153: Chapter 153 Helena's Report! Delegation of Authority! The Women's Shock!

Beside the carriage window.

Rowan, hearing this, separated slightly from Vanessa.

He leaned back against the chair casually, revealing a listening expression, and said: "Speak."

Helena began her report, her expression serious:

"Synthesizing the existing intelligence, it can be summarized into the following points."

"First, regarding the military situation."

"Vanguard beast hordes have been confirmed on the outskirts of Black Mountain and Purple Thorn, primarily consisting of Ice Demon Wolves and Frost-Maned Wild Boars, with an estimated total exceeding eight hundred."

"There are indeed signs of large-scale beast hordes gathering in the direction of Howling Wind Gorge, but the specific quantity and composition are not yet clear."

"The reinforcements withdrawn by the Lance Family mainly include one Senior Knight and two Official Knights."

"Miss Cecilia noted that there is a two-fold discrepancy in the descriptions of the beast horde numbers at Black Stone Pass between the two reconnaissance reports. It is recommended to verify this area as a priority in subsequent reconnaissance."

"Second, logistics and military strength."

"The first batch of reinforcements from Gino City, totaling 120 cavalry, 400 infantry, and 50 craftsmen and auxiliary troops, carrying ten days of rations and standard combat supplies, including two Official Knights, departed on time this afternoon."

"The subsequent second batch of reinforcements and more supplies will need to be coordinated and sent by Deputy Commander Portia, depending on frontline consumption and road conditions."

"Miss Adeline and Miss Charlotte assessed that the segment of the current march route through Broken Spine Gorge is too narrow, causing the convoy to move slowly."

"The current grain distribution plan does not fully account for extra consumption caused by extreme weather and potential delays; it is recommended to reserve at least a ten percent emergency buffer."

"Third, communication and coordination."

"Miss Isabelle's analysis of documents from various parties shows that the officers left behind by the Lance Family at Lin Valley City have a passive attitude and may abandon the city and flee. We need to be alert to the defense line being breached there."

"The three Viscounts of Ice Lake City gave vague replies, only indicating they are paying attention."

"Several small lords in the surrounding area mostly hold a wait-and-see attitude or raise various difficulties. Only one Baron has clearly stated that he can provide a small amount of militia and arrow support."

"Fourth, the remaining forces in Gino City."

"Chief Jeremy has already begun to take over part of the duties of the replaced officials according to The Count's instructions and has made initial contact with the personnel remaining from the Bryce Family."

"Deputy Commander Gareth has strengthened the guard at the four gates and patrols within the city."

Rowan listened and looked at Helena with some surprise.

Her report was clear and organized, with primary and secondary points distinguished. It contained both objective statements of fact and risk warnings and suggestions based on analyses by team members. Finally, she did not forget to mention the personnel arrangements that The Count cared about.

To be able to integrate and refine such complex information in such a short time was truly not easy.

After the report finished, the carriage was quiet for a moment.

Vanessa's gaze toward Helena now carried undisguised admiration and a hint of probing.

This woman was not only stunningly beautiful, but her meticulous thinking, clear logic, and concise language made her a rare talent for handling government affairs!

This guy beside her had really picked up a treasure.

A flash of satisfaction clearly passed through Rowan's eyes as well.

In his vision, the future female official cabinet needed a Chief Minister of Internal Affairs who could oversee the overall situation and organize complex, trivial matters in an orderly manner.

The qualities Helena had just displayed were exactly what he needed.

Calm, meticulous, efficient, and knowing how to utilize the team and delegate tasks.

Given time and a little experience, she could surely become his capable right-hand woman, freeing him from fragmented, trivial matters.

He did not immediately evaluate her report but instead calmly threw out another question, his gaze remaining on Helena's face:

"In your opinion, given the current situation, what should be done next?"

As soon as these words came out, not only was Helena slightly startled, but even Vanessa raised her eyebrows slightly and looked at Rowan.

On such an important military decision, he was directly asking for the opinion of a young woman who had just come into contact with core information and whose status was only that of a newly recruited maid?

This test, or rather, trust, was perhaps a bit too bold.

Adeline and Charlotte also showed expressions of surprise.

Cecilia's eyes flickered, deep in thought.

Isabelle looked at Helena with some worry.

Helena was indeed surprised; her heart skipped a beat. A flash of astonishment crossed her eyes, but it was quickly replaced by more calm contemplation.

She knew this was not just a test of her ability to analyze information, but also a test of her strategic ability to make on-the-spot decisions and propose feasible plans.

Opportunity and risk coexisted.

She did not flinch. After a moment of contemplation, she spoke with a hint of caution:

"The current priority lies in stability and speed."

"Stability lies in consolidating the existing defense lines of Black Mountain and Purple Thorn and boosting the morale of the garrison."

"After The Count arrives, he should immediately inspect the city defenses, comfort the soldiers, and distribute some rewards to stabilize the morale."

"At the same time, capable personnel must be sent to investigate the movements of the beast hordes in detail, especially the signs that there might be intelligent magical beasts in command, and verify the enemy situation at key nodes like Black Stone Pass to avoid misjudgment."

"Speed lies in quickly opening up connections with various defense lines, and even communication channels with Ice Lake City."

"We can send people familiar with etiquette and documentation, holding The Count's orders, to contact surrounding nobles and explain the pros and cons."

"If we can win over some troops from other nobles to coordinate the defense, or obtain material support from Ice Lake City, the pressure can be reduced."

"For the Baron who is willing to provide support, we should immediately give a clear response and commendation to encourage others to follow."

"And for those who still refuse to help with the defense after seeing The Count's orders..."

Speaking of this, Helena paused:

"We can deal with them accordingly later."

Rowan listened and pondered slightly.

Immediately after, he did something that surprised everyone in the carriage except Vanessa.

He casually raised his finger and said:

"Since that is the case, follow this line of thought. Draft replies to the officials stationed in Gino City, as well as Black Mountain and Purple Thorn, and convey the instructions."

"You decide on the specific wording."

Draft replies?!

Convey instructions?!

As soon as these words fell, the carriage suddenly went quiet for an instant.

Drafting official replies issued in the name of The Count—this was not just paperwork; it signified a form of delegated authority!

Especially at this critical juncture of heading to the front line, the content of these letters would directly affect rear support and frontline coordination!

Vanessa turned her head sharply, her beautiful eyes fixed on Helena, her gaze full of scrutiny, surprise, and a hint of indescribable depth.

She re-evaluated this girl who looked stunningly beautiful and had a calm temperament.

Rowan had actually handed over such important decision-making power to her after just one test?

What kind of trust was this?

Or was it... a deeper form of control and taming that she had not yet fully understood?

The weight of this woman in Rowan's heart was likely far beyond her estimation.

Adeline, Charlotte, and Isabelle also looked at Helena in shock, their eyes complex.

Cecilia frowned slightly, her gaze shifting between Helena and Rowan, and she adjusted her assessment of the mission again.

This Earl was not only lecherous, but his actions were also truly unfathomable, and his appointment of talent was so bold it bordered on reckless.

Could it be because he knew he was a useless noble, so he might as well delegate power to professionals?

However, her mercenary career from a young age made her clearly know—

Power is never an object to be lent out casually.

It carries fame and fortune, breeds ambition, and is the most bone-eroding bait for human greed in the world.

Giving away power seems worry-free and effortless, but in reality, it is digging the source of chaos.

With just a piece of paper for an appointment, how can one lock up human greed and guarantee that those holding great power will remain loyal forever?

The light outside the window moved slightly, dyeing her lowered eyelashes a pale gold.

A sharper sense of vigilance had already grown quietly like a vine.

Helena herself was shocked after hearing this. She raised her head abruptly, her black eyes filled with disbelief.

She even doubted if she had heard wrong.

Drafting letters? Conveying instructions?

This... was too sudden!

She was not a little girl who didn't understand anything.

She knew—

This was true, overwhelming power!

But seeing Rowan's amber eyes, calm and waveless yet carrying an unquestionable meaning.

Helena quickly forced herself to calm down.

Countless thoughts flew through her mind.

This was also an unprecedented opportunity, a shortcut to gain The Count's trust and demonstrate her value.

Moreover, since The Count had given the order in public, she had no room to retreat.

She took a deep breath, suppressed her pounding heart, and her face returned to its usual calmness, though her earlobes were slightly flushed.

She bowed to Rowan and said:

"Yes, My Lord. Helena... will obey."

She turned, walked back to the desk, spread out new parchment, ground the ink, and picked up the pen.

Her movements were still elegant, but her fingertips trembled slightly.

Rowan watched her beautiful silhouette sitting at the desk, concentrating on her thoughts, and the corners of his mouth curled into an almost imperceptible, faint smile.

That slightly pursed red lip, the long lowered eyelashes, the intellectual calmness exuded when focusing on the documents...

Not bad.

Very good.

Not only does she have ability and character, she knows how to seize opportunities and can withstand pressure.

She is a piece of unpolished jade worth carefully carving and entrusting with important tasks.

After this incident ends, she will be the second one after Cecilia.

He still needed to investigate her extraordinary traits more deeply.

The carriage continued to speed towards the snowy north, and inside the carriage, it was as warm as spring.