Chapter 66: Burn, Volden 2 (5)

Chapter 66: Burn, Volden 2 (5)

For many various reasons mentioned earlier, withdrawal was not possible in the current situation. At least, it was unthinkable for Jurgen Bauer.

"At the very least, we need to take down the state capital."

Volden, the capital of the province. The centre of the province, named after the region. The place where the grain paid as taxes and the goods brought by the trade routes must be collected. The supplies that would be there were becoming more and more necessary for the St. Gallen army.

Whether they retreat using the mountains carrying supplies, or consume them while staying here, capturing the capital of the province became a prerequisite.

"A-Attacking the city with the tired army?"

Bauers subordinate finally seemed to realise the gravity of the situation. It really was too late. Bauer had assumed this possibility from the moment he received the report of the burning of their stores, though he tried to consider all the other options.

"The Volden provincial guards are small in number and vulnerable. Even if they are holed up in the castle, as long as we push strongly or"

As Bauer began speaking, he could feel some kind of rot in his mouth. This was not a strategy any upright general would consider. It was a doomed strategy for those who only thought of troops as mere numbers, without considering their condition. A terrible war of attrition strategy.

However, the impossible blunder of losing their food reserves had already happened. If they do not occupy a base that can hold 40,000 troops, they won't be able to resist the coming reinforcement of the Arquell army. Without supplies, it would be impossible to even return to St. Gallen. Then they would have to fight and win. No matter how horrible and hellish the battle would be.

"Message!"

From the other side of the dusty ash-filled horizon, a cavalryman came galloping.

Bauer squinted with his eyes and took in the expression on the messenger's face.

He was smiling.

"Message! General Bauer, I bear good news! There is a field of wheat that has not been burned yet!"

"What?"

Bauer hated the Kingdom of Arquell. Bullshit trade, bullshit diplomacy, and now this bullshit war. He was not particularly fond of St. Gallen either. He didn't care about the Heidellechts of Grandenburg, but his homeland, Baharia, was the one that had to struggle and clean up the mess.

Hence, Bauer would collect that debt. General Jurgen Bauer's face was stiff, but his will to fight was boiling hot.

"Reporting, Master. Our guests are expected to arrive as scheduled."

"Oh? Then we shall have to vigorously welcome them."

"Also, I see that you have found the surprise gift without issue."

"Hehe, I see. I think they'll be surprised. We've spent a lot of time on it."

"The problem is, if they are satisfied with the gift and just leave"

"Thats impossible, Margrave Doldran said. The guests will want to take home as many souvenirs as they can, so they'll definitely come here."

"Is that so?. It would be nice if our preparations were not in vain."

"Yeah. It's a pain in the ass, honestly. I just wish for them to go home ...... Those people. Or get the hell out of here, perhaps?"

"I hate to be presumptuous, but I believe this is the critical moment. I think this is an opportunity to sever master's anxieties once and for all."

"Well, true. I know that, but whether or not I'm going to do it is another matter, I guess."

"Then I would like to offer you today's tea so that you can at least regain your energy."

"...... More sugar and milk today, please."

"As you wish, master."