Chapter 274
Chapter 274 – I Will Buy Some Time. (1)
‘…Looks like I’ve been outsmarted.’
Ghislaine fell into deep thought upon hearing that Desmond was coming this way.
Harold moved faster than anticipated. While she thought it was possible, this was beyond her imagination.
‘So much has changed.’
Using information from the future, he had moved faster than anyone else and claimed many advantages.
The Crown Prince Faction, which should have already shrunk, was still intact, and Perdium, which should have perished, was alive.
It was a bonus that they had reaped numerous benefits from new technology.
All of this was possible thanks to the knowledge she had stolen from the future.
And now, the price for changing the future was approaching.
“Lord! Count Desmond has clearly lost his mind! Raising an army on his own, and this isn’t even a civil war!”
Claude shouted in a panic. Up until now, the Territory of Penris had engaged in war by preparing first and launching surprise attacks.
Though they were unaware during preparation, the situation was always structured to end in such a way.
But now, for the first time, the enemy was attacking before their preparations were complete. The situation had completely changed.
Ghislaine asked calmly without revealing any emotion.
“How many new bows have been produced?”
Galbarik made a wry face at her question.
“Just… a little over half are completed.”
This was a bow incorporating new technology. It wouldn’t be quick to manufacture just because they wanted it to be. Completing each bow required meticulous work.
Nodding, Ghislaine continued.
“How lacking is the soldiers’ armament?”
Claude replied with a face similar to Galbarik’s.
“Not even half has been equipped.”
Almost 10,000 soldiers had been recruited. There wasn’t enough time to equip them all with Galbarium Full Armor.
No matter how fast production was, the required quantity was immense.
The retainers finally felt the weight of their lord’s constant demands for speed. With everything unprepared, their confidence dwindled.
The anxious retainers clamored in chaos.
“The soldiers’ training is insufficient! No, the numbers themselves are not even comparable!”
“For now, the 2nd Corps will hold them back, and in the meantime, we must find a way to negotiate and buy some time!”
“Let’s request mediation from the Crown Prince Faction immediately!”
Most of the soldiers were still trainees, and the Galbarium armament wasn’t even fully equipped.
The overwhelming difference in troop strength meant that even if they were to defend, there was no guarantee they could hold out. Even if they succeeded, the damage would be significant.
Amidst the loud clamor, a messenger hurriedly rushed in and shouted.
“The 2nd Corps has been annihilated!”
The faces of the retainers turned completely pale. The only hope they had relied on the Crown Prince Faction’s help, and now that was rendered useless.
“Seems he really has gone mad.”
Someone muttered. One wouldn’t act recklessly by themselves unless they were insane.
It was evident that Count Desmond had a tenacious will to trample over the Territory of Penris.
And that realization turned into terror. No matter how formidable the lord was, there was no way he could resolve this situation.
Although the reasons were slightly different from what the retainers thought, even Ghislaine’s expression hardened upon hearing the news of the 2nd Corps’ annihilation.
‘He’s definitely not someone who moves recklessly like this.’
The Harold from her past wasn’t like this. He focused solely on executing the Duke’s orders meticulously and moved cautiously, always observing the surrounding situation.
Upon hearing that he was gathering an army, she had kept several possibilities open. However, based on her previous experiences with Harold, she figured he would more likely act during a civil war.
His actions now were definitely not Harold’s style.
‘Though I did consider the possibility of him acting alone…’
So she had been busy, acting tirelessly.
It was just that Harold had moved faster than she had anticipated.
‘He seems to have thrown everything away.’
No matter how great Desmond was as a large territory, gathering 30,000 soldiers was daunting. Gathering the supplies to feed them was equally challenging.
Disregarding the relationship with the Duke and the Crown Prince Faction meant he was willing to abandon his own life. In other words, Harold had truly started a war, betting everything to kill Ghislaine.
Those who seek to protect what is valuable are strong, but those who have thrown it all away are terrifying.
‘Just like the me from my past.’
Penris, still unprepared, had difficulty contending with Desmond.
‘I’ve been complacent. I think I’ve unwittingly placed too much faith in the information from my past life.’
Ghislaine wore a self-mocking smile. Trusting the information from her previous life too much was a problem, but pushing Harold too hard had also contributed to this situation.
The opponent was intelligent and capable of emotions. It was only natural he would go berserk and commit atrocities when cornered.
Even after reincarnation, it didn’t mean everything would go perfectly. The more she sought to change the future, the more uncertainty would increase.
Perhaps discontented with the trembling retainers, Belinda stepped forward and shouted.
“Master! I’ll go! I’ll assassinate Count Desmond! That will throw the enemy into chaos, giving us enough time to prepare!”
“No. You won’t succeed.”
“I can do it!”
Belinda insisted, but Ghislaine refused. Then, Vanessa stepped up.
“My Lord! We can’t lose this place! I’ll try to hold them off somehow!”
Alfoy grabbed Vanessa’s sleeve, urging her not to. However, she calmly shook him off and continued speaking.
“Do you know how hard we’ve developed this place? If we all fight with our lives, we can hold them off! Why is everyone being silent? We’ve always won! We can win again! Let’s dig traps or whatever! I can keep attacking with magic!”
Despite Vanessa’s cries, the others turned away silently. They understood her feelings, but it was merely stubbornness.
From the intel received, they faced 30,000 enemy soldiers, 8 siege towers, and 12 catapults.
Furthermore, Count Desmond’s exclusive mage was at the 6th Circle. The number of mages following him reached into the dozens.
Even if Vanessa unleashed tremendous firepower, it meant the enemy could counteract that assault.
‘If our magics are nullified, then it will come down to a fight between soldiers.’
‘They say they have over 100 knights. Not half-hearted knights like ours, but real ones.’
‘Desmond’s soldiers are strong soldiers. Our soldiers are strong too, but the difference in numbers is overwhelming.’
Only 4,000 properly equipped troops were available. While that was not an insignificant amount, it was utterly insufficient compared to the enemy’s strength.
Ghislaine closed her eyes and fell into thought. Even she saw that it was too dangerous to confront them head-on.
‘We could manage to defend if we wanted to… but the soldiers’ training conditions and armament are far too lacking. The damage would be inevitable.’
She never thought they would lose. However, if the damage were too great, then winning wouldn’t feel like a victory.
Ghislaine had to continue fighting not only against the Duke but also against the forces behind him.
‘Winning this time alone will be meaningless to me.’
Even if she defeated Desmond, it wouldn’t be over. The war would reignite shortly thereafter.
Thus, it was always essential to prepare quickly yet thoroughly. Minimizing damage was crucial to continue fighting the enemy.
‘If only I had a little more time…’
With the help of her father and Marquis Branford, she could easily fill the gaps in troops. By the time they sent reinforcements, the new bows would be almost finished.
But right now, there wasn’t even enough time for that. If they waited for troops to arrive while defending, they would lose nearly all the soldiers they had cultivated thus far.
Count Desmond had acted at a very opportune moment. And with overwhelming forces, no less.
‘It can’t be helped. For now, we must retreat. We need to rethink our plan.’
Having finished her thoughts, Ghislaine opened her eyes and spoke.
“Relocate all supplies and troops to the former Penris region.”
At her words, all the retainers bowed their heads. Moving to the Penris region meant abandoning the Cabaldy region.
Naturally, this was a significant disappointment. Everyone shared the same sentiment.
‘What a pity. Look how much we’ve developed this territory.’
‘But there’s no choice. We can’t manage a 30,000-strong army yet.’
‘We can only plan for the future.’
The retainers let out a sigh of relief inwardly. If their lord insisted on fighting with untrained soldiers, that would indeed be a problem.
They didn’t know Ghislaine had reincarnated, so they merely misunderstood her as being stubborn and reckless.
However, Ghislaine had never acted thoughtlessly. She always moved considering efficiency and time.
It was because she had confidence in her success that she could take risks and achieve results.
Someone like her would never willingly accept a war where a significant loss was imminent.
“We will establish a defensive line centered on Castle Penris. There, we will finish the remaining preparations, regroup, and then reclaim the Cabaldy region.”
Claude nodded with a look of relief.
“If we added reinforcements for war preparations, we should be able to hold out.”
“Right. Let’s destroy all crucial facilities and move as quickly as possible. Also, relay the news to Gillian and Kaor, instructing them to return promptly.”
The Cabaldy region had developed to an extent that was incomparable to the past. Additionally, it was a territory overflowing with iron ore.
Perhaps Count Desmond would be satisfied by occupying Cabaldy. Even if he wasn’t, it would take time for him to completely seize the Cabaldy region.
‘Enjoy your brief victory while you can.’
Regrettably, it was time to retreat. As soon as preparations were complete, a plan for re-invasion had to be made to seize the opportunity.
While it wouldn’t be easy to confront a stronger Count Desmond after he reinforced his power by taking the Cabaldy region.
Following Ghislaine’s orders, the retainers busily moved. It was also a task to reassure the panicked territory residents.
Ghislaine went around the territory, calming the people down.
“Don’t worry! Count Desmond won’t touch you! I will definitely return!”
Maintaining a developed territory required a sufficient population. Harold wasn’t a fool; he wouldn’t commit mass murder.
With the 2nd Corps wiped out, there was no army to hinder Count Desmond. The retainers moved even more busily, their expressions tense.
Despite the slow pace of the Desmond forces, it was clear they would reach her in no time.
Not long after, numerous trainees and supplies arrived at the Lord’s Castle. Gillian had sent them after hearing the news, dispatching soldiers training in the southern region.
Upon receiving the report, Ghislaine tilted her head and asked.
“What about Gillian?”
Gillian and the 100 knights sent to the fortress, along with 1,000 soldiers, had not returned.
Claude, looking quite troubled, handed her a letter.
As Ghislaine read through the letter, her expression gradually twisted.
[My Lord, I understand you’ve decided to retreat as we are still not fully prepared. However, once this place is taken, it may take an indeterminate amount of time to regain it. You must not give up this location. You said that once the new bows and soldiers’ armament are complete, we will surely win. I will risk my life to buy that time. I still remember what you said to me…]
—I will surely end this territory’s poverty. Not with a drop but as rain.
[…You accomplished what everyone deemed impossible. And I know that this place is crucial for fighting against a more formidable enemy. So please, do not forsake this place. I and the knights will do everything we can to buy time. Do not cease your preparations and succeed. Then… You will become a storm that covers this North, not just rain.]
“Gillian…”
Ghislaine looked somber. Gillian was willing to sacrifice himself for Ghislaine’s dream.
In the heavy atmosphere, Claude handed her another letter.
“What’s this?”
“It’s from the knights stationed there.”
Ghislaine unfolded the letter once more. It contained a message from the 100 knights, addressed to their Lord, line by line.
— Our fool of a lord, are you scared?
— We’ll hold them back. Don’t worry.
— You brat, boasting every day, but now it’s come back to bite you.
— Why did you do that to me?
— Ah, I kind of wish I could see the commander’s troubled expression.
…
It was full of bravado and curses typical of mercenaries. Since they had resolved to face death, they probably said everything they wanted to say.
Seeing that, Ghislaine couldn’t help but burst into laughter.
After laughing for a while, Ghislaine suddenly stopped and muttered.
“Yeah, sometimes things like this happen in life. Plans are just plans, after all.”
There’s no such thing as a perfect plan. As one goes through life, it’s only natural that responses change according to the situation. What matters is that the outcome is perfect.
“…Hey, you’re not having any weird thoughts, are you?”
Ignoring Claude’s uneasy tone, Ghislaine continued speaking.
“Honestly, I didn’t like the idea of retreating. I’ve been too considerate. I wasn’t like this when fighting against a kingdom.”
It was another nonsensical remark after a long while. Claude and the retainers looked even more anxious.
Regardless, Ghislaine said what she wanted to say.
“The soldiers’ training continues.”
“What?”
“Continue the production of new bows and Galbarium armaments. Assign all personnel in the territory to that.”
“My Lord! We won’t have any chances if we clash! You know that’s why you decided to retreat, right?”
“No oppositions allowed. Trust Gillian and the knights, and we will finish preparations as soon as possible. Then we will go save them.”
Clutching the wrinkled letter in her hand, Ghislaine wore a fierce smile.
“Harold Desmond will die in this war.”
