Chapter 483: Redistribution of Guard Duties

On the winding road, a miles-long army marched grandly forward, neither hurried nor sluggish.

Odoro Flamel rode atop his warhorse at the forefront of the procession.

The Flamel family’s ancestors had once been honored knights of the Wu Shan region, but after declining for several generations, by the time Odoro was born, they had scarcely any property left, retaining only their noble title.

Although Odoro was now forty years old, fortunately he possessed golden-tier strength, faring much better than his father and grandfather.

Yet with the family’s foundation lost, everything had to be rebuilt anew; after years of navigating various circles, he had finally entered Rulan’s attention.

It was precisely Rulan’s introduction that allowed him to smoothly join the First Knight Corps assembled by Ronin and, after passing Redar’s assessment, temporarily take up the position of deputy commander of the Moonlight Valley First Knight Corps.

For Odoro, this was like a pie falling from the heavens, and thus he approached the tasks assigned from above with utmost seriousness.

A scout cavalryman galloped back from ahead. "Deputy Commander, three miles ahead lies the camp perimeter of Westwind Hill."

"Good. Let us reach the camp before sunset."

Westwind Hill, termed a camp, could in fact be regarded as a relatively concentrated small town; aside from military soldiers, there were ordinary civilians and even traveling merchants conducting business.

However, due to its special nature, it hadn’t developed much.

The troops gradually advanced, and soon everyone saw this camp.

It was situated upon a small hill, surrounded by temporary wooden fences erected around it, possessing relatively simple fortifications.

Sunlight filtered through sparse clouds, casting a golden hue upon the hard ground.

Odoro lifted his head to gaze afar; atop the hill fluttered a flag of a golden gryphon against a blue background—the emblem symbolizing the kingdom.

Just then, a contingent of men and horses charged down from the hilltop, stirring up a cloud of dust.

"Is this the contingent of Moonlight Valley’s Marquis Ronin?"

Odoro spurred his horse forward, responding with slight deference. "Yes. I am Odoro Flamel, deputy commander of the Moonlight Valley First Knight Corps. Might I inquire if you are Lord Denny Torres?"

Denny Torres, the kingdom’s viscount stationed year-round at Westwind Hill, was also a battle-hardened meteor-tier knight.

Truthfully, Odoro standing before him felt somewhat diminished in presence.

After all, his strength was weaker than the other’s, and his status and position were also lower.

Yet overall, his conduct was fairly commendable.

The man gave a slight surprised sound, scrutinizing Odoro with some astonishment, his brows slightly furrowed. "Wasn’t it said that Redar Main was coming?"

Odoro explained, "According to the prior plan, the commander should be arriving soon."

As he spoke, a cry rang out—Redar arriving on a gryphon.

The snow-white gryphon halted before the procession, and Redar leaped down from it.

"Lord Denny, I am Redar Main, commander under Marquis Ronin and leader of the Moonlight Valley First Knight Corps, specifically here to take over the Westwind Hill defense line. This is the handover credential."

Denny could sense the faint yet solid aura emanating from Redar, knowing his strength was not weak.

He dismounted, chuckling. "Welcome, Redar, and all brave warriors; the king will be proud of you!"

After some polite exchanges, the two exchanged defense credentials.

"My knight corps will withdraw within tomorrow, but tonight, please have your contingent camp outside, making do for the night."

There were buildings within the camp, but they could not vacate them overnight.

"No problem."

Redar smiled in reply. "Odoro, you go arrange it."

"Yes, Commander!"

Denny gestured with an inviting motion, leading Redar into the camp fortress hall.

According to the handover arrangements, he needed to clearly explain Westwind Hill’s defense situation and precautions to Redar.

Redar listened while pondering.

Combined with the scene he witnessed upon entering the camp, the atmosphere here seemed not tense but rather relaxed and leisurely, with soldiers’ discipline not particularly high.

Presumably, years without warfare had let them relax vigilance.

After an account, Denny smiled. "With your strength, guarding Westwind Hill should pose no problem. Yet I suggest before you arrange the defense plan, there is a place you must visit first."

He paused, explaining, "The crown prince had sent word days ago, asking Marquis Ronin to go to Redpine Fort. Since the Marquis hasn’t come, you should represent him in going; after all, the crown prince is our overall commander here."

Redar stood up and shook hands with him. "Thank you for informing me, Lord. I will go there."

The handover of defense was completed, leaving orderly stationing and withdrawal.

Evidently, Denny had preparations; by the next morning things were mostly sorted, and after lunch he led the knight corps away from Westwind Hill, heading toward Redpine Fort.

Denny’s kingdom Seventh Knight Corps would directly obey Garrett’s command.

After a brief emptiness in the camp, new stationing teams arrived.

Under Odoro’s direction, cavalry, infantry, etc., were gradually allocated and arranged.

After a busy stretch, evening had arrived.

"Commander, many buildings in the camp have suffered human damage; many need repairs before habitation. I’ve arranged logistics personnel for this task; until repaired, we’ll have to squeeze together."

Odoro was somewhat angered. "We’re all fighting the enemy; why would they do this?"

Redar acknowledged; such matters couldn’t be pursued. Whether damaging buildings was Denny’s order or soldiers’ deliberate actions remained unknown.

"Just arrange repairs. Go notify the captains of the ten knight squadrons; I need to arrange defense plans to prevent enemy sneak attacks."

During the day, he had surveyed the surrounding environment, combining Denny’s account to formulate a preliminary defense plan.

In the following days, he needed careful reconnaissance around, even preparing to scout enemy camps.

Regarding Denny’s instruction for Redar to visit Garrett at Redpine Fort before arranging defenses, he tossed it aside.

For him, visiting the so-called overall commander was nowhere as important as stabilizing their position first.

Moreover, according to Ronin’s arrangement, Westwind Hill couldn’t merely be treated as a camp.

Since they would be stationed here for a long time, rather than continuously transporting provisions forward, it was better to transform it, establishing a frontline base and simultaneously implementing garrison farming.

Thus, Ronin had already applied to the king for fifty years’ operational rights over Westwind Hill and received approval, completely avoiding worry that constructed assets might be abandoned due to sudden transfers or benefiting successors.

Redpine Fort.

Garrett’s face was gloomily dark as if dripping water, his mood extremely displeased.

"This Redar dares blatantly ignore my orders!"

He heavily slapped the desktop, causing piled books and letters thereon to bounce up.

Ronin not giving him face was understandable, given Ronin’s status and strength.

Now, a Moonlight Valley commander, neither noble nor with notable background, dared defy his pre-war overall commander’s orders—this was utterly disregarding him.

"Go, immediately notify that Redar to arrive at Redpine Fort by tomorrow morning!"

"Tell him, if he fails to come again, the grave consequences will be borne by him and Ronin!" (End of chapter.)