Chapter 243: The Battle of Fort Bidou 2

Chapter 243: The Battle of Fort Bidou 2

TL: Etude

After the initial excitement over the new muskets subsided, everyone remembered they had serious matters to discuss and returned to the conference room.

“Why is there anything to discuss? All our men are assembled. Let’s fight!”

“Yeah! Let’s send someone to deliver a declaration of war now! Let’s see if that Kent brat has the guts!”

“I just want to finish this and return home to my farming!”

“However, considering today’s situation, it seems likely that the enemy has received reinforcements!”

Many advocated for immediate warfare, while others suggested caution.

Amid the indecision and noisy debate, a guard entered the conference room.

“My lords, an envoy from the Kent family has arrived.”

Count Parker instructed, “Let him in. Let’s hear what he has to say.”

The guard complied and soon brought in a man who, judging by his attire, appeared to be a lower-ranking noble.

The envoy introduced himself and then got down to business:

“I am here on the orders of Viscount Jace Kent to advise you to surrender quickly...”

Before the envoy could finish, a burly knight burst out angrily:

“That coward Jace sent you just to spout nonsense?”

The room erupted in laughter at the knight’s crude remark, though no one reprimanded him.

Unfazed, the envoy continued with a tone of regret, shaking his head:

“What a pity! How many innocent lives will be lost...”

The impatient knight interjected, “Enough of your whining. Speak your piece or get lost!”

“Hmph... Such rudeness!”Folloow current novÊls on nov/3lb((in).(co/m)

Muttering under his breath, the envoy cleared his throat and said, “My other task is to convey Lord Kent’s proposal: both sides to refrain from deceit and conspiracy, and to set a time to arrange our formations in the middle ground where we stand opposed, for a fair fight. Do you dare?”

“Why wouldn’t we dare?”

“That’s underestimating us!”

A servant quickly spread a map on the table.

“Come take a look, Colonel Alda.”

Bryce stood up and joined the count, looking at the map.

“If your troops need anything, you can resupply from these three neighboring villages,” the count pointed out.

Bryce understood, “Thank you for considering this for us, Lord.”

Count Parker laughed heartily, “Don’t mention it.”

Viscount Johnston, sitting nearby, raised his glass to Bryce.

“Hey, man of the Grayman family, don’t be too polite with the villagers here. They’re very ‘hospitable’!”

Bryce smiled back, understanding the euphemism for ‘resupply’.

Per his lord’s instructions, Alda’s troops were to maintain good relations with the locals as much as possible, sourcing supplies from their own territory.

However, Bryce was prepared to take measures in extreme situations.

Viscount Johnston refilled his glass, raising it high.

“To the hospitable people of Fort Bidou!”

“Cheers!”

Everyone raised their glasses, joining in the toast.

Given the warzone environment, everyone was cautious not to drink too much. After dinner, they dispersed.

“I must remind you, control your soldiers well in these two days. Prepare for battle and avoid indulging in drink and women. And watch out for spies.”

Count Parker issued this reminder as they were leaving.

In those times, military camps weren’t just populated by commanders and soldiers.

Traders selling supplies, prostitutes engaging in their trade, and even the families of officers and soldiers were all present.

So, during their training downtime, the soldiers easily found diversions, enjoying a drink in tented pubs or chatting with ladies in caravan brothels.

Naturally, in such a mixed environment, military intelligence was easily leaked. While everyone was vigilant against spies, they never thought to change this environment, perhaps because this was how a military camp was expected to be in the eyes of the world.

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