Chapter 400

"This… whose troops are these? They're not just approaching the Stone Bridge—they're heading straight for the Wild Wolf Knights?"

"Good heavens, not only are they heading for the Wild Wolf Knights, 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 stunned the nobles enough.

But when they saw Mi Gen mocking the beastmen, provoking the Wild Wolf Knights into roaring fury, the nobles' astonishment turned to shock.

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, this small noble band had done it.

"Whose troops are these? Does anyone know?"

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

It was normal they couldn't recognize the banner; the conscripted nobles came from every corner of the realm, in vast numbers—impossible to know them all.

"Then go quickly!" the Legion Commander sighed.

"Yes, Commander!"

Watching his subordinate depart, the Commander's eyes betrayed 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 disbelief.

To them, courage against beastmen was praiseworthy—worthy of commendation.

"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—smart ones 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. After all, Wild Wolf Knights are no match for infantry!" The high nobles were unanimous: the serf-soldiers were stirring up nothing.

At best, some might survive the rout.

Thus, a few kindhearted 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 Austin—no need to plead. They've proven their courage; I won't 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.

The young men, meeting their fathers' gazes, instinctively ducked their heads.

After all, before arriving, each had been ordered: watch, listen—do not speak.

Adam also shrank his head, guiltily.

In truth, he'd been the one who spoke—but he'd blurted it 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, but because he was deeply intrigued by the serf-soldiers—he wanted to hear what that man had to say.

"Who spoke just now? Don't worry—I won't punish you. I'm merely curious: they're mere serf-soldiers. Why do you believe they won't 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 recognized him instantly—staring at him in surprise.

Lord Austin, however, first froze, then panicked: "Commander, Adam's just babbling—don't take him seriously! Adam! Apologize to the Commander at once!"

Adam's father knew his eldest son's limits—he had little combat experience; his victory at Graystone Bridge relied entirely on special intelligence.

So Adam's analysis of victory or defeat was likely nonsense.

He couldn't let his son humiliate himself before everyone.

But Duke Hernade and the others ignored him: "Lord Austin, calm down. Didn't the Commander say he won't punish? Let your eldest son speak—he just earned great merit recently. He might have 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 how Lord Harry remained calm under pressure—he'd always wanted to learn from that.

So this was his best chance. 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 the retainers of Lord Mil of the Southern March. I recognize those banners—I'm certain!"

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

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

"Lord Mil? They're his men?!" The high nobles erupted in shock.

If Adam was now mildly famous, Lord Mil—the minor baron—had become a household name throughout the entire army.

After all, Adam was a Marquis's heir, with family backing; one brilliant victory meant little.

But Lord Mil, with no powerful patron, defeating beastmen? That required real skill.