Going south along the Reik River, Rhodes followed the large army to Altdorf, the capital of the empire. On the deck, everyone was talking about politics and women. Only Rhodes remained silent. But no one noticed that this Kislev
In just three months since the Northern Lord came to the Empire, the number of followers around him has doubled, and many of them are Imperial people...
A large number of carriages and horses drove through the main gate of Altdorf. Rhodes noticed that there were many more poor people gathered outside the city than three months ago. They must be refugees from Marienburg who were displaced during the war. However,
, the emperor and politicians would not say this to the outside world, they would only say that this was a slight increase in the number of poor people caused by the failure of crops in winter.
In fact, the citizens of Altdorf have long been accustomed to the poor people outside the city, to the point of turning a blind eye. No one cares about their life or death. It should be said that the people in the city are also working hard to survive and have no time to care about others.
In the evening, the banquet came as scheduled.
There were all kinds of delicacies on the long table. It seemed that famous chefs from all over the world had gathered in Altdorf, the emperor's palace, and plates of delicious dishes were served. Fragrant oxtail soup, walnut crisp, grape salad, crab pie,
Poached eel with spices and quail in cream, each dish was paired with a corresponding wine. It was like a grand triumphal banquet. What's ridiculous is that those soldiers who really bled and died on the battlefield were camping in the cold wind outside the city.
"Maybe I should bring this cook to my place."
"Hahaha, you can ask Louis Bird for it. He's just a cook. He won't be so stingy."
"I know his temper best."
Maximian and Todd Bollinger chatted, and after finishing speaking, the two looked at each other and laughed.
The knights under them were chatting about which brothel in Altdorf had more plump women. Some of these knights were inherited from their families, some were bought with money, and some were even mercenaries. In short, their identities were complex.
As long as you are loyal to the lord, you will have the opportunity to be promoted. There are people from three religions and nine schools. Unlike the knights of Bretonnia, they are basically the same blood. So you can't expect them to be very high in quality.
Rhodes sat aside, holding a walnut cake in his hand, taking a bite of each, and tasting the wines from various places. The wine from Bretonnia is still as fragrant as the vodka, which still needs to be brewed locally in Kislev to produce that taste. At least.
The beer brewed by the dwarves is good, but the alcohol content is always surprisingly high, and not everyone can bear it.
"Everyone, please put down the delicious food in your hands for a moment and listen to what I have to say."
The festive atmosphere of the banquet was interrupted by a high-pitched voice. Everyone present turned their heads and looked at the main seat. That was where the emperor and electors sat, located in the middle of the banquet hall. Ivey led the electors
Marius Leitdorf raised his glass and said with a smile.
Rhodes was still very impressed with this person. When he first came to the empire to warn the emperor, this guy was the most arrogant. Of course, he did have the capital to be arrogant. The Ivey territory was vast, and its territory was even larger than that of Kisri.
It is even bigger than the empire, with abundant ore, timber and other resources, and a large population. In terms of strength alone, the overall strength of a province like Kislev in the empire even exceeds that of the entire country of Kislev.
"Thanks to the gods, we have achieved a great victory."
"You should be grateful to Rhodes. He turned the tide of the war and saved the lives of countless Imperial soldiers!"
Marius's passionate speech was directly rejected by Maximian, the Elector of Osterland. Indeed, what Maximian said was true. This battle has nothing to do with the gods or other forces outside the three northern provinces.
It was the combined forces of Osterland, Nordland and Ostermarkland and the garrison of Marienburg that jointly defeated the Norscan invaders. Even the emperor's army was late in arriving, let alone starting from the beginning.
In the end, there was no sign of sending troops from the southern provinces. It is impossible to say that the northern provinces had no opinions on this matter. What Maximian said was generally the complaint in the hearts of the other two electors.
"Okay, okay, let's not mention this. What I want to say is that no matter what, we defeated the invasion of the Norscan tribe. This is something worth celebrating."
"Cheers to this great victory!"
Marius ignored Maximian's admiration for Rhodes, skipped the topic, and turned to the celebration. He picked up the wine glass and drank it in one gulp. Seeing this scene, everyone couldn't say anything more and raised their glasses.
Drinks flow freely and the atmosphere becomes warm and festive again.
Taking advantage of the hilarious mood, Marius continued his speech. He put down the wine glass with one hand, raised the other hand with a ruby ring, and stopped it in the air.
"However, simply celebrating victory is not enough."
When Marius changed the topic, everyone stopped what they were doing, whether they were eating delicious food, drinking fine wine, or teasing the maids...
"The empire cannot forget the blood shame, and the blood of the soldiers cannot be shed in vain! The Norscans came and left. But the trauma they brought to this land is indelible."
Marius Leitdorf clenched his fists and said loudly.
At this point, Rhodes had already guessed the topic he was going to talk about next, which was also something that Rhodes had been worried about. Unfortunately, it still happened...
"So, I swear in the name of my family that I will make these barbarians pay with blood. For the bloodshed of the imperial soldiers and for the innocent civilians of Marion."
It has to be said that the lords and electors of the empire may not be at the forefront when fighting. However, they have their own way of speaking and inspiring people. Marius spoke loudly, with a cadence in his voice, and with sensational facial movements.
, instantly aroused the enthusiasm of the Imperial Knights present. Coupled with the influence of alcohol, many people had the urge to gear up.
"When did the great empire, the rich Marienburg, be so insulted by the barbarians? This is not only a provocation, a plunder, but also an insult. For the glory of the empire, I suggest organizing a Northern Expedition to attack Norsca
The tribes swept through, slaughtering all they saw, and letting the glory of the Empire shine through the dark, cold lands of Norscan."
Marius said loudly, the imperial generals and knights below were already sharpening their swords and couldn't hold back, and the noise was everywhere.
Following this emotion, Marius continued to stir up the emotion until——
"The legions of Iverland are ready and assembled. We will penetrate deep into the territory of the Norscans and burn their villages and towns. The army of the Empire will set off a storm and destroy all entrenched enemies of decay and darkness."
"I'm afraid your legion was blown away by the storm at sea before it even reached it."
Marius's passionate speech was interrupted by Maximian's cold words.