Chapter 57: Commander Of The Elite Guard

An orange smoke engulfed the majority of the screen. Victor grew excited seeing the orange colour. It meant he had gotten another 4-star commander. There were so many good commanders during the Napoleonic Era, that there could be no bad summon at a 4-star level.

A man dressed in a decorated French Marshal's uniform was slowly becoming visible. His medium-length grey hair that almost looked like a wig was a dead giveaway of who he was. As he was fully visible, Victor looked into the man's hazel eyes and smiled. This man would be the future commander of his elite guard.

Once the animation had finished the screen read, 'Marshal Jean-Baptiste Bessières' with 4 stars next to his name. Marshal Bessières was a dear friend to Napoleon and had served him in many battles.

Bessières was a seasoned cavalry commander who had fought in many battles during Napoleon's reign. From Italy to Egypt to Russia and Germany, he had been a loyal friend and trusted commander for Napoleon. It was a great loss for Napoleon when Bessières died, he was a great commander.

Victor was over the moon with his summons, although he did not know much of General Tauentzien, he hoped that he would be a good addition to his generals. With all these new summons expected to arrive tomorrow, it was sure to be a busy day.

Eagerly arising the next morning, Victor went about his morning like usual. All he wanted was for the time to fly by until he could meet his new summons. By mid-day all Victors summons had arrived in the city of Jenkas. At the head of the summons were Marshal Bessières and General Tauentzien.

Outside the Maximillian Palace Victor greeted his new summons alongside Marshal Soult. Tauentzien and Bessières approached the 2 men and offered a bow. Both men introduced themselves and greeted them.

"I am happy to have both of you. I am sure you will do great things for me. General Tauentzien you will return to Hannover with Marshal Soult and the main Luxenberg army and await further instruction. Marshal Bessières you will accompany me and the Royal Scots Grey back to Hannover on the morrow." Victor ordered.

Both Nodding to their lord, Victor left Marshal Soult to deal with the newly summoned soldiers and their commanders. With the new soldiers, the security in the Jenkas region grew. Victor spent the rest of the day preparing for tomorrow's departure.

When the sun rose Victor, Marshal Bessières and the 420 Royal Scots Grey departed for Hannover. It was almost a month-and-a-half journey to Hannover from Jenkas but with fast cavalry a day or could be shaved off.

With favourable weather conditions, the party comfortably traversed the new and old parts of the Luxenberg territory. Throughout the journey, Victor grew his bond with Marshal Bessières and the newly summoned Royal Scots Grey cavalrymen. They shared meals together, often talked for hours while cantering their horses, and sang the occasion song to boost morale.

By the time Victor had reached Hannover, it had been 5 months since he left. His city thrived during his absence, thanks to his sister, wife and administrators. Although Jenkas was grand and massive, Hannover was a superior city in Victor's eyes. He had seen this city and region on the edge of poverty but now in almost 4 years, it had become a bustling and prosperous city.

As Victor strutted into the city with his party, he was welcomed by a lively and huge crowd. When news of Victor's impending arrival reached Hannover, the citizens were beyond Rhapsodic. Their young lord was returning as a conqueror, a man who took down a pillar of the Bulgar continent.

Flowers were thrown into the streets as a token of affection and appreciation. Victor had taken over a struggling territory at the age of 17 and almost 3 years later as a 20-year-old man, improved and expanded it exponentially. 

What Victor had accomplished in his reign as a Duke and now a Grand Duke was incomparable to the likes of any of his peers. No one could hold a candle to the amount of success he had achieved at such a young age.

As Victor made his to the palace, all he could think about was his family. In the 5 months he was away, he did not stop thinking about them. His sister whom he cherished dearly was growing older and more mature with each passing day, she would no longer be his baby sister forever.

Victor's bed had felt empty while on campaign, he missed Clarisse. She was not only his wife but a companion that Victor could discuss anything with. Her presence was enough to keep Victor at ease when he was distraught or weary.

Entering the palace gates, Victor's heart fluttered as he saw the 2 women he loved most in the world. Veronica was still her usual beautiful self, while Clarisse had a noticeable baby bump, which excited Victor. Dismounting immediately, Victor ran over and embraced them. No words were spoken; Victor savoured this moment as he had wanted this for months.

"I am so happy to see you both," whispered Victor, trying to contain the overflowing joy he was feeling. The girls blushed and smiled. After some small talk, the trio went inside to the lounge for they had a lot of catching up to do.

The 3 of them conversed for hours. Victor detailed the course of his campaign, from the battle of the farmstead to the siege of Jenkas and what followed afterwards. The girls were captivated by Victor's recount of what happened and were glad of its outcome. 

After discussing the Maximillian campaign, the trio talked about the most important thing that Victor had been dying to know: the pregnancy. Ever since learning that Clarisse had been pregnant, all Victor could focus on was her. 

Since conception, the baby growing in her womb was around 6 months old. Victor could hardly believe that in a few months, a child he and Clarisse conceived would be born. Intrigued by her belly bump, Victor gently pressed his on Clarisse. It was a special moment for Victor, he could a little kick and movement inside of her.

Stunned by such a beautiful moment, Victor could not help but be emotional. He had always prioritised his family over everything since coming to power and now there was a new member he would fiercely protect.

The trio would go on to talk about the latest gossip and anything important that Victor had missed. When they had finished Victor and Clarisse retired to their bed chamber. After being apart for so long the couple had a lot of intimate catching up to do.

Before anyone could believe it, Clarisse was soon in labour.