Chapter 324

“…What is he thinking?”

Emily asked, her face still filled with disbelief after the meeting.

“I’d like to know that myself.”

Marquis Safia narrowed his eyes and rested his chin on his hand.

“…”

A moment of silence passed.

Ethan sat beside them, observing their reactions nervously.

“Shouldn’t we try to stop him?”

Emily asked again.

Setting aside their rivalry, the Celtrine-Erenbert army was the main force of the princess faction.

If they were to be wiped out, the entire faction would be in grave danger.

That’s why even Emily, from the rival Safia family, was saying this.

“The arrow has already been shot. No one can stop it.”

The decision had been made in a war council attended by the princess herself.

Even she couldn’t arbitrarily overturn a decision that had been made.

It meant that the Celtrine-Erenbert army’s attack on Odinel was irreversible.

“They must have a plan. We can only hope that they avoid a crushing defeat.”

“Well… I guess he must have something up his sleeve, since even the Giant of the North and Professor Regina agreed to his plan. But I doubt they can avoid defeat.”

Even a brilliant commander needed a certain level of resources and favorable conditions to succeed.

And Odinel wasn’t that kind of battlefield.

It was an incredibly disadvantageous location.

Even the greatest commander in history wouldn’t be able to win there.

That’s why Emily was certain of their defeat.

“Indeed. If they lose, they’ll be held accountable.”

“They won’t be able to recover their position. It’s a good thing for us.”

“Unless they avoid a crushing defeat.”

“Well, I doubt they’ll all drown.”

Ethan, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up.

“But…”

“What is it?”

“What if they win?”

“…”

An awkward silence fell over the room.

Ethan had asked a question that didn’t need an answer.

Marquis Safia frowned.

“That won’t happen.”

Emily also scoffed.

“Ugh, you idiot! Think before you speak!”

…I-I was just curious.

But Ethan couldn’t voice his thoughts and just shrunk back in his seat.

* * *

The Celtrine-Erenbert allied forces were the first to depart.

Their total strength was forty thousand.

They left ten thousand soldiers behind to defend Celtrine territory.

It was a reasonable allocation, considering that the Safia family was leaving twenty thousand soldiers behind.

The princess would personally defend Celtrine territory with those thirty thousand soldiers and fifteen thousand soldiers from other lords, for a total of forty-five thousand.

They had effectively made Celtrine territory their main base.

And forty-five thousand soldiers were more than enough to defend it.

Finally, Marquis Safia’s army of one hundred thousand would head south to Lambert Castle and join forces with the Lambert family’s five thousand soldiers, fortifying their defenses.

That was the princess faction’s deployment.

They were responding to the Crown Prince’s army by dividing their forces into three.

And only one of those forces was planning to go on the offensive.

The Crown Prince’s forces had no idea that the Celtrine-Erenbert allied forces were planning to attack Odinel, a decision that had been met with strong opposition even within their own faction.

* * *

“Then I wish you luck.”

Duke Henatus visited Duke Cavern to bid him farewell before his departure.

He was leading the southern army of one hundred thousand to Lambert Castle in the south.

“Haha, you’re finally leaving. I’m sure you’ll do well, but there’s one thing I’d like to say.”

Duke Cavern said, stroking his beard.

“I’m all ears.”

“It would be ideal if you could seize the opportunity and conquer Lambert Castle, but if it proves to be too difficult, don’t push yourself too hard.”

It was a somewhat rude remark.

But Duke Henatus simply smiled faintly.

He understood what Duke Cavern meant.

“I was already planning on doing that.”

Lambert Castle was indeed a fortress.

If it was adequately defended, conquering it through a frontal assault would result in heavy casualties.

Especially with five thousand of the empire’s best archers defending it.

But,

“It’ll be much easier if you can cut off their waist.”

He was right.

The central region, where they controlled the Lime River basin, was the most advantageous battlefield for the Crown Prince’s forces.

Duke Cavern was leading the eastern army of eighty thousand to that region.

And there was no army more suited for that battlefield than the eastern army led by Duke Cavern.

They had fought countless naval battles against the pirates of the Lawless Sea, and there was no army in the empire that was more experienced in naval warfare.

And they weren’t weak on land either.

They had also fought countless battles against the pirates who had landed to raid coastal towns.

If Duke Cavern and the eastern army advanced swiftly along the Lime River, the princess’s forces would be forced to retreat.

And if Duke Cavern managed to secure control of the central region,

The princess’s forces would be cut in half, their forces in the north and south separated.

Both Lambert Castle and Celtrine Castle would be isolated.

“Haha, I’m glad you understand. I might be old, but I’ll do my best to live up to your expectations.”

“Who can compare to your experience and wisdom, Duke Cavern? I’ve heard that even His Highness has high hopes for you.”

It was true.

Crown Prince Adolf.

He was only able to confidently march towards Celtrine Castle with an army of fifty thousand because of these two men.

“Hahaha, let’s stop with the flattery. I also wish you luck.”

“Thank you. Then I’ll take my leave.”

Duke Henatus and the southern army departed.

Duke Cavern’s eastern army and the Crown Prince’s forces soon followed.

Two massive storms were about to collide.

* * *

Meanwhile,

The vanguard of the Celtrine-Erenbert allied forces had already left Celtrine Castle and was far away.

It was the elite resident unit.

Only three people knew about it: Max, Regina, and Lobel.

It was a top-secret operation.

Because it was the most crucial part of Max’s strategy.

“We need to turn left here.”

Norman said quietly, signaling with his hand.

He was a former mercenary who had been active in the empire for a long time, so he was familiar with the geography of the region. He was the perfect guide.

“Alright, let’s go.”

Duncan turned the wagon to the left.

The wagons were loaded with something large and heavy.

There were over ten wagons.

It was definitely something that couldn’t be transported by a small number of people.

“We have to be even more careful from now on. There might be enemy scouts.”

Gwen, the leader of the unit, said in a low voice.

They were already close to the front lines.

They had only moved during the night, when it was dark, but scouts could also operate at night.

“No, I think it’ll be safe. There’s no reason for anyone to use this road.”

Norman replied.

It was a narrow, rough, and winding forest road.

It wasn’t suitable for an army to march through.

The enemy wouldn’t waste their resources guarding such a place.

And besides,

“I agree. And the enemy wouldn’t even dream of us coming to Odinel.”

Milia said.

That’s right.

This side road led to the other side of Odinel.

If they followed this road, they would reach the upper reaches of the Lime River.

No one, except for Max, who had been called insane even by his own allies, would even consider attacking from this direction.

“Still, we have to be careful and complete our mission. It’s a very important mission.”

Gwen nodded, but she remained cautious, as befitting a leader.

Judging by her attitude, it seemed unlikely that they would fail.

The resident unit moved stealthily along the side road.

* * *

The armies were on the move.

The Celtrine-Erenbert allied forces were the fastest.

They marched towards Odinel without hesitation.

An army of forty thousand.

Their movement was soon spotted by enemy scouts.

“H-Hey, isn’t that an army?”

“Quiet. Hide.”

The scouts quickly hid in the bushes as they saw the approaching army, kicking up dust.

They held their breath and waited for the army to pass.

Of course, they were carefully observing everything.

After the army had passed,

“Phew.”

One scout said, finally able to breathe again.

“They’ve finally made their move.”

“Yes, judging by the emblem on their flag, it’s the Celtrine and Erenbert forces. It seems like they’re in charge of this front.”

“They have about forty thousand soldiers. Fewer than we expected.”

“They probably left some behind to defend Celtrine Castle.”

“Hmm, that makes sense. Anyway, that direction…”

The scout tilted his head in confusion.

“It’s not towards Baydeli.”

The Crown Prince’s forces had been almost certain that the main battle in the central region would take place at Baydeli.

They didn’t think the princess’s forces would launch a preemptive strike in the disadvantageous central region, and Baydeli Castle was the only place where they could fortify their defenses.

But the direction the Celtrine-Erenbert allied forces were heading wasn’t towards Baydeli.

“You’re right. It’s strange. Why are they going there?”

His fellow scout also seemed puzzled.

“Anyway, it’s not our job to figure it out. We just have to report it.”

“Y-Yes, you’re right. Let’s report it quickly. Duke Cavern will know what to do.”

The scouts mounted their horses and galloped away.

* * *

The report soon reached Duke Cavern.

“They’re not heading towards Baydeli? What are they thinking?”

Arhin, Duke Cavern’s grandson and heir, was confused.

“Hmm.”

Duke Cavern was deep in thought.

After a while,

He seemed to have figured something out.

“There’s a reason for everything they do. Especially that cunning bastard.”

“But what could the reason be…?”

“They’re trying to lure us out.”

“Lure us out?”

“Yes, they want to lure us to a battlefield of their choosing.”

“You’re saying they planned this?”

Arhin still didn’t seem convinced.

“But why would they choose a different location instead of Baydeli, which is advantageous for defense…?”

“It means they’re not planning to just sit back and defend.”

“Huh?”

Arhin’s eyes widened.

“The terrain around Baydeli isn’t very spacious. It’s not a good place for a field battle.”

“A-A field battle? You’re saying they’re planning to fight us in the open field?”

They had forty thousand soldiers, while the enemy had eighty thousand.

It was a difference in numbers that would make most commanders hesitant to engage in a field battle.

And yet, they were planning a field battle?

“Do you know the northern army?”

“Y-Yes, somewhat…”

“I know them well. I’ve seen them in action. They’re the strongest army in the empire.”

Duke Cavern said firmly.

“T-They’re that strong…?”

“They proved it again in the Great Snowfield Campaign. So they’ll be thinking this: It’s better to fight a decisive battle in the open field than to sit back and defend.”

Arhin finally understood.

“I-I see. They’re trying to lure us to a battlefield where they think they have a better chance of winning.”

“Yes. So we can’t fall for their trap.”

“So what should we do?”

“We’ll attack Baydeli as planned. We’ll conquer it. Then they’ll be trapped. Their situation will only worsen.”

Duke Cavern’s eyes were cold and calculating.

“Haha, as expected of Grandfather. I can already imagine their faces when their plan fails.”

Arhin smiled.

* * *

“Duke Cavern won’t fall for it.”

Camian said, thinking that it was a tactic to lure the enemy out.

Only three people knew the true strategy: Max, Regina, and Lobel. So it was understandable that he would think that.

Max chuckled.

“Of course not.”

“Huh?”

“I chose Odinel because I anticipated that.”

“Huh? But Baydeli will be in danger if we just leave it alone…?”

“It will be. No, it’ll fall.”

“I-Isn’t that a problem? If that happens…”

Camian’s face was filled with anxiety.

It was understandable.

If Baydeli fell, the central region would be cut in half.

Their rear would be exposed.

They could end up isolated and surrounded.

“Let them conquer it. Where do you think their supplies are coming from?”

“Supplies… O-Odinel?”

Camian’s eyes widened in realization.

“Yes, if we conquer Odinel, their army will be crippled. And we’ll be able to use the Lime River to move our forces freely.”

Max explained.

“We’ll trade Baydeli for Odinel. That’s my strategy.”