PrologueChapter 1 Red Grace Inn (1)Chapter 2 Red Grace Inn (2)Chapter 3 Dawn Academy (1)Chapter 4 Dawn Academy (2)Chapter 5 Young NobleChapter 6 The Origins of Battle ForceChapter 7 The First Days since ReincarnationChapter 8 Battle Force and His Days as a MercenaryChapter 9 Dynamic VisionChapter 10 Aquametal TechniqueChapter 11 Incador MedalChapter 12 The Pawn and the AnnouncementChapter 13 Academy Head LevinsChapter 14 Lakefront ResidenceChapter 15 A Fleeting Moonlit Dream (1)Chapter 16 A Fleeting Moonlit Dream (2)Chapter 17 A Fleeting Moonlit Dream (3)Chapter 18 A Fleeting Moonlit Dream (4)Chapter 19 A Fleeting Moonlit Dream (5)Chapter 20 A Fleeting Moonlit Dream (6)Chapter 21 A Fleeting Moonlit Dream (7)Chapter 22 Locke and Els (1)Chapter 23 Locke and Els (2)Chapter 24 Locke and Els (3)Chapter 25 Locke and Els (4)Chapter 26 Els’s RequestChapter 27 Final PreparationsChapter 28 Selling Books And Requesting HelpChapter 29 Settling Bills at The InnChapter 30 Battle Force Awakening CourseChapter 31 Pulse Reading (1)Chapter 32 Pulse Reading (2)Chapter 33 Journal Entries and The DuelsChapter 34 Dueling PeriodChapter 35 President Peterson’s ThanksChapter 36 Attendant and CarriageChapter 37 Ambush on the StreetsChapter 38 Counter KillChapter 39 AftermathChapter 40 The Duels ContinueChapter 41 Counting Earnings and BeggarsChapter 42 Arrival of the People from the FamilyChapter 43 Troubles Within the FamilyChapter 44 The Fanatical Female StudentsChapter 45 The DecisionChapter 46 Convoy Plans and the Oath of AllegianceChapter 47 Knights and GiftsChapter 48 Northbound Journey StrategyChapter 49 The Academy ArmoryChapter 50 In Which Els Reports for DutyChapter 51 The Sloph SlaversChapter 52 SlaughterChapter 53 Occupying the BastideChapter 54 Reorganization and MaidservantsChapter 55 Ambush and the YieldsChapter 56 Baron MirandaChapter 57 Various Preparations for the JourneyChapter 58 The Journey North BeginsChapter 59 Kill Them AllChapter 60 Camp Intrusion and TakeoverChapter 61 Arrival of the ConvoyChapter 62 Offense and DefenseChapter 63 Breaching the CampChapter 64 Winter Night MassacreChapter 65 Conclusion and ReorganizationChapter 66 Mister TimChapter 67 Josk’s WishChapter 68 StrategizingChapter 69 The Battle BeginsChapter 70 Troop DeploymentChapter 71 SuccessChapter 72 FreiyarChapter 73 TrustChapter 74 Surprise Attack SuccessfulChapter 75 The Final AssaultChapter 76 RoundingChapter 77 Conference of the NoblesChapter 78 On the RoadChapter 79 A Withered Tree Crumbles EasilyChapter 80 Forming yet Another ConvoyChapter 81 TelestiChapter 82 Viscount KermasChapter 83 River-Crossing and ArrivalChapter 84 TakeoverChapter 85 The Plan of the Kenmays FamilyChapter 86 Construction Staff AppointmentChapter 87 HomecomingChapter 88 Power Struggle RumorsChapter 89 Inheritance CeremonyChapter 90 Three Chief Supervisors and IrinaChapter 91 Sword CrisisChapter 92 Knight BelnickChapter 93 EnticementChapter 94 Midway SkirmishChapter 95 Family’s Forbidden AreaChapter 96 Whitedeer Mound, Bread and the Slave CampChapter 97 Mercenaries and Metal ArmorChapter 98 Lorist’s PlanChapter 99 Maplewoods BastideChapter 100 Barbarians, Gold Mine and PlottingChapter 101 MistakesChapter 102 TrapChapter 103 Melee OutbreakChapter 104 Bloodshed and RemorseChapter 105 RepercussionsChapter 106 RewardChapter 107 Supply TransportationChapter 108 The Pitiful Grandmaster CirobaChapter 109 A Meeting with TelestiChapter 110 IntermissionChapter 111 BreakthroughChapter 112 Blissful Night LifeChapter 113 The Chosen Location and the DuelChapter 114 News of the Mountain BarbariansChapter 115 An Unwelcome GuestChapter 116 Baron CamorraChapter 117 Tabik’s DemandChapter 118 The Issue of CompensationChapter 119 The Decision to DeployChapter 120 The Days of the ExpeditionChapter 121 Duke Loggins’s PlotChapter 122 Return in FutilityChapter 123 Urgent Reinforcement RequestChapter 124 Warzone MerchantsChapter 125 Battles of NoblesChapter 126 Knight CarnivalChapter 127 The Plot of the Kenmays Family HeadChapter 128 Request for PeaceChapter 129 Knight WaximaChapter 130 Troop DeploymentChapter 131 The Massacre and the Suspension BridgeChapter 132 Josk’s Fire ArrowsChapter 133 Rolling BouldersChapter 134 Surprise TakeoverChapter 135 CompletionChapter 136 Out of OptionsChapter 137 Aftermath MattersChapter 138 News of the Kenmays FamilyChapter 139 Celebratory BanquetChapter 140 ShockChapter 141 The Whereabouts of the ConvoyChapter 142 Charade the DemonChapter 143 The Experiences of the MessengersChapter 144 Hennard’s RansomChapter 145 ReleaseChapter 146 DepartureChapter 147 DilemmaChapter 148 The Mounted Archers UnitChapter 149 BlockadeChapter 150 Small Mountain VillageChapter 151 BypassChapter 152 Noble Rank ElevationChapter 153 Trivial ProblemsChapter 154 Lorist’s StrategyChapter 155 The Citadel’s WeaknessChapter 156 Kill During the Darkness of the NightChapter 157 Burn When the Winds Are StrongChapter 158 Worriless Journey NorthChapter 159 Assault During a Snowy NightChapter 160 Strategies and PlansChapter 161 The Long Wintery NightChapter 162 Gentle Spring RainChapter 163 River CrossingChapter 164 Conditions and RequestChapter 165 Plunder, Move, and DestroyChapter 166 Battle Preparations at Firmrock CastleChapter 167 Auguslo’s CounterattackChapter 168 Female UnitChapter 169 Felicitas SettlementChapter 170 Ridden with MattersChapter 171 Female SecretaryChapter 172 Messenger and AllianceChapter 173 Top KekChapter 174 Magical Beast WaveChapter 175 Central TownChapter 176 Goats in the TownChapter 177 Wrapping UpChapter 178 Ballistas and Metal MaterialsChapter 179 Daily Life Within the DominionChapter 180 Count Kenmays’s VisitChapter 181 Facing the Magical Beast Wave AgainChapter 182 Military ReorganizationChapter 183 Sid Steel ArmorChapter 184 Princess SylviaChapter 185 Count Kenmays’s LetterChapter 186 A New Sea PortChapter 187 Development PlansChapter 188 The UltimatumChapter 189 The Onset of WarChapter 190 Before the BattleChapter 191 Ballista StormChapter 192 The Unfortunate BlademasterChapter 193 Confrontation with Princess SylviaChapter 194 Victor of the DuelChapter 195 Four Family AllianceChapter 196 Prisoners and LetterChapter 197 EscortChapter 198 Settling DownChapter 199 Master-Disciple ConversationChapter 200 Reidy’s RequestChapter 201 A Failed ExperimentChapter 202 Assaulted [Cliffhanger 1 of 5]Chapter 203 Grueling Battle [Cliffhanger 2 of 5]Chapter 204 Bloody Battle [Cliffhanger 3 of 5]Chapter 205 Executed [Cliffhanger 4 of 5]Chapter 206 Enslaved [Cliffhanger 5 of 5]Chapter 207 MortificationChapter 208 Wooden ShackChapter 209 House-buildingChapter 210 BarbariansChapter 211 DepartureChapter 212 Setting OutChapter 213 AnalysisChapter 214 Royal CapitalChapter 215 ArrangementsChapter 216 The Decision of the DukeChapter 217 VisitChapter 218 Whale IslandChapter 219 Grandmaster SidChapter 220 Flying Fish of DawnChapter 221 Tax CollectionChapter 222 Arrival of the Dominion LordChapter 223 Tax CollectorChapter 224 HectorChapter 225 Whitebird RestaurantChapter 226 Farama VillageChapter 227 Imperial CapitalChapter 228 Paradise GatheringChapter 229 Davey and the PrincessChapter 230 Face-smackingChapter 231 Flipping OutChapter 232 LeavingChapter 233 Breaching Five Camps in the NightChapter 234 InvestigationChapter 235 DiscussionChapter 236 Heading to Morante CityChapter 237 At SeaChapter 238 Matters Back at HomeChapter 239 Port TroublesChapter 240 The Secret of GunpowderChapter 241 GlassmithChapter 242 The Curious Case of Luxcrimson WineryChapter 243 Unforeseen ChangesChapter 244 Shocking DevelopmentsChapter 245 Two LettersChapter 246 Blockade at SeaChapter 247 Bathing in Blood [Cliffhanger 2 of 3]Chapter 248 Escape [Cliffhanger 3 of 3]Chapter 249 SenbaudChapter 250 Threat and ExpropriationChapter 251 Dispute within the Chikdor Merchant Guild (1)Chapter 252 Dispute within the Chikdor Merchant Guild (2)Chapter 253 Mayflower Merchant Guild Assault IncidentChapter 254 Setup and CountersChapter 255 The Glass WarChapter 256 The Haphazard WarChapter 257 Clash of the High-TiersChapter 258 President Peterson’s ConditionsChapter 259 The Second Highness’s AssaultChapter 260 The 5th Day of the 4th MonthChapter 261 FurybearChapter 262 The First and Third Young MastersChapter 263 Research and ImprovementsChapter 264 Firearms, War News, and the NightmareChapter 265 Assault from the Hanayabarta KingdomChapter 266 The Aftermath and the March into BattleChapter 267 The WaitChapter 268 The Terrible State of SilowasChapter 269 The First Household BlademasterChapter 270 Meeting of the Four FamiliesChapter 271 Battle ReportChapter 272 The Death of Duke UrubahaChapter 273 Before the ExpeditionChapter 274 Money of All Things Comes the FastestChapter 275 Battle on ShoreChapter 276 KarmanChapter 277 Hector and the Slave CampChapter 278 News from TarkelChapter 279 Changing Strategic ArrangementsChapter 280 EncounterChapter 281 SetupChapter 282 ArrivalChapter 283 Royal CapitalChapter 284 DrunkenChapter 285 Dueling GroundsChapter 286 Three Floors UndergroundChapter 287 Taking ActionChapter 288 Secret PathChapter 289 TrapChapter 290 The PloyChapter 291 The PersuasionChapter 292 TerminationChapter 293 The Death of a NationChapter 294 ArrangementsChapter 295 Dread MonumentChapter 296 Garrison DivisionChapter 297 SurrenderChapter 298 Shocking NewsChapter 299 ReconcilliationChapter 300 RefusalChapter 301 Jillin HarborChapter 302 The Child’s Play SiegeChapter 303 Anna and ArriChapter 304 The God of War’s EndChapter 305 The Odd SituationChapter 306 Return to MoranteChapter 307 The Plight of Dawn AcademyChapter 308 NostalgiaChapter 309 Dauslyke HotelChapter 310 President BejisanroChapter 311 PreparationsChapter 312 ArsonChapter 313 Closing ActChapter 314 Ridden with MattersChapter 315 Reasons for ComingChapter 316 Huge PurchaseChapter 317 Charade Returns from SeclusionChapter 318 Viscount EidisChapter 319 The Duke’s WelcomeChapter 320 Welcoming BanquetChapter 321 Count Chujway’s NarrativeChapter 322 DuelChapter 323 Intelligence CenterChapter 324 The Tournament BeginsChapter 325 Three RequestsChapter 326 ApologiesChapter 327 The Princess’s HeartChapter 328 Missed InitiativeChapter 329 Dominion ReplacementChapter 330 Plan of AttackChapter 331 Incident and New EquipmentChapter 332 The Trouble with Compact CrossbowsChapter 333 Arrival of the Second HighnessChapter 334 RefusalChapter 335 ReinforcementChapter 336 NegotiationsChapter 337 ConditionsChapter 338 Pledging AllegianceChapter 339 LobbyingChapter 340 RegretChapter 341 LandingChapter 342 OccupationChapter 343 SuggestionChapter 344 ReasonChapter 345 An AudienceChapter 346 Settling DebtChapter 347 LetterChapter 348 Gold Coins (1)Chapter 349 Gold Coins (2)Chapter 350 Bank, Entitlement and Real EstateChapter 351 Update on Catapults and CannonsChapter 352 Reidy’s EncountersChapter 353 Ambush, Pursuit and AssaultChapter 354 Demongrass SwampChapter 355 Gold EagleChapter 356 Second Highness, The Path SeekerChapter 357 The Second Highness’s StrategyChapter 358 Made it in TimeChapter 359 CaptiveChapter 360 IglooChapter 361 Drinking SessionChapter 362 Surprising Pledge of LoyaltyChapter 363 Banquet and EntitlementChapter 364 Strategy and Deployment MeetingChapter 365 Rainy SeasonChapter 366 ExterminationChapter 367 City EntranceChapter 368 EscapeChapter 369 PursuitChapter 370 Humiliation of the DukeChapter 371 ArrivalChapter 372 Tower Defense TacticChapter 373 Onset of a Great BattleChapter 374 Open-Field Battle PreparationChapter 375 VictoryChapter 376 RetreatChapter 377 Boblige Mountain RangeChapter 378 Two Pieces of Bad NewsChapter 379 EidelwokeChapter 380 100 Thousand Barbarian CavalryChapter 381 The Bloody Battle of Pedro (1)Chapter 382 The Bloody Battle of Pedro (2)Chapter 383 The Eccentric QueenChapter 384 SchemeChapter 385 Galini BeloputChapter 386 Three RequestsChapter 387 Property and TaxesChapter 388 Mayor DoboffChapter 389 Barbarians and Gold MineChapter 390 Jaeger’s ConsolidationChapter 391 PersuasionChapter 392 Admitting LossChapter 393 The Barbarians ComethChapter 394 Defeating the BarbariansChapter 395 Gold Mine ObtainedChapter 396 InsomniaChapter 397 UntitledChapter 398 DecisionChapter 399 EffectChapter 400 Right of InheritanceChapter 401 Way to Settle the DebtChapter402 Marital BlissChapter 403 NegotiationsChapter 404 Salt Merchant CommitteeChapter 405 The Storm Brews AgainChapter 406 InspectionChapter 407 The Oddity of the Second HighnessChapter 408 Carriage TrackChapter 409 War in the SouthChapter 410 Before the Grand WeddingChapter 411 The WeddingChapter 412 SurveyChapter 413 Second Highness’s SchemeChapter 414 ChangesChapter 415 Crossing the BorderChapter 416 MeetingChapter 417 The AlliesChapter 418 PlottingChapter 419 DeclarationChapter 420 The Battle BeginsChapter 421 WarChapter 422 Trenches and Mud WallsChapter 423 StalemateChapter 424 FloodingChapter 425 The Two Dukes’ DecisionsChapter 426 RescueChapter 427 MigrationChapter 428 Hot Spring ValleyChapter 429 Word of the SwordsaintChapter 430 MethodChapter 431 Three Methods (1)Chapter 432 Three Methods (2)Chapter 433 All Quiet on the Southern FrontChapter 434 The Line of SuccessionChapter 435 Round Up and HuntChapter 436 Envoy and ConditionsChapter 437 Moonlight StonesChapter 439 House NordinghamChapter 440 SubmissionChapter 441 Distribution of Rewards
Next Chapter
Argument
Never do what your enemy expects, unless that is what they don’t expect.
~ excerpt from Treatises on War by Norton Loris
Why have you come?
Blademaster Xanthi had returned to her residence. She was surprised to see Fisablen seated near the fireplace drinking tea. They were at Cherry Blossom Ridge. The moment Xanthi received Sylvia’s letter about her being with child, she had rushed from Crouchtiger Castle all the way there, ignoring Fisablen’s order to guard the dominion, opting instead to stay by Sylvia’s side. It was only after Lorist returned that Xanthi returned to her residence for not wanting to see him.
I came back together with Lorist,
the duke replied,
Also, how’s Sylvia doing?
Not bad. She should be giving birth in a month or so. Now that the guy has returned, she’s so happy she’s stopped caring about me, her adoptive mother,
complained she.
Hehe, someone your age is jealous of their juniors?
Fisablen teased laughingly,
Come, sit down. We haven’t spent much time together for quite some time now.
Xanthi walked over and sat down, leaning on the duke and snuggled into his embrace. Every time the two were together, she would turn into a little girl and stick closely to her man.
You’ve come so far in this cold, stormy weather. You must be worn out, right?
asked she as she reached her hand out to touch the duke’s face.
I bet you wouldn’t believe me if I told you I didn’t suffer at all. I traveled from Wesstwood all the way here with Lorist without rest. It took only four days and three nights,
said he, sighing.
Impossible! How many provinces did you have to cross? Let me count… Wesstwood, Perolina, Freewood, Jigzai, Messen, Rimad, Southern, Winston, and The Northlands. Look, even if you travel on horseback for a day and a night, you’ll only cross one province. How could you go through nine provinces in this kind of weather so quickly?
It’s true, I’m not lying,
Fisablen said as he gave her face a kiss.
She giggled and buried her face even deeper in his chest.
I bet you never would’ve imagined we didn’t come on horseback. We came on sleds. Apart from the mountainous paths where workhorses had to be strung, we only used sails to travel down the mountains and across the plains. I didn’t think sails could be used in such a way as well. The heavier the storm, the faster the sleds. It was like a bolt of lightning. The scenery whooshed by so fast I couldn’t see it at all.
Lorist said House Norton only experimented with two kinds of sleds with the aim of solving the problem of transportation during the winter. We’d used one of them. Unfortunately, you can only transport small amounts of supplies like this; you still need animals to pull larger loads,
said he with much insight.
That kid loves to use these unconventional and devilish methods,
said Xanthi.
Devilish? Haha, you look down on them too much,
said the duke, a little crestfallen,
I only now understand they were holding back when they attacked us. Had he not been worried that nobody would keep the grassland barbarians in check, he could’ve long sent his troops to Crouchtiger Castle.
Don’t tell me we have a huge population in Eastwild with limitless potential and that our frontier legions are best at hit-and-run attacks. As long as it’s winter and our soldiers huddle up in the castles for heat, House Norton’s forces can use sleds to send their forces to encircle us. There’ll no way we can escape.
Xanthi’s eyes widened.
It can’t be. If even you’re so pessimistic… are the sleds really that amazing?
This isn’t really a problem of sleds. While they are indeed quite suitable for use on the plains, especially when snow covers them, I am more concerned with the mindset behind it. The is far more conservative than House Norton. There are no talented people in the next generation that stand out with creative ability and tolerance.
Oh, and, six days ago, House Norton’s Tigersoar used the cover of the snow and their skis to attack the defenses in Welony Pass. I watched the battle myself. I saw Lorist lead his men across the snow to the defenses’ rear quickly.
The defenders would never have imagined that the enemy would show up behind them in that weather. The many blizzards have packed snow hard on the ground. Using the skis, Lorist can attack quickly and easily from anywhere.
Reddragon was completely swarmed. They didn’t even know how the enemy had appeared. The hundred or so catapults along the mountain pass fell without inflicting any casualties, and the number of enemies that escaped was negligible. The defenses that had held us back for eight months were conquered in a few minutes, with few, if any, casualties on Lorist’s side. I understand completely why Lorist says winter is his friend, not his foe.
Then we can also train House Fisablen’s forces to fight like that! I’m sure you can do whatever that kid can,
consoled Xanthi.
Fisablen laughed bitterly.
I already told you it’s a problem of mindset. I’ve seen how the soldiers of Tigersoar are armed and their response to orders. It isn’t something a quick training course can achieve. It’s the result of years of regular winter training.
Each soldier is given a set of specially made insulating clothing. They know how to not lose their way in the midst of a blizzard as well as how to camouflage themselves in the white, snow-covered fields and even how to prevent snow-blindness and keep their body temperature up.
I really can’t fathom Lorist investing so much into his forces. I asked around at one point; it’s not just Tigersoar that has that training. Every Norton soldier has to go through it every year.
Fisablen sighed.
I’ve always thought my fate was unordinary and dreamt of ushering in a new age for the house. But compared to Lorist, I am worthless. Whether it is personal power or the might of our armies, I’m not his match. I’m not saying this just because I’m sour. We’re just too far apart.
It really is unfortunate we have such a neighbor. The only thing I can be happy about is that this kid married my granddaughter and can be considered my son-in-law now. As long as I don’t step out of bounds, I don’t have to worry about House Fisablen being exterminated. I’m sure the kid will give us a hand in consideration of Sylvia.
……
On the 11th day of the 1st month, Year 1783, House Norton’s matron, Duke of The Northlands’, Norton Lorist’s, wife, Sylvia, gave birth to a healthy child Lorist named Anderbael, ‘peaceful bearling’ in the language of the fae.
Auguslo’s envoys traveled to The Northlands one after another after the rainy season ended, with the order to return to the frontlines. Duke Fisablen had already returned. After the attack on Welony Pass, the entrance to Handra was opened. It wasn’t known whether the four dukes would react in desperation. So, Duke Fisablen rallied his troops after the new year’s and rushed back to the pass. Lorist used the excuse of accompanying his wife and child to delay his return.
He only started packing in the 5th month. Had it not been for the king’s consideration of how a monarch should behave, Lorist suspected he would have cursed in his letters already.
As expected, the frontlines were in complete chaos. The successful attack had been a pleasant surprise for the king. When he received word of it, Lorist had already returned to his dominion. As it was due to Sylvia’s upcoming labor, there was nothing he could do. When he rushed to the frontlines in the blizzard, he quickly realized it was thanks to the skis he had obsessed over so much that the attack could be carried out successfully.
In Egret Swamp those years ago, he had seen how fast Lorist had traveled across the snow with the skis and even learned how to make them. He had forgotten one important factor, though. When he returned and wanted to form a ski assault corps, he realized all the men would have to be provided the skis, and a set of expensive heat-retaining clothing.
The reason Lorist could outfit his men was that he had a massive surplus of the necessary material from the magic beasts they had hunted. He had exterminated millions of them and obtained their pelts. But, lacking any way to ship them for sale in large quantities, he had used them for winter clothing for his troops.
Auguslo didn’t have that kind of fur. He realized every soldier being given a set would be a huge burden on his finances. So, out of consideration for his coffers, he dropped the plan. He was really envious of the equipment Tigersoar’s men had. He had wanted Tigersoar to press on and continue raking in the victory while winter lasted but Loze refused. He had told the king that Lorist’s orders were to defend the pass so their efforts wouldn’t be wasted if the enemy launched a counterattack. Additionally, the skis could only be used to catch the enemy off-guard. Now that they were aware of their presence, they’d definitely be ready. Any further attacks would only lose them more men.
What a load of bull. So what if the enemy is prepared? There’s no way they’d stay in their trenches during the blizzard! They’d freeze to death before you even fight! Who else would have such priceless winter gear and the ability to show up out of nowhere in this kind of weather?
It was too bad Tigersoar wasn’t under his direct command. Loze could rightfully refuse his orders because he wasn’t their commander.
He returned, anger-filled, and swore he would spend even the last gold coin in his coffer to form an assault corps he could deploy in the winter as well. All he could do in the moment, however, was watch as the opportunities slipped away. After the rainy season passed, he kept on sending envoys to Lorist to have him return.
What are you doing in your dominion now that your child is born? Get your ass back here!
Welony’s conquest meant that at least half of Wesstwood was now controlled by Andinaq. With Handra losing their advantageous defensive position in Cloudsnap, they had no choice but to retreat a further hundred kilometers. Fortunately, there were a few low hills there where the duchies had set up defenses to resist the first prince’s invasion. The legions made their way there, reformed and took up position.
For now, six legions were stationed there. The four dukes had basically deployed all their forces in that single location. Forund’s first and second legions, Handra’s Whitedragon and Blackdragon legions, as well as the horribly defeated Reddragon, joined ranks. Farkel’s Forestmont and Bloodspear were also there. As for Duke Shabaj’s division, it was stationed along Nibarak to keep the enemy from passing through.
Perhaps because of the stimulation of Tigersoar’s attack, Auguslo had led Whitelion and Duke Fisablen’s the reserve legion in attacks on the defenses multiple times. But the defenses held and he was unable to break through.
Locke, only the defenses in front of us are left. As long as we break through, we can completely annihilate the enemy. I believe it’s possible with Tigersoar’s capabilities. I hope you’ll take this on,
said the king during their council.
After inspecting the troop layout diagram a scout had drawn, Lorist shook his head.
Not possible.
Why?
Auguslo’s face darkened.
Simple. The reason I led Tigersoar to attack Welony was to apply even more pressure on their defenses. The four dukes will soon crumble on their own. One look at the defenses and you’ll understand they have to form new legions now that they’ve stationed the six available legions they have there. They also have to make sure the riverbank is defended to keep us from launching an attack there.
We can only imagine how many soldiers they need to ensure their full defense. There’s no way they can keep this up with only two provinces. As long as we maintain this stance without going all out, Handra can only keep trying to increase their defenses until they can no longer keep it up. Why would we then waste our men in battle?
But our attack could apply even more pressure on them! If we succeed in crumbling this line, the enemy will fall even faster!
argued Auguslo loudly.
Perhaps. But it will kill our men as well. Since victory is already assured, why sacrifice unnecessarily?
A voice interrupted the exchange from outside the tent.
Reporting to His Majesty, Duke Handra’s envoy is requesting an audience.
