149: Chapter 149 Vanessa's Message! Alliance! Temporary Advisory Group!

Reception room.

Rowan looked at the visiting Vanessa, his heart stirred slightly.

She had already sent capable retainers to the Purple Thorn Territory beforehand to stabilize the situation.

Since she had come to the castle in person now, she perhaps had more specific intelligence regarding the beast tide.

Thus, he asked directly:

"Vanessa, do you have more news regarding this border beast tide?"

Upon hearing this, Vanessa chuckled:

"The Count is perceptive. The situation is indeed not very optimistic; it may not be as simple as an ordinary winter beast tide harassment."

She thought for a moment, then lowered her voice:

"Among the retainers I sent to Purple Thorn City, there is a knight who is well-versed in military affairs and has dealt with beast tides for years. The messenger he sent brought back some analysis."

According to his observations, the beast herds gathered at Howling Wind Gorge were coordinating their movements, unlike typical beast tides that charge blindly based on instinct.

As she spoke, Vanessa paused, then said word for word: "My retainer judges that behind this beast tide, it is highly likely that there is a Great Knight-level intelligent magical beast secretly directing and coordinating it!"

"Intelligent magical beast? Great Knight level?"

Rowan heard this, his brows furrowing slightly.

This was far more troublesome than a purely ferocious beast tide.

Once magical beasts reach the Great Knight level, they all develop intelligence and can even speak human language.

Powerful magical beasts possessing intelligence approximating that of humans not only know how to employ tactics but can also drive and command low-level beast herds, causing the threat level to rise exponentially.

Vanessa continued:

"Moreover, the timing is too coincidental."

"Not long after the Lance Family's reinforcements were withdrawn from the defense line, the beast tide's offensive suddenly intensified, focusing strikes on the key nodes of Black Mountain and Purple Thorn, which store some of the defensive magic ballistae."

"This does not look like a random attack; it is more like they are deliberately consuming our defensive equipment and living forces to clear obstacles for a subsequent all-out attack."

Her analysis was clear and logical, pointing straight to the core; clearly, she had discussed it repeatedly with her staff before coming.

"So, what is your suggestion?" Rowan asked.

Vanessa did not avoid Rowan's gaze, her voice firm: "I implore The Count to depart immediately and go to the front line in person."

"The soldiers and civilians of Black Mountain and Purple Thorn are currently in a panic. If The Count were to personally oversee the situation, even just appearing on the city walls would greatly boost morale and stabilize the army's heart."

"Furthermore, only with you personally present can we coordinate the overall situation, harmonize the forces of all parties, and make the most timely decisions."

"If you remain in Gino City to command from afar, information will be delayed, there will be too many variables, and once the front line is lost..."

Going to the front line... Rowan sighed in his heart.

This was indeed the most reasonable and unavoidable choice.

He had just ascended to the position of Earl, his foundation was not yet stable, and his prestige was not yet established.

If he were to hole up in the rear out of fear of battle at this time, watching idly as the front-line cities fell and his people suffered.

That would not be like the previous beauty pageant; it would truly make him the laughingstock of the North.

Even the Empire and the Provincial Governor's Office would take the opportunity to hold him accountable.

By then, let alone managing his garden, I'm afraid even this position of Earl would not be secure.

"It seems I must go." Rowan figured out the pros and cons almost instantly and made his decision.

A lord's glory and responsibility are two sides of the same coin.

While enjoying the offerings of his people, he must also shoulder the responsibility of protecting them.

However. Making the resolution was easy, but the actual implementation was somewhat difficult.

Who could he take with him? The thinness of his family's foundation was a fatal flaw.

Aside from his loyal head maid, Elise, who had some strength, he had no one else around him. He was essentially a commander without an army.

Elena and Mira each had their own territorial affairs to deal with.

The old folks from White Cliff Territory didn't even have a single Official Knight, and they were not worth mentioning.

Therefore, he had thought of ways to hold a beauty pageant to cultivate his own true direct forces.

He needed advisors, staff familiar with military affairs, and assistants capable of handling paperwork, coordinating logistics, and analyzing intelligence.

But among these, in the Gino County bureaucratic system he had hastily taken over, who could he completely trust?

The old retainers of the former Count Farrell? The potential influence of Duke Witton was like an undissipated cloud.

The new head of finance, Jeremy Fisher? He might be good at making money, but he was a layman in military affairs.

It seemed he could only rely on that group from the City Guard.

But he had his own misgivings. It was still Duke Witton!

The other party had previously been able to directly influence the church in Gino City and even the city's magic array, brazenly launching an assassination attempt against Aria.

Who could guarantee that in this Gino County military and political system that Count Farrell had managed for hundreds of years, more hidden pawns hadn't been planted?

As a vassal for many years, how many officials' promotions in the City Guard and City Hall had the shadow of the Duke's mansion behind them?

Elena knew very little about these matters and could not provide effective reference.

While he was holding the fort in the city, relying on the authority of the city lord and the residual power of the church, he might still be able to suppress these people and let the Fisher Family barely control the situation.

But after he left, could he still command the rear?

The church's power could protect his castle, but the church people could not intervene in the methods of the bureaucratic system.

The fleeting dilemma between Rowan's brows did not escape Vanessa's eyes.

This was precisely another important reason why she had come in person.

She spoke at the right moment, her voice regaining some of its usual composure, yet carrying clear sincerity:

"Regarding The Count's worries, perhaps Vanessa can provide some help. The Bryce Family has guarded the West for generations, and we have also raised some capable retainers."

"Among them, there is no lack of experienced administrative officers and military advisors."

She began to list them like counting her own treasures:

"For example, my captain of the guard, Knight Raymond, once served in the Empire's Azure Blade Legion for ten years, participated in the suppression of the hill barbarians, and is skilled in small-scale troop deployment and mountain defensive warfare."

"My scribe, Old Vincent, once served as a clerk for a major city's garrison, and he is well-versed in military supply procurement procedures."

"And there is Ms. Martha; although she is my internal affairs manager, her family has been in the mercenary business for generations and has a good understanding of the habits of magical beasts."

She listed a few people, all with their own specialties and reliable resumes, clearly intending to showcase the Bryce Family's talent reserves.

"If The Count does not mind," Vanessa bowed slightly, a glimmer in her eyes, "I am willing to lend these retainers to your command for the time being to form a temporary staff to assist you in handling front-line and rear-area military affairs."

"I wonder what The Count thinks?"

After listening, Rowan narrowed his eyes slightly and looked at Vanessa.

He understood the other party's meaning.

The Bryce Family would provide people and strategies to assist Rowan in dealing with the crisis.

And Rowan would need to use his status as city lord to insert people from the Bryce Family into the Gino County bureaucratic system.

This was a mutually beneficial cooperation, sharing risks and sharing benefits.

As for afterwards, he could certainly remove these people from their posts, but to actually do so was obviously impossible...

Rowan looked at Vanessa.

Her expression at this moment was serious and frank.

She had indeed proposed a plan that was hard to refuse.

In his current state as a commander without an army, this temporary staff provided by Vanessa was undoubtedly help in a time of need.

As for the alliance, it was only natural. After this incident, the relationship between the two sides would only become closer.

After a moment of thought, Rowan did not hesitate too much and nodded, saying: "Very well. I will remember the assistance of the Bryce Family."

"Now, I will go make arrangements, and then we will head to City Hall together to discuss subsequent matters. You should have your list and plan prepared, right?"

"Of course, The Count." A satisfied smile appeared on Vanessa's face.

She had guessed right; this young Earl, although sometimes acting unexpectedly, did not lack decisiveness and a pragmatic spirit at critical moments.

Looking at his handsome face and sturdy build, a barely perceptible blur flashed in her eyes, and she licked her lips slightly.