World Development System 163 94. Mercenaries on the Move.

***
During this time the aristocrats of Fjord's domain were quite surprised after the last battle of Fjords with Count John. Most surprised were the ones who had decided to fight under Fjord's banner this time around However, they were soothed after knowing the results of Vice-admiral Erin's victory against Duke Rose.
The Count spoke, "It looks like we will be transferred to the northern frontier after that last battle of Duke Fjord."
The Viscount from the banquet spoke, "Yes, it looks like Duke Fjord wants to spread this battle to a wider frontier."
The Baron who was opposed to war previously still joined the battle as he was forced because of his geopolitical needs since he was surrounded by domains who were supporting Duke completely, He spoke after hearing them, "However, I don't think we would be safe even if we have more ships. The battle results were quite clear and we should be cautious." However, the Baron hadn't committed a lot of troops for the battle and only gave a mild warning.
Count Mike spoke to reassure them as he knew that previous battle affected the morale of a lot of Aristocrats, "You know this time Mercenaries are going to move as well, one of them is the Gold Rush mercenaries. You should know about their reputation already. They are the biggest mercenaries out there. This time they are quite interested in looting the North-frontier domain. Their Head Jim is quite interested, you know."
He continued with a sweet tongue, "While 2 other mercenaries are affiliated with Fjord's already and while the other one of them is the 6th biggest Mercenary group out there, the Glorius Explorers. They joined them because they were pissed by the fact that Count John kicked them out of his domain for not following their laws and always trying to have their way with money. They thought they were big shots since they were hunting bigger animals in the north and providing more resources in that town. However, the law enforcement didn't even hear their bullshit after they got violent and their thuggery started with locals. You should know how the mercenaries behave after they think they got some leverage in any domain."
A count added hearing about the fate of Glorious Explorers, "Yes I too heard about that, They even their shit against them and a lot of their men were instantly killed after the brother of the head of Glorious brother tried to kill one of the Law enforcement officers. Their Head Joss was quite angry and was just looking for a way to act against that Count."
The Viscount as he faced the same problems when he hired mercenaries, "Yeah, I heard of this problem at most of the places apart from the domains of Duke, at least in the capital, they always remain well behaved. I guess Glorious explorers faced an Iron Plate this time around."
Count Mike spoke after hearing about various rumors, "This time you guys won't have to worry, because Duke Fjord is already preparing those ballistas for his next bigger battles."

Viscount who was quite influenced by Mike agreed and spoke, "Yes, this time even Prince Hector will also be making a move. So this can be our chance to try and ransack him. I don't think we should miss this chance."

The Baron thought, 'Previously when our caravan was traveling there to sell the Mulberry fruits. They spotted them making a lot of castles. While one of the castles was already built. I guess I am better off invading them via land. This count Mike is quite cunning. Anyway, it is better if I don't speak now or they will anyway get angry.'

***
Ralph meanwhile sipped the tea and told his subordinate, "It looks like I was right in abandoning that war. That count is very dangerous just from the looks of that previous battle and he is also affiliated with that lunatic Lukavv so it is always better to be cautious if they decide to do something insane. So did you get any other information?"
The subordinate spoke, "Yes, apparently Prince Charlie has also moved, It seems he is ready to affiliate with the Radiant Church. While the most suspicious ones are Prince Lukav and that Count John."
Ralph stroked his chin in confusion and spoke: "Knowing Prince Lukavv's personality, I guess he is planning something big. As for Count, what is he doing?"
The subordinate spoke and gave him the report, "They are carrying out a lot of patrols in the northern seas. People are guessing he is being cautious for Dwarves' attack. But I think it is something else."

Ralph nodded, "Okay, keep watching all the big players, we will make our move at the very end. Even that old man will be surprised."
Ralph continued and murmured, "I guess I still need to be cautious and wait for Charlie's move."
***
Currently, Lucius and co were training with Jake.

Clay whispered to Azrail and Lucius as they did meditation, "Do you know I heard from that Old Quartermaster Bill that we had a big victory against Duke Fjord when they ambushed our trade Fleet. I wonder when we can join Lord John's army."
Azrail sighed and spoke, "I guess I won't be near, I expect at 3 years before we would be allowed to join them on missions."
Lucius was interested as this was about the war against Fjord's, "What! we won't be able to join them even if we complete this training?"
Both Clay and Azrail looked at him as if they were looking at an idiot.
Azrail spoke with a confused face, "When did you become so stupid Lucius? I thought you were the most sensible guy in our group."
Lucius calmed down and tried to explain himself. "Nah, I just thought if we can complete our training we would be eligible."
Jake who was nearby reading the new skill scroll scolded them after hearing their gossiping, "Stop your blabbering and concentrate on your meditation. If you do well, you guys will be taken to a new place. Later on, you guys also have to train on your skills."

Clay muttered as he heard Jake, "Miss Josephine was better. Jake is such a stuck up guy. Is he really a teenager? Damn, he is older than that Old man Bill. He doesn't even act according to his age."
Anna giggled as she heard them and focused on her meditation immediately.

Jake ignored the Rants of Clay and murmured, "Aurora Island hmm... I guess it will be quite a trip with these brats over there. It would be a perfect environment to train them."

Chapter end