Gospel of Blood

The meeting between Count Gaston and Charlotte was not a secret.

In fact, a military maneuver of this scale could not be hidden.

The northern nobles were already aware of Charlotte’s intention to meet with the commander of the Tulip County garrison. Similarly, loyal officers of the Borde family remained within the Tulip County garrison.

Charlotte did not intend to keep this meeting a secret. Upon returning to Northport, she announced the outcome: she and Count Gaston would form a joint army to march north and eliminate the rebels.

The Tulip County garrison, led by Count Gaston, swiftly began preparations to assist Countess Castell in quelling the rebellion. This decision caused quite a stir among the senior officers loyal to the Borde family.

Despite Count Gaston’s long-standing influence, the garrison’s loyalty still primarily lay with the Borde family.

The officers opposing Count Gaston had valid reasons. Without orders from the Borde family, the garrison could not leave Tulip County, let alone assist a duchy noble in quelling a rebellion.

Count Gaston’s decision to move the troops was already contentious. Debates erupted among the nobles and officers in the fortress, with the Borde and Gaston factions clashing fiercely.

However, the dispute did not last long. Count Gaston sent an urgent letter via the mage tower to the Borde family. Shortly thereafter, the Mage Tower relayed a response from the Borde family.

Duchess Eleanor de Borde approved Count Gaston’s decision and ordered him to assist Castell in quelling the rebellion.

With the Borde family’s approval, the opposing officers had no grounds to continue their resistance. Although puzzled by the Borde family’s decision, they ultimately complied with the orders.

Meanwhile, in Northport, Charlotte announced that she would personally lead the army north to quell the rebellion.

Charlotte would serve as the coalition leader, with Baron Angus acting as the de facto commander.

All participating nobles were promised rewards for their merits, with the most distinguished even having a chance to gain lands from the Lagrisse family or even a title.

The northern nobles, eager for action, were thrilled by the news.

They believed that the coalition forces, now reinforced by Count Gaston’s regular troops, would easily overpower the rebels. This seemed like a certain victory, with the added incentive of potential land and titles.

However, not everyone was pleased. For example, the elderly Viscount of the Roman-Four family voiced his concerns.

“Countess, why did you agree to Count Gaston’s proposal? The Third Prince’s ambitions for Castell are well-known, and you have seen the intelligence from the Violet side. The greatest threat to us is not the northern rebellion but the Third Prince’s scheming and the restless Violet troops.”

“I don’t think leading an army north at this time is wise, especially if you are personally leading it. This might leave our southern defenses weak, and vulnerable to Violet’s invasion. Aren’t you worried that Count Gaston might betray us during the rebellion?”

Viscount Roman-Four, ignoring his guards’ attempts to stop him, rushed to the Count’s Mansion to advise Charlotte.

Charlotte, in a calm and gentle tone, responded.

“Viscount, I am well aware of our true enemies. Rest assured, I will not take all our forces north. The south will remain secure until the northern rebellion is resolved.”

The elderly Viscount frowned.

“That makes it even more dangerous. You’re risking your life!”

“The rebels aside, the Tulip County troops can form a magic formation. If they betray us, our army would be caught in a deadly trap!”

Charlotte smiled slightly.

“Viscount, the Tulip County troops are no longer a problem.”

The Viscount was clearly puzzled.

Charlotte signaled to Sebastian, who handed the viscount a parchment scroll with a smile.

“Viscount, please take a look.”

Upon reading the scroll, Viscount Roman-Four was stunned.

“A secret contract between you and Count Gaston?! He agreed to support you against the Third Prince? How is this possible?!”

Viscount Roman-Four couldn’t fathom why Count Gaston would side with Castell. The contract, certified by the God of Contracts, was undeniable—violating it would mean defying the Holy Court, a suicidal act.

However, the existence of such a contract meant the viscount had no more objections. Though he remained puzzled, he understood that each noble had their secrets. If Charlotte did not wish to explain, he could not press further.

Thus, three days after Charlotte’s announcement, Northport’s troops mobilized.

Donning her armor, Charlotte led 25,000 men north, accompanied by numerous nobles.

At the same time, the Third Prince in Borde City received a letter informing him of Charlotte’s personal march toward the North to quell the rebellion…

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