Chapter 353: The Time for Battle


    Gordons army has begun to move. Their destination is likely to be the Oster in, sir.


    As you predicted, they really chose Oster in huh.


    Receiving the report, I and Duke Lowenstein look at the map.


    Taking Mt. Haina as their high vantage point and having the battle on the in.


    Everything went ording to our prediction so far.


    Well, if its in this area then that is the only likely ce. They would be the one at a disadvantage instead if they choose to fight Leo at his castle after all.


    So youve ruled out the castle from the start huh?


    There are several reasons for that. The first one is that Gordon is more skilled in fighting on a in. The second is that it takes time to win a siege battle. Third, if they want to make full use of their Dragon Knights, fighting on a in is better than a siege. With the reasons I mentioned, it is safe to assume that Gordon will not try to attack the castle.


    You are speaking like an experienced general.


    Im good at predicting others you see.


    Gordon and Williams major problem right now is their supply.


    The more troops they gathered, the more they would have to expend their supply.


    Thats why they will not use a strategy that takes too much time.


    Moreover, Gordon wants a win to recover from his loss. And as soon as possible as well.


    With that being the case, they would have a big problem if Leo chose to not leave his castle.


    A ce that they will have the advantage and is eptable for Leo. The best ce that fills such conditions around here is only Oster in. Since this will be a decisive battle, they will surely be quite thorough in the selection. Thats why they will definitely choose the best battlefield possible for them. They still think that we are way behind Leos army after all.


    Our current position is only a short distance away from the northern border.


    Both Gordon and Leo couldnt afford to look for us since they are focusing on scouting each other out.


    We set up a g on Gnade hill and left the camp there without disassembling it. For good measure, we also left some soldiers there to man it.


    Thats why Gordon should still think that the army of the northern lords is still behind Leo. They probably came up with their strategy based on that premise.


    However, in truth, we are closer to the battlefield than anyone else.


    This is Gordons miscalction.


    Should we use this chance to take Mt. Haina first?


    The fact that Gordons army is marching now means that William has already made his move. The Dragon Knights have superior mobility so they must have left to secure the base first. We might indeed be able to take them by surprise but I dont think that our attack would be that effective in the big picture.


    Thenthe only option left is to pincer them from behind after the battle begins huh.


    That would be our best option. If we can take their rear, Gordons escape route will be cut off after all.


    If it goes well, we should be able topletely surround him. With mountains in the north and rivers in the south, there is no escape route. But, will Prince Leonard move as we predicted?


    Duke Lowensteins concerns are justified.


    It would be toote if Leos army started the battle after we attacked Gordon from the rear.


    I want to show up behind Gordon when the battle has already started and Gordons attention turns toward Leo.


    To aplish that, our timing has to be in sync with him.


    Gordons army has a geographical advantage. It would be a different case if the battle is prolonged but it probably wont go that easily.


    From this ce, we have to cross a violent river to reach Oster in. Only the locals know when the flow weakens. As long as the enemy has the assumption that no army can cross this river then we dont have to worry about being discovered. But once we cross it, that will be an entirely different matter. The closer we are to the enemy, the greater the risk of detection will be.


    It is as Duke Lowenstein says.


    We are an army of over 10,000 men.


    Even when we limited the size of our encampment to one camp, we already stood out enough. We can not stand around and wait for Leo to finish his preparations forever. That being said, the period where we can cross the river is fixed.


    If we do not cross the river when flow weakens then we might not be able to make it in time for the battle.


    Should I dispatch a messenger?


    No need. Just like how I know Leo, Leo also knows me.


    You want me to believe in a special bond between twins?


    It is not something that superficial. We are reading each others movements. It is like how the generals read every small detail of the battlefield through their experiences. Dont worry. He will move.


    My life is already in your hand. I dont mind such a thing now. Still, it is a different story for the other nobles you know?


    Just tell them that Char is rying our strategy to Leo on that side. Let them know that everything is ording to n.


    When things go wrong, it will not be easy to recover, you know?


    When the timees, we will break through them from the front.


    The Duke astoundedly sighed at me.


    Then.


    Where did that confidencee from? Gordon is a veteran general you know?


    In the past that is.


    He is different now?


    I will not lose to someone who values his life more than victory in battle.


    You..do you not value your life?


    Is it permissible to let someone else risk their lives for me without risking mine? If it is necessary to throw down my life to obtain victory then I will do it with no hesitation. Of course, I will do my best to make sure that it wonte to that though.


    That is thest resort.


    If the situation calls for the need for me to throw down my life then it would be when we are in a real crisis.


    The Imperial Family is a banner that leads. It is our duty to avoid throwing away our lives.


    Order the army to depart. We are crossing that river.


    Understood.


    Thus we waited for the moment when the torrent weakened and sessfully crossed the river.


    After that, we bypassed the mountain and circled behind Gordons army.


    Prince Leonard hasunched an attack, sir!


    Behind Gordons army.


    A ce that no one would think that there would be an army lying in wait.


    The Union of Northern Lords army was waiting there.


    He really did it huh..


    I told you so right?


    Its kind of irritating that I have nothing to say back to that proud face of yoursVery well, is it okay for us to march out now? Commander.


    Of course.


    Then please give us yourmand.


    The army of the Union of the Northern Lords numbered over 10,000.


    Aside from the nobles, their knights just recently learned that the leader of this army was me.


    Some of them are probably still reluctant to fight under the Imperial Family.


    So, I walked out and addressed all of them.


    We are about to depart. This will be a battle where the fate of the north will be decided. Sofight for what you hold dear.


    Thatmand was unheard of from a general whomanded soldiers at the frontline.


    Right now is the time for the general to raise morale.


    However, even if a prince like me shouts loudly at them, the knights of the norths morale would not be affected.


    After all, the Imperial Family has long oppressed their lords.


    There is no way that they would suddenly empathize with me.


    Thats why.


    I will not ask you, the knights of the north to be loyal to the Imperial Family. I dont think that I am in any position to ask that from you. So fight for what you hold dear. Whether it be your family, your friends, your loved ones, you only need to fight for them. Just follow your heart. Whatever happens, I will bear full responsibility for you!


    Even in name, I am still theirmander.


    The people of the north should fight to preserve the will of the north.


    It wouldnt do otherwise.


    I will not ask you to follow me. Do as you like. Show the enemy the emotions you have suppressed all these years on the battlefields. And live on. The fate of the north can only be carried by those who protected it. Know that your lives are not cheap enough for you to throw away so easily! Show everyone on the continent the bravery and tenacity of knights of the north!!


    Saying so, I gazed at the nobles who lined up in front of me.


    Their faces are full of aspiration.


    Thats a good expression.


    I leave the left-wing to Viscount Bornefeld, Earl Zenkel will takemand of the right. I am expecting a lot from you two!


    Y, Y, Yes, sir!!


    Please leave it to me!


    I am counting on you to takemand of the center, Duke Lowenstein.


    Yes, please leave it to me, Your Highness.


    I have left the vanguards of both wings to our young and fierce warriors! So! I will not allow any failure from those behind them! Everyone! I am counting on you all!


    OOOOHHH!


    Lets show them some pain!


    I added that so that the other nobles will not be dissatisfied.


    The vanguard position is an honor but it is not the most important position in fighting a war.


    The most important position is those who support them from behind support.


    They are not allowed to copse so I need the most prudence nobles to take charge of it.


    Our lineup is almost done.


    The rest is to march to battle.


    All men advanceits time for battle.


    When I swung my hand down, 10,000 knights took a step toward the battlefield.