Volume 1 Chapter 62 The Imperial Army In A Panic
"In two weeks of fighting, we've lost a lot and barely hurt the enemy. We're in a bad spot."
"Is the moat really that big of a problem?"
"Honestly, Your Majesty, this isn't a normal battle—it's a siege."
"First, there's the steep moat outside the walls. If we rush down, we get stabbed with spears. If we're too slow, we get shot by arrows."
The commander told Emperor Raimont this, and another commander kept talking.
"Then, after the moat, there are hidden traps stopping us from moving forward."
"Plus, they keep throwing rocks at us with catapults."
"We can't even use much space. We can only attack with 400 troops at a time, and our camp is stretched out along the mountain paths."
"At this rate, we might get attacked from above again, like before..."
"As the supply officer, I have to say, if we keep 9,000 troops here, we'll run out of food. We were supposed to get supplies by raiding villages along the way..."
Emperor Raimont's anger faded as he heard this. He knew they needed to leave this mess fast.
The other commanders felt the same. They didn't say it, but their eyes showed it.
"But if we leave without winning anything, the nobles will be upset. Especially Duke Juán, who lost two daughters."
If Duke Juán rebels, Duke Anréol, a royal relative, might join him. Then other nobles might turn against them too. They planned to crush Ashreach fast and claim revenge.
But this stupid defense line ruined everything.
Everyone, even the emperor, just wanted to retreat.
And because they rushed into this, they were stuck with no good options.
"Once we retreat, we'll get ships in Zootuur, bypass their defenses, and attack from behind, Your Majesty."
"But people will still know we retreated."
"Leave some soldiers here, and Your Majesty can go to Zootuur. Flanking will make it look better."
The plan was to stay here, stare down the Ashreach army, then invade by sea and block their rear.
But it's expensive, takes time, and is messy.
Still, it's only better than losing and going home empty-handed.
As the emperor was about to agree, the sound of hooves interrupted.
"Urgent message! Where's His Majesty Raimont!"
The knight shouted, almost losing his voice. The soldier raised the flag and guided the horse.
To deliver news fast, soldiers can stay on horseback even in front of the emperor.
"Forgive us for not dismounting! The Suno people attacked our homeland! Derenfran, Netoriaus, and Nyubtarl were hit by 9,000 Vikings!"
"Now!?"
"Duke Derenfran retreated to Parisses, but Duke Netoriaus was killed! Duke Nyubtarl fled to relatives on Tebrin Island's south!"
"All three regions fell!?"
"And the Suno people are heading south to Parisses! Your Majesty, please return fast!"
Parisses, the beautiful capital, was being destroyed by barbarians from the north.
Hearing this, no one cared about revenge or pride anymore.
"Mobilize the army! Let's go back to Parisses!"
It was a crisis, but also a way to escape this hopeless situation. No, not escape—a strategic move to defend the capital.
He had a good excuse for his advisors.
* * *
"He's probably just relieved to have an excuse."
"Huh? What do you mean?"
Eleonora grinned at Prince Arlecchino.
"Simply put, the Suno people attacked, so they'll deal with them, then prepare ships and invade us by sea. Of course, in reality, the Suno are coordinating with us — so the enemy's basically walking straight into our encirclement."
"Lady Kamitafira, should we chase the enemy?"
"No, Lord Leonardo, let the Loriengita army go for now."
"Why? Now's the time to chase them."
"The terrain's bad for chasing. Even if we attack from behind, we'll only send a few dozen men, and they'll slip and fall. First, we'll regroup with the troops from the capital. Take our time."
"Then after regrouping..."
"We'll move troops to Rorch and Avoisa to take control."
The Ashreach knights and nobles got restless. They thought this was just a defensive war for trade, but now it seemed like they wanted new land.
"But won't that delay meeting the Suno people and hurt them?"
Arlecchino asked nervously, and Eleonora replied casually.
"So what?"
"W-what do you mean?"
"The Suno people can fight if they want. I never promised to protect them or ally with them. Any damage they take is their problem, as it should be."
"What if the Suno people are wiped out?"
At Orlando's question, Eleonora laughed.
"Then we'll attack the weakened Loriengita army from behind. At least we can bury the dead."
"Hmm, should I write this down?"
Baron Poniète fiddled with his pen, thinking. Lately, he'd been writing down Eleonora's words and planning something.
"If you don't want new land as a reward, just follow from a distance. In that case, the crown alone will be left scrambling to satisfy the warriors who actually earned honors."
"Now that you put it that way..."
"Rorch has minerals, and Avoisa is great for trade. The profits are enough..."
The territories might become detached enclaves, but they can split it among family members and charge them for support. A modest tithe back to the main house wll bring in money.
The Ashreach nobles' eyes lit up with greed.
"So, Your Highness, don't make too many promises."
"...Yes."
"Say 'I understand,' not just 'yes.'"
"I understand."
Eleonora nodded, satisfied, and stood up.
"Soldiers! Rest for now! And get ready for a chance to rise up! If things go well, you might become farmers with your own land!"
The soldiers murmured.
Most were poor tenants, barely making ends meet.
The idea of becoming self-sufficient farmers, hiring others, made risking their lives seem worth it.
"Eventually, we'll attack Parisses. Imagine the palace's treasure! Gold, silver, jewels—plundering is your right as soldiers! Go for it!"
The thought of Loriengita's riches excited both knights and poor farmers. Beating the invaders and taking the treasure made them feel less guilty.
Since the enemy attacked first and was richer, it seemed okay. And since Eleonora said it was their right, it must be.
The Ashreach army was trying to flip the script, from victims to victors.
And everyone believed it was their own justice.
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