Chapter 33: The First Ranter of the Kingdom of Saint Martin

During times of peace, training becomes especially important, as it helps maintain combat readiness and may even enhance it. However, having a good instructor is crucial.

Fortunately, the Redemption Knights had just the right instructor...

"Today, gentlemen, we sweat. Tomorrow, we bleed less. No slacking off!" Sergeant Gofrey had a stern demeanor, and his approach to tasks was even stricter. When Alexander entrusted him with the important role of instructor, he ensured thoroughness in every aspect.

However, being effective doesn't necessarily mean everyone will be pleased. Two particular individuals lodged complaints directly with Alexander.

"We can't take it anymore, boss. It's too much. We need a break," Viktor and Otto, whose relationship with Alexander was as solid as iron, spoke frankly.

Alexander gave them a stern look. These two were simply lazy and didn't want to train. But he couldn't entirely blame them. He had trained with Gofrey for a day and hadn't recovered even a week later. He had skipped training the next day; after all, Gofrey couldn't boss him around.

Alexander: "I'll assign you two some other tasks. Go to the tavern and find out what's been happening on the continent lately."

"No problem." The two of them vanished in a flash, eager to drink at the tavern while others were eating dirt on the training ground.

Shortly after their departure, a subordinate rushed to Alexander. "Boss, urgent military intelligence! The king is gathering troops in the north to wage war against the Kingdom of Veed."

One had to admit, the king of the Kingdom of Saint Martin had practiced one principle throughout his life—being blunt and thoroughly enjoying it. He never missed an opportunity to criticize anyone he encountered.

His evaluation of the king of Veed was blunt: "A barbarian who doesn't even know who his real father is."

To be honest, this assessment wasn't entirely wrong. Veed was located in the extreme northern cold region, with barren land and scarce resources. People from such areas typically had straightforward manners—tough and rugged.

If the people of the Kingdom of Saint Martin were known for their martial prowess, then Veed, the land of fierce warriors, was like a hundred pounds of weight with two hundred pounds of martial virtue.

Moreover, the royal family of Veed had inherited some fine ancestral traditions, albeit with a slightly chaotic private life. It wasn't anything too scandalous; the king had numerous mistresses, and the queen had many male companions. They each minded their own business, without interfering with each other.

This also led to rumors that the current king of Vede Kingdom is not the biological son of the previous king. Naturally, Vede Kingdom would never admit to this. The problem is, while peasants can discuss court gossip, minstrels can embellish stories, and even nobles can jest after a few drinks, the one person who can't mention it is the king of a country. If he does, wouldn't it become an official acknowledgment? The king of Vede Kingdom was furious. With his naturally hot temper, he immediately declared war on the Kingdom of Saint Martin. Oh, you want to provoke me? You want to mouth off? Let's see about that!

Coincidentally, the king of Saint Martin was out on the border between the two countries, suppressing bandits, when he unexpectedly ran into the opposing army. At the time, he only had three hundred personal guards. If these guards hadn't fought valiantly, sacrificing themselves to facilitate their escape, the king of Saint Martin would have likely been killed on the spot.

Upon his return, the king of Saint Martin became increasingly angry. So, they think they can provoke us? They think they're the only ones with soldiers?

Ridiculous!

Alexander also received a summons from the king. He had considered whether Ferdinand, the Grand Duke, would join, but unfortunately, Ferdinand fell ill at this time and couldn't go. Alexander thought for a moment. Since he had an entire cavalry at his disposal, if he couldn't win, he could at least retreat. And if there were any benefits to be gained, why not go for it?

Let's do it!

Most of the cavalry under his command now were at the level of Saint Martin's light cavalry. However, to reach the level of Saint Martin's vanguard cavalry, there was still a long way to go. It wasn't something that could be achieved through training alone; it required accumulating experience through blood and swordplay.

In addition to the vanguard cavalry, Alexander also had several noble soldiers under his command. Their physical fitness was relatively high, and they had progressed from the level of Saint Martin's squires to that of the knights.

So, Alexander managed to persuade Ferdinand to provide a batch of military equipment, and they set off.

With Alexander leading forty-five well-equipped cavalrymen, they hurried toward the northern battlefield.

By this time, the border between Saint Martin Kingdom and Vede Kingdom had turned chaotic. Nobles from Saint Martin Kingdom kept arriving with their troops, and the nobles of Vede Kingdom were not willing to be outdone, continuously pouring into the battlefield. At one point, the conflict escalated so much that the nobles of Vede Kingdom even resorted to recruiting pirates directly on the border before continuing the fight.

It was precisely at this moment that Alexander also arrived at the border.

"Who's the marshal for this battle? Is it still Hakes?" Alexander asked Viktor beside him.

Viktor replied, "Marshal Hakes is said to be unwell. This time, the crucial role of marshal is taken up by Hoover of the Fox Tail family."

Alexander frowned. He hadn't heard of this person. "Hoover?"

Geoffrey quickly explained, "Lord Hoover possesses ancestral cavalry tactics and is an outstanding military strategist. His appointment as marshal commands enough respect to unite everyone."

After hearing Geoffrey's introduction, Alexander immediately decided not to follow the marshal. He could tell right away that this guy could fight, but being able to fight was useless as a marshal; you also needed to know how to command. Previously, Hakes had commanded well, and the key point was that Hakes, the old fox, never took risks.

He was afraid that the new marshal, Hoover, might get too aggressive and start fights with Vede Kingdom without considering whether they could win or not. In reality, Alexander was overthinking it. In the battles between the Kingdom of Saint Martin and Vede Kingdom, those who were reckless like that were usually from Vede Kingdom.

Vede Kingdom's soldiers were tough, both physically and in their mindset. They were fierce and fearless, showing an indomitable spirit throughout their bodies.

Have you ever seen infantry take on cavalry head-on? In this grand battlefield, that scene was everywhere. When regular infantry encounters cavalry, it's considered a victory if they manage to escape. But Vede Kingdom's soldiers, upon encountering Saint Martin Kingdom's cavalry, actually charged head-on. What else could you call that if not reckless?

[System Task Trigger - Chaotic Battlefield]

[Lord Alexander will be rewarded with experience points and system currency equivalent to the combat power of each Vede Kingdom's defeated troop.]

[Task End Time: Ceasefire between the Kingdom of Saint Martin and Vede Kingdom]

As soon as the system's voice fell, a Vede Kingdom army appeared on the horizon, faintly visible, numbering in the tens.

Alexander's eyes lit up. "Brothers, the big feast has arrived!"