Chapter 274 274-The Desperate Earl

Chapter 274 274-The Desperate Earl

"At the same time, by releasing innocent civilians caught in the war, you will earn the honor befitting a noble," Madam Agate continued.

"Lord, releasing the two of us would be all benefit and no harm," Karlondo implored.

Howard glanced to his right, where Anna nodded and whispered, "Wislot City's economy ranks firmly at the top within the domain of Earl Nok."

Turning his head to the left, Margaret added softly, "Establishing a trade route with Wislot would significantly increase the customs and trade taxes for Castle Fernsouth in the future."

Addressing Madam Agate, Howard said, "You are wise and understand what I truly need. I look forward to future cooperation with the Wislot Merchants' Association."

He then decided to release Karlondo and Madam Agate.

After resolving these matters, Howard's army continued its march.

Upon surrounding Wislot City, they found it almost abandoned by its defending army.

The city gates opened to welcome Howard's arrival without a fight.

Wislot City chose to surrender peacefully.

Following the capture of Wislot, Howard's forces, without taking much time to rest, swiftly advanced towards Mibo's direct territories.

On paper, Hof's domain appeared undefended, as much of his military strength had been drawn to assist Mibo, a duty expected of Baron Gajasu.

However, after discussions between Howard and Resarite, it was suspected that Hof might have retained some hidden troops.

Castle Gajasu was likely not entirely unguarded.

Moreover, attacking a castle was different from seizing a city.

The defensive capabilities of a castle far exceeded those of a city.

The losses incurred from a direct assault on a castle would be much greater than those from attacking a city.

Therefore, Howard decided to head straight for Mibo instead.

Mibo's army was still advancing, unaware that Howard had already defeated the forces of Mayor Portwan.

Mibo, aged and with white whiskers, rode on horseback, striving to maintain an appearance of vigor despite his years.

His son, Ivan, rode alongside him.

As a bodyguard protecting his father, Ivan also sought to gain experience, hoping for an opportunity to earn his own land in the future.

Ivan lacked strategic insight and was convinced of his father's inevitable victory in the war.

While Mibo outwardly appeared relaxed, he was inwardly anxious.

In contrast, Ivan was already contemplating how to persuade his father to bestow upon him the title of Baron Fernsouth after the war.

Mibo, still lost in a daze, mechanically murmured, "Let it be. It's no use blaming him; he was never adept at warfare. Let's focus on what to do next."

Hof, mounted on a striking black stallion and donning shining armor, intentionally stayed at the rear of the troops.

On witnessing the unfolding events, he rode forward to understand the situation.

He showed no interest in how Portwan lost but was quick to propose a solution to Mibo: "My lord, it seems Howard truly has some skill. Perhaps we should consider negotiating peace with him. A financial compensation might suffice to sign a ceasefire agreement. Howard would still remain your vassal and would support your wars if called upon."

Mibo, angered, retorted, "What are you thinking, Hof? If you're scared, you can leave. Don't demoralize my army."

Hof cunningly replied, "You misunderstand me, my lord. As your vassal, providing troops for your war is my duty, and I certainly cannot leave. I'm not trying to weaken your resolve. I have previously clashed with Howard, and that encounter at..."

Before Hof could finish recounting the incident at Castle Fernsouth, Mibo, pained, shook his head, signaling Hof to speak no further.

In the subsequent march, it was evident that Mibo's army's morale had significantly declined.

Hof's contingent was too small, and even after joining forces with Mibo's direct territorial troops, their numbers barely crossed the 2,000 mark.

They had initially counted on Portwan's forces, but that hope had now been dashed.

Portwan suggested to Mibo to return and defend the castle, but Ivan rebuffed the idea.

Hof urged Mibo to negotiate with Howard, but both Mibo and Ivan disagreed with his proposal.

Three days later, Mibo's army, still on the move, fell into an ambush set by Howard's forces.

Howard's army had been lying in wait in the forest for a day, having halted their advance on Resarite's advice.

Resarite believed the terrain of the forest was ideal for an ambush and had ordered the troops to hide in situ.

Now, they finally awaited Mibo's army.

As Mibo's vanguard entered the forest, Bosiden was eager to attack, but Howard restrained him.

Following the vanguard, the core of heavy infantry slowly advanced.

Margaret licked her dagger and, in response to Howard's concerned look, flashed a sweet smile.

By the time Mibo's main forces entered, the vanguard was within a stone's throw from Howard's position across a river.

A decision had to be made: to spring the trap now or wait for a greater victory.

Resarite suggested waiting for a bigger catch, leaving Howard in a moment of hesitation.

At that moment, Howard noticed the movement of Mibo's rearguard troops and stood up, roaring, "Attack! We have them surrounded!"

With Howard's command, a thunderous roar erupted from the soldiers, and the seemingly empty forest suddenly seemed to teem with a ten-thousand-strong army.

Resarite didn't quite grasp the situation, but Howard quickly pointed towards Hof's contingent at the rear of Mibo's army, explaining urgently,

"Hof had already noticed our ambush. Earlier, I saw him hesitating to enter, moving around the perimeter with a few light cavalry. That's when I realized what was happening. I cannot leave the success of our strategy in the hands of the enemy. We must strike now!"