Chapter 81: Attack (1)

Chapter 81: Attack (1)

What about Her Highness the Princess? How

Upon hearing the report, even Rudehrn was utterly bewildered, the most shocked he had been in years. It was inevitable.

Even he, with his vast experience in warfare, couldnt have foreseen this situation.

The remarkable victory in Akiten had surprised him as well. Dealing with the enemys feigned withdrawal, then striking while they were engaged in the siege.

It was easier said than done. Appointing someone to handle the feigned withdrawal wasnt a casual choice either.

Given that it wasnt even a forest, he had been skeptical at first.

Even though he had felt a twinge of disappointment at the Third Princes defeat, he had still heaved a sigh of relief at the Princesss triumph.

He had felt sorry as he couldnt provide reinforcements in such circumstances.

The enemy had 35,000 troops. The best approach was for the Princess to engage them and stall for time with her forces.

Alternatively, she could abandon Akiten and make a grand retreat to join the main force.

It was Carl Schurtafens plan.

Schurtafen? Again?

He had heard that Carlyn was responsible for handling the feigned withdrawal. Knowing his skill, he could comprehend the situation.

Still, he considered it an impressive feat.

However, he hadnt expected it to happen again. He secretly wondered if it was Duchess Lyuriks plan once more.Visit no(v)eLb(i)n.com for the best novel reading experience

Yes. He employed a strategy of drawing out the enemys archers and infantry through a feigned retreat in the Epyder Plain, then collapsing their formations with a cavalry charge.

Rudehrn remembered the young boy he had met on the training grounds. Despite his youth, he possessed a dazzling talent with the sword.

But he hadnt expected that talent to extend to warfare as well.

Thinking back, he had noticed that spark since Akiten, or even during the previous competition battle.

He had shown remarkable prowess even back then.

On the other hand, there were parts that he understood. The boy had been a swordsman aiming for the moon and its light.

His calmness and composure would undoubtedly have been valuable in reading situations during the war.

Haha. Impressive, truly impressive.

Rudehrn laughed heartily and applauded. Those around him were all wearing bright expressions.

Given the astounding victory they hadnt anticipated.

I knew my friend had talent, but to this extent. Its a remarkable achievement.

Thats right. To defeat over 60,000 with just 25,000 troops. A tremendous accomplishment.

Even the knights beside Rudehrn nodded in agreement with his words. Except for the princes, the mood was cheerful.

The First Prince and Third Prince had sour expressions, while the Second Princes inscrutable demeanor made it hard to gauge his thoughts.

Even the Emperors chief strategist couldnt help but express admiration and spoke up.

That friend will receive a medal from Your Majesty.

Well, of course.

It was a sincere remark. The knight had truly altered the course of the battle. Considering the overall situation, he deserved the Founding Emperors decoration medal.

With more battle left ahead, it was almost certain as long as he didnt make a major mistake.

Not only Schurtafen but the Princess as well would receive commendation.

Rudehrn anticipated a change in the dynamics of the succession struggle.

Since the time of the Founding Emperor, the Emperor of the Empire had to be the most powerful and reliable individual.

The war with the West, the biggest war in 100 years, was no small matter.

The Princesss contribution would change the views of nobles and commoners alike. Rudehrn admired Duchess Lyuriks foresight.

When she rejected Your Majestys proposal, I wondered what she was thinking. Perhaps my vision has deteriorated.

No one had predicted the Princesss success, except Duchess Lyurik.

And the fact that all of this was thanks to Carlyn was astonishing. At that moment, a messenger approached.

Sir Rudehrn! The Western Army is retreating!

What?

Rudehrn smiled. It had only been a short period, but they had been a manageable opponent.

Moreover, as there were very few casualties among the soldiers who had been with me, even strange rumors had spread.

-Could it be that the Goddess of War is with Sir Carl?

After the last battle, and now with just two battles, even I was somewhat bewildered. Although it was a great victory, I hadnt expected the atmosphere to change this much.

Perhaps the soldiers who had suffered defeat needed to hear tales of victory. They probably wanted to hear only good things.

It was a good thing for me too. Although it seemed a bit excessive to say that even the Goddess of War was on my side, considering the upcoming events, it was a good opportunity. If I could just maintain this momentum, I would gain overwhelming support.

Judging by the atmosphere, it seemed like all the soldiers here wanted to come under Erendils command.

Not long ago, morale had been dismal before our arrival, but now the atmosphere was quite positive.

After a few days, we had reorganized our forces and restocked supplies to pursue the retreating enemy in the west. Then, on the day of our official departure, Rudehrn and the staff brought shocking news.

We bring the Emperors orders as the departure approaches. His Majesty has commanded that effective immediately, the command authority of His Highness the First Prince and His Highness the Third Prince, who have suffered severe defeats in Mivent and Omisan, be revoked and that they return to the capital.

What? Father?

What in the world does that mean?

The First Prince and the Third Prince vehemently objected. Their faces turned red, and it was evident that they were very agitated.

Their anger was palpable. If it hadnt been for the Emperors name in the command, they might have immediately drawn their sword and possibly attacked the staff.

These are His Majestys orders.

This is absurd!

The war is not over yet!

Despite the firm words from the staff, the Third Prince and the First Prince remained unyielding.

They knew that returning like this would tarnish their reputation.

While I can somewhat understand their feelings, its not good to show such a scene.

Were they grasping at straws?

Frankly, while it might make sense for the First Prince, I couldnt fathom the basis of the Third Princes confidence.

The First Prince still had around 10,000 troops, but the Third Prince had no forces of his own.

Could it be that the main forces would be redistributed? This was impossible since both the First and Second Princes had opposed that at the start.

In fact, the order to return was, upon reflection, somewhat inevitable. There was hardly anything they could do on the battlefield now.

Sir Rudehrn, are you really saying whats written?

I am just following the Emperors orders.

Amidst the continuing protests, the staff intervened.

His Majesty suggested that if you have any objections, you should return to the capital to express them.

.

The First Prince and the Third Prince stared at him, speechless.

The remaining forces will be distributed under the command of the main force, His Highness the Second Prince, and Her Highness the Princess.

At these unexpected words, the Second Princes expression brightened. So did ours. It was a favorable opportunity.

With the tide turned in our favor on the battlefield, all that remained was to establish dominance. There was nothing else left.

Unlike the crestfallen Third Prince, the First Prince looked at Erendil with an intense gaze. It was a plea for help, an indication that he wanted us to support him in becoming the Emperor.

He probably had been harboring similar thoughts since losing his forces.

However, there was no means for us to intervene, given that the Emperors order had been issued.

Erendil tilted his head slightly. The First Prince himself must have realized that there was no solution, as he averted his gaze.

In that instant, Erendil looked at me. She seemed to be saying something without words.

Well

I couldnt peer into Erendils heart, but I could sense a gaze mixed with trust directed toward me.

Halfway there now. With the First and Third Princes excluded, only the Second Prince remained. All I had to do was finish this.

The Second Prince also seemed to share this sentiment, as he looked at Erendil with a slight uplift of his lips.

Why are you smiling? There wont be a place for you.

Perhaps Erendil seemed easier to handle than the First Prince. However, I would never allow things to unfold in such a manner.

As the First and Third Princes retreated in defeat, the imperial forces began their march westward once again.

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