Chapter 12: Indifferent Neighbors

Chapter 12: Indifferent Neighbors

TL: Etude

Everyone, get in formation! As everyone stood stunned, it was Battalion Commander Bryce who reacted first. You, go and gather all the companies from the camp.Follow current novels at novelhall.com)

The soldiers, thanks to over half a months training, quickly arranged themselves in the usual formation, gripping their weapons tightly.

Bryce then assigned two people, ordering, Escort the Count back to the castle.

This command snapped the dazed Paul back to reality.

He loudly refused, No, I want to stay here.

Bryce didnt have time to persuade him, focusing all his attention on the small boats on the lake that looked like pirates.

The boats on the lake gradually slowed down and eventually stopped a considerable distance from the shore. It seemed the pirates had noticed the islands preparedness and knew it was not a good time to attack.

Thus, a tense standoff began, a suffocating tension slowly spreading among the troops.

It felt like a century had passed when suddenly Bryce raised his shield in front of Paul. Then, a whoosh was heard. By the light of the moon, they saw an arrow stuck in the ground not far ahead, with a white cloth attached to it.

Following this, the small boats on the water slowly retreated into the distance.

Once the suspicious boats had completely dispersed, Bryce loudly commanded, Go get that arrow.

Outrageous! Everyone saw the Count furiously slam a piece of cloth covered in tiny writing onto the table.

These scoundrels, all unwilling to help in a crisis, Paul realized after going through the pile of useless letters why Steward Ford advocated negotiating with the pirates.

After much consideration, he finally agreed to the officers request to wage war against the pirates.

Lord Count, gentlemen, first we need to grasp the pirates movements, so we need to disperse the cavalry for reconnaissance, especially along both sides of the Weiss River

The pirates have just arrived, they couldnt have gone far overnight

Call back two companies from the new recruits training camp

We need to leave some people to defend Lakeheart Town

Everyone gathered around a medieval-style, disproportionately scaled map of the territory, pointing and discussing the battle plan.

The decision was made to leave the internal security troops and one infantry company to defend Lakeheart Town. The remaining three companies would assemble and advance along the Vis River towards the coast, seeking to settle the score with the pirates.

After finalizing the plan and arranging for increased patrols and vigilance, everyone dispersed to rest.

After a night of turmoil, the pirates divine assistance inadvertently confirmed that the Alda territory was indeed inconvenient for deploying troops. This shut up Hansel, who was to stay here for a long time. Without dealing with these brazen pirates who dared attack the lords residence, he couldnt expect a peaceful stay.

Waking up, Paul received reports that pirate traces had been found. They hadnt gone far, likely looking to raid a nearby unguarded village.

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