Chapter 162: Dominating Europe! Reforging the Empire (10,000 Words)
Since ancient times, employing newly surrendered enemy forces has always been a risky venture.
But what if Duncan offers them land and property?
The Frankish tribes have not yet formed a true kingdom; they still follow the Germanic tribal clan system, meaning that most of the land and wealth are controlled by the noble leaders, while the lower class only owns a small portion of wealth and land.
The original noble knights must surrender to Duncan to keep their land and wealth, and the lower-class semi-freemen and serfs, desiring to transcend their class through war, are even more eager to follow a powerful leader.
It can be said that, except for the Frankish knights, who are slightly troublesome to subdue, most of the other troops surrender within a day or two.
Some lower-class semi-freemen were even discontent for not being able to join the army, as it is considered an insult to the warlike Germanic people, indicating they are not qualified to be a warrior. These individuals have some martial ability but no property and are eager to rise through military exploits. Ultimately, they are settled on the Rhine border under military management.
There is never a shortage of desperados in any era, nor of people from the lower classes willing to risk everything to rise.
As long as Duncan dares to give them a chance, they're truly willing to go for it!
The name "Oathkeeper" is as resounding as thunder.
Ultimately, Duncan assembled an army of about thirty thousand, among which ten thousand were surrendered troops from the Frankish tribes, and over twenty thousand were second- and third-tier forces from Britannia.
Among these thirty thousand, only about four to five thousand are actual regular troops.
Île-de-France.
With the reinforcements from Britain arriving, Balton, Galavin, Drest, and others began to deploy defenses along the way; the true commander was Balton of the imperial legion, who is considered an old general, having garrisoned near the Rhine for nearly twenty years.
Balton joined the army at eighteen, becoming part of the imperial legion, and now nearing forty, he is one of the middle-aged generals.
The others are younger; the governor favors promoting young people.
This is because young people crave accolades and long to change their fate, willing to take risks.
Take, for example, a young man named Carl, only seventeen, yet already the deputy commander of the sixth legion, roughly equivalent to the deputy of a Thousand-Man Legion.
After being transferred from the general's guard, he advanced all the way up from an auxiliary legion centurion through military exploits, now just one step away from the rank of Count.
According to the traditions of Britain, legion commanders are equivalent to Counts, which is also the origin of the Count title.
Of course, Carl's rise is partly due to his background; after all, his brother was also a personal guard to the general, having died in battle while covering the governor's charge.
This brave young man is highly valued, and Clegane always personally mentors him.
Besides him, the fastest-rising among the commoners is an exile named Roland. He has a keen mind and is being fully cultivated by Kvito. Due to his military achievements in commanding hundreds to seize Champagne, he suddenly became the chief centurion of the auxiliary legion.
Beyond that position, the next step is almost a Thousand-Man General.
Orléans border.
With the Visigothic Kingdom's army advancing towards Île-de-France, Balton also led thousands attempting to intercept the enemy's vanguard.
Torismund, experienced in military campaigns from his teenage years with his father, mobilized a Visigothic assault cavalry, alongside thousands of Visigothic infantry, to launch a two-pronged attack, first defeating the barbarian foreign legion led by Galavin downstream of the Seine, then defeating Balton at the Loire. Within a short time, the British Kingdom's forces suffered two consecutive defeats, and their morale seemed a bit low, now reluctant to face the Visigothic Kingdom head-on.
The Visigothic Kingdom's primary attack routes are twofold: one from Lyon, advancing towards Champagne and Gordon, the other directly attacking Île-de-France from Toulouse.
Having suffered two consecutive defeats, Balton concentrated major forces in Île-de-France, while he himself led a unit stationed near the future Fontainebleau.
In the army's tent.
Balton looked quite grave, gazing at Galavin, who had just arrived, and solemnly asked, "How's the situation?"
Galavin appeared rather relaxed, slowly responding, "The foreign legion has retreated to Champagne and other areas."
"The enemy is most likely already hooked."
Within just half a month, the Visigothic army advanced from Toulouse to outside Île-de-France, winning two consecutive battles, defeating the British legion guarding the border.
Torismund was overjoyed, immediately mobilizing the army for a relentless pursuit. He must seize Île-de-France, where Paris is located, before Duncan withdraws troops to aid the Franks.
Balton frowned as he studied the strategic map before him, solemnly inquiring, "Do you know where the governor is currently located?"
Galavin slightly shook his head, similarly focusing on the map.
The tent was filled with a tense atmosphere; Balton gravely stated, "The governor let us lose three times, to lure the enemy deep."
"If we lose again, we might have to retreat to defend Paris."
The prior two battles were feigned defeats, but still genuine losses, as relying solely on surrendered Frankish troops couldn't withstand the enemy's fierce assaults.
Ever since Duncan took up arms, the British Kingdom's forces had never consecutively lost two battles.
After pondering for a moment, Galavin said, "Then let's lose one more battle and lure the enemy here."
After finishing, he pointed in the direction of Versailles.
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