"Quiet!! Quiet!!!"
El Salvador slapped the table in front of him loudly, but it seemed that not many people in the tent had stopped making noise.
This is the sixth meeting in three days. At this moment, a total of forty-four representatives from different military regions were present in the large tent of the meeting. Some of them were the governors of the military regions, while others were generals of the troops dispatched. More than 40 guys with heavy hands crowded in such a place, and the whole tent seemed to be a vegetable market, full of complaints and noisy voices with different accents.
During the six meetings in the past three days, as the current speaker of the Red Roundtable, El Salvador felt more and more a chilling feeling in his heart: out of control!
Yes, he felt that he was gradually losing control of the organization. He used to be the speaker and one of the most powerful warlords in the entire Red Roundtable Alliance. He has a group of staunch supporters and allies. In this organization, his clique is the most powerful one, relying on With these strengths, he can secure the position of Speaker and become the leader of the Red Round Table.
But now, or rather the last few days, El Salvador is helplessly watching this organization collapse step by step!
The news of the Landis landing was six days ago. In the southern port of Catania, the third largest trading seaport of the empire, a full fleet of Landis Royal Fleet had already occupied it. At that port, more than one corps of Landis's army has landed, with almost overwhelming power at sea. This Landis' dispatch army completed a beautiful landing operation in less than half a day, Ka. The thousand troops stationed in the port of Tania, relying on the towers and a small number of crossbow towers on the coast, could not effectively prevent the landing of the Landis. After the port fell, the defenders of Catania announced within an hour. surrendered and surrendered the entire city.
The Landis got Catania, an important seaport in the southern part of the Empire! This is the core of the surrounding traffic extending in all directions! Along with the city, fell into the hands of the Landis, as well as a large number of ordnance materials stored in the warehouses and docks of Catania City, which were originally intended to be transported by sea to the front line of Osgilia, including a large number of ordnance materials that could maintain three Ten thousand army's food for a month!
Landis has officially issued a letter of credentials in the note. This letter of credentials affirmed the status of the Byzantine royal family in the Byzantine Empire in a moral tone, and strongly condemned the leaders of El Salvador and Hughes. Treason of the Red Roundtable Group. In the letter of credentials signed by King Landis, the words strongly demanded that "the rebels headed by the Red Round Table should immediately stop their treasonous acts against the Byzantine Empire, and must immediately withdraw their troops from Osgilia, and all the ministries should return to their positions. The army must unconditionally accept the reorganization of the Byzantine royal family. Cease some military threats against Osgilia and announce the abandonment of various previously announced positions."
Such wording made El Salvador so angry that he almost vomited blood that day!
Because just the day before he received the official credentials of Landis, he had had two talks with the secret envoy from Landis. Sincerely, the Landis Kingdom will firmly "support friends"!
But apparently, in the end, the Kingdom of Landis chose the Byzantine royal family as a "friend".
This is a blatant deception! Outright betrayal! Because during the lengthy negotiation before, the secret envoy, who pretended to represent the Kingdom of Landis, offered a long list of conditions, which made El Salvador and his supporters waste too much time to analyze and discuss. .
But as a result, the warships of the Kingdom of Landis have come to their eyelids!
Although it was only a seaport city like Catania that was captured, and although only 30,000 Landis Army landed, it could not pose too much threat to the rebel alliance for the time being... However, the transportation of the powerful navy in Landis Strength, El Salvador is very clear! The Byzantine Kingdom has a long coastline, and with the maritime transport power of the Landis Kingdom, it is possible to quickly transport one regiment after another to any landing point at will!
The Landis went to war, and they did so in hostile capacity.
After Salvador was angry, he immediately had a hint of regret.
Before the war began, the woman in the Besta Military Region once wrote to herself, strongly suggesting that the top priority is to reach an agreement with the Landis at all costs, and even make huge concessions when necessary People fight to their side.
It's a pity that because he had already obtained the promise of the Odins, after his confidence was inflated, he ignored that suggestion.
Thinking about it now, Salvador was so angry that he wanted to slap himself.
The Odins have already made an act of betrayal. Although they did not issue any notes or letters of credit like the Lantis people did, the Odins did not hesitate to directly annex a military area, so that After the actions of the Odins, it is impossible for the Odins to continue to exist as their allies.
And the participation of the Landis...
However, this was not the most fatal blow.
On the third day of the Landis landing, El Salvador's unexpected, the most fatal blow came from the woman who had been ignored by him - the governor's wife of the Besta Military Region!
Besta Military District announced its withdrawal from the Red Roundtable! And he made such a move openly in a way of spreading the word to the world!
That announcement was clearly from that woman!
“…We strongly condemn the leaders of the Roundtable, such as the Speaker of El Salvador, who have made so many rebellious behaviors driven by private interests, and in order to satisfy their own interests, they have made many actions to deceive their allies. The Besta Military Region has never We have never had any treasonous intentions. We have always supported the rule of the royal family over this empire and recognized the status of the royal family in this great empire. However, the actions of a group of careerists headed by El Salvador to seize power, Not only did it hurt the country, but also deceived many members into their pawns... The Besta Military Region announced its complete withdrawal from the Red Round Table group, and called on others to be deceived and tied up by El Salvador and others. Long live the Byzantine Empire, long live His Majesty the Emperor!”
If this announcement is not enough to make El Salvador angry, then the next rumor is a stab in his heart!
A rumor soon spread among the members: for the government-in-exile of the Corsican military region attacked by the Odins, the leader of the Red Round Table headed by El Salvador, instead of giving aid and support in accordance with the spirit of the alliance, On the contrary, in order to please those damned Odins, they actually instigated the Besta Military Region, which took in the Corsican government-in-exile, and harmed the remnants of the Corsican Military Region! ! On Besta's side, the governor's wife finally had kindness in her heart, and at the last moment finally put down the butcher's knife and let the Corsicans live! At the same time, Besta also rushed to the heart of the cruel behavior of the alliance leaders towards their allies - this is the real reason why Besta Military Region announced its withdrawal.
And the reason why this rumor can spread and win the trust of many people is precisely because it is said in this rumor that the governor's wife of the Besta military region is even willing to personally testify that El Salvador had instigated her to kill the Corsican man. Young Master Ya, and has a secret letter handwritten by El Salvador!
El Salvador's prestige in the league fell to its lowest point in just two days!
In the alliance, cracks began to appear! The first is the governors of the military regions in the north. Many people have publicly expressed their distrust of the alliance - especially their distrust of the leaders led by El Salvador! Because their territory is in the north, very close to the Odins!
When the Corsicans were tragically betrayed, Salvador did not hesitate to betray them, so what if this happened to me? - This is the strongest thought in the hearts of many governors of the military region in the north!
In addition, even many people who supported El Salvador in the past have begun to defect. The reason is simple: this thing is so disgraceful! No matter at any time, it is intolerable to do such a vicious hand to the internal members who are in distress! Even if this decision was not made by El Salvador alone!
But... Since all the blame is now on El Salvador, and it seems that the speaker is obviously going to be finished, this time...
Many people, even former comrades from El Salvador, couldn't wait to jump out and draw a line with El Salvador.
What makes El Salvador annoyed is that these guys who jumped out to draw a clear line with him, quite a few of them were once his confidants, and the idea of getting rid of the Corsican government-in-exile was partly due to these guys.
And now, it seems that he has become the best scapegoat and the person to take the blame for this matter.
Everyone knows that it is only a matter of time before El Salvador's fall. He can no longer continue to hold the position of Speaker, and he can no longer continue to lead the coalition. After losing the position of Speaker, El Salvador is not eligible to continue to serve in his small group. The identity of the bellwether, this is a chain reaction.
Therefore, in the emergency meeting held in the past few days, in order to discuss a countermeasure against the participation of the Lantis people in the war, and at the same time, how to respond to the betrayal behavior of the Besta Military District, which has announced its withdrawal from the alliance... a conclusion.
Several or six meetings, almost every one of them, turned into an endless internal quarrel and mutual blame and abuse.
Some people complained about why the El Salvador chief did not do a good job in liaising with Landis.
Some people complain that allying with the Odins is simply a foolish act, and now the betrayal of the Odins is the best proof.
Some people complained that the league had placed too much trust in the Besta.
Some people complained about shortages of supplies that their troops were supposed to be allotted.
Some people complained that their zone was too advanced and took on too much responsibility.
Some argue that negotiations with the Landis should continue.
Some people think that Landis's 30,000 army is not worth worrying about, and should concentrate its efforts on the crusade of the Besta Military Region to prevent this kind of betrayal from happening again.
Some people insisted that they should concentrate their efforts on the capture of Osgilia before winter. Once Osgilia was conquered and the Byzantine royal family was eliminated, then whether it was the Landis or the Besta military district, it would no longer be a problem.
In short, all kinds of arguments filled the meeting. Everyone is a hero, holding military power. You disagree with me, and I disagree with you. If it was in the past, El Salvador, as the speaker, could use his prestige and extensive contacts in the alliance to mediate and integrate it well, and make the alliance into a whole. But now... he has become the target of everyone's trampling.
…
El Salvador slapped the table so much that his palms hurt, and the noise below still didn't stop at all. If it was in the past, as long as Salvador coughed heavily and swept over with his majestic eyes, these guys would shut up! But now...
The only result he got from slapping the table was a few unfriendly glances around him.
(This alliance is over.)
Salvador sighed in his heart.
"I suggest that we must re-elect the Speaker immediately! A true leader can lead this group to a united decision! I call for the impeachment of Mr. El Salvador!"
In the crowd, a voice suddenly rang out, overshadowing the voices of the others.
This proposal was immediately recognized by many people, and many military regions have reconsidered.
Salvador sneered, looking at the guy who spoke first - this was originally a supporter of himself, who betrayed him yesterday.
He can fully understand the mentality of these betrayers. After betraying himself, these betrayers more than others hope to completely defeat themselves at the fastest speed! Because these betrayers are more afraid of their own retribution than others, once they betray themselves, they will become the enemies who most want to die!
Facing the raging crowd below, El Salvador sighed in his heart. He patted the table again and shouted loudly, "Quiet!! Quiet!!"
This time, the crowd finally quieted down a bit.
"I know, you all want me to get my ass off this chair now!" Salvador shouted, full of mockery: "But I want to remind you, gentlemen, these are extraordinary times! We used a few In a month's time, with ten times the superiority of the troops, they still failed to capture Osgilia! At the same time, the Lantis people are now participating in the war, and they are on the opposite side of us! The Odin people stabbed us in the back! The Bestar people also betrayed We! All these things are piled up in front of our eyes, and each of them is far more important than re-election of a new speaker! If we can't focus on the most important things, we are still pursuing these things The last thing, fight for these small profits, then we will be destroyed by our enemies sooner or later!"
Salvador's puffed-up remarks made many people really quiet down, and it seemed that for a while, quite a few people were shaken.
But soon...
"Really? Lord Salvador, it seems that we don't have to wait for the enemy to destroy us, and we will be destroyed by you first! About this question, we can ask the son of Gaia in Corsica? Or ask the ally Austrian who you contacted in person. Ding people?! Don't shirk the responsibility! El Salvador, you are the one who caused all this! You can't continue to steer this big ship, and a new helm can steer this ship in the right direction!"
Salvador swayed, he looked up, and the one who said these words was a former confidant of his own. But now, this guy is staring at him with a vicious look in his eyes! El Salvador knew in his heart: This guy has already contacted some members of his small group before, and they have reached an agreement to put him on the position of Speaker...
hum, funny...
"I can move my ass!" Salvador took a deep breath, and suddenly he straightened his body and straightened his spine. He glared at the guy and said coldly, "I don't need your reminder! The ship needs a new captain, but you, dear Sammy, I don't think you have the right to accuse me of these things! Oh, let me see, I seem to have left some interesting letters with Your signature... oh yes, yes, if you don't want me to take those things out now, just shut your mouth and put your pitiful wisdom to work!"
The guy immediately looked a little short of breath, and timidly avoided his eyes.
"But El Salvador, I think he's right." The governor of a military district said loudly: "Even if we have to deal with the Odins, we have to deal with the Landis people, we have to continue to attack Osgilia... But do all these things, There must be a leader! But obviously, this person will not be you! Salvador, let me say it, I don't trust you! My military district is just north, less than six hundred miles from the Corsica military district!"
This guy is a governor of the north, and his opening immediately triggered more voices in the northern military district.
Salvador's old face was full of slump. He still tried to stand up straight, but his hands were supporting the table, but he was already trembling slightly.
Just at this time…
boom!
The door was kicked open!
Immediately there came a finely polished leather boot, breeches that were ironed straight without a wrinkle, and a straight uniform, shiny ribbons and medals, and neatly combed hair.
Armenian Governor Hughes suddenly walked into the venue.
The appearance of this "aristocratic governor" conformed to his usual style. He did not look like he was coming to a military meeting at all, but more like he was going to a banquet. When he came in, he even covered his nose with a snow-white handkerchief.
"Gentlemen!"
Hughes stretched his voice and shouted, and immediately suppressed the voice of the audience.
He walked to the table in high spirits, then went around the table and stood in front of Salvador. Hughes raised his head, then glanced at Salvador lightly.
Salvador smiled bitterly in his heart.
He knew very well that Hughes would not miss such an opportunity.
All the while, Hughes has been battling himself for leadership within the Red Roundtable coalition. In the past few days, he had sent someone to invite him to attend, but Hughes never showed up.
In fact... Governor Hughes has not attended any military conferences for many days.
The calculation of time started from that "terrible night"!
On the night when the entire Roderian cavalry raided, the Armenian army of Governor Hughes suffered huge losses. The cavalry was almost lost, and the infantry suffered heavy losses.
The Armenian army is seriously injured!
Everyone knows that in this world, having soldiers in hand is king, and after the heavy losses of the army, Hughes' position in the alliance has also been threatened. At least, for the time being, he is no longer in a position to pose a threat to El Salvador. After losing more than half of his army, Hughes was no longer eligible to compete with El Salvador for the position of leader.
Since then, this arrogant Hughes has never participated in any military conferences, and every time he has sent his generals to respond to the situation. He even returned to the city of Merika in the Armenian Military Region to recuperate for half a month.
Therefore, at this meeting, El Salvador did not think that this guy would appear, but he did!
Obviously... This guy is here to get in the way!
Salvador sighed inwardly.
It's fine... At least, it's more honorable for this guy to take the last knife than to be bitten to death by those despicable little characters. If his position is robbed by him, it can be regarded as his decent step down...
He tried his best to look at Hughes with a calm look, usually facing his biggest political enemy.
Just when El Salvador looked at Hughes with this almost tragic look, the "noble governor" suddenly smiled.
Hughes smiled slyly.
Then he turned, stepped aside, and took a seat below Salvador's left—his own seat.
"Gentlemen, didn't you mean to discuss some important matters? Why did I not see a group of noble governors and future kings when I came in, but a group of bereaved dogs who seemed to be a little frightened and disturbed?" Hughes sneered, On the other hand, he deliberately said casually: "Okay, let's pay more attention to some important things. In the face of the enemy, the spirit of unity is the most important thing. Oh yes, Mr. El Salvador Speaker, please continue to preside over the meeting. ."
Saying that, Hughes closed his mouth and made a serious preparation to listen.
As Hughes finished speaking, the representatives of many military regions below seemed to be caught off guard.
Then, under the eyes of Hughes, many people closed their mouths, turned around quietly and sat back to their seats. These people are all representatives of the military regions that originally supported Hughes.
With such a powerful character as Hughes, the scene immediately returned to order.
In the next meeting, El Salvador continued to preside over it as the speaker. Although there were still people who opposed it, every time El Salvador made a proposal, he would get the full support of Hughes! This session lasted an hour and it was even better than the previous five sessions combined!
Until the end of the meeting, everyone left, but Hughes still did not move, still sitting in his seat.
Salvador also quietly waited for the others to leave before he walked in front of Hughes.
"why?"
Faced with this question, Hughes raised his eyelids and glanced at El Salvador, then smiled: "I don't think a gentleman who has served the league for 20 years should be treated like this."
Salvador smiled: "Well, you and I both know that we are not kind people - why, Hughes, I have thought about many possibilities, but none of them expected you to stand up for me. Even you I know all too well that, over the years, now is the best time for you to most likely bring me down."
Hughes smiled, he stood up, turned and walked towards the door, his leather boots made a screeching sound, and the footsteps didn't stop suddenly until the door.
The guy turned around and looked at El Salvador, his eyes sparkling: "I'd love to replace you as the leader of this alliance... But only if this alliance continues to exist. In the current situation, we must first unite to overcome Get over it! I don't want to die with you, El Salvador. And I'm sure if you and I switched positions, you would do what I did today! Because there are too many fools and too few smart people in this group … Hahaha!"
After speaking, he strode out of the door.
※※※
Char lived in Haske City for half a month. The Governor's wife invited him to lunch almost every day, sometimes hunting in the afternoon, or excursions outside the city.
Then sometimes, in the evenings, he would go to the tavern with General Lear, the nephew of the Governor's wife, to drink in the tavern, play the organ and indulge in a drink with a group of officers, and take a few gambles when the nature was high.
It was such a comfortable day. He was so relieved that Xiaya almost forgot the time—at least on the surface, it looked like he did.
Finally, at noon that day, after having lunch with the Governor's wife, Xi Ya returned to his residence, and as soon as he entered the hall, he saw a familiar figure standing there waiting.
A handsome and handsome face, with a cynical smile on his face, and a somewhat mocking look at the corners of his mouth. The uniform is wrinkled and the neckline is crooked.
Dax stood there and appeared in front of Char with a very "Dax-style" signature look.
Xia Ya sighed. He looked at this guy and smiled bitterly: "So many candidates, why did they send you here?"
"Stop complaining, my boss." Dax sighed: "Everyone else is so busy that they are on their feet, and whoever makes me free will be sent to do this drudgery." Here, he winked at Xi Ya: "When I received your letter from the Besta Military Region, Green turned the table in anger. Oh, by the way, before I came, Green said, see you. When we’re not in the business, we must help him slap you hard, you irresponsible guy. His original words are: You have been our boss for less than half a year, and you have not spent three months in it. Stop playing and disappear."