Chapter 54

"Is it truly a fact, or is it a false report!?"

"It's information from multiple sources. A false report is almost impossible."

Enemy forces landed along the rocky coast behind Raga Cape. The urgent report sent shockwaves through the high officials of the Duchy of Myard gathered in the water city of Anksio. Their bewilderment was far from mild. Their intellect, already exhausted by days of combat, was completely shaken by the impact of the landing at Serta.

"What were the navy doing, allowing the main enemy forces, including the Rehazen Knights, to land!?"

"While early detection was not possible, the patrol ships sacrificed themselves to issue warnings. The problem lies with the army's inability to crush the landing points."

"We have allocated the majority of our forces to the six entrances! How can we possibly deploy troops along the entire lengthy lakeshore?"

"Then what is the purpose of the reserve forces?"

"They were positioned to counter an invasion from the six entrances of Serebes. Crossing the frozen lake was not anticipated."

Even the Grand Duchess Rita Myard had planned for a counterattack and decisive battle based on the six entrances of Serebes. The term 'reserve forces' might sound like a sweet and comforting word, but in reality, the fundamental premise of the defense plan had collapsed, and a dagger was now at their throats. If only one of the six entrances had been breached, the officials, accustomed to being at a disadvantage, could have calmly responded. The bias in troop deployment and positioning, all due to the navy and key points, had resulted in a loss of flexibility.

"What about the rear medical station set up behind Raga Cape?"

"We have sent a liaison, but it's uncertain whether evacuation will be in time."

"It's essential for the continuation of the battle! You must prioritize the evacuation of the healing mages at all costs."

"How are we supposed to do that? We lack both troops and time. The forces at Raga Cape are struggling to maintain the fort. Dividing the troops would only give the enemy new routes of advance."

"Even if the main force can't, what about the vanguard of the Haiselk Empire's army?"

"They are still on the water. It's impossible to land in time."

Amid the unfavorable situation, the discussions became emotional and impulsive. It might sound better to call it a passionate exchange of opinions. After the high officials had vented their information and emotions, Rita briefly interjected.

"An immediate counterattack is not possible. Is that correct?"

"Unfortunately, it is impossible. We need to move the reserve forces and extract forces from the other six entrances."

One of the military officers, with a face full of bitter regret, voiced the collective opinion. The forces that had engaged in half-hearted confrontations were in the midst of a full retreat. The Kingdom of Creist's army intended to end everything before the main relief force of the Haiselk Empire arrived.

"For that, we need to buy time."

At this point, it was impossible to defend the landing site. To put it bluntly, a rock was needed to stem the torrent of the enemy forces, especially against the main forces, including the Rehazen Knights.

"We need to establish a second line behind Raga Fort, assuming it will be breached, for the counterattack."

"What about the local forces that can respond immediately?"

"That... is—"

"...The only substantial force is the Haiselk Empire's garrisoned squadron."

A man answered for the military officer, who was struggling to articulate his response.

"Colonel Justus, is that correct?"

"Yes, the Fliug Squadron, which has completed replenishment and treatment, is waiting for orders behind Raga Fort."

It was the force they needed. However, the grim faces of the military officers gathered for the council only grew more severe. The force was too small compared to the enemy forces that had landed. Once deployed, their fate would be as clear as daylight. Although the Haiselk Empire was once an enemy, it was now an ally. A sensible Myard military officer pessimistically objected.

"Colonel Justus, are you in your right mind? The enemy consists of thousands of soldiers, primarily the regular army of the Kingdom of Creist."

"Even if we add the retreating soldiers and nearby small units to that squadron, it won't reach a thousand. They will all die."

The eldest, Latvige, reprimanded the young military officers.

"...Colonel Justus, you are well aware of this. That's why. If we do nothing, certain defeat awaits. Even if we make the best decision after discussion, it will become a poor choice as time passes. Now that we have lost the initiative, we need the fastest action. Even if it is ruthless."

His words carried the weight of a seasoned veteran. The gazes of those gathered in the council room turned to Rita. As the ruler of the Duchy of Myard, she needed to make a decision. She tried to keep her voice neutral to hide her inner turmoil.

"Can you order them to hold their ground to the death?"

"The Fliug Squadron consists of veterans who fought in Dandegue. Although they are overwhelmingly outnumbered, if given the order, they will carry it out for Myard and Haiselk, even if their limbs are severed and their eyes gouged out. Do you, Lady Rita, wish for this?"

His words carried a hint of reproach. But that was not the essence of his words. He was questioning the resolve of those present, including Rita. If they were to become the foundation of the two countries through a clear strategic intent, they must not die in vain.

"...Lady Rita Myard wishes for this. Order them in my name and that of the Haiselk Empire."

"Order them to hold their position until the arrival of our allies. Understood."

With that, Colonel Justus left the large room calmly. Lacking political acumen, diplomatic maneuvering, and a cultural foundation, the Haiselk people had formed their empire through the merger and annexation of small countries and cities. They were a prominent totalitarian state in the northern regions, and they placed a terrifyingly low value on individuals. They were incredibly obedient to orders given by the community. Once decided, they would carry them out, no matter how cruel or despicable. The harsh environment had shaped their national character, making them both reliable and terrifying.

"Although we allowed a surprise attack, the communication lines are the unstable frozen lake. As long as we don't let them advance inland, we still have a chance. With the reserve forces and troops extracted from each of the six entrances, we will crush the enemy's beachhead and cut off their reinforcements. Turn the Serta Peninsula into a battlefield for a decisive battle with them at this moment."

"The Grand Duke of Myard has given the order. First, the numbers. Gather as many people and as many resources as possible."

The strategy was set. Now, it was only a matter of supporting those fighting on the front lines. Lacking military strategy and the charisma to inspire madness, she had to digest and internalize the advice of her vassals and make consistent decisions. That was what was required of her as the current Grand Duke.

"...Was my father, who adopted a scorched earth policy, feeling the same way?"

She revered her father and used him as a negative example as a Grand Duke. She would not repeat his mistakes. Amid the clamor of the people, Rita whispered quietly.

"Hey, Latvige. I even wondered if this was the right thing to do, even as I send them to their deaths."

Rita shuddered at her own baseness. She was far from the ideal ruler. Once she had given the order, if she doubted her decision, what basis would the soldiers have to fight and what would they believe in? It would be a severe betrayal of them. The seasoned knight neither comforted nor scolded her for her ugly confession.

"I am the main culprit of this atrocity. Lacking in strength and wisdom, I have advised the country to rely on its neighbors. If only I could stand shoulder to shoulder with them on the battlefield... No, even if I decorated my words from the rear, it would only add to my shame."

Even the seasoned Latvige was human. Stopping the mutual licking of wounds in the master-servant relationship, he looked out the window embedded in the stone wall. Normally, the lake would be illuminated by the morning sun, shining a brilliant blue. But to the sentimental Rita, it now appeared sticky, dark, and murky.