Chapter 128: The Duke Of Osterbon

Red smoke engulfed the screen as the animation began. A man in a British Field Marshal's uniform was beginning to appear on the screen. The man had brown hair and greyish-blue eyes. Victor was celebrating as he had gotten a man he had wanted for a long time.

When the animation finished, the screen read, 'Field Marshal Arthur Wellesley. ' Next to his name were 5 stars. Seeing that he had gotten the infamous Duke Wellington, Victor was ecstatic. He already knew what role he would like the British Field Marshal to fill.

For the entire day, Victor had to deal with so many issues. He had to deal with army logistics, releasing prisoners of war and finding capable administrators to help oversee his new cities. Some of the Luxenberg Army began to disperse back to their home regions. Generals Rapp, Kamensky, Gimborn, and Tauentzien led their troops home, along with Duke Godert.

When the next morning arrived, so too did the new summons. Their arrival fascinated the citizens of Osterbon. Leading the troops were the new commanders, Marshal Lefebvre and Field Marshal Wellesley. All the soldiers and the commanders were dressed in the uniform of the Luxenberg Army.

With their arrival, Victor was quick to put them to work. Marshal Lefebvre was to take command of the remnants of 4th Corps and lead them back home while General Bertrand remained with his corps in Joltz.

Field Marshal Wellesley was granted a title straight away. He was to become the Duke of Osterbon. Victor needed a trustworthy and brilliant commander to rule the city in his absence. The northeastern region of the continent still needed to be properly stabilised. Rebellion was still a risk, especially when the Fontaine family was not executed.

General Hill and his corps would be redeployed to the city of Doulon since it had a massive strategic value. Marshal Lannes and his corps were sent to Amsardam as it was between two cities that posed threats of rebellion. Victor would stay in the city for another 2 weeks to oversee everything before embarking on a 4 month journey back to Hannover. It had been far too long since he had seen his family. 

And so, after a 4 month gruelling journey back to Hannover, Victor was finally home. He was welcomed home like a legend. People had lined up on the streets and outside the city to see him and his soldiers return. Music and cheers echoed throughout the city. You could hear the cheering from the boats in the harbour.

Victor found comfort in his return home. The familiar faces. The same buildings. The view of the ocean. These all helped ease Victor's troubled mind as he returned home. Waiting for him at the Luxenberg Palace was his loving family.

Anton and Henri ran down the entrance steps and embraced their father. Anton was now 5 years old, and his son Henri was 3. Sadly, he had missed both their birthdays during his time away. Seeing his boys growing up so fast brought him to tears; he had missed so much of their lives due to war. Hopefully now he could make up for the lost time.

Victor had set out and achieved the unification of the continent. His new purpose was to maintain peace and order throughout the land. While reflecting on his achievements, Victor had to visit the Luxenberg Army War Museum. He had to pay his respects to his fallen friends who helped him achieve this feat.

General Vandamme and General Kienmayer would sadly not be able to the unification of the continent, however, their sacrifice would be remembered. Their bodies would be enshrined in the museum, with many of their comrades soon to join them in the next half century. 

Victor then visited the prison to see how its new residents were faring. The Grand Duke and Grand Duchess were given the best cell and the best treatment available. Victor wanted to repay the Grand Duke's peaceful surrender of the city by allowing him to not live like the Maximillian family remnants. The Grand Duke appreciated Victor's goodwill while his wife was still as bitter as ever.

At least their kids were in a better situation. Stetson, his wife Dahlia, and their small son, Dominique, were shipped off to the Kingdom of Gu. King Gu Tian was kind enough to find them a residence in his capital. Harrison took a ship to the Asharan Continent. He would use his wealth to try and build a new life.

Victor wanted the Fontaine family heirs off the continent. With them gone, the chance of rebellion was lowered. If they did stay on the continent, people could rise up and try to reinstall them into power. It was a good idea for Victor to take their parents hostage to deter them from trying something.

After Victor visited the Fontaines, he returned to the palace where he spent some time with his wife and sons. It warmed his heart to be able to relax a little bit. There were no thunderous cannons or wailing wounded men; it was a calm, peaceful environment with the people he treasured most.

He spent so many hours chasing his two sons around the palace that he tired himself out. That evening, he enjoyed the company of his devoted wife, and they began to drift to sleep. But before Victor could sleep, a new system screen appeared before him. The screen emitted a diamond hue. 

'Congratulations!'

'You have successfully conquered the Bulgar Continent. This a feat that has not been accomplished in over 200 years. For achieving such a feat, not only will you receive plentiful rewards. The system will be upgraded, and more features will become available.'

'Be warned! Your coronation and unification have not gone unnoticed. The other powers of Syronnea are weary of your existence. Each power has its own motives and agenda. Tread carefully, Victor Luxenberg.'

Victor found this message both as a blessing and a warning. An upgraded system and rewards were always welcomed, but the system's warning had him concerned. The system alluded to the other kingdoms being aware and suspicious of him.

In his mind, he knew that one day, someone would dare challenge him, so until that day comes, he would do everything he could to prepare. His military would need to be rebuilt. His fleet would need to be expanded. New administrators would need to be recruited. There was so much that needed to be done.

With all this in mind, Victor would get to work.