Derrick accepted the mission, fully aware of the dangers and difficulties involved. To the high-ranking figures, he was nothing more than a valuable pawn. By sending him to the Saint Miler Province, he would serve as a shield against the impending counterattack from the Holy Cross Kingdom. If successful, everyone would be happy. If he failed, it wouldn't matter much—he was preferred over sending a completely useless person.
Derrick understood that he was willing to be that pawn. Arrogance and disdain gave him the chance he needed. While the titles of baron and viscount seemed the most prestigious, the position of the Saint Miler Legion Commander was what mattered most to him. Perhaps it was just a token gesture for the expendable, but to Derrick, it was incredibly important. Honor and status. The Saint Miler Legion, in name, had the freedom to operate throughout the province and garrison at any location, with little interference from anyone.
As for the limits placed on it, they were laughable. "One day, you will regret this," Derrick thought, as he swiftly took command of the new Saint Miler Legion, which consisted of the best soldiers drawn from the Second Legion. Lord Pereira was generous, not filling the ranks with militia but with capable soldiers, though some personal connections remained. Derrick took full advantage of his newfound power, appointing loyalists to key positions. As he assessed his new forces, it was clear that those already listed might not be entirely loyal, while those not listed could never be trusted.
While others were still preparing, Derrick completed his initial organizational changes and quickly set out. During this time, a letter from the Ferreira family arrived, bringing news that his cousins and uncles had come to pledge their support and brought word about Lord Pereira’s granddaughter.
“Lord Pereira’s granddaughter?” Derrick now understood why Lord Pereira had been so generous. After a brief moment of thought, he agreed to the arrangement. Love had no place in this era, and as for the skinny commoner girl, he had no interest at all.
"Tell my father I agree, but the marriage must be delayed until the Saint Miler Province is stabilized," Derrick wrote back to Lord Pereira and, before leaving, paid a visit to the lord, subtly expressing his intentions. He then took a batch of arms and supplies with him. The marriage was a strategic gain.
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Saint Miler Province, the Barbarians Are On the Move
This time, the southern raid was not difficult to execute, but the real challenge lay in holding onto the spoils. With the current strength of the Southern Three Kingdoms, the Barbarian Kingdom was sure to be easily defeated once the military machine started moving. However, the Barbarians could no longer afford to play it safe.
As their population and strength grew, the Barbarians needed more trade and external resources. Smuggling was no longer sufficient to meet the needs of a country. The best way to gain recognition was, of course, to flex their muscles. Since the start, the Holy Cross Kingdom had been a key target, as its decaying church and aristocracy would make perfect business partners. However, with two countries establishing formal relations, a kingdom so rigidly adhering to the holy name would never agree easily.
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The Barbarian plan had to be revised hastily when the Rock Kingdom turned the tables. According to the original plan, the Barbarians should have held off the first wave of attacks from the Holy Cross Kingdom, during which they would transfer large amounts of population and resources back to their homeland. Then, in the winter, the Saint Miler Province would be handed over to the Rock Kingdom, allowing the two nations to tear each other apart. This would leave an opportunity for the Barbarian Kingdom to grow stronger.
But the plan had to change, and the situation had already become more complicated. The population and resources they had plundered were only a fraction of what they had hoped, and their military losses were not insignificant. Now, the question was whether the Rock Kingdom’s entry into the Holy Cross Kingdom would turn the tide against the Barbarians. These were serious concerns for the Barbarian advisors.
Unaware of these internal complications, the Barbarian forces on the front lines were busy transporting the population. However, they severely underestimated Derrick’s speed. Just as they approached the border of the Holy Cross Kingdom, Derrick’s newly formed Saint Miler Legion intercepted a Barbarian unit.
"What are you doing?" The Barbarian officer was extremely nervous. He had never heard of the Saint Miler Legion, but the opposing force outnumbered his own.
Simon personally held the exchange documents between the two nations, almost throwing them in the officer’s face. "Half a month ago, the Saint Miler Province was officially handed over to the Rock Kingdom. Now that the two countries are at peace, are you trying to violate the treaty?"
The Barbarian officer was caught off guard. His face turned ashen. "I’m just following orders. Any disputes, you should take it up with our supreme leader."
"Hah!" Simon waved his hand. "Seize them."
What a bunch of barbarians, he thought. He wasn't afraid of them. The Barbarian officer, who had never expected to face such resistance, was easily captured by the well-prepared Saint Miler Legion soldiers. Even the guards who resisted were killed in front of him.
"You... this is a violation of the treaty between the two countries!" The officer was furious and frightened.
"I’m just cleaning up a slave trading operation. I have evidence, what else do you have to say?" Simon retorted.
From a legal standpoint, he was right. However, such a declaration was not something that could be easily said aloud. The incident quickly escalated, halting the movement of the Barbarian forces. Several nearby Barbarian units quickly approached, but the Saint Miler Legion remained firm, flying the double-headed dragon flag and even capturing people in front of a thousand soldiers.
By the time the Barbarian Supreme Leader arrived, the atmosphere was already volatile. Derrick finally made his appearance, meeting the Barbarian Supreme Leader, Wilson.
"Viscount Derrick, do you want to start a war between our two nations?" Wilson immediately threatened upon seeing him.
But Derrick wasn’t intimidated. He responded firmly, "Then let’s go to war. I’ll just be stripped of my title."
Wilson’s momentum was instantly suppressed. He dared not start a war right now, as it would have been a waste of effort.
"This is your fault. Release my men first."
"No, it’s you who violated the treaty. According to the treaty signed by both countries, you have no right to touch a single blade of grass in the Saint Miler Province. You must wait until our army officially takes over before retreating. Right now, I’ve captured some of your scum. You should thank me, or should I say... is this the official policy of the Barbarian Kingdom?"
Wilson dared not admit it. Treaties were just pieces of paper, but in this case, they favored the stronger party. Coincidentally, the Barbarian Kingdom had needs from the Rock Kingdom, and Derrick held the upper hand. He was not afraid of the Barbarians.