Chapter 252: Retuning Home to Farm? No Way!
Translator: Cinder Translations
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The day after the battle, the lords of the allied forces discussed how to capture Biddeburg. Before they could finalize their plans, a few people emerged from the fortress, led by a knight holding a white flag, claiming to represent their lord, Sir Brett Sean, in negotiations.
During the battle the previous day, the people inside the fortress had anxiously awaited the outcome. If the Kent army had won, they would have been freed.
However, fate was not on their side. Constant rumbling noises came from the east, and the allied forces, full of energy and high spirits, returned to their camp and celebrated with a party that lasted the whole night.
The allied forces even deliberately planted the tattered flags of the Kent family and other vassal families in front of Biddeburg to demonstrate their dominance.
It was clear that the Kent army had been defeated, and the people inside Biddeburg had become trapped.
With over 1,000 people, including the garrison and nearby villagers, living in the fortress, and their supplies running dangerously low, the situation was dire. If the siege continued for a few more days, they would starve to death without any need for the allied forces to storm the fortress.
Sir Brett Sean had no choice but to decide to surrender. As a noble, he required a "decent" outcome, so he sent his emissary to negotiate.
After some bargaining, the two sides reached an agreement:
The alliance would recognize and support the Sean family as the undisputed rulers of Biddeburg and its associated territories; The Sean family would sever ties with the Kent family and join the anti-Kent alliance; The Sean family would provide 6,000 Aldor gold coins or equivalent items as compensation, starting with 2,000 coins upfront, with the remaining 4,000 coins to be paid over the next 4 years; The fortress's defenses would be taken over by the allied forces until the Kent family was defeated; The residents of the fortress would be allowed to move to other territories (this condition was proposed by Bryce, representing Alden).
Although reluctant, Viscount Sean signed the agreement. Not having lost his title or ceded any territory was a respectable outcome.
At 2 PM, the gates of Biddeburg slowly opened. Under the watchful eyes of the allied forces, Derrick Heller led 1,000 men into the fortress, confiscated the garrison's weapons, and dispersed the soldiers and civilians. Only 20 personal guards and 15 family knights remained with Viscount Sean.
By 3 PM, other lords and commanders from the allied forces entered the fortress with additional troops, taking control of every corner and completing the occupation of Biddeburg.
In the following days, the lords not only had to guard against potential counterattacks from the Kent family but also argued daily over the distribution of the spoils.
Bryce and Joyce did not participate in the competition for the spoils. Given the impressive strength of the Alden forces displayed in the battle, many people secretly sought to win their favor, making every effort to court them. Pryce Parker and Derrick Heller privately swore to treat them well.
After several days of reconnaissance, the allied forces discovered that, apart from strengthening the defenses of border towns, the Kent family had not gathered any significant military forces.
During a meeting, someone suggested, "It looks like the Kent family will not be taking any action for the time being. It might be time to withdraw the troops!"
Bryce was puzzled: "In that case, we should push forward and capitalize on our victory!"
The other person shook his head: "The soldiers are eager to return home and resume their work. Continuing the campaign might lead to a mutiny."
Others said, "Yes, we certainly need to continue fighting, but we must first deal with the current spring plowing. The Kent family is likely dealing with the same issue."
Bryce then realized that, unlike the current Alden army, these lords' troops—including knights and soldiers—were all temporarily conscripted. Although serving the lords without pay was a duty for the knights and peasants, it had its limits. Once this limit was exceeded, the lords would have to pay their soldiers, which would be a significant strain on the already financially struggling lords of the northwest.
Moreover, during their stay at Biddeburg, aside from the Alden army, the allied forces had taken advantage of their "supply sources," and with the rewards from the victory, everyone had made a bit of extra money, increasing the soldiers' eagerness to return home.
Subsequent events led the lords to ultimately decide to withdraw their troops—the Kent family sent envoys to negotiate the redemption of prisoners.
Earlier, Earl Parker had clearly stated that prisoner redemption would be discussed after the battle, so everyone thought the Kent family's reinitiation of the topic was a test—whether they intended to continue fighting or to temporarily cease hostilities.
Since the allied forces were also inclined to a ceasefire, they tacitly agreed with the envoy on prisoner redemption but did not discuss signing a formal contract. This meant that after a brief respite, hostilities would resume.
Thus, Biddeburg was to be garrisoned by the Melken and Johnston families, while the other troops were disbanded to return home. They agreed to regroup in May and launch another offensive against the Kent family's territories.
Bryce and Joyce also led their troops back to Alden, accompanied by many displaced former residents of Biddeburg.
During these days, people in the vicinity learned of this "gentlemanly army" that did not rob civilians and paid for their goods. Given the army's conduct, it was presumed that the Alden lords were also honorable. Additionally, the news of the hefty compensation the fortress lord was required to pay to the allied forces spread widely, with figures inflating from 6,000 gold coins to tens of thousands. This terrified the former residents of Biddeburg, as they feared their lord would extract the funds from them.
Thus, fleeing became a logical choice. Was there a better option than going to Alden?
The still-confined Sir Sean had no way to counter this. Bound by the newly signed agreement and lacking the military strength to prevent such actions, he could only vent his frustration at his servants daily.
The Alden army had largely achieved its objectives—securing the area between Biddeburg and the coast, and establishing a defensive line for the southern trade routes.
What next? Rest for a month like the other lords?
Of course not. The Alden soldiers had no need to work in the fields; they trained daily to become more effective at killing enemies.
As Bryce leisurely rode his horse, he listened to Joyce read a letter from the General Staff.
The letter praised their performance in the battle at length, greatly enhancing the prestige of Alden and Byerldine, and strengthening their influence within the alliance.
However, the final paragraph was the most crucial, and it left Bryce highly motivated:
The First Infantry Regiment, the Second Infantry Regiment, and the Artillery Company would be stationed at the border upon their arrival at Alden, preparing to advance towards Emden at any time.
The two regimental commanders exchanged smiles: it was time to truly avenge last year's humiliation...
(End of the Chapter)
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