Translator: Cinder Translations
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After an intense battle, the kingdom's army achieved a decisive victory over the rebel forces of Grand Duke Greedy Wolf.
According to battlefield statistics, the kingdom's army killed over 2,000 enemies, captured more than 3,000, while suffering over 2,000 casualties themselves.
Although the loss ratio did not seem too unbalanced, this was the first time the newly formed army had experienced such a tough battle, and overall, Commander Harrison was satisfied.
He meticulously compiled a detailed battle report and sent it urgently to Crystal Glare.
Upon arriving at Thorn Fortress, the messenger first transmitted a brief summary via the telegraph station before continuing north on horseback, carrying the full report.
The telegraph system had already been extended from Crystal Glare to Thorn Fortress, the southernmost part of the royal domain.
As an admirer of advancements from the Northwestern Bay, Rodney XVIII could hardly ignore such a rapid means of communication.
After her return to Crystal Glare, the runaway princess, Eileen, described the wonders of the telegraph to the then-reigning King Rodney XVII.
Intrigued, the old king approved the construction of a telegraph network under Eileen's command, linking Crystal Glare to Alden Town.
Previously, delivering messages from Crystal Glare to Alden Town required a half-month ride on fast horses, but now, it only took half a day.
Undoubtedly, the telegraph was a significant enhancement, strengthening communication between Crystal Glare and its vassals—something Rodney XVIII greatly appreciated.
Since his ascension, the expansion of the kingdom's telegraph system had never ceased, with communication lines radiating outward from Crystal Glare.
If not for the objections of many advisors, Rodney XVIII would have insisted on installing telegraph stations in every city.
As the initiator and decision-maker of this southern campaign, Rodney XVIII closely monitored the kingdom's army movements.
His office was filled with the scent of cedarwood and parchment. Sunlight filtered through stained glass windows, casting fragmented light and shadows over the massive sand table in the center of the room.
The sand table, occupying the entire oak conference table, meticulously depicted the mountains and rivers of the southern territories of the Aldor Kingdom. A silver-plated castle model stood in place of the capital, while black soldier figurines, representing the rebels, were scattered across the southern hills and mountains.
The king's fingers tapped unconsciously on the edge of the sand table, his gaze never leaving the red-painted soldier figurines.
These represented General Harrison's southern campaign army, currently positioned in the Firewood Forest.
"What's going on? Why hasn't new information arrived yet?"
Rodney XVIII suddenly voiced his frustration, staring at the sand table models. "They haven't moved in a long time."
Just as he spoke, a rapid set of footsteps echoed down the hallway. The king recognized the rhythm—it was Wayne, the head steward. If Wayne was in such a hurry, it could only mean urgent news from the front lines.
Rodney XVIII felt both excitement and concern. Hopefully, it wasn't bad news.
"Your Majesty! The telegraph station has just received a message from General Harrison!" Wayne practically burst into the office, confirming the king's expectations.
"Our forces clashed with Giles' army fifty miles north of Phantom Wing Castle and secured victory. We suffered 2,381 casualties, killed 2,450 enemies, and captured 3,260. Giles has retreated toward Five Goat Fortress."
Wayne read the report, still catching his breath.
"Heavenly Father bless us! This is a great victory!" the king exclaimed, completely immersed in joy.
The on-duty attendant, William, quietly approached the sand table and began rearranging the red and black soldier figurines.
Under his adjustments, the red soldier figurines representing the kingdom's army took control of Phantom Wing Castle, while the black figurines symbolizing the rebels were shifted onto the road leading to Five Goat Fortress.
"Yes, just like that!" Rodney XVIII laughed heartily as he watched, as if witnessing his army triumphantly advancing southward while Giles fled in disarray.
…
For Giles, losing 5,000 soldiers was no small blow.
Through reconnaissance, the kingdom's forces discovered that Grand Duke Greedy Wolf had begun retreating southward with his remaining troops.
Unfortunately, Harrison could not personally witness his enemy's desperate retreat.
Giles' once-luxurious purple velvet cloak was now torn and covered in mud and blood.
His mount—a white warhorse once praised in numerous tournaments—now limped forward with an injured foreleg, struggling on the muddy path.
Suddenly, a commotion erupted at the rear of the column. Turning back, Giles saw several soldiers fighting over a piece of dry rations.
A commanding officer tried to restore order, but his voice was so hoarse that it was barely audible.
More and more soldiers joined the scuffle, their shouting startling a flock of crows in the woods. The black wings flapped ominously against the dimming evening sky.
"Fighting over food right in front of me? Do they not respect my authority?!"
Giles, furious, pointed his whip at the disturbance. "Sigmund, tie them all up and flog each one thirty times!"
"As you command, Your Highness!" Giles' chief guard immediately rode off to enforce the order.
Giles then turned his gaze to the roadside, where several peasant corpses lay with arrows still lodged in their backs.
The kingdom's army hadn't reached here yet, meaning his own soldiers must have been responsible.
"My Lord, the river crossing is just ahead,"Samal rode up to report. His embroidered coat was covered in dust, and his once-meticulously styled curls were now matted against his forehead.
"Cross the river immediately! Seize all boats upstream and downstream and destroy them!"
…
"Based on our assessment, Giles' army still holds some strength, and his vassals will continue supplying him with fresh troops."
"Latest reports indicate he has stopped at Raleigh Woods."
Inside Phantom Wing Castle, Harrison gathered the army's high command to discuss the next steps. Advisors from the Alden Army were also present.
Claude studied the map and voiced his opinion. "The terrain becomes increasingly complex further south. Giles might use his familiarity with the geography to evade pursuit or even lure us into a trap. We must finish him here—at the very least, deal him another severe blow."
Harrison nodded in agreement. "I concur with Lord Claude. We can't let him escape again."
Claude pointed to a location on the map. "Perhaps we can split off part of our forces to flank Giles from here and cut off his retreat…"
(End of the Chapter)
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