âWeâve been outmaneuvered!â
A cold sweat trickled down Kaienâs spine.
The Fenris mobile forces were renowned for their speed. He had anticipated that they might act independently.
However, their numbers amounted to only 20,000. While not insignificant, it wasnât an overwhelming force. Even if they joined the enemy, it wouldnât have posed an insurmountable problem.
In fact, he had hoped for such a move. It would have been the perfect opportunity to eliminate Count Fenris before the Ferdium forces and the Royal Army arrived.n/oÌ/vel/b//jn dot c//om
Regrouping forces afterward wouldnât have been an issue. No matter the losses, taking out that man would have been considered a success.
âBut... they struck from behind?â
Mowbray County had remained neutral until now. Despite repeated pressure from the Dukeâs faction, the count had firmly declared his intent to side with the victor and sealed his borders.
Overlooking the southernmost edge of the region had been a grave mistake. They should have forced Mowbray to pick a side, even at the cost of conflict.
âWhat now?â
The Dukeâs territory was left with only 10,000 defenders.
While they wouldnât fall easilyâthanks to the presence of Eloise, a 7th-Circle mage, and the many traps he had laidâKaien still felt uneasy. Count Fenris was known for his unpredictable and unconventional strategies.
âI need to act immediately!â
Allowing Count Fenris to ravage the Dukeâs lands was not an option.
Even with the mobile forcesâ speed, bypassing the southernmost region would take some time. Kaien could intercept them by heading directly south.
He turned to Gatros.
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