Chapter 61: The Beginning Of An Arduos Tour

In the month that followed since the arrival of Generals Hill and Kienmayer, Victor prepared for an arduous tour of the continent. Through this tour, he would visit both grand duchies and their dukedom allies. In total Victor would be visiting 8 cities, each ruled by a different family. The first stop on the tour was the capital of the Grand Duchy of Maldenberg. It was set to be a 3-month journey so Victor had to be fully prepared.

During this month, messenger pigeons carrying letters were sent out to each of the dukes and grand dukes, expressing Victor's intent on visiting. While the letters were being set out Victor began to meticulously plan his journey and who would be accompanying him.

Victor was now a man of higher status thanks to his growing reputation and status. There would be many people who could use his tour of the continent to harm him or his territory. It was decided that Marshal Bessières and 120 Royal Scots Grey cavalry would accompany Victor on his journey. It may have seemed like an accessive amount of guards but it was necessary in the eyes of Victor's inner circle. 

While all the planning and organising was happening Victor was finally able to receive his rewards from the birth of his son. Although it was odd that the rewards were delayed for so long, Victor was still appreciative of receiving them.

'Hidden Quest Completed!: Produce An Heir!'

'Rewards: 1 x 1000-Man Bodyguard Unit Summon and 50,000 Store Points'

Pleasantly surprised by such good rewards, Victor smirked. He had been reimbursed for his 2 commander summons and gifted a 1000-Man Bodyguard Unit Summon as well. Now Victor had 2,225 infantrymen from the French Imperial Guard as his elite infantry. 'I can trust those men to defend my family while I am gone,' Victor thought after using the summon. 

With everything coming together the month quickly passed. The troops were ready and the supply wagons were fully stocked. A Luxurious carriage with Victor's luggage was carefully prepared and now all that was left to do was say goodbye to his family.

Veronica, Clarisse and even baby Anton wanted Victor to stay. He would be gone for around a year. It was a long time to be apart from him, not only did his people need him, but so did they. 

It broke Victor's heart to leave them for such a long period of time but for the sake of his territory, he had to do this. Meeting the 2 Grand Dukes was imperative to maintaining peace. The Luxenberg territory was not ready for another war. Victor himself had been mentally drained from the constant action he had faced in the last 4 years.

After spending some quality time with his loved ones, Victor steeled his resolve and hopped into the carriage. With Victor in the carriage, the Luxenberg party set off for Jenkas to make a quick stop before continuing their journey to the Maldenberg capital.

The 6-week journey to Jenkas was relatively smooth. Brisk winds and low humidity made the journey easy. With no ravenous gails and hearty downpours, the party was able to enjoy the scenery of the Luxenberg territory.

Quaint villages and humble farmsteads were regular occurrences in their travels. Simple farmers and village folk warmly greeted the travelling party. They had never gotten to see their lord before so it was a welcomed sight for them. 

Victor could only smile and the kind-hearted folks who sang his praises. He had never been able to interact with these people before so getting to see them and wave back while trotting along was a nice change of pace for Victor's busy life.

The lush and vast sea of emerald throughout the plains and valleys was entrancing. The light wind made it seem like each blade of grass was dancing in unison with each other. With staggering tall trees and thick bushes, the environment of Victor's domain felt evermore peaceful.

By the time the party arrived at Jenkas, they had managed to shave off a day due to the perfect weather conditions. With a day in hand, the party managed to relax and explore the city a little bit before resupplying and carrying on their journey.

The next stop was The Hessen River. It was a 2-week journey to the nearest bridge. In total, there were 5 strong and wide bridges spread out along the river. The bridge they were heading to was known as The Second Hessen Bridge. Each bridge had a corresponding number to its location.

Starting from the most western bridge the bridges were named first, second, third, fourth and fifth. The First and Second Hessen Bridges were located near the Maldenberg faction's territory, while the rest were situated near the Fontaine faction's territory.

Maintaining their streak of perfect weather conditions the party was able to peacefully travel to The Second Hessen Bridge. Once arriving at the bridge, Victor was able to see the river which acted as a natural defence for his territory. 

The river was wide and deep, it maintained a certain calmness within its flow. The water was pristine and clear, almost sparkling like a gemstone. The bridge that seemed formidable was made out of stone. Its width could be comparable to that of a 12-man wide column. Comfortably 2 carriages could cross at the same time and still have ample space.

With nightfall upon them, the party sat up camp nearby and rested after a long day of travel. Tents were erected and guards were deployed to watch over the camp. A serene choir of crackling fires, hushed chatter and chirping crickets filled the air. 

It had been 2 months since the party had left Hannover and already Victor was missing home. He missed his wife, his son and his sister. They were the most important people to him and being apart from them was agonising for Victor. No matter his feelings he could not escape this tour, and as such he went to bed. 

The next morning, the party efficiently took down their camp and began to cross the bridge. They had now left the Grand Duchy of Luxenber's territory and entered the Grand Duchy of Maldenberg. 

Thus began their month-long journey to the Maldenberg capital.