Imperial Crown

Akori stayed in Eagle City.

With Raven's return, Eagle City quickly became lively.

The corridor outside the study on the 5th floor was full of people.

Half of them were knights from the nobles of the five northwestern counties, and the other half were local officials under Raven.

Everyone was waiting for Raven's summons.

The knights needed to build a good relationship with Raven and find out about Raven's future plans.

War was inevitable, and no one wanted to be used as cannon fodder.

The civil servants had to report on various events that happened during Raven's absence and the execution of Raven's orders.

There were so many people that the corridor was almost full, but a very clear boundary could still be distinguished.

The knights talked to the knights, and the civil servants huddled together.

The civil servants needed to stick to their principles and of course could not get too close to the foreign knights; and the knights also relied on their status. Although they wanted to get intelligence, they could not take the initiative to get close to these low-class people.

The door of Raven's office opened, and Old Gordon pushed the door out.

The noisy corridor immediately quieted down.

Old Gordon didn't say anything, but just pushed his monocle and signaled Koulu standing next to him.

Koulu bowed slightly and walked into the study.

As the door closed, the people in the corridor resumed their conversation, but everyone glanced at the door from time to time.

In the study, Raven, who was dressed in military uniform, was talking to Kuman. When he saw Koulu coming in, he signaled him to sit next to him for a while, and then turned his eyes back to Kuman.

Reaching out and weighing a thin brass tube, Raven asked:

"How many people know about the production of this thing?"

Kuman swallowed his saliva: "This is the invention of a group of workers in the factory. At present, except for those three workers, only I and you know about it."

Raven nodded: "Those three are talents, treat them well, arrange a house for those who have a home; give them a home for those who don't have a home. In a word, tie them up here."

"This technology must not be leaked out anyway."

Some cold sweat oozed out of Kuman's forehead.

This thing was presented to him by a worker in the factory yesterday. It is composed of two copper tubes embedded in each other and two crystals. It can magnify distant objects dozens of times and effectively improve vision.

After trying it, Kuman felt that this was an excellent military equipment, so he ran to find Lei Wenwen's treasure.

Unexpectedly, the treasure presentation turned into a show of embarrassment. The Baron seemed to be uninterested in this thing, or even a little... afraid?

He wanted to explain his imagined use, but he thought of the Baron's previous teaching him not to speak carelessly about areas he didn't understand, so he restrained himself:

"Yes, Baron! I understand!"

"No, you don't understand." Lei Wen sighed and stroked the pattern on the copper tube.

Then he exerted force on his wrist, and a metal bending sound came with a crisp sound. Lei Wen squeezed the copper tube into a ball and threw the overflowing crystal fragments into the bucket next to him.

"Go down, remember, the technology of this kind of thing cannot be passed on, and don't keep any of the real objects."

"Don't keep any."

Kuman shuddered subconsciously.

He did think that he would keep an original copy, and maybe the Baron would remember it one day in the future, and he could make a contribution then.

"I will obey your orders, Baron."

Kuman turned and left, and Koulu could see the sweat on his vest.

The door opened, Kuman went out, and Zhu Nasheng came in and waited quietly beside him.

Koulu stood in front of Raven's desk, straightened his big red bow tie, and saluted: "Baron!"

He didn't look away, and seemed to have no interest in what Raven and Kuman had just talked about.

This is also what Raven admires about him. If it is not his business, he will never ask more questions, and he will never have extra curiosity.

Koulu said in a very organized manner: "According to the order of the Baron, 300 carriages have been built and can be put into use at any time."

"And during this period, 527 horse skins have been collected, 313 coffins have been prepared, and 20-23 sets can be made every day."

"In addition, I have another request."

Raven said: "Go ahead."

Koulu said: "After all, Holo Territory is the last territory to be included in your territory. To be frank, once the army leaves, there will be fewer people in the territory, and public security may deteriorate."

"Some people with ulterior motives will also use Holo Territory as a breakthrough to create chaos."

"Therefore, I hope you can order the expansion of the Hawkeye Guards-the three towns in Holo Territory require at least 40 Hawkeye Guards to suppress them."

Raven stared at Koulu, and then a smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.

War is fought with financial resources. No matter how carefully Raven considers, once the army sets out, the economy in the territory will definitely be impacted, and the economic downturn will inevitably bring about public security chaos.

Originally, according to Raven's prediction, this matter should be handled by various political officials and local security forces, but what Koulu said is a better idea.

Eagle Eye Guard is an honor. Being able to join it will naturally protect the interests of Eagle City.

"Eagle Eye Guards cannot be issued indiscriminately. They have too much power." Raven tapped the table with his fingers: "But your direction is correct."

"In this way, you can first recruit a group of Eagle Eye Guard followers, and then select the real Eagle Eye Guards from them after the war is over."

Kulu nodded slowly: "The Baron's vision is indeed more far-sighted, but I think there is still a small problem..."

Raven and Koulu discussed the issue of public security, which took a long time, which made the "civil and military officials" waiting in line outside somewhat anxious.

The war is coming, and everyone's time is precious.

Just at this time, there are still people coming to disrupt the situation.

"Make way, please, make way, I have urgent business."

A slightly thin figure nodded and bowed in the crowd.

No one would have a good impression on those who cut in line. Those standing outside were eager to "see" Raven, and there were many knights among them, so naturally they would not have a good face.

However, when they saw the face of the person who came, most of the foreign knights had to restrain their anger.

Because that was Philip, the political officer of Shanjin Town.

After the rise of Eagle Town, Shanjin Town's relative status was not as good as before, but in terms of economic scale alone, it was ranked among the five counties in the northwest.

And although Philip did not have a title, as Raven's trusted team, the knights still dared not offend him easily.

However, Philip did not become arrogant because of this. He was as timid as ever, and kept touching his arms and stuffing small envelopes into the hands of every knight he saw.

There were 2 silver coins in each small envelope, which was not enough to buy the self-esteem of the knights, but enough for them to drink some wine and calm down.

Squeezing all the way to the door of Raven's writing room, Philip wiped the sweat on his forehead with a handkerchief, declined the wine handed by the maid next to him, and stood respectfully at the door.

Soon, the door opened, Kolu came out, and whispered to Philip: "Just now, the Baron asked you, Zhunasheng didn't tell on you, come in quickly."

Philip gave Kolu a grateful glance and walked into the room.

Zhunasheng was reporting the teaching progress to Raven at this time.

Griffith Comprehensive College was established three years ago. Now the first batch of older students have graduated and are qualified for some basic clerical work.

Many of these people are now recruited into the army and serve as civil servants at all levels.

As a former clerk of the Knight Family, Zhu Nasheng has rich experience in military intelligence and official document writing, and it is the most appropriate for him to teach and cultivate these students.

"Most of these students are children of merchants, or the second and youngest sons of the Knight Family. In addition to the teaching of the college in the past few years, they have a deep foundation and can get started quickly."

Zhu Nasheng said: "However, most of these people are spoiled and do not understand the cruelty of war."

"In comparison, those students from civilian backgrounds, I think, are more suitable for taking on important tasks."

Raven was not surprised by this conclusion, but he did not intend to kick out some students from noble or merchant backgrounds as Zhu Nasheng hinted.

This is also a kind of interest binding.

"War is the best whetstone. Once it starts, you can tell whether they are elites or fools."

"We will set off the day after tomorrow. Let them report to the military camp today. There is plenty of time for them to get used to each other on the way."

After receiving the order, Zhu Nasheng hesitated a little, but still mustered up the courage to say: "Baron, I hope that I can set off with you this time and serve as your military clerk."

Raven shook his head: "No."

"Sir, don't look at my age, but I can withstand the bumps and will never hold you back!" Zhu Nasheng emphasized.

Raven refused again: "No means no."

Zhu Nasheng was stunned for a moment: "...I know, sir."

His son is now a member of the 2nd Legion of the Eagle Army.

This was originally Zhu Nasheng's idea.

His family was destroyed by the Death Hand Cult. Since then, he has found that people with pens are never as good as those with swords.

Swords can protect family members, but pens can't do anything.

He actively seeks transformation for his family.

On the one hand, he sent his grandson to Griffith Comprehensive College and invited retired veterans to train his grandson in martial arts; on the other hand, he let his son join the army to pave the way for his grandson.

But when he heard about the prepared coffin from Koru, he suddenly realized that war always kills people.

That's why Junasheng wanted to join the army, wanting to provide even a little extra protection for his son.

Philip felt the same way.

The reason why he was late today was because his eldest son insisted on joining the army, and he couldn't persuade him no matter what he said, so he had to let the guards at home tie up his eldest son forcibly.

If his son joined the army, Philip would probably be even more miserable than Junasheng.

"Lord Baron." Zhu Nasheng took his leave, and Philip stood in front of Raven and put the file on the desk: "The statistics you requested before have been completed."

"In Shanjin Town, there are 759 families joining the army, of which 213 families have insufficient labor."

"Very good, you are attentive." Raven took the file in his hand and looked through it: "No matter what happens, these families must be given priority. I don't care what the current grain price is. Whenever I come back, if someone here starves to death, I will only ask you."

When the army is on an expedition, what they miss most is always their hometown and their relatives in their hometown.

Whether in the past life or this life, there are countless armies that collapsed because of changes in their hometown.

To resist foreign aggression, we must first stabilize the country.

Only when the rear is stable can the front army maintain its combat effectiveness.

Philip nodded vigorously: "Lord Baron, don't worry, even if I sell the house, I will never let them suffer a loss!"

"Go ahead." Raven waved his hand: "Call the next person in."

This kind of meeting, or interview, lasted from day to night.

Carriages went in and out of Eagle City, and various supplies were constantly transported to the camps of various armies in the five northwestern counties.

Looking down from the sky, the camps were like stars, guarding and submitting to Eagle City.

After two days of busy work.

April 1.

In addition to Raven, the five northwestern counties pulled out 5 legions with a total of 27,837 people.

The Snow Maple County Legion, led by Howell, the son of Viscount Broca, has a total of 5,027 people.

The Hampshire Legion, led by Knight Houfeier of the Canberra Family, has a total of 5,669 people.

The Savery Legion, led by Knight Keats of the Savery Family, has a total of 5,561 people.

The Hippoc Legion, led by Knight Dalton under the command of Little Peeler, has a total of 6,119 people.

The Essex Legion, led by Knight Helos of the Lyon family, has a total of 5,461 people.

Five legions, arranged in five large square formations, were in front of the Eagle City.

They could not say that they had any discipline, and the style and color of their armor were not uniform.

Under the sun, the soldiers of the five legions talked and laughed, as if they were about to go on a spring outing.

And their respective commanders were standing on the temporary command platform at this moment, waiting for the arrival of today's protagonist, Baron Raven.

Although the five people had their own thoughts, they at least maintained face-to-face communication, talking and laughing, and the atmosphere was quite harmonious for a while.

Except for Howell, who adhered to his father's teachings and was respectful to Raven, the other four knights were quite arrogant.

Although the quality of the soldiers they led was uneven, the number was not bad, a total of nearly 30,000 people!

As long as they advance and retreat together, Raven can't do anything to them.

Only Akori stood aside from the five of them, with a strong disdain between his eyebrows.

These days in Raven's territory, especially the grand scene of the gate of Raven filled with civil and military officials in the past two days, made him feel the strong atmosphere of war.

But now, seeing these five legions, the original nervous feeling in Akori's heart disappeared.

Relying on these mobs that can't even stand straight in line, you want to win the war?

Just at this moment.

The melodious sound of the horn cut through the sky, and the war drum sounded, suppressing all the sounds of the five armies.

The rhythm of this drum is strong and heavy like a heartbeat. It is the most popular military music of the Keynes Empire, "Blood March".

The drum sound is getting louder and heavier.

Akori first heard dense footsteps in the drumbeat, and then looked up.

I saw a pure black army pressing on the wide avenue.

Tight and orderly, neither fast nor slow, cavalry and infantry are clearly mixed together, but in a clear and orderly manner.

They were silent, but their silence contained a strong vitality. Before they approached, the sense of oppression came over them.

Spears, swords, and steel shields shone brightly in the sun, reflecting the cold light, like a steel jungle.

As the waves surged, the armor rubbed against each other, making a series of heart-pounding sharp sounds, which were perfectly integrated into the drumbeats.

Eagle Army!

The soldiers of the Eagle Army poured out from the streets and alleys, and gathered together to form two huge square formations.

From beginning to end, there was no confusion or hesitation, as if these two legions, a force of 10,000 people, belonged to the same soul.

Dong, Dong...

Dong——

Two quick sounds, a heavy hammer, the drum stopped, and the Eagle Army also stopped at this moment.

The spears stopped on the ground, and the swords hit the shields, bringing a loud sound.

The whole place was silent, and the five legions were overwhelmed by the momentum of the Eagle Army and dared not make any sound anymore.

Akori's breathing became heavy.

After the forced march, they quickly organized their formation without any disorder, which was more strict than the five legions that had prepared for an hour. This was incredible.

No, it was too bullying to compare the Eagle Army with those five legions.

If we use the words Akori learned recently in Eagle City, it would be -

dimensional strike.

Even if we look at the entire empire, the Eagle Army's 1st Legion can be regarded as the elite among the Level 2 Legions; the 2nd Legion can be regarded as the backbone of the Level 2 Legion except for its poor equipment.

On the other hand, the troops put together by the five counties in the northwest are not even worth the Level 3 army.

At this moment, Akori felt his blood boiling and his fighting instinct roaring. He wished he could join Raven's army and join this Eagle Army!

At the gate of Eagle City, behind the command platform, Raven, who was wearing a monster leather armor, embraced Nancy in his arms, kissed her forehead gently, and then turned and walked to the stage.

The fiery red cloak rustled in the wind.

Raven walked up to the command platform.

Akori unconsciously straightened his chest, like a soldier expecting the general's attention.

He himself did not realize that this was a mentality he had never had under Anthony.

The other five legion commanders also held their breath, straightened their chests, and did not dare to look askance.

The arrogance they had before was even more gone.

They had no doubt that if the two sides faced off, even though the five legions had more people, they would never be the opponent of the Eagle Army - even if they doubled!

Raven did not care about their performance. He walked to the command platform, with only his two Eagle Armies in his eyes.

Seven years ago, when he first arrived in Eagle Town, he had only three soldiers under him, including Eric.

Now, there are already 2 legions, with a total of 11,000 troops!

1,000 heavy cavalry, 1,000 heavy infantry, and more than 40 extraordinary.

His eyes swept across the army of the five northwestern counties, where there were many familiar faces who had appeared at Donald's funeral.

At that time, they regarded Raven as a joke.

Now, they can only look up to Raven.

Flutter---

The eagle battle flag belonging to the Griffith family fluttered in the wind.

Everyone was looking at Raven, expecting Raven to give instructions.

Raven looked at his army, took out a cardboard trumpet from behind, and coughed:

"Let's go!"

...