The King

  Chapter 417 New Era

  Lazily basking in the sun, Hudson enjoys sunbathing to his heart's content. Five days have passed since the battle of Dulong Island.

  After destroying all the ships, Hudson returned to the capital. As for the life and death of the Holy See and his party, it was no longer in his consideration.

  With the ghost ship watching, even if a merchant ship enters by mistake, it is impossible to take people away.

   "Rescue", just think about it. The ominous name of the ghost ship has resounded throughout the entire continent at this moment, and everyone knows that the three major fleets of the Holy See were completely wiped out in the foggy sea area.

   As for what exactly happened, apart from the mastermind Hudson, even the tycoon of the Alpha Kingdom can only rely on guesswork, let alone others.

  No matter how curious you are, no big power is willing to take meaningless adventures with your wealth.

   What's more, the news of a large number of survivors has not yet spread. The news received by the Holy See was that "the whole army was destroyed", and they would not organize a rescue at all, nor did they have the courage to send a fleet to search and rescue again.

   After being idle, Hudson returned his attention to army training. The focus of this training is not the standing army in the kingdom, but the elite of the kingdom that has just been put together.

  Laoshi's expedition to carry out surprise raids not only requires high physical fitness of the soldiers, but also requires very high organizational and management capabilities of the army. Strengthening the cooperation between the various units is also a top priority.

   At the beginning, it was agreed to send 50,000 troops, but in the end it couldn't support the public relations of the Principality of Moxi, and had to increase the total troops to 100,000.

  Of course, whether it is dispatching 50,000 reinforcements or 100,000 reinforcements, it is just an imaginary number. There are still so many people who act in the end, and the difference is only limited to the counting method.

  After a series of screenings, Hudson finally selected 35,000 people, plus the number of livestock, he made up a 100,000 army.

   It's not that Hudson doesn't want to increase his troops, it's a pity that there are only a few elite soldiers in the Royal Army.

  Different from the ordinary army, all soldiers in this army are practitioners and have even been on the battlefield.

  The source of soldiers is either the knights of the great nobles, or the elite of the standing army, and the core private army elite of the small and medium nobles.

  Thanks to the contribution of Ha’s Ripening Potion, the kingdom has managed to gather 5,000 monster cavalry this time, and the number of flying monster cavalry alone exceeds 1,000.

  The major forces in the country are all nervous now, lest there will be accidents in the next operation. In order to reassure everyone, Hudson, the commander-in-chief of the army, had to come out to "perform".

   "Marshal, the Terran Alliance investigation team will arrive in the kingdom soon, Your Majesty invites you to discuss the matter!"

  The three major fleets of the Holy See were completely destroyed. Naturally, such a sensational incident on the mainland would not be easily subsided.

  In order to maintain the unity and stability within the human race, the human race alliance must intervene in the investigation. It's one thing to find out whether or not to find out, but political posture must be present.

"knew."

   Hudson replied blankly.

   The destruction of the Holy See fleet had nothing to do with him in the eyes of the outside world, but it was different in the eyes of the high-level kingdom.

   "Fighting off a ghost ship".

   "Strongly advocated leading the Holy See fleet northward".

   "The Ghost Ship Destroyed the Holy See's Three Fleets".

   Taken apart, each item is mediocre, but connected together is: "Strong strength + outstanding strategic vision".

  The ghost ship destroyed the Holy See fleet, which directly raised Hudson's force value in the eyes of the outside world. Many people speculated that Maxim became the Dragon King, and a small group of people suspected that Bear Stearns was the Bear King.

   Interpretation is impossible. If the outside world likes to misunderstand, it's okay to misunderstand. Hudson will not expose the true strength of his mount just to make everyone feel at ease.

   Hazy doubts are best. It is better to be fearful than to be despised, which can avoid many unnecessary troubles.

  …

   "Marshal Hudson is here!"

  The attendant's voice sounded, and the noisy hall fell silent instantly. Originally, this was the treatment of King Caesar IV, and now Hudson also enjoys it.

  Status stems from strength. After the successful calculation of the Holy See fleet, Hudson's status in the kingdom has become more and more detached.

  However, Hudson is still not drifting away. He is very clear that the special status he now enjoys is entirely based on the premise of the kingdom's needs.

   Once the war is over. No matter how detached the status he enjoys now, the fear he will receive in the future will be as serious.

  It has nothing to do with moral standards, it is entirely derived from interests.

  No one wants to see a situation where one family dominates. No matter how great his contribution is, no matter how good his friendship with all parties is, no one will be soft when it is time to restrict his actions.

  The best choice is to use the war period to accumulate enough strength, share a large piece of cake after the war, and then go home to farm.

   If you don't stay in the capital to be an eyesore, there will be no "master of high merit". Time can dilute everything. When Hudson is older, he should be worshiped on the altar by everyone.

  Of course, it is also possible that right after the war, there will be a lot of high hats presented to push him to the altar.

  Many times, fame and profit are opposite to each other. You can't have both, if you get too much fame, the actual benefits you can share will be reduced.

   It depends on the means of Caesar IV. If the operation goes well, it will be a good story of a monarch and his ministers; if the operation is wrong, it is not surprising that a powerful minister is created to take over the king.

   Just look at the Warhammer Kingdom. The last king, Joseph II, failed to balance the balance, making people inside and outside, and the kingdom was split into two.

  Nominally, his son succeeded to the throne, but in fact both of them were empty kings. The only ones who can issue orders are the royal palace and the royal leaders, and even the control over the royal leaders is very general.

   I don't know if he was waiting for him deliberately, but just as Hudson greeted everyone, the voice of "His Majesty the King is here" sounded outside the hall.

  The big man made his final appearance, and Caesar IV still grasped this point very well.

   Unlike Hudson, the arrival time is irregular, and it is possible to arrive early or late. It happened to be the penultimate arrival like today, and it was the first time.

  Even if it is just a coincidence, it will inevitably be interpreted politically if it falls into the eyes of someone with a heart.

   "Regarding the destruction of the Holy See fleet, the Terran Alliance has decided to set up an investigation team to investigate the ins and outs of the incident.

  As a member of the alliance, the kingdom should fully cooperate. Especially the nobles in the coastal areas must ensure the safety of the investigation team. "

  After hearing what Caesar IV said, Hudson couldn't help but feel happy. It seemed that the king couldn't hold back any longer, and wanted to jump out to gain a sense of presence.

  In the past, such topics were first discussed by the ministers of the DPRK and China, and after listening to the opinions of all parties, the king made a final decision.

  This kind of meaningless meeting, the great nobles from all over the world will naturally not make a special trip. Hudson, who regarded himself as a feudal noble, seldom participated in such meetings even if he was in the capital.

  Of course, the most important thing is that people did not invite. In name, it does not delay military affairs, but in fact, it does not want to have one more separation of powers.

  Caesar IV skipped the procedure to make a decision, which was also a matter between the king and the court ministers, and Hudson, who had nothing to do with himself, went straight into the sky.

   Regardless of who is investigating, the final conclusion will only be that the ghost ship committed the crime.

  "Pirates" have made trouble, what does that have to do with the kingdom?

  As soon as the Holy See fleet entered the kingdom's waters, the representative of the Alpha Kingdom sent a sea chart, and by the way reminded them of the risks in the foggy sea.

  If the officers of the Holy See are willing to listen to the persuasion, follow the example of the previous kingdom fleet, and honestly guard the gate of the misty sea area, waiting for the ghost ship to come out to hunt, the entire army will definitely not be wiped out.

  Seeing that no one responded below, Caesar IV frowned slightly. It's too disrespectful to him as a king. If it was in his father's era, who would dare to be so presumptuous!

  The idea of ​​changing people took root in Caesar IV's heart at this moment. Once the king and the courtiers, the new king can endure for several years without changing people, which is very rare in the whole continent.

   If he hadn't seen it with his own eyes, Hudson couldn't believe that Caesar IV could hold back for so long. If there is no accident, he will continue to endure it.

   Before the end of the Continental War, any political fluctuations are not allowed. Even the king, the current power is squeezed very severely.

  At present, apart from Hudson's general headquarters, the Kingdom's Military Affairs Department is the most powerful in the kingdom, and the rest of the kingdom's departments revolve around these two departments.

   Caesar IV, who was deprived of his military dominance, actually had very limited power in his hands.

   This is because the war has not yet started. Once the kingdom enters a state of war, the presence of the king will be even lower.

   "Since everyone has no opinion, let's settle the matter like this!

  East and West Warhammer Kingdoms can't count on it, and the foreign coalition forces are about to invade the Principality of Moxi. Marshal Hudson, how are you preparing for the army's expedition? "

   Caesar IV asked concerned.

  In recent days, the queen has often talked about his hometown in his ears. Although he was not directly asked to send troops, Caesar IV could still understand the meaning revealed.

   "Your Majesty, the army is currently in a state of running-in. After the various ministries are familiar with each other, they can send troops."

   Hudson said perfunctorily.

  When the army will act and how it will act are all highly classified military secrets. It is impossible for him to leak it before it is implemented.

  The king naturally wouldn't leak secrets on purpose, but it's hard to guarantee that there are no big mouthers around him. In case the news reaches the ears of foreign races and the enemy makes targeted deployments, it will be a complete disaster.

  As for the Principality of Moxi, he had already communicated. Just relying on him, Marshal Hudson, to lead the troops himself, is enough to shut their mouths.

   Specifically how to fight and when to intervene, then there is no need for laymen to direct experts.

  …

  On the holy mountain, looking at the information gathered in his hands, Pius VII was so angry that he didn't know how to comment.

   The news of "the entire fleet was destroyed" has been verified, but the actual situation is slightly different from what was expected.

   "Are you sure that the Alpha Kingdom's navy has not suffered heavy damage recently?"

   Pius VII asked concerned.

   He was barely able to accept that the entire army was wiped out by the enemy's sneak attack. But now all kinds of evidence point to the ghost ship.

  If the news is true, then the root cause of the fleet's entire army's destruction has become its own commander—too stupid.

   Pius VII had many issues to consider. Inbreeding in the Holy See was serious, and it had long been an open secret.

  The interior of the navy is so bad, what about the army?

  If the people in high positions are a bunch of idiots, the Holy See will be in danger. In name they are the top forces, but the real strength of Pius VII is really uncertain!

  Looking at the war launched against the dwarf kingdom, you can see that it clearly has an absolute advantage, but in the end it fell into a fierce battle.

  Two things are linked together, Pius VII's confidence in his own army, it was dropped again and again.

   "Your Majesty, we have verified this matter many times. The Alpha Kingdom has a complete naval fleet. Only three warships are currently returning to the factory for maintenance due to fighting pirates.

  If there is a sea battle with our fleet, their fleet will at least suffer heavy losses, if not completely destroyed.

   Only a few warships were slightly injured, that is impossible. "

  Ulisse replied with a serious face.

  Helping the enemy eliminate suspicion, he is not willing. But there is no way, the facts are in front of you, you can't just stick to the hat!

  Although he often does this kind of thing, the situation is obviously different now. If it is insisted that the Alpha Kingdom did it, the two sides will inevitably go to war.

  Don’t say that the Human Race Alliance refused to agree, and even the Holy See couldn’t pass it.

  It is not easy to live a rich life, and no one is willing to gamble with uncertainty. The destruction of the three major fleets ruined not only the warships, but also everyone's confidence in the Holy See.

   "Who recommended those idiots?

  Leading the fleet into the sea of ​​mist, what the Alpha people dare not do, why would they dare to do it? "

   Pius VII asked almost roaringly.

  The survivors of the fleet were either hunted and killed by "pirates" or executed as "pirates". Even the link of extorting confessions was omitted.

   Lacking first-hand information, the conclusions of Alpha Kingdom's brain supplements have become the standard version of the answer, which directly affects the judgment of the Holy See.

   Except that the fleet went deep into the misty sea and was attacked by a ghost ship, no one could think of a more reasonable explanation.

   "Your Majesty, there is no point in pursuing these now. Judging from the results of the battlefield, the ghost ship that attacked our fleet is likely to be the legendary ghost ship in the sanctuary.

  If the guess is correct, then the Alpha Kingdom has assembled a fleet to destroy the ghost ship, but it has not taken action for a long time, which can also be explained.

   It is said that before this, the fleet of the Dalton family suffered heavy losses in the fight against the ghost ship. Even if Hudson took the shot himself, it only repelled the ghost ship.

  With a dragon suspected to be the Dragon King + an adult Earth Bear, and a large number of warships providing fire support, it is really unreasonable not to keep the eighth-order ghost ship.

  Perhaps it was the Kingdom of Alpha, knowing the power of the ghost ship, that deliberately lured us to go north, playing with a borrowed knife to kill people. "

  Ulise spoke persuasively.

  Pursuing responsibility is a major event that affects the whole body. Once the lid of cronyism is lifted, it is very difficult to put it back on.

  If things get worse and expose the dark side of the Holy See, the adverse effects will only be greater.

  The strength of the ghost ship was overestimated to the holy level, and those who originally wanted to send people to investigate also chose to shut up at this moment.

  The loss of the Holy See this time is already very serious. If they continue to send people there, they will be sending heads to the ghost ship.

"snort!"

   With a cold shout, a huge aura emanated from Pius VII, causing everyone to retreat one after another.

  The faces of the people who reacted instantly turned cloudy.

   "Congratulations, Your Majesty, for breaking through the sanctuary!"

  …

  The continuous sound of congratulations dispelled the dark clouds over everyone's heads, at least on the bright side.

   As for whether Pius VII had just broken through the sanctuary, or had broken through a long time ago, deliberately hiding his strength from the outside world, this is not important at all, the key is to break through.

   They were all forced out, and the position of Pope Pius VII was also shaken by repeated accidents.

   If you don't break through the sanctuary and bring back a wave of prestige for yourself, maybe the people below will abolish the pope in series.

"alright!

  The grievances of the Alpha people, we will settle with them in the future. Once the reason for the annihilation of the entire army is found, the matter will come to an end for the time being.

   Next, everyone needs to do a good job of comforting the families of the officers and soldiers who died in battle. They are the most loyal soldiers of the Holy See, and their affairs must be handled properly. "

   Pius VII said pretending to be sentimental.

  Regarding the news of his breaking through the sanctuary, he kept his mouth shut and only talked about the aftermath of the fallen officers and soldiers. If this wave of operations spreads to the bottom, it will definitely gain a large number of supporters.

   Seeing this scene, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Those who can enter here are supported by an interest group behind them, and there are naturally many of them in the navy.

  Once the table is overturned and the responsibility is investigated in depth, even if it is not directly taken off the water, it will not look good in face!

  …

  (end of this chapter)