Chapter 123 One Week Of Madness Part III: Last Struggle

Catherina and the count, together with other servants in the room instinctively lowered their bodies to stabilize themselves.

She doesn't dare to look up at the windows. Once, her late husband describes the state of bodies that was hit by the weapon. Given the multitude of people down there, Catherina would be surprised if the white marble tiles outside did not paint red.

"It looks like they're here. Your Majesty, I'll excuse myself first."

"I pray for your success, Count Caushilbo."

Count Caushilbo headed downstairs. Along the way, he was halted by the frightened nobles. The rumour of the king's escape has been spread among the servants for a while now. Seeing the enemy manage to get closer to the palace, it seems the rumour was true.

They're afraid that the count was going to flee like the king. So, the nobles attempt to stick to him.

The count simply pushes them aside and leaves them hanging as he doesn't have time to answer all of their questions.

He muttered only one sentence to them, "Stay inside your room until the war is over."

Reaching downstairs, the count ordered the soldier to lead him to the command centre which he happily did. That soldier was initially tasked to search for Philip to take command but hadn't found him.

Royal Guards who were in the absence of a leader welcomed the count to take the helm.

"You! What's your name? What's the situation?" He pointed his finger at the full armour soldier. Judging by the armour he wears, this guy must be high in position.

"Milord, my name is Yohan Woodsworth." The soldier introduces himself. "The battle tilted in the enemy's direction. Our soldiers were overwhelmed by the sheer destruction they caused. Moreover, our arrow can't compare their range. We've lost a significant number of soldiers on the east side."

"How many defensive points have you set up?"

"Six, milord. All around the Royal Palace."

'Only six...' Count Caushilbo fell into deep thought. Six is definitely not enough to completely cover the whole Royal Palace. Naharog can choose to avoid a direct confrontation by circling the Royal Guards and breaking through the gap but they don't.

"They are confident that victory is on their side, huh? Using that weapon to spearhead our defence." Count Caushilbo revealed a helpless smile.

"Milord?"

"You go to the east side. Lure them deeper into our line and encircle them. Your job is to capture or destroy those cannons. That's their source of confidence and we're gonna take it."

Yohan heeded the instructions given by the count and immediately rushed to the east.

The battle proceeds in the direction as the count wanted. However, before Royal Guards could get their hand on the cannons, the enemy managed to destroy it and prevent it from being used against Naharog.

Nevertheless, Royal Guards gain an advantage. This success gives a bit of room for them to breathe from the continuous artillery barrage. Also, it opens a route for them to launch an assault on another group of Naharog army from the side. And possibly regain control in the east and southeast areas.

Without letting a second waste, Count Caushilbo diverts a large portion of soldiers to attack fast and catch Naharog off guard.

However, the Naharog army is able to see such possible development. In fact, they were purposely delayed in strengthening the weakened side to lure out the Royal Guards. No matter how much Naharog enjoys bombarding the palace, the ammunition is running low.

Every fun time has to come to an end.

It's time to get serious and finish the job.

Thus, they welcome the incoming Royal Guards with their beloved cannons.

"Shit! Shit! Shit! Retreat! Retreat!" The frontline guards shouted altogether after realizing they are right in the deadly range of a deadly weapon.

Their faces lost all brightness. Bravery in them gradually sipping away. Unfortunately, it is too late to turn around.

Due to this miscalculated move, Royal Guards suffered huge casualties and subsequently failed to achieve the objective.

Count Caushilbo's face darkened instantly. His brain is trying to come up with a new strategy to tackle the irrecoverable damage.

But, the number of Royal Guards left is negligible for him to do anything. His available option is to recruit the citizens sheltered at the palace grounds. He can't expect and rely on quality from them.

"Yohan, can you go and recruit as many people as possible? Promise them a reward if they respond to our call but do not exaggerate about it."

"I can try but don't get your hopes up, milord."

Each second passed pitifully slow. As time passed, it affected both sides and influenced the change on the battlefield change.

The remaining Royal Guards keep getting pushed back. Naharog perfected their encirclement with the arrival of additional cannons by slowly closing the loose gap.

The intensity of their attack keeps increasing. They don't give them a chance to rest.

Honestly, the count couldn't gauge the total number of artillery they had.

Time seems to favour Naharog. It was only late in the afternoon and he hadn't as much confidence to drag the time until dusk.

Yohan returned with only twenty to thirty men with him.

"Is this it or is there more coming?" asked the count.

"They're the only ones willing to fight with us, milord. Others refuse our call. After Naharog conducts a mass killing, others are hiding in fear. Since the news about the king fleeing has reached their ears. They've lost all hope to fight." Yohan regretfully said.

Count Caushilbo let out a long sigh. Nothing can change with twenty to thirty untrained men. Casualties on Naharog's side are low compared to theirs. Even now, Naharog had enough manpower to run over them without using any long ranged attack.

He muttered in a low voice, "Is this the end for us?"

The count dispelled such negative thoughts. He lifts up his head and redirects his sight to a group of men before him.

From two thousand to a measly bit over one hundred people.

Their eyes hold a determination to fight until the bitter end.

The count opened his mouth, "Everyone, we're in a disadvantaged position. We no longer had a chance to win this war. Are you still willing to fight the enemy for the last time?!!"

"Yes, we are!!" said the soldiers.

"Then, let's make one last attempt."

After a brief explanation, the remaining soldiers charged out to the battle and ultimately failed. They perish in the battle leaving only Yohan and the count.

Facing no resistance, the Naharog army effortlessly into the palace. Count Caushilbo was captured instead of killed. His noble status momentarily saves his life.