The agents were interrogated and all those involved were rounded up.

Hopefully this will calm things down somewhat.

Originally, the disgruntled elements were looked at with cold stares, so there was not much fuss over the arrests.

On the contrary …… I couldn’t help but laugh when I received a report that the atmosphere was like, “Finally”.

The demon tribe will not be able to get their hands on us anytime soon.

It had been two months since the two sides had been at a standoff.

During that time, the enemy has been deliberately showing us openings.

They have made it look like soldiers are lying down and feasting at night.

Timing-wise, it’s too early.

It is still too early for morale to slacken.

Then Charles came to me.

“My men are getting eager to take advantage of the opportunity. Will you give us permission to go into battle?”

The people around me were surprised, but I could tell by the look on Charles’ face.

I shook my head.

“I will not. That is a camouflage. They’re just trying to lure us in.”

Charles grinned and bowed.

“I understand. If it’s my lord commands it, I have no choice.”

I nodded silently.

Mil looked at me in surprise.

“Al, that’s ……”

I laughed and shrugged.

“He’s just trying to create an alibi …… so that his men won’t have to go off on a mission by asking for my permission.”

Mil looked above.

“Oh, I guess it’s not easy having so many subordinates.”

While they were talking about this, a messenger came running in.

“I have a report. We have received a request for help from Poncio of Mantova.”

And there, too?

It’s hard to keep up morale.

I’m just going to help them.

“I have a plan. The castle will not fall, so they don’t need reinforcements. They must hold Mantova.”

Hearing my words, the messenger left.

Seeing such a scene, Kiara laughed.

“Being a field commander is a tough job, huh?”

“Yes, it’s not easy to listen for the right moment. It’s even harder when you’re trying to keep morale up.”

As it was, we received information about the enemy’s supply convoys.

A camp had been established about 30 kilometers behind the enemy lines and was being used as a supply depot.

The garrison consists of about 200 soldiers.

A guerrilla attack on a scale that would not be detected by the enemy would be easily repulsed.

The supplies are transported there by ship.

The ship then turns back.

From there, they transport supplies by horse-drawn wagons.

If they transported the supplies by ship to a nearby area, they might be attacked by the guerrillas.

The number of ships may not be that large.

They are commandeering and using ships that they use on a daily basis.

In other words, their daily life is interrupted.

The demon tribe probably did not envision a long war campaign.

When they deviated from the assumption, they would have an opportunity to take advantage of it.

Joy spread through the office as one piece of good news came from the capital.

As we carefully continued our investigation of the enemy side, good news came to me from our side as well.

At that time, I thought I was smiling on the small side, but it seemed to be so bad that those around me were taken aback.

Little by little, I could sense that the wind was changing.

The enemy had increased the number of supply depots to 20.

It is likely that they have more uses for their ships elsewhere.

It seems that they are transporting troops at once and using them for other purposes in between.

Also, liquor and other items were brought in for the amusement of the soldiers.

We are almost there.

Mantova is also under regular attack, but not seriously.

With little wear and tear, the other side can still hold out.

The problem is that our morale is about to be loosened.

Fortunately, the arrest of the informant has tightened things up.

Charles has informed me that everything is fine for now.

Charles and I have a confidential meeting to discuss the end of the game.

“Sir Rossi, is morale on the enemy side about to drop off?”

Charles folded his arms and pondered.

“Yes, it will start getting hot from now on. if that is the case, morale will probably drop. But if it drops too low, they will start to tighten up. The timing is difficult. If we miss the right moment, the soldiers on our side will think we are not going to fight.”

“So we can’t just wait and see, huh.”

Charles nodded silently.

I decided to check my own assessment.

“Soon the enemy will provoke us with their abuse. That’s the point of passage, isn’t it?”

Charles chuckled at my assessment.

“With nothing left to do, we must make the soldiers work by shouting at them, or else they will be too lazy.”

“And… the commander of the demon tribe is a young man, isn’t he?”

“Yes, probably the son of the chief. I see scenes of commanders yelling and screaming at each other. It seems that the command is not perfect.”

“At first glance, it is superior, so it cannot be raised. They have lost their momentum and are just standing still. If they are young, they can be carried away by the Suzana’s agitation. They dream more of ideals than reality. They don’t have enough experience to face reality and cut their losses.”

Charles shrugged his shoulders at my one-sided comment.

“Just so you know …… all of those guys are probably older than my lord.”

I whistled and looked out.

I did it again.

We were getting close to the right moment to hit them back, and I was just elated.

“W-Well, let’s leave it at that. Also, I have some good news.”

“Hoh ……”

“Sir Melchiorri’s child has been born. It is a boy.”

Charles chuckled at my happy attitude.

“It is indeed good news. It’s the only good thing to hear in this unpleasant war.”

Saying this, Charles took out a bottle of liquor and two glasses from a shelf in his room.

He pours a glass of liquor into each and holds out one to me.

I smile, take it, and hold it up.

“Now, for Sir Melchiorri’s son.”

Charles smiles.

“Let us drink to that.”

We clinked our glasses and poured a toast.

“I’m glad Ms. Delphine is all right too.”

“Yes, childbirth is also a risk, after all. Roberto’s dismay was a sight to behold too.”

I smiled in agreement.

“Yeah, I think he was moving about in confusion.”

We looked at each other and laughed.

After leaving Charles, I had a separate meeting with Elite Guard’s Chief Jules.

We had the Elite Guard’s mobilization in mind for this battle.

“Sir Jules, is the Elite Guards’ morale all right?”

“Yes, they are all very anxious for their first real battle.”

“Then I will ask them to be patient for a little while longer.”

Jules nodded seriously.

“I understand. But are you sure about this?”

“This is a done deal. I have Sir Rossi’s approval.”

Jules looked a little worried, but bowed silently.

◆◇◆◇◆

Two weeks passed.

The temperature was one step away from sunny and hot.

Finally, the enemy soldiers began to shout abuse at us.

Observations of the enemy camp revealed the sight of sloppy soldiers arguing with lower-ranking commanders.

The number of nightly drinking parties is also increasing.

If this were camouflage, I would be out.

But nothing is 100% in war.

We are forced to make an uncertain decision.

Charles and I looked at each other.

It’s about time.

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