Lord of Winter: Beginning with Daily Intelligence Chapter 679 - 388: Red Tide’s Blade (Part 2)

Red Tide's headquarters commands 3,650 soldiers, completely devoted and armed with state-of-the-art gear.

Duke Edmund's veteran forces, encompassing the Broken Blade, Cold Iron, and Silver Tooth brigades, got reorganized into a formidable 5,000-man force.

Through these past years of joint combat, shared pay, and distributed lands—particularly for the Cold Iron brigade—they've shifted allegiance. No longer bound solely to Edmund's banner, they now obey Red Tide's directives."

"The numbers suffice," Louis nodded, "yet they're still insufficient."

His statement sounded paradoxical, yet Lambert grasped the underlying point.

Once, armies were measured purely by headcount, but since the Nest clash, none risked depending on quantity alone.

Louis raised a finger to start enumerating: "Several key matters demand your vigilant attention ahead."

"Firstly, refine combined maneuvers. Shed knights' arrogance and adapt to assaults shielded by steam war vehicles, coordinating with Magic Burst grenadiers.

When future wars erupt, knights won't lead with infantry following; the full line surges as one."

Secondly, bolster specialized units. Double the White Bear Heavy Cavalry to shatter defensive formations.

Boost flamethrower squads and demolition crews; vital against monster swarms or brutal street combat."

Lambert inclined his head faintly.

Louis set aside his goblet, leaned in a touch, and declared gravely, "However, Lambert, my next words outweigh even that steam war vehicle in value. I intend to impose a fresh regulation on this force."

Lambert straightened at once: "Speak freely, sir."

"It's straightforward." Louis lifted one finger, "Starting today, no Red Tide knight—be it during bandit hunts or patrols—may seize so much as a crust of bread from common folk.

Forbid rampaging through hamlets on horseback; return all borrowed items. Whoever reverts to old habits, claiming life's risks justify grabbing a fowl, yank their honors and expel them from the ranks."

Lambert paused briefly, furrowing his brow: "Sir... enforcing that could prove challenging."

The commander replied candidly: "Such harsh standards might spark grumbles from the ranks, deeming us overly... finicky."

"Grumbles?" Louis laughed softly, his grin laced with profound intent, "Lambert, should we venture beyond Red Tide lands to claim others, what looms as our biggest dread?"

"A foe knights' retaliation or hidden enemy strikes," Lambert responded tactically.

"Wrong." Louis denied with a headshake, "Our true nightmare: stationing half our troops to suppress revolts in captured cities."

Louis rose and approached the massive Northern Territory chart, sliding his finger across foreign domains.

"Lambert, should we plunder like other nobles—army as locusts devouring coin, food, women—how would the populace perceive us?

They'd brand us mere brigands. Grain would vanish into hiding, foes warned..."

Louis pivoted to face Lambert, voice turning utterly matter-of-fact: "But suppose we stand apart?"

"Picture our troops entering a settlement undisturbed, buying supplies, mending paths—what become we to those long-plundered peasants?"

Lambert blurted instinctively, "A... ally?"

"A liberator." Louis amended, "Folks ready to fling wide their gates."

Louis sank back onto the seat, reclaiming his goblet, tone casual but edged with icy strategy:

"Such is the backing I seek. Not saintly virtue, but thrift in coin and lives.

Let our fame precede us southward; locals hearing Red Tide approaches won't panic but welcome relief.

To claim a city then, dispatch a collector to raise our standard—no garrisons required."

Lambert stared, stunned. Lifelong warrior fixated on slaying foes, he'd never viewed civilian restraint as cunning encirclement.

"This strikes at hearts." Louis tapped his torso, "Red Tide must resonate deeper in folk souls than the Emperor's edicts."

"Thus, Lambert, feign or not, enforce gentlemanly conduct."

Louis's tone dropped, laced with iron authority: "Warn the troops: sullying Red Tide's honor equals shattering all rice bowls.

Victory yields shared loot, treasury bounties lavished. But pilfer from peasants privately? Lose the thieving limb.

Knights aren't alley bullies. Act as night-path torch holders; overzealous sparks ignite homes, feeble glows fail to guide. Instill this equilibrium."

Lambert drew a steadying breath, awe supplanting prior doubt in his gaze.

He'd pegged it as the young lord's quirkish purity, unaware it masked world-devouring hunger.

"I get it, sir."

Lambert rose, saluting with unprecedented gravity. "This force shall serve as your blade and Red Tide's purest emblem."

Louis approved with a nod: "Depart, hone this edge sharper—we'll soon slash the decayed empire's arteries.

When imperial strife ignites, this ancient monster's blood will gush unbound.