I will be crowned king

With the "most critical" hills and highlands lost and recovered, the "Battle of Sail City", which had almost nothing to do with Sail City, finally came to an end.

As Bernard himself was captured alive, the central empire line was annihilated as expected. More than half of the troops were wiped out. The 1st and 5th Infantry Regiments of the Storm Division, which were struggling to fight, finally stopped and stepped on their feet. There was blood and bones everywhere, inspecting the results of the battle, and counting the prisoners.

On the west side of the battlefield, the Sail City reinforcements led by Louis and Sado relied on the artillery support of the Storm Division to defeat Bernard's most elite "main force" effortlessly.

It was said to be a defeat. In fact, except for the initial contact, there were not many decent battles between the two sides. After confirming the identity of the leader on the opposite side, the knights of the Western Front Army took the initiative to kidnap the herald who was loyal to Bernard. , surrendered very readily.

After all, no matter how you look at it, defeat is already a certainty - even the Minister-in-Chief himself is finished. No matter how hard they struggle, they can't defeat the coalition composed of the Sailing City and the Clovis people. They might as well just give it up as soon as possible. of surrender.

What's more, these officers and knights are basically from the north, and their loyalty to Bernard is already very unstable; with the guarantee of Sado, an "old colleague", and surrendering to the heir of the Bernard family, they have no psychological pressure at all. , and I don’t think there is anything shameful about it.

As for the battle to retake the hilly highlands...although it was the last one to start, it became the first part of all battles to end.

When he sensed that the Clovis people were beginning to counterattack, Sir Amar, who had been entrusted with the important task by Bernard, actually planned to struggle again - even if it was destined to end in disastrous defeat, at least he would shed blood on the battlefield with honor.

And then...he bumps into a furious Lisa Bach.

There is only one company in name, but in fact it is almost a reinforced battalion. The guard company relies on its familiarity with the terrain and rapid shooting to catch Emar off guard. It has already suffered one-tenth of its casualties before even seeing the enemy. It is impossible to defend the enemy. The position became a living target.

By the time Fabian led the Grenadier Regiment to go for reinforcements, all that was left for them was the work of capturing prisoners and cleaning up the battlefield - although those who could escape had already escaped, and there was nothing worth capturing.

The loyal Sir Amal was dragged in the muddy trench with a bruised nose and face. The girl grabbed him by the collar and beat him violently while chanting, first "Hand it over! Hand it over! Hand it over..." and then "Spit it out." ! Spit it out! Spit it out..."

Regarding this civil conflict between the thief and the victim, all the officers and soldiers of the Storm Division decisively chose to ignore it, believing from the bottom of their hearts that they would definitely be able to reconcile off-site.

At this point, the once invincible imperial army finally came to an end at the starting point of their initial victory - Bernard Morweis, who hastily became the commander of the army, defeated the liberals and the Sail City liberals here. Only by rioting the indigenous people did they win the loyalty of the army.

What's even more coincidental is that he was on the defensive side at the time, but now he has become the attacker, and like his enemies, he was almost wiped out... I have to say that there is indeed a sense of irony and reincarnation in this.

But for the Stormtroopers, and for Anson, the battle is not over yet.

Bernard was defeated, but the imperial army that suffered heavy casualties was not completely wiped out. The most elite cavalry troops and nearly three infantry regiments became prisoners of Sailing City... If they decide to surrender to Louis, then the defenders of Sailing City will The army gained nearly half of the empire's army in one fell swoop.

And unlike the half-hearted counter-rebellion army before, Louis, as the heir of the Bernard family, has a natural appeal to these knights from the north, and he is far more comfortable in command than a certain polished commander-in-chief. This is also Bernard. The reason why De always wanted to win over Louis.

Once these people do not intend to join the Confederacy, but continue to defend the city, the Storm Division and the Confederate Army will have to fight a second "Battle of Sailing City" to end the war; and this time the enemies will be more united than before , and more difficult to deal with.

Although Anson is still absolutely sure of winning, this kind of meaningless battle can still be avoided in principle.

As for the other outcome, if Sailing City and the five thousand rebels remain in their current situation and join the Confederacy, this is also what the Storm Division does not want to see - even worse than the first scenario!

Once the powerful Sailing City joins the Free Confederacy, although they are nominally equal, you can guess with your toes that they will definitely compete for control of the Confederacy - and it is absolutely justified.

By then, the Stormtroopers, as "outsiders", will almost inevitably be gradually marginalized within the Confederation system and can only exist as "important allies"; the Confederation that Anson has spent a lot of effort to form will be directly equivalent to raising the sails. Cheng and Louis made wedding dresses.

So before the battlefield was completely cleared, the Storm Division quickly completed the assembly. While gathering the prisoners on the battlefield, they slowly moved towards the military line towards the Sail City rebels.

The final battle to determine the future pattern of the new world will be staged between two friendly forces fighting side by side.

……………………

Evening, hilly highlands.

Overlooking the endless battlefield at the foot of the mountain, Anson's eyes turned to the west involuntarily - the imperial army that had been "defeated" and surrounded by the defenders of Sail City seemed to have finally negotiated a price with the enemy, and began to attack in batches under the watchful eye of the Storm Division. of surrender.

If that situation can be called "surrender".

They were not escorted in a long string with ropes, no personal belongings were confiscated, and there was no physical beating or corporal punishment... The victor and the loser were as friendly as brothers who reconciled after a quarrel. The harmony was incredible.

Of course, this was true to some extent - but it was definitely not the result he wanted to see.

"Can I ask a question?"

A familiar voice sounded from behind: "Why did you take the initiative to abandon the hills and highlands when the battle just started?"

Listening to the footsteps getting closer, Anson did not look back and pointed straight ahead with the saber held in his right hand.

The young knight standing beside him frowned slightly, then shook his head: "I don't understand."

"That means you actually understand it, but you just haven't reacted yet." Anson said seriously:

"Looking forward from here, what can you see?"

This time Louis was not in a hurry to answer immediately, but hesitated for a while and said in an uncertain tone:

"...the entire battlefield?"

"There is also the Sailing City on the back of the battlefield - as long as we occupy this high ground, we can monitor every move of the Sailing City while threatening my back... Bernard must have thought so." Anson shrugged:

"He doesn't know your movements, and at the same time, this battle must be fought quickly, so a surprise attack and taking over the hills and highlands is the best choice; even if all the artillery and supply ammunition are evacuated, and the position is destroyed, as long as By holding on to this position and being condescending, he will have the initiative in the entire battle."

"Just wait until the fog clears. Not only will he be informed of your and my army deployment, but the golden iris flag erected high in the center of the battlefield will also greatly boost morale."

"But you still didn't answer my question." Louis directly interrupted Anson's talk and said seriously: "This is just the reason why Bernard must occupy the high ground, but it is not the reason why you gave up."

"I have already said."

Anson turned his head and said something that made Louis look confused: "For Bernard, who is eager to win, this highland is so important; so as long as I give it up, he will definitely occupy it and then do whatever it takes." Attack."

"And all the benefits he can get from this highland can only be realized after the fog clears, and he will definitely advance before then - then I only need to defeat him before the fog clears. That’s it.”

"The purpose of giving up the high ground is to allow him to follow the steps I planned and walk step by step into the trap I set."

The two people looked at each other in silence for a minute.

"What about Sailing City?"

After a long time, Louis finally couldn't help but ask: "In your 'plan', what is the ending of Sailing City?"

"It depends on what Yangfan City chooses - just like I gave up the high ground, but if Bernard doesn't take the initiative to grab it, I have no good way to force them to jump into the trap." Anson sighed:

"I've given you all the conditions I can. The rest depends on what you want."

"Peace."

The young knight said without hesitation.

"Then join the Confederacy - at least, you must join the same front that resists the empire." Anson offered a price:

"The entire Free Federation is built on the basis of 'resistance to the empire'. In other words, unless Sailing City abandons the Empire, the war will not stop; if Sailing City insists on standing with the Empire, then we can only Can be burned to ashes along with her.”

"But……"

"No buts!" Anson said coldly:

"That's the bottom line."

He knew what Louis was thinking... sticking to neutrality, neither giving up his loyalty to the empire nor resisting the expansion of the Free Confederacy, making Sailing City a so-called "independent city-state".

But this is purely wishful thinking on his part. It is impossible for the Free Federation to abandon Sailing City, just as it is impossible for Hantu to abandon Eagle Point City and Carindia Port.

On the contrary, it is impossible for the empire to condone its so-called "absolute neutrality" in the largest colony in the New World.

"Okay, if you insist."

The young knight sighed helplessly and said silently: "I will tell the Council and people of Sailing City about this condition. If they themselves want to leave the empire and become a part of the Confederacy... I have no objection."

"As long as the principles of democracy are followed and the spirit of freedom is not violated..." Anson raised the corner of his mouth:

"The Confederacy is also willing to respect the independent decision of Sailing City."

Looking at his proud expression, Louis just shook his head.

This guy will only say "respect your choice" when he is fully confident, which sounds very hypocritical - although he himself also knows what will happen if Yangfan City is allowed to choose. result.

"What about...Uncle Bernard, and the captured Imperial knights and soldiers?"

Finally unable to bear it, Louis asked the question he wanted to know most: "What do you, and the Free Confederacy behind you, think about them?"

As soon as he finished speaking, he saw you, who had always been stern and dark, and suddenly raised the corners of your mouth slightly.

He showed a...meaningful smile.

……………………

"why you?"

In the warehouse that served as a temporary prisoner of war camp, Bernard, who was locked with an empty ammunition box, looked at Louis who walked in and couldn't help but frown slightly:

"That bastard Anson Bach... sent you specifically to pry information out of me?"

"Tell him and let him give up immediately - whether it's the army establishment or the local strategic plan, I don't know anything, and even if I knew it, I wouldn't be able to tell him!"

"The Morweis family will prepare a large ransom for him, but I don't know if he dares to accept the money to buy his life!"

Looking at the slightly ferocious expression of the excited Bernard, the young knight nodded slightly with a bit of sadness in his eyes.

This former "Mollweis Rising Star" has always been known for his stability and calmness. Even in the most extreme situations, he can control his emotions and make the most rational and realistic decisions. Now...

Sighing secretly, Louis said in a deep voice:

"In accordance with the requirements of the Clovis and the Free Confederacy, I...the Governor of Sailing City will announce the results of the disposition of all prisoners, including you."

Bernard was startled, his excited expression was like a deflated rubber ball, and he completely collapsed.

"In addition to military equipment and a range of logistics supplies, the Storm Division is willing to voluntarily give up all ransoms and personal belongings of prisoners - of course, those that have been lost are not counted - and provide treatment to the injured. After the cremation of the dead, they will also Deliver the ashes to you."

"In exchange, all prisoners and imperial soldiers must take the ships designated by the Storm Division, leave Sailing City and return to the mainland within the time limit." Louis paused and continued:

"The deadline is within three days, and the ship is ready and can set off at any time."

Bernard was silent for a while, with an expression that seemed suspicious:

"Everyone?"

"...Not entirely." Louis replied softly:

"If you stay voluntarily and are willing to join the Confederacy or become part of the Imperial Knights and Soldiers of the Sail City garrison, you don't have to leave - there are not many of them, about one or two thousand people."

"They will stay to help rebuild the Sailing City and restore the colony to its original appearance; the already devastated Sailing City also needs these precious labor forces and excellent soldiers."

"The original appearance?" Bernard snorted coldly:

"Treason and desertion, who gave these idiots such courage?"

"I."

The expressionless Louis gave the answer:

"I promised them that I would stay and work with the Free Confederacy to rebuild the colony."

"I...will become the governor of Sailing City!"