In a forest in the north of Castres, about 120 kilometers from North Port.
Under the big tree, violet soldiers in different costumes were gathering in groups of three or five, leaning against the tree trunks to rest.
There were about five hundred of them, most of whom were conscripted farmers, but there were also a few elite soldiers wearing armor. Hundreds of horses of different colors were tied at the edge of the forest, most of which were looted from various places in Castel in the past few days.
Not far from them, there were more than 200 soldiers dressed in obvious northern style, wearing the uniforms of Isaac's Hussars, forming a small circle with the violet soldiers.
These Isaac's soldiers obviously don't get along well with Violet's soldiers. Each of them has a ferocious look in their eyes and looks like an unruly hunting wolf.
But when their eyes fell on the middle-aged man at the front of the Violet Army, their eyes became respectful and fearful.
He was a man who looked to be around 30 or 40 years old. He was wearing a mottled armor with a violet pattern engraved on the breastplate. He was obviously a noble.
"My Lord Baron, we don't have much food left. It can only last for three more days at most. We must find a way to replenish it."
In front of the middle-aged noble, the Violet Knight in charge of logistics said worriedly.
The middle-aged noble nodded slightly:
"There is a Baron's castle thirty kilometers to the northeast. That will be our next target."
After hearing the noble's words, the knight hesitated for a moment and gritted his teeth and said:
"My Lord Baron, accurate news has come from the south that the war is over. We... no longer need to fight Castel."
The middle-aged noble glanced at him:
"Are you questioning my decision?"
The knight lowered his head quickly:
"I don't dare..."
After taking a deep breath, he gritted his teeth and said:
"It's just that... the Duke has already negotiated with the Earl of Castel. Even if we continue to fight, it will be meaningless."
"My Lord Baron, I have witnessed with my own eyes how you have gradually united the defeated soldiers. I have witnessed with my own eyes how you have trained us, the demoralized defeated soldiers, into a brave team in a short period of time. I have also witnessed with my own eyes how you have led us to break through the siege time and time again and to launch surprise attacks on the nobles of Castel..."
"These days, you led us to defeat the enemy with a small force, and almost crossed one-third of Castel, turning the entire North upside down. Those incompetent nobles would be scared to the point of peeing their pants when they saw us."
"However... under your military policy of punishing evil and promoting good, although we are attacking Castel's rear, the civilians in the north are willing to cover our whereabouts..."
"My Lord Baron, you are the most powerful commander I have ever seen, and the most upright, brave, and kind knight I have ever met... It is my honor and pride to be able to follow you and fight together."
"But... please take a look at everyone. After so many days of fighting, everyone is too tired. The Duke has called a truce, and everyone is homesick and wants to go home."
"There is no longer any pressure from the war in Castel, and more and more troops are coming to encircle and suppress us. If this continues, we may be surrounded and annihilated at any time."
"My Lord Baron, there is no point in continuing like this. We... have no reason to persist any longer."
After hearing the knight's words, the middle-aged noble fell silent.
His eyes fell on the violet soldiers, looking at their tired expressions, looking at their confused eyes after hearing the news of the peace talks, and finally he sighed:
"Yes, the war is over."
"You... there really is no point in continuing to fight."
Looking at the middle-aged noble's complicated expression, the knight hesitated for a moment and said:
"Baron, it's not just us, it's you too..."
"I know you are fighting to serve your lord and for honor, but the Duke has transferred your title to Castel. Legally speaking, your lord is now the Earl of Castel."
These days, Beigang has also released a lot of news. The young earl seems to be quite fond of you. When we end the dispute, you will definitely be reused by Castel!"
"Castel's reuse..."
After hearing the knight's words, a hint of sarcasm flashed in the middle-aged noble's eyes:
"I, Guillaume de Berthel-Willit, can bow to anyone, but I will never bow to Castel!"
The knight hesitated:
"Are you... still upset about the decline of the Willett family?"
"My Lord Baron, please tell me the truth. The Star-Moon War happened decades ago. The past is the past. The most important thing is the future."
"You should be able to see from the battles these days that although the current Countess of Castel is a young girl, she is definitely qualified to become a wise lord!"
"I think... if you follow her, there will be a chance to rebuild the Willett family in the future and let the violet flag fly again!"
"Rebuilding the Willett family..."
The middle-aged nobleman muttered to himself, then shook his head:
"It's impossible. The Willett family has disappeared. The remaining members have become accustomed to the lives of ordinary people and are no longer qualified to revive the family."
"But, aren't there you? You are also a branch of the Willett family!"
"I?"
The middle-aged noble shook his head again:
"I am not of the true Willett bloodline. I am just a child adopted by the old Duke..."
"Then you have even less reason to fight against Castel? Willett's time has passed, and you should look forward."
The knight couldn't help but say.
The middle-aged noble glanced at him and shook his head again:
"The Willett family has done me a favor. My life was given by the Willett family, and I will never betray them in this life..."
"Castel is Willett's enemy and my enemy as well."
Then he said to the knight:
"You are right. There is really no point in fighting. Once we get to the nearest town to Castel, you can lead everyone to negotiate with Castel."
After saying this, the middle-aged noble turned around and walked into the forest.
"What about you? Aren't you coming with us?"
Looking at the middle-aged noble's receding back, the young knight shouted.
"I will follow the most ancient traditions and put an end to the feud between Willett and Castel..."
The knight's expression changed:
"The most ancient tradition?! You want a knightly duel?!"
"Are you going to die? Count Castel's strongest follower is Crimson Blade Sebastian! He is the real Silver Moon Peak!"
However, no matter how the knight shouted, the middle-aged noble no longer responded.
Just as the soldiers were resting and preparing to set off, the soldier on patrol outside suddenly stumbled over:
"Baron! Baron! There are cavalrymen who look like Castel coming from outside the woods to encircle us!"
After hearing the sentry's words, the soldiers suddenly became agitated:
"Castle's cavalry?"
"Outrageous, how did they find out we were here?"
However, Baron Bethel's focus is elsewhere:
"Suspected?"
He asked, frowning.
"My Lord Baron, they... are flying the flag of the violet flower!"
The soldier replied.