Chapter 405 - 153: The Popular General Robson
Chapter 405: Chapter 153: The Popular General Robson
"Your Majesty, I’ve heard that your kingdom has a general who is victorious in every battle.
"We outsiders are not very familiar with the state of your kingdom. Perhaps we could have this general step forward and offer some suggestions?"
Just as the meeting began, Lumian Knight Commander took the initiative to stand and address Louis III.
The crowd was stunned at first, but they quickly composed themselves.
There was no need to say who this ever-victorious general was. Everyone knew it was General Robson, whose fame had recently skyrocketed.
Robson had previously rescued Princess Yifulei, helping the Algeria Kingdom resolve a major diplomatic blunder.
Had Prince Noah died, all of the Algeria Kingdom’s years of preparation would have gone to waste.
Besides, Lumian Knight Commander had a point. Those present were indeed not well-acquainted with the situation in the Frank Kingdom.
Both logically and emotionally, Lumian Knight Commander’s actions were perfectly reasonable.
"Robson, everyone wants to hear your thoughts.
"Of the three fronts, you have already distinguished yourself on two. So tell us, how do you believe our forces and resources should be allocated?" Louis III asked with a smile.
Upon hearing this, many of the local Frankish generals cast envious glances toward Robson.
An army, after all, was a political asset. Robson had just been given the floor, a position from which he could secure considerable benefits. Judging by the intentions of Lumian and Louis, as long as his proposal was reasonable, it was highly likely to be adopted.
Moreover, this was a gathering of top generals from various nations—a proper international conference. It was a prime opportunity to gain prestige.
But envy was pointless. The Franks respected strength, and Robson’s military achievements had all been earned through hard-fought battles.
Robson was somewhat surprised as he looked at the crowd of high-ranking generals, both local and foreign, who were all looking at him.
’Fortunately, I’ve seen plenty of grand occasions in my past life. A scene like this isn’t enough to intimidate me.’
Robson stood up and bowed to those assembled.
"Your Majesty, esteemed generals.
"Thank you for this honor. The Frank Kingdom has a long history of war with the Beastmen, traditionally fought across three fronts: West, Central, and East.
"I have previously served on the Western and Eastern Fronts..."
Facing the assembly, Robson concisely summarized the kingdom’s overall strategic situation.
When it came to the Western and Central Fronts, he largely stuck to the established consensus.
The reason, of course, was that these fronts had little to do with him, Lord Robson. There was no benefit to be gained from discussing them, and speaking rashly would only create enemies.
However, when he spoke of the Eastern Front, Robson’s tone changed.
"The Central Front requires the kingdom to commit heavy troops, to strive for a single blow to crush the Beastmen’s main army!
"As for the Eastern Front, although I have been there for less than half a year, Count Valentino’s Fengman Clan has always paid close attention to it.
"From them, I have learned a great deal. The Beastmen on the Eastern Front are primarily Centaurs and Bearmen. These two have been entrenched in the Veno River Valley for thirty years.
"Since the last battle at Sri County, the Beastmen have not committed more forces to the Eastern Front. In my opinion, the Eastern Front does not need more manpower, but more resources," Robson said slowly.
Hearing this, many of the foreign generals at the scene cast grateful looks at Robson.
Just now, they had been on tenterhooks, worried that Robson would, with a single sentence, drag them to the Eastern Front.
After all, the war was entering its final stages, which meant it was a mopping-up operation. Everyone was here to snatch an easy victory and build their reputation.
And where in the Frank Kingdom could one do that? On the most intense battlefield, of course—the Central Front!
Despite the current disadvantages on the Central Front, the tide would turn as soon as reinforcements from the Human Alliance arrived.
Going to the Central Front was a chance to rake in merits and prestige. Going to the Eastern Front, that godforsaken place, meant actually having to fight a real war against the Beastmen.
"Oh? General Robson, please elaborate. What sort of things do you need?" Louis III asked with a smile.
Louis III was clearly pleased with Robson’s performance. ’He only speaks on matters within his own purview. Compared to a certain Marshal, he clearly has a much better political mind.’
Since Robson was so tactful, Louis III didn’t mind giving the young man a bit more room to shine.
In recent years, Louis III had become increasingly aware of his old age. Compounded by old injuries, his body was failing him. He might look energetic now, but it was all for show; he was like a gilded apple, rotten to the core.
With Marshal Grantham’s fall, all he could do was manage the aftermath. Such a massive political legacy couldn’t be devoured by a single faction.
’Strengthening Robson’s position and cultivating a new, obedient military faction is a decent option. Once Oscillate is gone, Robson’s ties to the southern faction won’t be so deep.’
"Your Majesty, the Centaurs are incredibly fast, and the Bearman infantry have thick, tough hides.
"I believe we should allocate more Magic Crossbows and fine horses to the soldiers on the Eastern Front," Robson replied.
Of course, Robson didn’t want more troops.
’The Eastern Front is ripe for the reaping; how could I let others come and steal my "experience points"?’
’The reinforcements from the Human Alliance will just take their share of the glory and leave. I’d be better off asking for more equipment. After all, the number of "lost" pieces of equipment will ultimately depend on my, Lord Robson’s, mood.’
Besides, there was still a river valley on the Eastern Front that had yet to be reclaimed—a place that was once human territory.
What Robson wanted was that very land. It was a full fifty percent larger than Ehrlichland—nearly the size of Auric Province!
According to the kingdom’s laws, if Robson conquered it with his own army, the land would become his, Lord Robson’s. But if he relied on the Frank Kingdom’s army or the Human Alliance’s reinforcements, the King would have the final say.
"Magic Crossbows and horses?" Louis III frowned.
It wasn’t that he thought Robson was asking for too much, but that he was asking for too little.
The Frank Kingdom’s finances had already weathered the most difficult period at the start of the year. Having secured loans gave them this much confidence.
The Eastern Front may not be the priority, but it was a separate front nonetheless. Besides, he had just finished burnishing Robson’s reputation. Robson was now one of the faces of the Frank Kingdom.
If Robson were to suffer a defeat right after he had been praised, then he, Louis, along with the entire Frank Kingdom, would lose face completely.
"The Eastern Front is a matter of great importance and cannot be treated lightly. General, why not think of some other requests?" Louis III said.
’I can make more requests?’
Robson was stunned. It was the first time he’d ever seen someone so eager to give things away.
"I am grateful for Your Majesty’s great favor. If the kingdom has surplus auxiliary troops, that would naturally be for the best.
"Armor and weapons, I will leave these arrangements to Your Majesty," Robson said.
The troops sent by the Southern Kingdom were the elite of the elite. Even their common soldiers were well-trained regulars.
Auxiliary troops, naturally, would be provided by the Frank Kingdom.
’If the crown can provide some Franks, I have my ways of making them my own men.’
Louis III let out a light laugh. Looking at Robson, he only felt delight.
’If only Grantham had been this obedient back then,’ he thought, ’would the Frank Kingdom even be in this situation?’
It was no exaggeration to say that if the entire nation had supported Marshal Grantham, they might very well have crushed the Beastmen without needing any reinforcements at all.