In the Name of Empress-Chapter 477 - 318: Homecoming (Part 2)
Sif could sense that Ados was a person with secrets, but she didnβt want to ask.
Everyone has secrets; as long as thereβs no malice, let it be. πππ¦β―πΈπ¦ππππ·β―π.πππ
The other two of the Three Overseas Maestros have also been entrusted with significant responsibilities.
Aramis now serves as the Empressβs special assistant, helping her handle various affairs. He and Ados are the left and right ministers overseas.
Although Bordeaux likes to brag and has not received formal military education, his military talent is quite outstanding.
Sif boldly appointed him as the overseas legion commander, cooperating with Christine to lead the army.
Bordeaux never dreamed that, despite his rocky career, he would suddenly become a rising star in the military realm.
If not for the Empress and Governor Roland appointing him, he might have been stuck as a governor in Selin Province all his life until retirement.
The money would certainly not be lacking, but the prospects would be limited.
In just a few years, he transformed from an official constantly scheming to make money into a lieutenant general of the Imperial Army, with the potential to become the future Minister of the Army.
Thinking of the bright future, Bordeaux trembled with excitement.
Although a mountain named the Vladimir Empire stood between him and that bright future, he was fearless and only wanted to climb over it fiercely.
This was also an important reason why Sif chose him.
Many generals in Sussex understood military affairs, but few understood both military affairs and loyalty and showed no fear of powerful enemies.
When domestic generals heard the name Sofia, their faces turned pale with fear, no matter how outstanding their abilityβit was useless to use them.
Roland did not know that in the two months of his absence, Sif had already built a team that seemed odd but was actually effective.
If he knew, he would definitely smile with relief.
The best gift for a mentor is growth.
He was, after all, half of Sifβs mentor, and of course, he hoped she would grow quickly.
Just as Sif was staring at the setting sun in a daze, a dull bell rang from the square.
She quickly turned to look towards the center of the square.
A messenger, covered in blood, crawled onto the bell tower and rang the alarm bell in the center of the square with all his might.
This bell cannot be rung casually.
It can only be rung in major events like the sudden death of the Supreme Leader or foreign invasion.
Ringing the alarm bell without just cause is a capital offense.
Sif touched her cheek, confirming she hadnβt died, so it could only be the latter.
The messenger, who rang the alarm bell, seemed to have lifted a thousand-pound burden as he fainted on the square, relieved.
Patrolling soldiers quickly rushed in and carried away the messenger, seven hands, and eight feet.
Although silently praying in her heart, Sif knew that the life of this commendable soldier was likely at its end.
He came desperately, hanging by a thread of breath.
If he still had the strength to speak, he wouldnβt have recklessly rung the alarm bell, causing panic. He would have reported the information step by step.
There was only one explanation.
The situation was extremely urgent, and he knew he couldnβt hold on, which forced him to ring the bell.
Sif sighed. Although knowing the chances of saving him were slim, she still called for the imperial doctor, asking him to help save the man.
After assigning the task to the imperial doctor, Sif, lacking more information, couldnβt issue orders, so she sat at her desk waiting for further news.
Though young, Raikkonen had followed Roland for years and was an experienced veteran. He knew how to handle such matters.
Sif did not hastily ring the bell to summon the ministers.
Making decisions without accurate information could easily lead to mistakes, and making a mistake on the first order would only shake military morale.
At such times, stability is a must.
The more unclear the situation, the more a leader must remain calm.
As expected, not long after, Ados arrived.
He reported the situation to Sif with a solemn expression.
"The messenger has already fainted, and doctors are working to save him. From the identity tag found on him, he has been identified as a squadron leader and a second lieutenant stationed in the Seventh Army in Franks. Based on his personal equipment and the hoof patterns, the identity tag is authentic."
Sif nodded in satisfaction.
Adosβs observation skills are outstanding; he can always discover the truth from subtle details.
"Have Raikkonen gather information as soon as possible. Meanwhile, notify Christine, Bordeaux, and senior military officers above the rank of vice admiral in non-frontline battle zones to report to Hansa City."
"Prepare for a comprehensive mobilization and the conversion of factories to military production."
...
Sif issued a series of orders in quick succession. Although lacking much intelligence, she was already prepared and did not panic.
Her composure secretly impressed Ados.
Worthy of Her Majesty the Empress, calm and poised in the face of danger. Serving under such a sovereign promises a bright future.
Before leaving, Ados pondered and couldnβt help but ask, "Should we notify Governor Roland immediately?"
"He will be back in just a few days, no need for special notification," Sif replied indifferently.
Ados said nothing further, acknowledged the order, and left.
It is early spring, not suitable for launching large-scale military operations. Even if there is action, it would likely be a probing attack involving tens of thousands, or more likely, harassment.
If Her Majesty the Empress isnβt panicked, he had even less reason to be.
Sifβs calmness was passed on to every panicked minister, gradually calming their hearts.
To stabilize the peopleβs minds, she, who initially planned to rest early, changed into civilian clothes to reassure the crowds in the square.
Just as she feared, the sounding of the alarm bell indeed caused panic among many.
With the implementation of low-tariff trade policies, the Four Overseas Provinces gradually became a hub for Sussex Empireβs overseas trade, and Emre Port is even trending toward replacing Sussex Port as the largest trade center.
