Chapter 80: Loyalty from Derby

Breathing heavily, Drogon appeared before John, oblivious to his overstep. Yet, with his experience, he wasn't entirely sure what constituted overstepping.

"Who are you?" John scratched his head, puzzled by the sudden approach of this mercenary squad leader.

"I-I am Drogon, captain of a squadron under General Brouthong," Drogon replied. "Your Highness, I've completed the investigation into the supply theft incident earlier. It was done by the townspeople of Rochdale. Should we pursue it?"

Such a trivial matter brought to him?

John scratched his head again. "There's no need to pursue this matter any further."

In this civil war, John had already secured victory. Why bother pursuing this further? It might as well serve as a gesture of goodwill to the townspeople of Rochdale.

But Drogon didn't understand. "Why not, Your Highness?"

"Our immediate priority is to head to Derby to resolve the issue of the Earl of Derby's succession," John explained. "If we stir up a riot in Rochdale by dealing with this now, it will only delay us and work against us."

Unspoken was John's unwillingness to gamble on the outcome.

With this explanation, Drogon ceased his inquiries.

"Why are you here, Drogon?" Brouthong arrived late, his tone admonishing.

Drogon slunk away, and Brouthong turned to John apologetically. "Your Highness, I failed to keep him in line, allowing him to cause disturbance here."

"It's fine," John waved it off.

However, he noted Drogon's demeanor. He was impulsive but meticulous in his actions.

There were many more headaches ahead for John. For now, the time was relatively calm.

News of the Earl of Derby's death would spread quickly. He had four sons, but he hadn't anticipated an untimely demise.

This raised the question of who would inherit the Earl's estate.

His eldest son, William, was undoubtedly the rightful heir by law, but his other sons, Valcalin and Pernel, had their own claims. As for the youngest, Robert, at just thirteen, his future wasn't yet considered.

Originally, these matters would be managed by Henry II, the highest lord in all of England. But now, Henry II was trapped on the continent, leaving his regent, Lucy, by John's side. Without doubt, John was now the sole decision-maker in how these matters would unfold.

But seizing power would inevitably come with its own troubles.

When John arrived in Derbyshire, he had no idea what unexpected challenges lay ahead.

He looked at Brouthong standing beside him and said, "Gather the troops, Brouthong. We're heading to Derbyshire. We depart tomorrow."

Brouthong nodded, taking the command and leaving.

John surveyed his army. Upon receiving the order, they swiftly regrouped and began setting up a new camp adjacent to the main one. Their astonishing speed in construction left the nobles gaping in disbelief.

This was John's decree, and part of the soldiers' training regimen. Originally, these skills weren't necessary for them, but while building Dublin, John consulted with Stephen, a clergyman skilled in construction, and integrated these techniques into their training.

Amidst the soldiers' grumbling, they had no choice but to learn.

Now, John's troops were not only disciplined but also adept in civil engineering. The fortified camp not only provided excellent defense but also mitigated non-combat losses due to diseases, much like the newly built Dublin, with its emphasis on sanitation systems.

Throughout history, many strong armies had faltered due to epidemics. Frederick Barbarossa, for instance, formidable as he was, had to withdraw during his fourth invasion of Italy due to plague.

John was determined not to let such issues jeopardize his war efforts. Losing a war due to these reasons would be too humiliating.

Thus, the nobles witnessed scenes they never imagined. Lips of some elderly nobles who had seen the grandeur of the Eastern Roman Empire quivered.

They seemed to sense John's ambition, almost beyond their imagination.

...

When news of the Earl of Derby's death reached Derbyshire, the entire county was shaken.

Everyone knew the Earl of Derby wasn't ambitious, but as a lord, he was at least competent. Under his rule, Derbyshire had experienced stability and modest prosperity. The people lived in peace, and noble families coexisted harmoniously.

His involvement in the rebellion was beyond anyone's imagination locally. It was hard to fathom such a mild-mannered lord taking such rebellious actions. And even more unexpected was the Earl of Derby losing his life over it.

This incident quickly became a major event affecting the entire county of Derbyshire. Almost everyone was discussing it, especially who the next Earl of Derby would be.

After the death of the Earl of Gloucester, Henry II had intervened in the inheritance of his estates, forcibly changing the heir. All the nobles were watching to see if the king would interfere in noble inheritances again.

Feelings toward Henry II among the English were complex. He was a great king who led England to military victories, yet he was also feared for his attempts to control the vast English kingdom. Would Henry II's tyrannical tendencies extend to his son?

This question concerned not only the nobles of Derbyshire but nearly all nobles across England. Now, Derbyshire seemed to have become the most scrutinized stage in all of England.

Under this scrutiny, John and his army proudly carried the Royal Banner of the Plantagenets as they arrived in Derbyshire.

With no pretense or secrecy, John approached Derby.

"William," John removed his hat and greeted William, the eldest son of the Earl of Derby. "I am pleased to meet you."

"Thank you, Your Highness," William replied with utmost respect, stepping forward to lead John's horse.

The gesture of leading a horse was an ancient ritual passed down in Europe. The Pope had once demanded that the Holy Roman Emperor perform this ritual as a sign of submission, but it had been refused. Such gestures symbolized allegiance, and William's act was a way of showing loyalty to John.

John found it difficult to refuse, so he followed William into Derby Castle.