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Once the decision was made to rescue Arandal, there was no time to hesitate.
We could only hold out for a day and a half using the supply wagons brought by the Beccabian army.
Moreover, Arandal wouldn’t be able to hold off the enemy’s siege for long.
“Arandal is a fortress city, but it’s not specialized in siege. According to the reports, our troops that were guarding the Vian Plateau retreated and entered Arandal, so we might be able to buy some time, but it won’t exceed three days.”
It was Sophia’s briefing. She glanced at me once and continued her explanation with a serene expression.
“The key points we need to recapture are three. The Vian Plateau flowing through the Rest Mountains, the Delstone Plateau, and the Coquine Plateau. If we recapture these three plateaus, the enemy will no longer have the strength to besiege Arandal.”
The Rest Mountains were thin and long, piercing the western part of Arandal vertically.
A notable feature of these mountains was that there were many cleared paths.
As the top commanders continued to clear paths through the mountains towards Arandal, there were plenty of wide roads for a carriage to pass.
“I believe that by using those paths, we can easily launch an attack, but the enemy will also be prepared, so be cautious.”
The enemy’s forces revealed through intelligence were three.
Tunkai’s 30,000 troops guarding the Vian Plateau, Tunkai’s 20,000 troops and the West’s 20,000 troops guarding the Coquine Plateau, and the West’s 16,000 troops guarding the Delstone Plateau.
“For the Coquine Plateau, our Beccabian 2nd Army stationed at the Endagel Plain will take charge. And Austin and I will handle the Vian Plateau. So, I would like General Delbado to take charge of recovering the Delstone Plateau.”
“That seems like a suitable arrangement. Understood.”
“We don’t have much time… Please move out immediately.”
Sophia left the military conference room as if fleeing.
Bali Austin also bowed deeply towards General Delvadova and followed Sophia.
General Delvadova let out a small sigh.
“Let’s not worry about them. We just need to do our best.”
At that moment, Dennyan Gigglish cautiously raised his hand.
“General, forgive me for the audacious question, but ultimately, does this mean Ilaine’s expertise is no longer relevant? Since his plans have failed.”
“In this situation, what a thing to say…”
General Delvadova clicked his tongue as if in disdain, but reluctantly spoke.
“Ultimately, that may be the case. Expertise is irrelevant. Only the contribution to the army will be evaluated.”
Upon his clear response, the expressions of Dennyan and the others brightened. It seemed like they regained their enthusiasm.
“Anyway, they are consistent fellows.”
Nevertheless, it wasn’t bad to have morale restored in a situation where a tough battle was imminent. The same applied to expertise. Since I was not interested in expertise, it was a relief that the lad received the confirmation on my behalf.
General Delvadova shook his head and began to lay out the intelligence received from the Beccabia Army regarding the Dels Stone Plateau.
“The enemy we will face is most likely the Western Army, who engaged in the last battle. They bypassed the battlefield, occupied the Dels Stone Plateau, and are blocking the path to Arandale. If there is an effective way to defeat them, speak up.”
All eyes turned to me.
I shook my head.
“There is no suitable method. Unless we have very little time left, we have no choice but to engage in a power struggle to push them back. We must enter the battle first and make tactical decisions according to the rapidly changing circumstances.”
“Indeed…”
At that moment, Casper, who had been staring intently at a point on the map, tried to conceal his excitement and suggested, “How about utilizing this ridge here?”
“The ridge?”
“A high ground located in the northwest terrain. If we can send the archers up there, we can provide extensive support fire. We can take command of the battlefield!”
“Hmm. What do the other officers think?”
Sending reinforcements up there as Casper suggested would be a good strategy. Although the effectiveness of arrows might decrease in the high ground, it would still be helpful.
Above all, it holds significant tactical significance.
If we can control through arrow suppression, we can gain a tactical advantage in other battlefields as well.
Moreover, the high ground in the northwest provides a wide view of the battlefield.
“Ilaine, what do you think?”
“From the perspective of trying something, it’s not a bad idea.”
“It seems other officers share the same opinion. Let’s proceed in that direction.”
After concluding the discussion on troop deployment, the military meeting came to an end.
The officers returned to their respective units early in preparation for the march the next morning.
After they left, I returned alone and had a private conversation with Delvadova and Dokeda.
“What’s the matter?”
“I have something to say about tomorrow’s operation.”
Upon hearing the contents, Delvadova’s eyes widened, and he nodded heavily.
***
The situation was becoming dire.
The news of the burning situation spread even to the Crossing’s military headquarters, facing off against the Western Army.
“Suddenly appeared, the Tunkai Cavalry has demolished the Bian Plateau! As a result, Arandale is surrounded, and the Tunkai Army and the Western Army have encircled them!”
The murmurs filled the military meeting room.
Juras’ face was filled with irritation upon receiving the report.
“Well, that’s it. I told you not to get involved in this war.”
Having grasped Al’s intentions through the report, Juras already saw this war as over. If he aligned himself with that movement, his support would be enough.
Juras was annoyed because this prevented him from using the trick he had planned to use.
One could say winning is always a good thing, but the process matters.
Juras had a plan to completely defeat the Western armies on the expedition. To prevent any future expeditions towards the north, fiercely.
On the other hand, Al’s chosen method was to cut off the enemy’s supplies and induce retreat to win the war, without causing harm to the enemy’s forces.
This was also Al’s theory of war.
It was like playing chess. Making the best moves to capture the king. Finding the most efficient route to victory.
That was Al’s strength and weakness in Juras’ view.
“The best move is not always the best for everyone… I wonder when they will realize that.”
Juras stated without hesitation.
“Anton, we will cancel the planned operation. Your lord seems to have acted in vain.”
Upon hearing this, Anton chuckled heartily.
“hahahaha, understood. I will make sure to relay that to the officers.”
And with this, the war ended in a trivial victory.
Juras sighed regretfully but then perked up at the following report.
“Report! The Bekabia and Calipha armies have launched an operation to reclaim Arandal! They are advancing towards the Bian Mountains, Delstone Mountains, and Coquin Mountains!”
Upon hearing this report, Juras burst into laughter.
“hahahahaha! How amusing! Truly amusing!”
He deduced from this report alone that the operation had been opposed by the Bekabia side.
“Well, this will be quite a struggle. Al.”
Now it was Anton who was at a loss.
Juras smirked.
“By the way, didn’t he say he came out to the battlefield alone this time? His life might disappear in vain. If that happens, it’ll be your wife’s fault, won’t it? Isn’t this a big problem? At this rate, I might not even get to see my adorable nephew’s face.”
“Juron…! Don’t speak so recklessly…”
“Hmph, let me make it clear, Anton, you can’t move. So, now that it’s come to this, we have to tighten the reins on our operation even more.”
“Grr!”
Anton clenched his teeth.
Struggling to assist Al, he urgently decided to use the carrier pigeon to send news to Reinpolo.
The destination of Anton’s carrier pigeon was Iliya’s mansion.
Upon reading the note attached to the carrier pigeon’s leg, Iliya couldn’t contain her emotions, clutching her face with tears. To those who only knew her stern side, it was a surprising sight.
“Did I really make the right choice?”
Rationally, she knew she did, but internally, she wondered if it was a crazy decision.
Unable to bear the rising anxiety, Iliya headed towards where Rutger was.
Upon hearing her story, Rutger patted her shoulder.
“Lift your head. You did the right thing.”
Rutger fully understood Iliya’s feelings. He had done something similar to Estelle.
Even though Estelle was still in a critical condition, he had sent her to the academy. He believed it was the right path.
Of course, there was anxiety. There was also the burden of risk.
Actually, if Alz hadn’t taken care of Estelle, I wouldn’t know what would have happened.
Nevertheless, through that incident, Estelle grew. She became more confident in dealing with people and more independent. If she hadn’t been sent to the academy back then, she probably wouldn’t have changed like she is now.
“Trust me. He will return as if nothing happened. You just have to happily await the improvement of your disciple as their master.”
“…Thank you. Thanks to you, my heart feels much lighter.”
“Rather, pay more attention to your health. Isn’t the time for childbirth approaching? Give me that note. I will pass it on to others.”
Having bid farewell to Ilya, Rutger, with a tap tap tap, pondered deeply while tapping his desk with his fingers.
Soon after making up his mind, he got up and headed to Alz’s mansion to find Yumir.
Since Alz’s departure, Yumir had been exuding a stern atmosphere.
Rutger could sense an impure aura so strong that he momentarily held his breath.
“…What brings you here?”
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“I have something to tell you. But more importantly, where is Eonia Mirabel? Weren’t you two living together?”
“She has been staying with Biscetta Cren for the past few days.”
“Hmm, I see. Looking at you now, I can understand why one would feel like running away. It’s suffocating.”
“If you have no business, please leave.”
“I do have business. Business that you didn’t expect. Information about Alz has come in.”
“…!”
“Take a look at this.”
He showed Yumir the contents of the note and said, “Judging from the situation, there is a high possibility of a power struggle. It won’t be an easy battle. So, go quickly. I’m skeptical about the timing, but still, leaving is better than not.”
“…! I will leave right away.”
“I thought you would say that. I’ve prepared a good horse at the stable. It will get you there quickly.”
Yumir vanished like the wind.
“Is this considered a move I can make?”
Even Rutger didn’t want Alz to die. He couldn’t even imagine how heartbroken Estelle would be.
‘It’s regrettable for Ilya Anfei….’
He decided to take the minimum insurance he could.
Having sent Yumir to Delshton Valley, Rutger went to Olaf’s study to inform him of this matter, but no one was there.
“What on earth…?”
An empty study.
Olaf, who should have been taking care of the affairs, had inexplicably disappeared.