Tie Xue walked into the devastated Gold穗 City, his face expressionless, but his heart was also surprised by the destructive effects of the new firearms.
Although he had participated in the testing phase of this weapon, which His Majesty called a mortar, many times, putting it into actual combat was a different matter from testing.
A team consists of five people, each carrying two shells. The momentum they can create without backup ammunition support is truly shocking.
He knew that the mortar's rate of fire was much higher than that of front-loading field guns, and he had imagined the scene of dozens of teams firing together. But when he witnessed it for the first time, he realized that he had still underestimated this firearm.
A single mortar shell does not have the power of a siege gun, but it is convenient and easy to use. It can be moved with the army without the assistance of witches, and it can attack targets hiding behind the city walls. With sufficient ammunition, the impact on the enemy is almost devastating. If the First Army were to withstand such a barrage of fire, he was not sure that the troops could hold out.
No... it would be normal to not be able to hold out. Facing the overwhelming rain of fire, it would be good enough not to be paralyzed on the spot.
Tie Xue finally understood why His Majesty had confidently thrown all those seemingly sophisticated field guns back into the furnace area—in the face of mortars, the solid-shot weapons previously used were indeed no longer necessary to equip.
But then again, the entire Graycastle was probably only affordable such firearms by Roland.
It is said that the cost of a single shell is about three or four gold dragons, which means that more than three hundred shells were fired in an instant, spending money like water. And the bursting shells used by the fortress guns are several times more expensive. If in the future against the devils, can the gold dragons stored in the vault support Neverwinter until the end of the Divine Will Battle?
Fortunately, it was not him who had to worry about this issue.
Let Barov worry about it. After all, the army has only one task, and that is to win the victory.
Walking through the long street filled with the smell of gunpowder, Tie Xue and his party arrived at the center of the city square.
This place has been surrounded by the First Army. All the surviving nobles have been brought here to await their disposal after surrendering.
He scanned the crowd, who were covered in dust. Before he could speak, a nobleman stood up. "I am the Lord of Ship Bay, Earl Kaxin. May I ask where His Majesty Roland is?"
There are many water systems around Gold穗 City, and the territories are mostly named after bays and beaches. Tie Xue vaguely remembers that Ship Bay is a large fief sandwiched between Gold穗 and Sea Breeze County. The aristocratic family that can occupy such a territory should usually enjoy the admiration and fear of the people. But at this time, the other party's deliberately raised chin and pretended politeness seemed a bit ridiculous. "His Majesty is too busy to care about the affairs of the Eastern Region. I am fully responsible here."
"You—?" Earl Kaxin frowned immediately.
"What is this guy talking about? He doesn't look like a Graycastle person, does he?"
"Would Roland Wimbledon allow a sandman to manage the army?"
"How could he not come in person for such a major expedition? Isn't he afraid that the army will scatter?"
Not only the Lord of Ship Bay, but the crowd also raised a wave of doubt.
"The commander-in-chief of the Eastern Front Army is indeed Lord Tie Xue, we can all testify to this," Adjutant Xiong Zhang couldn't help shouting.
"The Eastern Front Army? What is that?" Kaxin asked.
"Naturally refers to the army that recovered the Eastern Region—"
"Xiong Zhang!" Tie Xue sternly interrupted the adjutant's words, and the latter realized his slip of the tongue and quickly covered his mouth with his hand.
Edith小姐 was right, even if His Majesty had decided to take back the power of enfeoffment and completely overthrow the traditional aristocracy, the influence of these people still exists. Xiong Zhang, who was born as a hunter, although he does not act obsequiously in front of them, he obviously still cares about that title. If not, he would not have made such a low-level mistake.
Only he could do that.
Thinking of this, Tie Xue said in a deep voice, "Whether you believe it or not, the fact will not change. Also, why are you asking the questions? Where is the Duke of Gold穗 City? Shouldn't he be in charge of the Eastern Region?"
"The Duke has already sacrificed in battle," Kaxin shook his head, with a look of grief on his face. "He insisted on leading the Knights to launch a frontal charge, and we couldn't stop him."
So the person who was riddled with holes in the horse was the Duke? Tie Xue raised his eyebrows. As a warrior, he was qualified. "However, my soldiers reported that there were only two counterattackers. Where is the so-called Knights?" He looked at the nobles in the crowd who had not yet taken off their armor. "Could it be that the dignified guardian of the Eastern Region has only one knight under his command?"
"Uh, this..." Kaxin was speechless for a moment.
"Don't mention those irrelevant things. Since you are the person in charge of the army, then we will tell you our requirements directly," another nobleman stepped out and said, "Surrender is possible, and it is also possible for everyone to work for Roland Wimbledon, but he must meet with us. If His Majesty is too busy to come to the Eastern Region, we can send an envoy to him."
"Who are you again?"
"Viscount Aliberk," the other party said impatiently, "Before that, we hope to be treated in accordance with our status. If ransom or compensation is required, just say the amount."
"But you are guilty of treason," Tie Xue said expressionlessly, "Even noble status cannot allow you to escape judgment."
"First of all, the rebel is Duke Willian Borg, and he has already paid the price. We are only staying here as a last resort, and should be demoted in accordance with the law."
"That's right, we are not his vassals, but only under his jurisdiction." At this time, Kaxin also came back to his senses, "Secondly, no matter what the verdict is, it must be decided by His Majesty. Don't tell me you want to judge us?"
Tie Xue quickly understood the reason why these nobles were still putting on airs despite being defeated—when they discovered that Roland Wimbledon had not led the army in person, they lost interest in talking. Obviously, according to common sense, how to deal with the defeated must be known after the King has met them. What follows is not so much a trial as an exchange of interests. Those who cannot afford it are eliminated, and those who can reach an agreement can continue to retain a seat. Generally speaking, that's how it is.
They should not be facing such a defeat for the first time, and they believe that they can come up with conditions that will impress the King.
It's just a pity that the monarch he is loyal to is not a noble in the general sense.
Tie Xue shrugged, "I indeed don't have this power, but similarly, before His Majesty makes a conclusion, you are still traitors, so I can only lock you in the dungeon first, and wait until His Majesty is willing to see you."
"How long will that take?" Earl of Ship Bay said dissatisfied, "And as I said before, according to the laws of the Kingdom, we cannot be considered traitors, unless you can find conclusive evidence!"
"According to the speed of the messenger, it will be at most a month," Tie Xue smiled rarely, directly ignoring the latter half of the other party's words, "Please rest assured, I will provide you with food, clothing, and supplies according to the noble standard."
……
Two days later, Xiong Zhang rushed into Tie Xue's camp in a panic.
"It's not good, sir! The castle dungeon is on fire!"