Also coming with him were Lieutenant Bernard de Rouault, the permanent commander of the 603 Squadron, Test Warrant Officer Sarst Gniff and Test Sergeant Fenrir Gunter.
Griffith had read the archives about them in advance and knew that Lieutenant Bernard was originally a cavalry officer. The 603rd Test Squadron was established due to lack of manpower. Although the test mission came directly from the assignment from the Reserve Army Headquarters, the superiors were very uneasy about an officer with an engineering background being responsible for command and training, so they transferred Bernard who signed up on his own initiative. After all, even if Bernard doesn't understand artillery and new weapons, the cavalry force is Beyeland's own son. If he is responsible for daily management, at least there will be no worries about the troop getting out of control.
According to Griffith's informant and the report of the Senamon test warrant officer who took orders from him during the Battle of Verona, Lieutenant Bernard was extremely active in the development and testing of new technologies after joining the army, and even participated in front-line testing of new equipment many times regardless of the danger. . Combining his own combat experience, he believed that the future and significance of artillery lay in maneuvering, surprise attacks and emergency reinforcements, and that they should be able to keep up with the rapid march of cavalry and infantry. To this end, he worked hard to improve the structure of artillery vehicles and applied to the reserve army headquarters to reduce the diameter of the artillery barrel to reduce weight. He wanted to kick out all the heavy artillery and only use 8-pound or 6-pound guns for combat. This view put him at odds with the other test officers in his squadron.
Warrant Officer Sast is a weirdo. There may have been a knight in his family a hundred years ago, but in his generation there were not many of them. This man doesn't want to get married, he's a heavy drinker, he likes to brag, he never thinks about having any spare money, and he lives his life one day at a time. What everyone hates most about him is his big mouth of defeatism. Even with such a powerful force as the Teutonic Cluster, he always muttered depressing words such as "It's over, it's over," and "Our army is going to be defeated." He even likes to say that we can't defeat the orc masters, that the orcs can sail on dry land and that the new dynasty is elegant.
The strangest thing about this man is that he is extremely fond of heavy artillery. A group of testers represented by him all said that "caliber is justice" and "the larger the caliber, the more pious the faith". For this reason, the "heavy artillery faction" headed by Sast and the lieutenant's "cavalry artillery faction" dislike each other.
In his small report, Sennamon respectfully drew the attention of his benefactor Griffith. These two people may bring displeasure to the beautiful Miss Larmore. They must not be allowed to appear together in front of the Countess for discussion. military affairs.
Sergeant Major Fenrir is a man in his thirties, with a cold expression and few words. He had been an engineer and came from the northern border. His wife and daughter died in an orc attack. He worked as a worker in the newly built artillery factory for a short period of time. After being drafted, he joined the test squadron, hoping to bring his own cannon to the front line. Unlike the lieutenants and warrant officers, there was a kind of resolute perseverance and determination in his eyes, like a haystack lit by sparks that could ignite a raging fire at any time.
Griffith met them one by one and asked, "Where is Lanzada?"
This girl disguised as a man is smart, brave, and completely obedient to Griffith's orders. Although she is not a professional soldier, with the help of such a cleric, Griffith can obtain first-hand information about the Angevin girls.
"Captain, Lanzada has not returned from Anjou." Paxiu Wamou immediately answered loudly. He had been waiting for the opportunity to talk to his hero, and this was his chance. However, after he said this, he didn't know what to say.
Desai added: "Captain, there has been fighting for several days. The Saint led more than 3,000 militiamen to repel the orcs' intrusion. According to the latest news, the Saint prepared to stabilize the situation and led the militia to Teutoburg. The prince helps out.”
The northern border of the Odessa region has been harassed by orcs for some time, and it is reasonable for the people there to unite around various churches to form militias. Griffith nodded and didn't ask about the matter for the time being. He is a third-level assault squadron leader and a quasi-knight, and tonight he and Sonia will attend a reception ball in Odessa.
…
Odessa is a beautiful city of white stones and blue tiles, the most magnificent gems and the most prosperous market in the north. The white city walls surround the cliffs beside the blue sea. The clear Bey River passes through the city and merges into the sea at the port. The river is dotted with 72 white arch bridges, like pearls on a necklace.
It has the largest port and shipyard in the north. It is located at the southernmost tip of the city, on the shore of the Sea of Tranquility, protected by cliffs, walls and fortresses. The nearby high walls are covered with trebuchets and arrow towers, and even demigods will be daunted by such a defense line.
After arriving at the port, distinguished guests can change into a comfortable yacht and go along the river to the city square in the city center.
There stood the wonder of the north, the magnificent and majestic summer palace, which was also the chamber of the Odessa Senate. The square in front of the Summer Palace is the same as the square in Beyeland. It is surrounded by buildings and parks. It is paved with cobblestones from the White Stone River. It is so large that it is more than enough for two legions.
As night falls, the distant and solemn bells of the Summer Palace reach my ears. Sonia held her hand on the side of the boat and looked at the beautiful city on the river bank with curiosity. Tonight, she was invited to the welcoming ball together with the prince and the Byeland nobles as distinguished guests and brave reinforcements.
The autumn evening is intoxicatingly comfortable, and the citizens walking on both sides of the Bey River are wearing silk and thin cloths in bright and rich colors.
Sonia, who had done her homework beforehand, tugged at Griffith's sleeve and pointed him to the trade area in the south of the city. There is the largest market in the north, and there is an endless stream of people coming and going every day. Half of the city's banks, hotels, chambers of commerce and trading centers are located here. Products from all over the world can be purchased here. Without Beyeland, this would be the center of the world.
Across the river to the east of the market is the old city, which was once an ancient coastal fortress and surrounding small villages. The ancient charm still exists there, but it has become a dark alley. It is said that there is a trade guild of assassins who lurk in the shadows, and Bjelan's intelligence department and spies from all sides come and go there every day.
The hills to the west of the city are the domain of noble spellcasters. Wizards are both nobles and masters here. Thriving trade brought them shiny dust crystals and rare materials. As we go up the river, we can see the flickering light of ice and fire elements colliding on the top of the mountain, and the dazzling arcane brilliance is like the Milky Way falling to the ground.
This is also a city of believers of the Holy Light. The cathedral is located in the square in the center of the city and to the north of the Summer Palace. Those who live in the grain-producing areas and plains north of Odessa are devout believers. It is said that in the era when the church cultivated saints, beautiful girls would bring blessings to everyone on every important festival. Thousands of believers gathered in the square and called the saints with cheers.
…
The yacht arrived at the pier near the Summer Palace Square on the Bay River. Many beautiful boats have been docked here, and the nobles who came to attend the ball changed their clothes on the boats, and then walked across the square to the summer palace.
Griffith took off his breastplate and put on a long gown with red stripes and black bottom. He turned around in front of the dressing mirror, took off his coat, and put on the fine mail armor that he no longer wore often under the coat.
He looked at the brightly lit summer palace on the shore. All the people coming and going were men and women in gorgeous clothes, singing and dancing. There was no sign of tension or danger of an imminent war. A part of the storm trooper squadron was brought by Lieutenant Lean and gathered on the shore to guard.
When he thought that Prince Beyeland, the nobles, and generals who were leading the reinforcements were all invited to attend the dance in the evening, Griffith's heart beat faster and he asked his companions who were about to disembark:
"Nonna, how do you arrange it?"
Miss Shutoral was standing aside in plate armor and a silver helmet. She tilted her head and said, "I will take your cavalry and line up near the square, together with the guards from other families. If there is anything, Strange...
"Well, if anything goes wrong, don't expect to get back to the ship safely. The square here is too big, and the palace is at least 600 meters away from the shore. If you cross it, it will be like a target.
"If something goes wrong, I will occupy a nearby building, close to the sewers and streets, as close as possible to the roof of the nearby building, and wait for you to come and join us."
Griffith nodded. Most of the troops of the prince, nobles and generals were outside the city. Although the Duke of Odessa was loyal to King Beyelan and the Senate, and the local nobles were enthusiastic, the Shutorals still had to prepare an emergency plan.
"Nona, aren't you going to the dance? You look great in your dress!"
Sonia had dressed up with Anna's help, and came over playfully. The charming fragrance tickled Griffith's heart.
She put on a light blue evening dress, her blond hair was tied up high, and the complicated and gorgeous skirt was inlaid with star-like crystals, making a rustling sound that made people's hearts sway.
"We want to prevent emergencies," Griffith Nona explained. The latter bowed before turning and leaving, summoning the cavalry to gather in the square.
"It's not a bad thing to be careful," Sonia took Griffith's arm and carefully stepped off the yacht, "but how many legions are there in Odessa? Even if they deal with the prince, us and the two legions here, they can't do anything Against 20 other legions across the country."
…
When Griffith accompanied Sonia into the ball hall from the steps on the second floor, everyone's eyes were attracted by her title, radiant beauty and gorgeous dress.
The would-be knight once again felt like he was being targeted by a spear-like gaze.
"I still feel that I don't fit in here," Griffith whispered to Sonia during the first dance.
"Why?" the girl asked softly, "my knight is very popular."
"There will be too many people coming to me for a duel later," Griffith looked around, feeling like he was being roasted on the fire, "I might clear out the entire aristocracy in Odessa."
With a sweet smile, Sonia squeezed his shoulders with her slender hands, raised her head proudly, and raised the corners of her mouth to hold back a smile. She was in the middle of the dance floor, so she was naturally paying great attention to her appearance.
After the song ended, Sonia suddenly approached Griffith when she returned to her seat, her delicate and small face leaning on his broad shoulders:
"The people by the floor-to-ceiling windows, from left to right, are the secret peepers Lei Jin, Solan, and Killian. Among them, Sorcerer Solan and Miss Solan, who belongs to Lasalle, are distant relatives. The gloomy man is the hunter. Zhebema, surrounded by ladies is Dilaz, the Blade of Light and Shadow, and next to him is Bishop Kelian, the Word Bearer."
Oh, Odessa’s extraordinary beings! Griffith immediately concentrated and tried to remember their faces one by one.
Bishop Clarian is as strong as a bear, but has a kind and gentle face. He is Bishop Raven who is related to Krista. Being able to enter the upper echelons of power in Odessa means that he has not been ignored for cultivating saints without authorization, and he may even be presiding over affairs related to the saints of Anjou.
Griffith listened quietly as Sonia introduced local celebrities one by one. His military rank is not high and he is not yet a formal noble. He is not very good at politeness and witticisms at balls, and he does not know many celebrities.
The girl's memory is astonishingly good. She has only met many local extraordinary people and nobles once, but she can still accurately point out their characteristics and status.
"Where are the Duke of Odessa and the local demigods?" Griffith asked softly, "I don't seem to see similar characters."
"The Grand Duke and the local leader of spell casters are old and rarely appear in the public eye." Sonia turned his head and found an extraordinary figure in the crowd, "Sequence 5 Extraordinary Spell Caster" "Mysterious Lord" Seydlitz von Kurtzbach is the de facto leader of the Mysterious Side of Odessa."
The aristocratic surnames in Odessa all have "von" in front of their surnames, which is similar to Beyeland's habit. Ophelia was born into a local noble and somehow became a Shutoral.
Griffith noticed that some of the nobles and extraordinary people in Odessa gathered together to drink wine and chat quietly. Whenever the officers and nobles from Beyelan walked near them, they would cast a few unkind glances. Others seemed to be very friendly and enthusiastic, lining up to get to know Sonia and praising her beauty and holiness, which eclipsed the saints of Anjou.
It’s this obscure saint again. If the people of Odessa are not particularly pious, they want to use this saint to realize their amazing plans. Griffith mentally ranked the importance of the saint further, and was a little worried about Lanzada's safety, fearing that she would not be alive to join him.
At this moment, the ball hall suddenly became lively. Seydlitz led a large group of people and ran towards the entrance with a roar, cheering like primary school students.
"Hail to our future king!"
"The army commanded by the prince will be invincible!"
Amidst the shouts and shouts, Commodus came. He led a group of knights and officers, wearing armor, into the summer palace with extraordinary splendor.
General Maximus, the commander of the army, followed the prince. This old general is a powerful Holy Knight Path Sequence 5 Divine Punishment Knight. He has rich combat experience and unparalleled qualifications. He looks at the young prince like a kind elder.
They are teachers and students, and also good friends.
"Kill all the orcs, plow the courtyard and sweep the caves!"
"Fight Kerimu and capture the chief alive!"
The local bigwigs enthusiastically asked the prince to clear out the orcs in the north, praising his heroic appearance as a concrete manifestation of victory in the world, as if the war had been won.
The disgusting compliment suddenly became embarrassing. Prince Commodus also enthusiastically praised Odessa and the Holy Light. His fiancée, the beautiful Princess Diana de Mirantis, also attended the ball and listened to their conversation with a smile. Finally, she couldn't bear it anymore and found an excuse to go to Sonia.
