assistirfilmes Chapter 275: Chapter 274: I Will Buy Us Time (1)
Chapter 275: Chapter 274: I Will Buy Us Time (1)
Chapter 275: Chapter 274: I Will Buy Us Time (1)
'...He's made his move sooner than I thought.'
Ghislain fell into thought after hearing the news that Desmond was advancing on them.
Harold had moved faster than expected. Ghislain had anticipated this possibility, but this speed was beyond imagination.
"Too many things have changed.'
He had used his future knowledge to act swiftly and claim many advantages.
The pro-royalist faction, which should have been diminished, was still intact, and Perdium, which was supposed to have been destroyed, was thriving.
On top of that, he had reaped countless benefits from new technologies.
All of this had been possible because of the knowledge he had stolen from the future.
And now, the consequences of changing the future were catching up to him.
"Lord! Count Desmond has clearly gone mad! This isn't even a civil war, and he's raising an army on his own!" Claude shouted, pale with fear. Until now, Fenris had always completed its preparations before launching surprise attacks on its enemies.
Though they hadn't realized it at the time, the outcomes always seemed to be set up that way.
But now, for the first time, an enemy was attacking before Fenris could finish preparing. The situation was entirely different from what they were used to.
Without revealing any emotion, Ghislain calmly asked, "How many of the new bows have been completed?"
Galbarik, looking troubled, answered hesitantly.
"...Just over half have been finished."
The bows incorporated new technology. They couldn't be mass-produced on a whim, as their creation required meticulous craftsmanship.
Nodding, Ghislain continued, "How short are we on the soldiers' equipment?"
Claude, wearing a similar troubled expression, replied, "We haven't equipped even half of them yet."
Nearly 10,000 soldiers had been recruited. Equipping all of them with Galbanium full-body armor was impossible within the time constraints.
Even with increased production speed, the sheer quantity needed was overwhelming.
Now the vassals fully understood why their lord was always shouting for things to be done "faster, faster." The lack of preparedness was gnawing at their confidence.
Anxious, the vassals noisily debated in the hall.
"The soldiers' training is insufficient! And even before that, the numbers are overwhelmingly against us!"
"The 2nd Corps will hold them off for a time, so we need to find a way to stall-negotiation, or anything else!"
"Let's request mediation from the pro-royalist faction immediately!"
Most of their soldiers were trainees, and the Galbanium armor was far from fully distributed.
Even with a defensive stance, there was no guarantee they could hold out. And even if they did, the losses would be catastrophic.
As the noise filled the hall, a messenger ran in and shouted urgently.
"The 2nd Corps has been annihilated!"
The vassals' faces turned completely pale. Their only hope for outside assistance from the pro-royalist faction had just vanished.
"He really has gone mad."
Someone muttered in disbelief. There was no other explanation for such reckless behavior.
It was clear that Count Desmond was hell-bent on crushing Fenris, no matter the cost. That realization turned into fear. As great as their lord was, this time, even he might not be able to resolve the situation.
Though their reasoning was slightly different, even Ghislain's expression hardened upon hearing about the 2nd Corps' annihilation.
'He was never one to act so impulsively.'
In his past life, Harold had been nothing like this. He had focused on meticulously carrying out the duchy's orders, always carefully considering the surrounding circumstances.
When Ghislain learned that Harold was gathering an army, he had considered various possibilities. But based on Harold's cautious nature from his previous life, he believed Harold would only act during the civil war.
This behavior was entirely out of character for Harold.
'I had considered the possibility of him acting alone, but...'
That's why Ghislain had been moving relentlessly, without rest.
Harold had simply moved faster than expected.
'He must have thrown everything away.'
Even for Desmond, one of the greatest territories, assembling 30,000 soldiers was no easy feat. Feeding them was just as difficult.
Ignoring his ties with both the duchy and the pro-royalist faction meant Harold was willing to throw away his own life. It was clear-Harold had started this war, risking everything, to kill Ghislain.
Someone protecting what they hold dear can be strong, but someone who has nothing to lose
is terrifying.
'Just like I was in my past life.'
With Fenris unprepared, it would be difficult to handle Desmond.
'I underestimated him. I think I relied too much on my past-life knowledge.'
Ghislain let out a self-deprecating laugh. Relying too heavily on information from his past life had been one problem, but pushing Harold into a corner was another factor that contributed to this situation.
Harold was still a thinking, feeling person. When cornered, it was natural for someone to act unpredictably and lash out.
Even with the advantage of foresight, it wasn't a cure-all. The more he altered the future, the greater the uncertainties that followed.
Displeased by the vassals' fearful chatter, Belinda stepped forward and shouted, "Young master! Let me go! I'll assassinate Count Desmond! It'll throw their forces into chaos, and
we'll have time to prepare!"
The Cabaldi region had developed immensely, with an abundance of iron ore.
Perhaps Count Desmond might be satisfied with capturing it. Even if he wasn't, it would take
him time to fully control the region.
'Let him enjoy his moment of triumph.'
It was a bitter pill, but for now, retreating was the only option. Once they were ready, they could launch a counterattack and seize the opportunity.
Though facing a more powerful Desmond after his gains in Cabaldi wouldn't be easy.
Following Ghislain's orders, the vassals sprang into action. Calming the panicked residents of
the territory became an additional challenge. Ghislain personally toured the area to reassure the people.
"Do not worry! Count Desmond will not harm you! I will return for you!"
The population was crucial to maintaining the region's prosperity. Harold wasn't foolish
enough to commit full on slaughter.
With the 2nd Corps annihilated, there was no force left to hinder Count Desmond's advance.
The vassals worked frantically, their faces tense.
Even though Desmond's army was moving at a relatively slow pace, the distance wasn't great,
and they would arrive soon.
Not long after, numerous trainees and supplies arrived at the lord's castle. Gillian had sent soldiers who had been training in the southern region upon hearing the news.
Receiving the report, Ghislain tilted his head and asked, "Where's Gillian?" Gillian, along with 100 knights and 1,000 soldiers stationed at the fort, had not returned.
Claude awkwardly handed over a letter.
As Ghislain read the letter, his expression grew darker.
[My Lord, I understand your decision to retreat, as our preparations are incomplete. However,
losing this place might cost us years of progress. Please, do not abandon this land. You told us
once that when our weapons and soldiers were ready, we would surely win. I will stake my life to buy us that time. I still remember what you told me...]
-I will end this territory's poverty. Not just with a trickle, but with a storm of rain. [...You have achieved the impossible, My Lord. I know this place is essential for fighting even greater enemies ahead. Do not abandon it. My knights and I will hold the line. Please continue your preparations and ensure victory. If you do, you will not just bring rain to the north-you
will bring a storm.]
"Gillian..."
Ghislain's face grew heavy. Gillian was prepared to sacrifice his life for Ghislain's dream.
Amid the somber atmosphere, Claude handed over another letter.
"What's this?"
"It's from the knights stationed with him."
Ghislain unfolded the letter. It contained messages from the 100 knights, each addressing
their lord.
- Are you chickening out, captain?
We'll hold the line. Don't worry.
- Serves you right, always acting so high and mighty.
- Why'd you always pick on me?
...
Too bad I can't see your troubled face this time.
It was filled with bravado and insults typical of mercenaries. Knowing they were likely facing
death, they had decided to speak their minds.
Reading it, Ghislain couldn't help but laugh.
After laughing for a while, Ghislain suddenly stopped and murmured, "Well, sometimes
plans don't go as expected. A plan is just a plan."
No plan was ever perfect. It was natural for responses to change based on the situation. What mattered was the outcome.
"... You're not thinking of anything reckless, are you?" Claude asked nervously. Ignoring him, Ghislain continued, "I never liked the idea of retreating. Maybe I've become
too considerate. I wasn't like this when I fought the kingdom."
Another round of nonsense. Claude and the other vassals grew visibly more uneasy. But
Ghislain paid no attention and kept talking.
"Keep training the soldiers."
"What?"
"Continue producing the new bows and Galbanium armor. Dedicate all the estate's resources
to this."
"My Lord! You know we have no chance if we engage them! Isn't that why you decided to
retreat?" "No objections will be accepted. We'll trust Gillian and the knights to buy us time, and we'll finish our preparations as quickly as possible. Then we'll go and save them."
Crushing the letter in his hand, Ghislain smiled fiercely. "Harold Desmond will die in this war."