Chapter 401: The march was hindered, but the impact was not great
The harsh sun shone on the bushes, fields and beech trees, and the reflection from the helmet danced as the vehicle moved.

The puddles reflected the azure blue sky, and the clear sky after the rain was particularly clear.

But the next second, a pair of short boots stretched out and stepped into the puddle.

The originally clear rain water was instantly muddied by mud, and before it could settle again, pairs of big feet wearing short boots, riding boots or straw sandals stepped into the puddles one after another.

Among the scattered villages, manors and weeds, the eight Black Hat Army legions, serving as the vanguard, formed five columns and marched forward quickly.

Every legion was the same, with columns of Holy Sharpshooters in front and behind, and columns of Pikemen in the middle.

In this way, once encountering the enemy, the Holy Gunners can quickly change from column to horizontal formation and stand on both sides, while the spearmen in the middle will move forward, thus forming the most basic battle formation.

The khaki coarse linen trousers rubbed against each other, and countless pairs of strong and powerful legs moved alternately.

Every time the big, sturdy feet landed, mud would splash onto the leggings and boots, and before long, a pair of good cloth shoes would tend to be soaked and rotten.

Some people who feel sorry for their shoes would tie their shoes together with a rope, hang them around their necks, and follow the movement wearing the straw sandals they have woven themselves.

The ground was like a sponge soaked with water. With every step, the mud was up to the feet, and the baggage wagons and Horn chariots loaded with heavy armor sank to the wheel hubs.

Mosquitoes followed the horses and people, and dragonflies flew over the heads of the war monks.

"Why does it rain at this time?" Jeshka couldn't help complaining as he watched the infantry phalanx marching at an extraordinary speed.

Beside him, riding on the back of the warhorse Grape, Horn frowned as he looked at the advancing army, also frowning.

There were two days of thunderstorms a few days ago. Although most of the rain was heavy at night and light rain during the day, it still greatly slowed down the Salvation Army's march.

The problem was not that the rain hindered the march, but that it damaged the roads.

After several heavy rains, the rain soaked the entire road, seriously slowing down the Salvation Army's march.

The Salvation Army has increased its pace, but can only maintain a slightly steady pace of 25 kilometers per day.

"It's still the King's Road, but it's more like the King's Intestines." Coleman, who was passing by, pulled his sweaty feet out of the mud and started complaining.

The King's Road from Longsand County to Kasha County has been in disrepair for a long time. Unlike the King's Road in Mound, it is basically a compacted dirt road, and it will become muddy if it rains a little harder.

But if it doesn't rain, there will be another cloud of dust.

But for Horn, he would rather eat more dust than be delayed on the road.

They set out on the morning of July 7, and today is already noon, July 12.

Even though it was already half a day late, they still hadn't reached Xiaochi City, which was still at least ten miles away.

Horn was confident that with Jeanna's abilities and witch strength, it would be no problem for her to defend a small town like Xiaochi.

But the real problem is that although the noble coalition has only 3,000 people, they do have extraordinary powers.

It's too late here. If the noble coalition forces are allowed to delay any longer, it will probably take another whole night or more. If this continues, Rapid City might even be breached.

"Everyone, be alert." Horn shouted to the child soldiers who were delivering the message, "Tell them to work harder. Xiaochi City is currently surrounded by the noble coalition forces. It is the most dangerous time. We are their hope."

"Oh!" As the order was given, shouts of varying sizes came from the team, and then the entire team sped up at a speed visible to the naked eye.

"Let the Norse Knights scout the area. We will set up camp about five miles away from Xiaochi City. We will try to find out their details before night falls and contact Xiaochi City at the same time."

Orders were issued one after another, and the Norse knights in black armor scattered out.

When Jeanne left, she said she took all the cavalry with her, but she only took all the cavalry of the Salvation Army.

For example, the North Boar Knights led by Murat stayed in Black Mountain Castle.

After all, Jinhe Township had just surrendered, so if anything happened, it would be easier for them to suppress it.

Before Horn returned to Chrysanthemum Castle, the agreement he signed with the Ibe noble group was that the other party would send at least 200 knights to help in the battle, including at least 30 square knights and no more than half of the squire knights.

Leading this group of people will be two of Horn's old acquaintances - Perini, the first defeated opponent, and Domenico, the second defeated opponent.

The Alcor family can be considered a hero to the Salvation Army government, as the three earls of this family have participated in every battle of the Salvation Army in Longsand.

The Savior Army is invincible in any battle where they are present.

After the news spread in Xiaochi City and Rapid City, the old grandmother did not betray her, but kept her word.

She delivered a total of 206 "Kush Knights", including 35 square flag knights, 72 squire knights and 99 escort knights, to Black Mountain Castle on time.

The main reason why they are called the "Knights of Kush" is that the bloodline of these nobles may be lower than that of the Duke of Darnay they are talking about.

Not to mention one sixteenth, even one sixtieth may not exist.

One third of these more than 200 knights were mixed-race of foreign nobles and local Kush nobles.

Most of them changed into the traditional Kushite half-sleeved robes and called themselves Kushites.

As for those nobles who are the first generation or unwilling to change, don't blame the grandmother for being cruel.

It’s hard to find a three-legged frog, but there are plenty of people who want to be knights.

Which of those stewards, squire knights, even hired cavalry and wandering knights doesn't want a manor as a fiefdom?

Horn's hand, which was touching his chin, paused for a moment.

Perhaps the grandmother's words of trust were false, and her real purpose was to integrate the power of the knights within Jinhe Township?
"Who?" There was a sudden commotion from the front of the team.

"The one hiding in the bushes, stand up."

"Put your hands above your head and don't move!"

"Captain, don't shoot, it's me!"

"Hü!" The command to run fast was given. Grape, who was sitting on the seat, snorted in annoyance and ran to the front of the team.

Mud splashed and the car braked suddenly in front of a bush.

Ignoring the mud spots on his clothes, Horn jumped off the saddle.

On the side of Victor's Black Hat First Legion, a businessman and several servants were lying on the ground with bruised faces and looking miserable.

A merchant in a silk robe was caught in the middle, and Victor knelt on his neck, pressing the man's entire face into the mud.

Apparently, this method used by guards to suppress mobs is very common in the current empire.

After all, this method can suppress breathing and can suppress possible extraordinary people.

"I, I can't breathe..." the businessman cried in a hoarse voice.

"Who are you?" Horn gestured to both sides, asking Victor to let him go for the time being. "Why are you spying on our march?"

"Ahem, I'm Hasurian, the councillor of Kochi City." After spitting out the saliva filled with mud and sand, the councillor forced a smile.

Jeshka immediately stepped forward and grabbed him by the collar: "Why are you here? Has Xiaochi Castle been breached?"

"No, no." Hasurian had a sad face, but still managed to smile, "Your Highness, we destroyed seven camps overnight, and the siege of Xiaochi City has been lifted."

"what?"

(End of this chapter)