can make some difference when the time comes."

  Javier said: "The Lovell Merchant Guild is willing to provide all equipment and weapons at the lowest price for you."

  Just then, the large gate was pushed open and a figure in black clothes, Freddy, hastily walked in.

  Freddie did not attend the banquet, and everyone knew his gloomy personality, so they didn't force him. They all thought that this guy had finally become eccentric to the point of refusing to participate in public activities.

  At this moment, seeing him running over suddenly, Javier chuckled and said: "Mr. Freddy, you're just in time, there's some good news here, we..."

  "No time for that." But before he could continue, Freddy interrupted him without hesitation and hastily walked up to Raymond: "Sir, this is the intelligence I just received."

  "Oh?" Raymond only then noticed that Freddy's pale face was slightly flushed, looking like he was actually quite excited, which was rare for this gloomy person.

  He took the paper handed over by Freddy, glanced at it, and Raymond suddenly sat up straight: "Is this true?"

  "Freddie couldn't conceal his excitement as he said: 'After receiving the intelligence this afternoon, I've repeatedly verified it and am certain it's correct, so I immediately brought it to you.'"

  "What's going on?" The crowd asked curiously as they saw the two chatting happily.

  Raymond handed the paper to others and said: "It seems that God is still taking care of us."

  The intelligence brought by Freddy was the news of the assassination of King Fagan of Gaspar.

  Just then, Freddy said: "This matter has spread throughout the entire continent. Since the king was assassinated, the whole of Gasparde is in chaos. Now all countries have sent delegations to enter the capital Orat... Hmm? This is good news, but why are you so excited?"

  Freddie looked at everyone's overly excited emotions with a strange gaze, and he obviously didn't know the news of the establishment of the Independent Legion yet.

  When Ricky explained it to Freddy, he said in disbelief: "Really? That's... Congratulations, sir."

  Perceptive Freddy naturally understood more clearly what it meant for Raymond to be in command, so he had to forcibly suppress his excited emotions lest he appear too peculiar.

  The matter of the independent legion obviously greatly stimulated Freddy, who analyzed excitedly: "So, the assassination of Fagana has even greater significance for us. The various countries have been eyeing Gasparde for a long time and will definitely not give up this opportunity, I believe that at that time, Oratio City will be very exciting."

  "The Ravit Federation is an ally of the Kingdom of Gasparde, so they will definitely focus all their attention on that side and won't make any moves against us for a while."

  "Great, this is a godsend, we finally have time to catch our breath."

  Today's good news is one after another, and the assassination of Fagana is a perfect opportunity for everyone, and the previous worries are swept away.

  At this time, Ruz asked: "Does the intelligence mention how Fagana was assassinated?"

  Freddie said, "It seems to have been killed by a mysterious swordsman. Now that you mention it, there is something suspicious about it. One person's power can actually kill the king who was tightly protected, hmm... this intelligence is worth paying attention to."

  At this time, he still didn't forget his old profession. Rickett couldn't help but say: "Forget it, what does it have to do with us? What we should be doing is taking advantage of this opportunity to expand ourselves."

  "Really short-sighted," Freddie said disdainfully. "It seems you'll never understand the importance of intelligence."

  "Kit was taken aback by him."

  "Alright, alright, let's not quarrel anymore." Seeing that the two were still at odds with each other, Raymond could only mediate.

  "Alone?" Rudeus' expression turned contemplative: "There's actually someone this strong in the world."

  "Gaspard called Veronica the central country, this time the king was assassinated, there must be a deeper purpose behind it, it seems that this continent is likely to have a turmoil." At this time, Javier said to Rubens.

  Rubens snorted: "Isn't this exactly what you merchants want?"

  Javier murmured noncommittally and a thoughtful look appeared in his eyes.

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