Chapter 576, Steel Felix

Kislev, the northernmost order faction of the Old World, is known as the "Shield of Civilization." Approximately a thousand years ago, they migrated from the Kurgan steppes to this land, establishing a nation amidst the ice and deserts.

Since its inception, Kislev has faced the threat of Chaos head-on. As a result, the entire country has always been under high pressure and a militaristic background. Apart from the nobility, few civilians in Kislev can truly "eat their fill and stay warm." Yet, this nation and its people still stand firm in the northernmost part of the Old World.

The courage of this nation and its people in the face of adversity is as terrifying as Chaos itself.

After the Great Holy War, Kislev was re-established, and the Empire sent more troops to help guard the northern border. The Ostland and Ostermark alliance maintains close ties with Kislev. If the forces of Chaos in the north show any signs of activity, these two imperial provinces will immediately send reinforcements. The immense pressure faced by Kislev makes its peasants willing to endure extra taxes and levies as long as it strengthens the kingdom's defenses. Similarly, the heavy military pressure forces Kislev's nobles, the "Boyars," to voluntarily cancel excessive and unpopular taxes to ensure the local residents and their troops have a decent standard of living. The Empire also frequently provides Kislev with food and other supplies.

"Southerners look down on us, thinking we are nothing more than barbarians, not much different from the tribes. But you should be grateful! Without us, northern barbarians would burn down your homes and drag your children out of bed! Without us, you would face Chaos's erosion at every moment! You look down on us? You should thank us!"

— Marshal Konev of Kislev

In Kislev, there are three armies known as the most elite units: the Kremlin Guard, responsible for defending the capital; the Kislev Royal Bear Cavalry, blessed by the Bear God Ursun; and the renowned Kislev Winged Hussars.

The Winged Hussars were established to provide Kislev with a powerful heavy cavalry unit. Every noble family in Kislev was required to send at least one adult male cavalryman. These noble cavalrymen formed the Winged Hussars. Their combat spirit is fervent; they charge into enemy lines like a whirlwind with their wings or flags fluttering and emitting terrifying howls. The unique tactic of the Winged Hussars is a sudden full-unit pivot to attack, which often breaks many armies. With their impressive battle achievements, the Winged Hussars quickly gained fame throughout the Old World.

Initially, the Winged Hussars numbered about 2,000. After nearly two centuries of development, their numbers have grown to approximately 4,000-4,400.

Can Kislev afford to maintain this heavy cavalry unit?

Clearly, the answer is no. Since its establishment, apart from the port city of Erengrad being able to support 200-300 Winged Hussars, most of them serve as mercenaries under the Empire to earn their upkeep.

"Felix-Edmundovich, former general of the Kislev Winged Hussars 'Dzerzhinsky' regiment. His battle achievements are remarkable. He played significant roles in numerous campaigns, including the 'Great Purge' under the previous Tsar, Boris Bokha. Felix's determination and fighting style are unwavering. He led his Winged Hussars to eliminate Chaos remnants, barbarian raiders, greenskins, and beastmen lurking in the Kislev wilderness. He fought day and night, chasing enemies until dark, only to resume at dawn."

"After three months of relentless fighting, Felix finally cleared all enemies north of the Lynsk River and the Troll Country. Hence, he earned the nickname 'Steel Felix'!" Amancio introduced the former Kislev general loudly. The president even stood up. "I firmly believe that General Felix and his Winged Hussar battalion can surely help you, Lord Fugan!"

"Greetings, General Felix." Fugan, who always respected such resilient soldiers, stood up, sincerely showing his respect to the Kislev general, who appeared to be in his forties.

Felix wore a standard Kislev military hat, which looked somewhat comical in this warm weather. The general scrutinized the tall, handsome man before him, confirming that there was no falsehood or mockery in his eyes before politely nodding. "Hello, and please don't call me general. I have been exiled by Queen Katarin. I am no longer a general of Kislev."

"No, you will always be a general. Your fiery eyes, your steely will, your firm military posture, and your subconscious actions tell everyone you are still a general," Fugan said earnestly, shaking Felix's hand. "Can you tell us what happened? Why did the queen... the Tsarina, exile you?"

"Because the Winged Hussars are the kingdom's sword and wings of freedom, not her sword or the wings of the Bokha royal family!" Felix's expression was as hard as steel, as stubborn as a stone in a latrine. "This is my third exile! But I have no regrets!"

"Please, sit down." Merchant Amancio gestured for Felix to take a seat, smiling understandingly. He stood up, indicating the Winged Hussar general should sit, then called to a servant, "Bring it up!"

"Yes!" The servant left and quickly returned with a special dish.

At first glance, it looked like ordinary bread, but the loaf was unusually large, nearly thirty centimeters in diameter and weighing about two pounds, packed in a large cloth bag. Amancio laughed, "General Felix, have a taste. I'm not sure of your preferences, but I can guarantee the original flavor."

"This is... black bread?!" The Winged Hussar general's eyes widened as he examined it closely. "This is real black bread! Big black bread!"

Tasting the food of his homeland, the steely general finally managed a smile.

"Yes, imported from Erengrad. I hope you like it." Amancio addressed Fugan and Hadrian, "Please, try some of Kislev's specialty food."

Everyone continued eating.

Fugan maintained his elegant dining manner while listening to Felix's story, understanding why he was exiled and why this accomplished Winged Hussar general had been stripped of his title.

From the start, the Winged Hussars have struggled to receive adequate military pay. The meager salary and supplies provided by the Tsar's royal family barely covered equipment and horse maintenance. Therefore, the Winged Hussars, usually in groups of 300-500, served as mercenaries in the Old World to earn their upkeep.

The Winged Hussars have a Marshal and several generals. While theoretically, the Marshal commands all Winged Hussars, in practice, the Marshal only commands the most elite Winged Hussar regiment, the Griffin Regiment. This name comes from the current Winged Hussar Marshal Budyonny, who single-handedly killed a griffin in the World's Edge Mountains and decorated his wings with its feathers.

The current Winged Hussar Marshal is Romanov, a legendary peak knight. The Griffin Regiment currently serves as mercenaries under Emperor Karl Franz of the Empire.

All Winged Hussars swear an oath that if the kingdom of Kislev faces a crisis, they will return to Kislev to defend the kingdom. They are proud to be from Kislev and to be the kingdom's sword.

But herein lies the conflict.

"The Winged Hussars have a glorious and long tradition of independence. We are the kingdom's sword, not the Tsar's sword. However, after Red-Eye Egil's death, the military pressure from the barbarians lessened significantly, and Queen Katarin brought up the old issue again." Felix's voice was hoarse as he ate the black bread. "She wanted to bring the Winged Hussars back under royal control. She promised to treat us well, but that's not what we wanted."

"You serve Kislev, not the Bokha royal family." Fugan immediately understood the reason for Felix's exile.

"We only wish to fight evil, not our compatriots." Felix nodded, sighing. "I was the most resolute in my opposition, so this is my third exile."

"What if the kingdom is in danger?" Fugan asked calmly.

"Then I will return to Kislev with my Winged Hussars to fight once again!" Felix's voice was as hard as the permafrost of the north. "Kislev will fight evil to the last moment, until the last child of Kislev takes their final breath!"

"Very well!" Fugan nodded, his last doubts dispelled. "So, what are your terms?"

This began the negotiations.

Fugan needed a strong heavy cavalry unit, desperately so. If he could hire Felix and his 300 Winged Hussars, it would greatly bolster the Ash Legion, which had always struggled with a lack of cavalry units, apart from a few Cold Ones provided by the lizardmen.

"The terms are standard, but... I have a request." Felix seemed a bit embarrassed. As a soldier, it wasn't easy to ask for help. "Lord Fugan, I heard you are brothers with Duke Ryan of Mousillon?"

"Yes, we are brothers." Fugan nodded, not intending to hide this. He planned to stay in Estalia and Tilea for at most a month before heading to Bretonnia.

"The thing is, Lord Fugan, I have a group of special exiles and war orphans who need shelter and protection." Felix pleaded quietly, "We can't take care of so many people, and Mr.

 Amancio couldn't help us. So, I need your help."

Kislev is indeed a unique place. There, "special exiles" being driven out or exiled has become a tradition. Many noble children feel honored to be imprisoned by the Tsar, while generals like Felix find it disgraceful to shake hands with the Tsar's personal guard, the Kremlin Guard.

"How many people?" Fugan asked.

"About a thousand. They are all persecuted in the country, and war orphans. Kislev can't support them, and we have no connections in the Empire. I need your help. I can assure you, they are not criminals, just... different views." Felix said seriously. "Recently, Mousillon has been recruiting. Can you introduce us?"

"If they pass inspection and there are no problems, I will consider it." Fugan did not immediately promise. He didn't even give a commitment. "Besides that, anything else?"

"Nothing." Felix shook his head.

"When can you and your Winged Hussars join us?" Fugan asked his most pressing question.

"As soon as these people are properly settled, my 315 Winged Hussars and I can join you immediately." Felix stood up and saluted, "You can verify them yourself. I will not object. I just hope you treat them well."

"I mean join, not hire." Fugan's voice was light.

"I mean join as well, Lord Fugan. I think you need a join too." Felix's deep-set eyes, with receding hairline, held wisdom and an unyielding strength. "Can you accept that?"

"Then... a pleasure to work with you!"

"A pleasure to work with you!"

The handshake sealed the agreement.

Back in his seat, Fugan felt satisfied with the result. The Winged Hussars were renowned throughout the Old World for their combat prowess. With their support, the Ash Legion's strength would significantly increase.

"Mr. Amancio, are there any other mercenaries in Estalia worth hiring?" With conditions agreed, Fugan asked Amancio, "I need more powerful forces. Money is not an issue."

"None left." Amancio shook his head with a bitter smile. "This is Estalia, Lord Fugan. We don't have particularly strong armies. You should go to Tilea."

"Tilea?" Fugan felt slightly disappointed, but the gene-primarch always maintained perfect control over his emotions. "How many armies in Tilea would be willing to join my expedition?"

"Recently, a significant event occurred in Tilea. The famous Prince of Miragliano, 'the Besieger' Borgio, was assassinated in the Grand Bathhouse." Amancio nodded, producing a list. "As a result, several legendary mercenary groups have lost their employers."

"Leopold's Leopard Company, heavy infantry."

"Miragliano's Marksmen."

"Dwarf Slayer Corps led by Drong."

"And the famous Bronzino's Galloper Guns."

Fugan took the list, nodding with satisfaction. These units were well-known mercenary groups in the Old World. If he could gather their strength, they might stand a chance against the Skaven.

"But I highly recommend these two teams." Amancio handed over a new list, smiling broadly.

"The Halfling Company from the Moot and... the mysterious Araby Genie Sorcerers!"

Meanwhile, in the skies above the Black Mountains in the Old World.

Angron was flying on his griffon Nukelia, clearly in a good mood.

"My nephew is about to be born. As an uncle, I can't come empty-handed."

"Let's see what goodies Tilea has!"

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