Chapter 261: Chapter 260: Marching Problems

Early the next morning, the Noble Alliance Army, which was stationed north of Giant Stone Territory, formed up and set out after breakfast.

Although each noble’s contingent had its own leader, problems arose with the march as soon as all these men and horses converged to advance on Giant Stone City at the same time.

After all, there was only one road. With everyone trying to use it, congestion was inevitable. It wouldn’t be surprising if a contingent got split up, with a few men here and a few over there.

Ronin had originally planned to worry about organizing the troops after they reached Giant Stone City, but faced with this situation, he knew he had to do something as the Commander.

First, he had Ridder, Macken, and the others order all contingents to halt and stand by. With the Knight Squad from Wubei Territory maintaining order, one noble’s contingent would set out completely before the next one followed.

Second, Ronin sent Jenny and Krami ahead of the column to register the detailed information of each contingent as it passed by:

things like the leader’s identity, the contingent’s overall strength, and the specific numbers of combat and support personnel.

The process wasn’t fast, but after these measures were taken, the chaotic column at least had some semblance of order.

“I thought this march would be a headache for Ronin, but I’m surprised how quickly he’s handling it.”

German, the One-Armed Wolf, was a little surprised.

Ronin’s method wasn’t complicated, but for a first-time commander on the battlefield, finding a solution so quickly was quite impressive.

“Compared to Wiggin, Ronin seems more skilled in this area.”

Marvin, standing beside him, couldn’t help but nod.

As the deputy commander, his main duty was to assist Ronin when the attack began. He wasn’t particularly concerned with matters related to the march.

In truth, even if Ronin hadn’t made any arrangements, the Noble Alliance Army would have still clamorously arrived at Giant Stone City. It just would have been slower, or perhaps with a bit more friction along the way.

As the two were speaking, Ridder rode over and reminded them politely, “Baron German, it’s your turn!”

German nodded in acknowledgment, then gestured for his subordinate, Knight Andrea, to lead their contingent after the one ahead. He, however, sized up the knight from Wubei Territory.

“Knight Ridder, that shout of yours just now was quite something. I wonder, what is your current level of strength?”

It was Ridder’s roar, like that of a Giant Dragon, that had calmed the chaotic situation earlier.

And it was that roar that let the nobles’ men know this Knight was not to be trifled with, which was why no one had objected to the arrangements.

Ridder smiled faintly but didn’t answer the question directly. “Perhaps Baron German will find out once we’re on the battlefield.”

“Haha, I’ll have to take a good look then.”

German didn’t press the matter and left with his contingent.

“Your Excellency, your contingent is scheduled for the rear,” Ridder reminded him.

“No problem.”

Marvin ordered, “Tarren, you take charge of the contingent. I’m going to check on Ronin.”

“Yes, my lord.”

At that moment, Ronin was mounted on his Cloud Stepper, observing the empty camp left behind by the Alliance Army.

After just one night, the place was littered with trash and excrement, looking as utterly trashed as a tourist spot after a holiday weekend.

Fortunately, they had only camped here for one night. If they had stayed for a few more days, sanitation would have become a major problem.

For Transcendents, this wasn’t a critical issue. After all, their stronger Constitutions meant they didn’t get sick easily.

But the same couldn’t be said for the ordinary people—the Infantry, Cavalry, and support staff. If this wasn’t handled properly, an outbreak of plague would be a disaster.

“Ronin, what are you looking at?” Marvin walked over.

“I’m thinking about how to handle sanitation when the army is marching and camping.”

Ronin looked at Marvin. Remembering that the man was a battle-hardened veteran, he asked, “I was wondering, how did you handle this during previous wars?”

Marvin clearly hadn’t expected this question. He stroked his chin, lost in thought.

He had never paid much attention to this aspect of marching before.

“When we make camp, we usually choose a spot downstream from the water source to keep it clean.”

He pointed at the trash on the hillside. “As for all this stuff, I don’t think you need to worry too much. If it gets too dirty, we just move. The wilderness is vast, after all. Pitching new tents is much more convenient than trying to clean up.”

“That… is one way to do it, I suppose.”

Despite saying that, Ronin frowned slightly.

Marvin’s method was suitable for smaller, more mobile forces.

Once the number of people grew—not even by much, just over four or five thousand—relocating became much more difficult. It was more practical to stay in one fortified camp.

Besides, when you’re in a standoff, ready to attack at any moment, who has time to keep moving camp every few days?

But solving the camp’s sanitation problem would also be difficult.

After all, the support staff came from various places, had different standards, and some would only obey orders from their own leaders. This made centralized command a hassle.

’I’ll wait until we’re in Giant Stone City and everyone, including Toru and Coren, has arrived. We can discuss it and make a decision then.’

The Noble Alliance Army surged into Giant Stone City in a vast, mighty column. Upon seeing this grand force, the anxious hearts of the citizens could finally rest.

They no longer had to worry about the threat of the Polante Thief Gang.

Toru, Coren, and their men were already waiting outside the city. They would arrange for people to guide the army onward to a pre-designated area south of Giant Stone City to make camp and await further orders.

Ronin, along with the other nobles and the leaders of each contingent, would be resting at Giant Stone Castle.

“Hahaha, welcome to Giant Stone City, Viscount of Wubei Territory, Commander Ronin!”

Coren greeted them with a hearty laugh, first addressing Ronin and then acknowledging Marvin.

He looked more like a host welcoming guests than a defeated man who had been seriously injured.

Ronin offered a polite bow and asked with concern, “I heard Baron Coren was seriously injured. It seems you’re recovering well?”

“Thank you for your concern. I’ve made a full recovery.”

Coren’s smile faded, and his expression turned serious. “For this war, everything will be according to your arrangements, Commander. I will do my best to make up for the mistakes I made at Chishan Town. But before that, please allow me, as the master of Giant Stone Territory, to host everyone!”

Ronin naturally wouldn’t refuse such an offer. Besides, he could see that the Noble Knights who remained were already planning to have a feast at Giant Stone Castle. Refusing would only earn him their resentment.

Next, under Coren’s lead, the group entered Giant Stone Castle.

It was a castle far grander and more solid than Swamp Castle, a clear testament to Coren’s considerable wealth.

Despite the dangers lurking outside and the Polante Thief Gang eyeing them covetously, the luncheon was as lively as ever. Coren even went so far as to announce the arrangements for the evening’s banquet.

The war was for tomorrow; today was for enjoyment.

After they had eaten and drunk their fill, everyone was shown to their respective rooms to rest.

“My lord, here are the figures Krami and I compiled. Please take a look.”

Ronin took the sheepskin parchment from Jenny’s hand and examined it carefully.

The Noble Alliance Army consisted of 53 contingents in total, with 1,855 combat personnel and 7,421 support personnel.

Among the combat personnel were 95 Professional Knights: 3 Silver Knights, 8 Bronze Knights, 14 Advanced Level Knights, 25 Intermediate Level, and 45 Basic Level.

’Only eleven Bronze and Silver Knights combined?’

Ronin’s left eyelid twitched. He had expected the number of Transcendents to be low, but he never imagined it would be *this* low.

Fortunately, the First Knight Order, the Fifth Knight Order, and the forces from Wubei Territory hadn’t been included in this count. Otherwise, with so few people, he had no idea how they would fight this war.

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