Berserk, Total War: Second Son of Nobles

John sat behind the mahogany desk in the study, his fingertips tapping lightly on an intelligence letter with a gold-embossed cover.

Outside the window, the cold wind of early winter blew fine snow across the iron fence of the palace garden, casting tiny shadows on the glass windows.

The fire in the fireplace crackled, casting a flickering shadow on his profile.

"I've heard a little bit about private police stations, but private colonies...that's the first time I've heard of them."

In the secret report sent from Yoda yesterday, the "entrepreneurial history" of those overseas Chinese in foreign countries was simply jaw-dropping.

In addition to fighting with local gangs to occupy territory, what interested John more were the various forces established in the name of Helderlan.

John originally thought that he had done a tough job at the beginning, but he didn't expect that there was someone who was even more ruthless than him.

"Have those people confirmed the location of Yoda's base?"

"Your Majesty, someone has been sent to verify the exact location."

Wesker unfolded a sheepskin map on the table and pointed his finger at an area with dense red circles.

"They are mainly concentrated in remote areas and mountainous areas in the north. These red circles are known strongholds, but according to informants, the actual number may be much higher."

John didn't care much about this matter. Besides the fact that the current crimes committed by these people were not particularly serious, these people were not hiding in Yoda and would not come back. Their ultimate goal was for Yoda to make money from Helder Orchids. Moreover, when they sent money back every year, they still reported it according to the heaviest commercial tax, which also made some contribution to the national finances.

"That's all."

John straightened up.

"Have Yoda keep an eye on it and report the specific location and business operations clearly. As long as they don't cause any major trouble, let them do whatever they want."

After John finished instructing Yoda on his mission, he turned around and asked:

"By the way, has anything important happened in Midland recently?"

Wesker's expression was slightly tense as he took out a scroll of secret information with a silver border from his sleeve:

"The Kingdom of Midlan has not yet launched any military moves against our country, but undercurrents are surging within the palace."

He unfolded the letter, and his fingertips stopped on a certain paragraph of text.

"Count Yuris, the younger brother of the King of Miterlan, has been holding frequent private meetings with ministers from the court over the past two weeks. According to our intelligence officers stationed in the Miterlan capital, these meetings often take place late at night at private estates under heavy security."

"According to our intelligence analysis, Count Juris may be planning a coup. Even if he doesn't become king himself, he may want to allow his son Antonis to ascend the throne."

John thought about it and it seemed that it was almost time for Griffith's Hawk Group to rise, although he had not yet heard of any mercenary group that could turn the tide of the battle on the battlefields of Midland and Yoda.

"Is there any other information about Yuris?"

Wesker looked at the secret report and continued:

"Count Juris is currently looking for a swordsmanship instructor. He reportedly wants to focus on training Antonis in martial arts. Last month, the Count even secretly visited the Archbishop of Midland."

"He's quite thoughtful and knows how to connect with the Dharma King's Office."

John couldn't help but sigh when he thought of this. Even though King Midlan had no male heir and Juris still controlled the White Dragon Knights, he could not escape being killed by the plot.

"Arrange a spy with superb swordsmanship to apply for the swordsmanship instructor that Count Yuris needs. This will help us better gather intelligence on the Midland royal family."

When Yuris's son was mentioned, John suddenly thought of his own son Karl, whom he had not seen for a year.

Every month he would write a letter to ask about his son's situation in the military camp. At the same time, there was a team of intelligence personnel in the dark who kept an eye on his son's daily life, including his mental and physical health, academic progress, the kind of friends he made, etc.

"How's Carl doing lately?"

He suddenly asked, his tone becoming a little gentle.

Wesker immediately understood:

"Your Majesty, His Royal Highness is doing well."

He took out a letter sealed with military wax from his bosom.

"This letter arrived three days ago, written by the prince himself. He said that the winter training in the barracks was very fulfilling, and he had made several like-minded friends."

John took the letter and his fingertips trembled slightly as he opened the wax seal. The handwriting on the letter was still childish, but much neater than last year's:

"Dad, I learned the triple slash technique in swordsmanship class today. The instructor said my form has improved a lot compared to last month... The bakery at the barracks baked apple pie, and I wanted to save a piece for you to take back when you come to inspect..."

As he read, his eyes became slightly hot and he quickly wiped the corners of his eyes with his fingertips.

"What else does the intelligence officer say?"

He tried to calm himself down and folded the letter.

"His Royal Highness is in good physical and mental health, and his academic progress is in line with expectations."

Wesker replied.

"Over the past six months, he has demonstrated considerable talent in military theory, horsemanship, and tactical command. Most importantly, he gets along well with everyone in the barracks and lacks the arrogance often seen among children of the nobility."

John let out a long sigh and leaned back in his chair. Outside the window, dusk deepened and the flames in the fireplace stretched his shadow very long.

John's requirements for his son are not particularly high, because the country's political situation is currently stable, there are no internal or external threats, and the entire country has only one heir. As long as Karl lives and studies in a normal way, and learns from him how to work and attend various important activities when he reaches adulthood, he will retire directly when he is old and let Karl become the second monarch.

But it's a bit far-fetched to think about these things now. John has more important things to do next month, which is to commemorate the anniversary of the victory in the war against Yoda's Empire.

This is a major event for the country of Helderland. In the past, it was held on the main road outside the palace, but this year John plans to change the venue.

"Wesker, what do you think about holding a memorial service at the Martyrs' Cemetery?"

John put down the secret report in his hand and looked at Wesker.

Wesker was slightly startled, then nodded and said:

"Your Majesty, I think this is a very good idea. The Martyrs' Cemetery is the resting place of those soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country. Holding a memorial service there can better express our respect and remembrance for them."

John nodded and said:

"I think so too. Although previous commemorations were grand, I always felt something was missing. Holding them on a main road was more about showcasing the glory of the country, but holding them at the Martyrs' Cemetery allows us to more deeply remember that period of history and the heroes who gave their lives for our country and our people."

"That's it, I'll summon Simon and the others to discuss this matter tomorrow. It's so late, you should go back and rest."