Chapter 487 - 460: Targeting from Garrett
Chapter 487: Chapter 460: Targeting from Garrett
Thirty-four years ago, the Oduin Kingdom and the Tricia Kingdom went to war in a battle for Mist City that lasted several years, each seeking to destroy the other and declare itself the sole legitimate power.
The course of the battle was long and arduous. In the end, the Oduin Kingdom lost Mist City and retreated dozens of miles to the north, where they established the current defensive line.
This defensive line begins at the Mist Mountain Range, which runs north to south on the western flank, and stretches eastward for hundreds of miles.
In the years since, the noble families have dispatched Knight Squads or entire Knight Orders to perform defensive duties along the line. The great noble families, in particular, have their own designated sectors of responsibility.
For example, there is Count Ibn Torance’s Double Peaks Canyon, Duke Andrea’s Crimson Frontline, and Moonlight Valley’s West Wind Hill, among others.
However, there are exceptions, such as Wushan Castle.
During the war more than thirty years ago, the Wushan Clan suffered devastating losses. At the time, whether out of sympathy for the Wushan Clan or a sense of guilt, His Majesty Oduin IV Klinsmann did not assign Lurans a sector to defend. Instead, he tasked Wushan Castle with delivering a certain amount of food and supplies to the front line each year in place of direct military action.
Nestled in a forest of red pines, Red Pine Castle serves as both the central point of the defensive line and its overall command post.
The castle is permanently garrisoned by a Royal Knight Order. Since Crown Prince Garrett’s arrival at the front, Count Ibn has focused his attention on the defense of Double Peaks Canyon, leaving Red Pine Castle in Garrett’s hands.
In name, Garrett is now the Commander of the entire defensive line.
Inside Red Pine Castle, Garrett was currently listening to a report from his intelligence officer, Matt Romero, concerning the troop movements of the various noble armies.
"So, you’re saying Ronin’s Knight Order will reach West Wind Hill within ten days at the latest?"
Garrett was somewhat surprised. He had expected Ronin to drag things out until the end of the year, not show up in August.
"How many men are coming?"
Matt replied, "We don’t have exact numbers, but based on intelligence from the nobles whose lands they passed through, Ronin’s force is composed of two Knight Orders."
"Two Knight Orders?"
Garrett frowned, then shook his head in disdain.
"I admit Ronin’s personal strength is impressive, but those two Knight Orders he hastily scraped together are probably just for show. As for their combat effectiveness..."
His words dripped with resentment and contempt, making it clear he had no faith in Ronin’s military talents whatsoever.
"Your Highness, while his troops may not be up to much, Ronin himself and his Giant Dragon are terrifying. If a real battle breaks out, Viscount Placido, our enemy at West Wind Hill, probably won’t be able to handle them."
At the mention of the Giant Dragon, Garrett’s expression grew grave.
Ever since seeing Carlos in the Royal Capital, the colossal creature had left an indelible image in his mind. For the past six months, he had been frequently plagued by dreams of Ronin’s Giant Dragon breathing fire on him.
It was an absolute nightmare.
"Placido is only a Meteor Knight. He may be a seasoned veteran with Mages to assist him, but that’s not nearly enough to take on Ronin and his Giant Dragon."
Garrett slowly rose and began to pace around the room, finally stopping by the window to gaze into the distance.
’Once the fighting starts, Ronin’s side should be victorious at West Wind Hill, barring any surprises.’
The thought displeased Garrett. He felt that everything had been going far too smoothly for Ronin.
’If he keeps having it this easy, it won’t take more than a few battles before Father promotes him to Duke just to solidify the relationship between Oduin and the Wushan Family.’
He tapped his fingers on the windowsill, his mind racing for a way to suppress Ronin’s advancement.
’Given Ronin’s power, any direct action against him personally would be pointless. Even if I wanted to assassinate him, I couldn’t find a killer capable of the job.’
’Therefore, the only way to hinder Ronin’s progress is to weaken his subordinates.’
’It’s difficult to do that in his own territory, but now that he’s on the battlefield, the conditions and environment are perfect.’
Garrett turned around and beckoned Matt over. He said in a low voice, "Don’t you have people planted in Placido’s camp? Find a way to leak Ronin’s information to him. Make sure he knows exactly who he’s up against."
Matt was taken aback for a moment. "Your Highness, is this... wise?"
Garrett snorted coldly. "Matt, watch your tone. Never question my decisions!"
Matt immediately lowered his head, placing a hand on his chest and bowing slightly. "It is my mistake. I should not have questioned your decision!"
Garrett patted the other man’s shoulder and said in a softer tone, "A man who becomes too powerful is a danger to the Kingdom. Surely you understand that."
Matt looked up and slowly nodded. He seemed to understand what was at stake.
Garrett waved his hand dismissively. "Go."
"Oh, and one more thing. After Ronin arrives at West Wind Hill, have him come to Red Pine Castle to see me."
"Yes, Your Highness!"
As he watched Matt leave, Garrett’s mood suddenly lightened.
’He didn’t know if Placido already had information on Ronin, but with this advance notice, the man should be able to prepare.’
’If nothing else, he’ll at least equip more Magic Energy Cannons and Magic Energy Arrows, right?’
’Then, even if they can’t handle Ronin and his Giant Dragon, they can at least take out a good number of his Knight Order members. Let Ronin spend another fortune rebuilding his forces.’
He suddenly understood something his father once said—
A Proud Sun Knight might conquer a territory by force, but to rule it well, he needs a host of capable subordinates.
’If Ronin’s subordinates are scattered and weakened, it would be a great help in stabilizing the Royal Family’s power.’
"Father still doesn’t trust me enough!"
Garrett’s tone was laced with complaint.
A while ago, when the Tricia Kingdom was embroiled in internal strife, he had repeatedly requested permission to launch an offensive, but Bruno had rejected his proposals every time. As a result, the enemy kingdom seemed to have stabilized, and the perfect opportunity for an attack was lost.
’Now that Ronin has reached the front, if I request to launch an offensive again, there shouldn’t be a problem, right?’
He walked quickly back to his chair, sat down, and took out a pen and paper. He began to write a new petition for war, once again detailing the favorable conditions and emphasizing Ronin’s role, hoping to persuade his father to cancel the peace treaty with the Tricia Kingdom and launch an all-out invasion.
Garrett folded and sealed the letter, a thoughtful expression on his face as he held it.
’Father, if you agree this time, it will be just as I suspected. You weren’t holding back; you were waiting for Ronin.’
He placed the letter on the desk, that familiar displeasure returning.
He, who had always been so deeply trusted and relied upon, never expected to have the spotlight stolen by an outsider.
"Mika," he called out.
An orderly pushed the door open and entered. "Your Highness, what are your orders?"
"Take this letter to the Royal Capital and deliver it to my father."
Garrett instructed him earnestly, "Return with all possible speed. I hope you bring back satisfying news this time."
Mika had delivered many such letters before and could guess its contents without even looking.
He quickly tucked the letter into his tunic. "Rest assured, Your Highness. I will be back within five days at the latest. I hope His Majesty responds to your resolve to strengthen our Kingdom this time!"