Chapter 275: Chapter 274: I Will Buy Us Time (1)


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    ''...He''s made his move sooner than I thought.''


    Ghiin fell into thought after hearing the news that Desmond was advancing on them.


    Harold had moved faster than expected. Ghiin 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 im 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!" ude shouted, pale with fear. Until now, Fenris had alwayspleted its preparations beforeunching surprise attacks on its enemies.


    Though they hadn''t realized it at the time, the oues 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, Ghiin calmly asked, "How many of the new bows have beenpleted?"


    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, Ghiin continued, "How short are we on the soldiers'' equipment?"


    ude, wearing a simr 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." Theck 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 annihted!"


    The vassals'' faces turnedpletely 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 exnation 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 Ghiin''s expression hardened upon hearing about the 2nd Corps'' annihtion.


    ''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 Ghiin 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 Ghiin 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 Ghiin.


    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.''


    Ghiin let out a self-deprecatingugh. 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 andsh 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!"


    "No. You won''t seed."


    "I can do it!"


    Despite her insistence, Ghiin refused. This time, Vanessa stepped up.


    "Lord! We can''t lose this ce! I''ll figure out a way to stop them!"


    Alpoi tried to hold her back, grabbing her sleeve, but Vanessa shook him off coldly and


    continued.


    "We''ve worked so hard to develop this territory! If we all put our lives on the line, we can stop them! Why isn''t anyone saying anything? We''ve always won! We can win this time too! Let''s dig traps or do something! I''ll keep attacking with magic nonstop!"


    Despite her passionate plea, the others averted their gazes. They understood her feelings, but


    it was nothing more than a foolishly stubborn hope.


    The reported enemy force consisted of 30,000 soldiers, eight siege towers, and twelve


    catapults.


    Furthermore, Count Desmond''s personal mage was a 6th-circle mage, supported by dozens


    of others.


    Even if Vanessa unleashed her overwhelming magic power, it could be neutralized by their


    mages.


    ''If both sides neutralize each other''s magic, the rest wille down to the soldiers.''


    "Their knights reportedly number over a hundred-and they''re true knights, not the half-baked ones


    we have.''


    ''Desmond''s soldiers are an elite force. While ours are strong, the numbers are too one-sided.''


    The only properly equipped soldiers numbered 4,000. While that was no small number, it paled inparison to the enemy forces.


    Closing his eyes, Ghiin fell into thought. Even he acknowledged the risk of engaging the


    enemy now.


    ''We could hold a defense, but... the soldiers'' training and equipment are toocking. The losses would


    be devastating.''


    He never entertained the thought of losing. But if the costs were too high, even a victory wouldn''t feel like one.


    Ghiin wasn''t just fighting the duchy-he was also up against forces far beyond them.


    ''Winning this one battle means nothing to me.''


    Even if he defeated Desmond, the war wouldn''t end. Another conflict would break out before


    long.


    Thus, his preparations needed to be thorough and swift. Minimizing losses was essential for continuing to fight against his enemies.


    ''If only I had a little more time...''


    With help from his father and Marquis Branford, bolstering his forces wouldn''t have been difficult. By the time reinforcements arrived, the new bows would nearly bepleted as


    well.


    But there wasn''t even enough time for that. If they held a defensive stance and waited for reinforcements, they''d lose most of the forces they had built up so far.


    Count Desmond had struck at the perfect moment, leading an overwhelming force.


    "There''s no choice. This time, we''ll have to retreat and reorganize our ns.''


    Having made up his mind, Ghiin opened his eyes and spoke.


    "Relocate all resources and soldiers to the old Fenris region."


    Hearing this, the vassals bowed their heads. Moving to the Fenris region effectively meant


    abandoning the Cabaldi area.


    The disappointment was palpable. Everyone felt the same.


    ''What a waste. We worked so hard to develop this territory.''


    ''But there''s no helping it. We can''t handle a 30,000-strong army yet."


    ''We''ll have to wait for another opportunity.''


    While they felt a pang of regret, the vassals also breathed a sigh of relief. If their reckless lord


    had insisted on fighting with untrained soldiers, that would have been another disaster.


    The vassals didn''t know about Ghiin''s reincarnation and simply thought of him as stubborn and impulsive.


    But Ghiin had never acted recklessly. He always calcted for efficiency and timing.


    It was his certainty of sess that had allowed him to take risks and achieve results.


    Such a person would never willingly ept a battle that promised significant losses. "We''ll establish defensive lines centered around Fenris Castle. Once preparations are


    complete, we''ll reorganize and reim the Cabaldi region."


    ude, looking visibly relieved, nodded.


    "We''ve already fortified the castle for war, so it should hold."


    "Good. Destroy all critical facilities and relocate as quickly as possible. Send word to Gillian


    and Kaor to return immediately."


    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 couldunch a counterattack and seize the opportunity.


    Though facing a more powerful Desmond after his gains in Cabaldi wouldn''t be easy.


    Following Ghiin''s orders, the vassals sprang into action. Calming the panicked residents of


    the territory became an additional challenge. Ghiin personally toured the area to reassure the people.


    "Do not worry! Count Desmond will not harm you! I will return for you!"


    The poption was crucial to maintaining the region''s prosperity. Harold wasn''t foolish


    enough tomit full on ughter.


    With the 2nd Corps annihted, 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 rtively 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, Ghiin tilted his head and asked, "Where''s Gillian?" Gillian, along with 100 knights and 1,000 soldiers stationed at the fort, had not returned.


    ude awkwardly handed over a letter.


    As Ghiin read the letter, his expression grew darker.


    [My Lord, I understand your decision to retreat, as our preparations are iplete. However,


    losing this ce might cost us years of progress. Please, do not abandon thisnd. 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 ce 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..."


    Ghiin''s face grew heavy. Gillian was prepared to sacrifice his life for Ghiin''s dream.


    Amid the somber atmosphere, ude handed over another letter.


    "What''s this?"


    "It''s from the knights stationed with him."


    Ghiin 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, Ghiin couldn''t help butugh.


    Afterughing for a while, Ghiin suddenly stopped and murmured, "Well, sometimes


    ns don''t go as expected. A n is just a n."


    No n was ever perfect. It was natural for responses to change based on the situation. What mattered was the oue.


    "... You''re not thinking of anything reckless, are you?" ude asked nervously. Ignoring him, Ghiin continued, "I never liked the idea of retreating. Maybe I''ve be


    too considerate. I wasn''t like this when I fought the kingdom."


    Another round of nonsense. ude and the other vassals grew visibly more uneasy. But


    Ghiin 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 ton/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    retreat?" "No objections will be epted. 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, Ghiin smiled fiercely. "Harold Desmond will die in this war."


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