Augat clearly hadn't expected Duquel to recommend him to Her Majesty upon his departure, but Duquel was one of the six dukes of the Guangyan family, and his death in Zhenyang was truly lamentable.
Augat couldn't help but look somber, "Duke Duquel was a hero of his generation, a teacher and a friend to me. I only hope I do not tarnish his reputation!"
Seeing the deep sadness in Augat's expression, which seemed genuine and not feigned, Xiao Xun patted him on the shoulder, "Go back and rest. We march as soon as everything is settled."
Augat nodded and immediately withdrew after receiving the order.
Late into the night, in the Queen's chamber in the castle.
"Xiao Xun, Saint Tirolmann is facing internal and external difficulties. If you personally lead the western campaign, and the Beastmen or the Winter Alliance make a move, how can I possibly cope alone?"
After listening to Sealephise's worries, Xiao Xun smiled, "Your Majesty need not worry too much! The Beastmen are currently on friendly terms with our kingdom and harbor no ill will; as for the Winter Alliance, they are still dealing with their own external affairs and will not have the leisure to concern themselves with us in the short term. I will be back within a year, possibly two to three months if all goes quickly in quelling the northwest. Moreover, Vincent is guarding against the Beastmen, and Neymar is holding the line against the Winter Alliance's borders. Your Majesty has no need to worry."
After hearing Xiao Xun's words, Sealephise's expression eased slightly.
With such a deployment, unless the Beastmen and the Winter Alliance launched a multi-pronged offensive simultaneously, Saint Tirolmann would be temporarily safe.
Xiao Xun took a breath and said gravely, "Those three cities in the northwest have been neglected for two years. If they are not pacified soon, prolonged neglect will inevitably lead to trouble!"
Sealephise nodded in agreement. Two years had passed in the blink of an eye in the northwest, and this matter was bound to be resolved sooner or later. Now that Xiao Xun was willing to share her burden, it was naturally for the best.
After careful consideration, Sealephise finally agreed to Xiao Xun's western campaign.
Now that Xiao Xun was to depart, having spent so much time together, Sealephise felt a deep reluctance in her heart.
She did not realize how long Xiao Xun had been planning for this very event. The moment Sealephise agreed, Xiao Xun had already presented the overall deployment plan.
The western expeditionary army was divided into three routes: one led by Grieg, with Ottolis as his deputy, commanding three thousand troops to directly attack Xidya; the second route led by Augat, with Tosen as his deputy, commanding three thousand troops to detour through Baltimore along a small path to Fujenia.
Xiao Xun pondered for a long time but ultimately chose Tosen over Lyell.
Fortunately, this expedition was intended for a surprise victory, and she did not expect Augat to capture Gissde in one fell swoop.
The third army was personally led by Xiao Xun, with Adjutant Augustus and Deputy General Aaron commanding twenty thousand troops, directly attacking Weijieeni.
According to Xiao Xun's deployment, this was not a particularly extravagant arrangement. Apart from Aaron, who was well-known, most of the others had little fame in Saint Tirolmann.
Grieg and Augat were both newcomers with no prior combat experience. Xiao Xun's bold decision to entrust the western campaign to these new faces made many of the soldiers sweat with anxiety for them.
Sealephise was quite pleased with this deployment. Using this western expedition as an opportunity to train new talent was not a bad thing.
As for the western campaign itself, Sealephise was not worried. Xiao Xun was a modern person, known as an exceptional strategist, and well-versed in military texts. The sand table simulation had already demonstrated this; without absolute confidence, why would she have made such arrangements?
Speed is of the essence in warfare. Half a month later, the western expeditionary army was fully prepared, and the three armies set off.
In this expedition, only Grieg's army was to operate alone, aiming to capture Karul. They would split from the main force near the capital of Saint Tirolmann and take the Canglan River route to Xidya.
Although Xiao Xun had assigned him Deputy General Ottolis, she was still greatly concerned about this young lad, fearing he might cause some trouble. She specifically called him to a side hall to express her concern, "You will be separating from me for this campaign. You must be extremely careful. When engaging with Karul, be cautious and prudent. Conquering the west is secondary; your safety is paramount, understand?"
Xiao Xun said this with heartfelt earnestness while helping Grieg adjust his armor.
Grieg, however, was nonchalant and cheerful, "Understood, my lord. Rest assured!" He said, patting his chest.
Xiao Xun thought for a moment more. She had instructed him on everything she could think of and then waved her hand.
She walked out of the side hall to bid farewell to Empress Sealephise and the assembled officials, "Your Majesty, the army is ready. As soon as Your Majesty gives the order, the three armies will march!"
Looking at the stern and sharp glint of the army, Sealephise nodded, "Be very careful on your journey! I will await good news in the capital of Saint Tirolmann!"
Their eyes met. Xiao Xun nodded, "Your Majesty, rest assured! The weather is getting colder, remember to drink more hot water."
"What a straight man."
Saying that, in front of all the civil and military officials, she lowered herself and unexpectedly embraced Xiao Xun, whispering, "Whether successful or not, you must return alive. I am waiting for you..."
Xiao Xun grunted, "Take care!"
After releasing him, she stepped back a few paces, bowed to Sealephise again, and then turned and disappeared into the formidable army.
His slender, tall figure, clad in white, seemed somewhat out of place amidst the black armor of swords and spears, but the calmness and composure radiating from him allowed him to blend seamlessly into the crowd the moment he entered it.
The army surged forward, tens of thousands of soldiers stretching for miles along the capital of Saint Tirolmann. Banners fluttered everywhere, covering the sky, resembling a dragon's claw reaching out into the distance.
This was Augat's first time on campaign as a military officer, and he felt a surge of excitement as he sat on his horse. The clash of arms and the bloody battlefield – wasn't that the dream of countless good men?
Otherwise, Augat wouldn't have abandoned his writing to join the army and study military strategy and martial arts under Duquel.
He thought of Duquel and hoped he would not disgrace his reputation on this journey.
Thinking of this, he remembered another benefactor. He couldn't help but look ahead towards Xiao Xun in the magical war chariot. It was this slender man who, with a flip of his hand, stirred the fortunes of Saint Tirolmann.
As Augat was lost in thought, the main column suddenly halted. The solemn atmosphere loosened, and Augat couldn't help but frown.
A moment later, a lone rider galloped out from the dust. A centurion dismounted and bowed before Xiao Xun's magical war chariot,
"Report! Ahead, a youth claiming to be the number one under heaven has blocked the road and wishes to see Lord Svein!"
Xiao Xun pondered for a moment, "What is this person's name, and where does he come from?"
"He only said he was the number one under heaven, and did not say where he came from."
"Have him brought here! The main army continues to advance!"
The centurion returned shortly after, bringing with him a youth wearing coarse clothing, standing eight feet tall. Though concealed by the rough fabric, his broad shoulders and strong back exuded a formidable aura.
Seeing the youth before him, Xiao Xun felt as if he were looking at a martial god from a game. He was covered in well-defined muscles, and his heart was filled with emotion.
As he was contemplating this, the youth bowed, "Hekaste greets Lord Svein!"
Xiao Xun quickly helped Hekaste up and examined him up and down, nodding repeatedly. He said with emotion, "Young hero, you are truly remarkable. Why do you claim to be the number one under heaven?"
Hekaste proudly replied, "I am the champion of this year's 'Number One Under Heaven' competition, so naturally, I am the undisputed number one under heaven."
"Then why have you come to pledge your allegiance to me?"
"My father said that only by following the exceptional strategist Lord Svein can my value be realized."
Xiao Xun nodded, "Your father is wise and understanding. This is a time when we need capable people. With your joining us, why should we fear that our great endeavor will fail!"
Upon hearing this, Hekaste bowed, "I am willing to follow your command!"
Xiao Xun nodded, "I am currently in need of a vanguard. You shall take on this duty!"
Augat, standing nearby, couldn't help but be astonished. Lord Svein hadn't even inquired about this youth's background. Although the young man was the champion of the competition, fame often outstripped reality. He wondered about the youth's true capabilities, and why he was immediately appointed as a vanguard upon arrival.
Hekaste also hadn't expected Xiao Xun to trust him so much, granting him the position of vanguard right away. He had been preparing to showcase his skills, but it turned out they weren't needed.
Hekaste quickly bowed, "Thank you, my lord!"
Xiao Xun smiled and helped him up, then said to Augat, who stood beside him, "Augat, Hekaste will be assigned to your corps as a forward vanguard. As for Tosen, he will be transferred back to my central army."