Chapter 400

"This… who are these people's subordinates? They're not just approaching the stone bridge—they're heading straight for the Wild Wolf Knights?"

"Good heavens, they're heading for the Wild Wolf Knights—and they're mocking and humiliating them! What on earth are these bastards after? Do they want to die?"

"I don't know what they're after—I only know this: these are true warriors!"

To be honest, Lei Meng's group marching against the flow toward the stone bridge had already shocked the nobles enough.

But when they saw Knight Mi Gen taunting the beastmen, provoking the Wild Wolf Knights into howling, the nobles' shock turned to astonishment.

For even their elite legions would never dare such a thing.

And yet these were merely a minor noble contingent.

Even the Legion Commander and the two Dukes now wore expressions of surprise.

These three high-ranking figures had seen every kind of storm—rarely had anything ever startled them.

Yet now, that small noble contingent had done it.

"Who are these subordinates? Does anyone know?"

"Commander, that banner is unfamiliar—I've never seen it before. Perhaps I should send someone immediately to inquire? Judging by their direction, they're likely minor nobles from the Southern or Eastern Frontiers!" replied his subordinate in a hushed tone.

It was normal they couldn't recognize the banner—after all, the nobles summoned here came from every corner of the realm, in vast numbers; no one could know them all.

"Then go quickly!" sighed the Legion Commander.

"Yes, Commander!"

Watching his subordinate depart, the Commander's eyes betrayed a hint of regret. "What a pity!"

"Commander, what are you sorry for? Isn't it admirable that these serf-soldiers have such courage?" surrounding high nobles exclaimed in surprise.

In their view, having the courage to face beastmen was commendable, worthy of praise.

"Precisely because they have such courage, I find it tragic! Do you think they can defeat those Wild Wolf Knights?"

"Defeat them? Impossible. They'll only tangle briefly—and if they're clever, they might flee into the river and survive a few!"

"Still, with this kind of courage, even if they end up fleeing into the river, Commander, you should spare them—they simply can't stand against Wild Wolf Knights!" the high nobles all agreed unanimously: they believed the serf-soldiers were stirring up nothing.

At best, some might survive the rout.

Thus, a few kindhearted high nobles had already begun pleading with the Commander on their behalf.

"So you all know they'll suffer heavy losses—that's why it's tragic!"

"Soldiers with this kind of courage—if I'd known earlier, I'd have recruited them into the Northern Legion, trained them into elite troops—they'd become a formidable army!"

"As for punishment, Lord Hou Jue of Marquis Marquis Aosiding, you needn't plead. Having proven their courage, I will not punish them for cowardice!"

"In fact, I'll buy them from their lords!"

Only then did the others understand—the Legion Commander's true intent.

"Maybe they won't fail after all!"

At that moment, a faint voice came from behind.

Though quiet, the Legion Commander and the high nobles all caught it clearly.

Everyone froze, turning in unison toward the rear.

"Huh? Who said that?"

Behind the high nobles stood their offspring.

Seeing their elders' gazes, the young men instinctively ducked their heads.

After all, their parents had warned them before arriving: only watch, only listen—no speaking.

Adam also shrank his head, guiltily.

In truth, he had spoken those words—but he'd only blurted them out unconsciously.

He hadn't expected it to draw so much attention—especially from the Legion Commander and the two Dukes.

Seeing no one answer, the Legion Commander refused to let it drop.

Not to punish—rather, he was deeply intrigued by the serf-soldiers and wanted to hear the speaker's exact thoughts.

"Who said that just now? Don't worry—I won't punish you. I'm just curious: they're merely serf-soldiers. Why do you believe they won't necessarily fail?"

"So step forward boldly!"

The Commander understood the psychology of noble heirs—he softened his tone and promised no punishment.

The effect was immediate: Adam, who had been hesitating, finally relaxed and slowly raised his hand.

"Adam? It's you?"

The Commander and the two Dukes remembered him instantly—both stared at him in surprise.

Lord Marquis Marquis Aosiding, however, first froze, then urgently said: "Commander, Adam is probably just babbling—don't take him seriously! Adam! Apologize to the Commander at once!"

Marquis Marquis Aosiding knew his eldest son's abilities—he had little combat experience; his victory at Graystone Bridge relied entirely on special intelligence.

So Adam's analysis of failure or success was likely nonsense.

He couldn't let his son humiliate himself in front of everyone.

But Duke Hernade and the others ignored him entirely: "Lord Marquis Marquis Aosiding, don't rush. Didn't the Commander say he won't punish? Let your eldest son speak—he just earned great merit recently; perhaps he truly has unique insights into this battle."

The Commander smiled: "Adam, speak freely! I said I won't punish—I won't."

Adam nodded. Though slightly nervous, he recalled Lord Harry's calm demeanor in crisis—he had always wanted to learn from him.

So this was his best chance to learn. Adam took a deep breath: "Commander, I believe they won't fail because I've seen them fight before!"

"Seen them fight?" Everyone froze, confused.

"Yes—I've seen them fight. They're subordinates of Baron Mil of the Southern Front. Those banners—I wouldn't mistake them!"

"Especially that black-and-white banner with the long-legged serpent—it's unforgettable!"

"So I think: if they've defeated beastmen multiple times before, and now they dare to attack and provoke them, they must have confidence!"

"Baron Mil? They're his subordinates?!" The high nobles erupted in uproar.

If Adams is now somewhat famous, then Mil, that minor baron, has become renowned throughout the entire army from this campaign.

After all, Adams is the heir to a Hou Jue, with family backing; winning one brilliant battle is nothing special.

But Mil, a minor noble with no powerful patrons behind him, defeating the orcs truly requires skill!