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nBosiden suggested a direct and unambiguous course of action: Howard should pay the mercenaries to confront Mibo. Such a strategy promised a swift and decisive end to the conflict, leaving no room for uncertainty.

nThroughout his discourse, Bosiden repeatedly mentioned Duke Ferald, citing several of the Duke’s illustrious battles to underscore his point.

nIf they did not employ mercenaries, Bosiden intimated, the stability of their campaign could not be guaranteed.

nSeeking another perspective, Howard summoned Vettel.

nVettel echoed Bosiden’s sentiment.

nWhile acknowledging the benefits of fortifying their castle, he pointed out the immediate ineffectiveness of such an endeavor.

nUpgrading buildings was a time-consuming process, requiring many days of laborious work by numerous workers.

nEven after enhancing the barracks, there would not be an immediate substantial increase in their military strength.

nHoward then turned to Resarite for his opinion.

nAfter considering the situation, Resarite acknowledged that while hiring thousands of mercenaries might offer immediate gratification, upgrading the barracks would provide a lasting foundation for future conflicts.

nConscripted soldiers, he noted, were a cost-free resource, whereas mercenaries were a financial drain.

nConscription could be sustained indefinitely, but the employment of mercenaries was not financially feasible in the long term.

nInquiring further, Howard asked Resarite for his specific recommendation. This chapter was first shared on the ??v�l?1n platform.

nResarite explained that Mibo, holding nearly all the knightly titles, had minimal territorial holdings outside a single village in Mambaton.

nIf Mibo wasn’t considering long-term strategy, his forces would temporarily exceed the standard strength of a baron.

nHowever, having previously defeated Mibo, they were well-acquainted with his tactical abilities and military arrangements, which did not pose a significant threat.

nThe critical factor was his ducal relative, whose efficiency and swiftness in previous military engagements were noteworthy.

nResarite paused at this juncture, seemingly hesitant to continue.

nHis words hung in the air, leaving an unspoken implication of the gravity and complexity of their decision.

nBosiden addressed Howard with a tone of finality, “You see, even the Minister of War agrees. We should hire mercenaries.” Vettel, sharing this sentiment, nodded gently at Howard, his expression one of earnest plea.

nIn a quiet corner of the room, Anna had been sitting, attentively observing the discussion. .𝒎

nAt this juncture, she stood up and addressed Howard, “Howard, I must remind you of the treaty you signed with my cousin.

nIt may appear to be an alliance treaty, but I’m certain he won’t assist your offensive.

nHoward, too, was internally frustrated, feeling an intense desire to vent his anger yet constrained from doing so.

nHe said to Resarite, “When shall we declare war on Mibo? We had agreed on two to three months, and now two and a half months have passed, leaving us half a month more.”

nVettel interjected, “The economic situation has turned out better than expected, enabling us to gather the necessary funds sooner.”

nResarite concluded, “Let’s declare war now. It’s better to take Gokasu Castle as soon as possible.”

nA day later, Howard issued an ultimatum to Mibo, demanding the surrender of the Gokasu barony in the name of reclaiming lawful territory.

nMibo refused, and thus, Howard entered a state of war with him.

nMibo sought assistance from his relative, Ferald, who, upon receiving the message, was filled with fervent and solemn enthusiasm.

n“At last,” Ferald declared to his Minister of War, “the opportunity to expand the territories of the Ferret family has arrived!”

nFerald led his army personally towards Nok.

nPrioritizing speed, his various units did not converge but advanced directly towards Nok.

nFerald explained his strategy: “I fear my foolish brother might lose too quickly, so I must reach Nok before his castle falls.” His Minister of War expressed concern that rushing might lead to being ambushed en route, resulting in heavy casualties.

nHowever, Ferald, resolute in his decision, dismissed these apprehensions.

nLanvin also joined the campaign, clad in shining silver armor, a silver-plated sword at his waist, and a glittering silver helmet on his head.

nHe looked strikingly handsome in his outfit. 𝘳.𝑐ℴ

nHowever, Ferald’s Minister of War, upon seeing this, was filled with dismay.

nHe thought to himself that the cost of Lanvin’s equipment alone could arm a considerable number of soldiers, or even hire a unit of light infantry mercenaries.

nYet, he remained silent.

nBeing a nobleman and a count under Ferald, he understood the delicate balance between what should and should not be said.

nThis time, Ferald’s entire army was mobilized.

nHaving suffered some losses in the previous fierce assault on Gokasu Castle, their numbers were slightly diminished, amounting to 4985 soldiers.

nAmong these, there were 2600 light infantry, 700 heavy infantry, 852 archers, 600 light cavalry, and 233 heavy cavalry.

nA particularly notable unit within this army was the “Raiding Brigade,” a group adapted from the Viking Military System.

nThis brigade, consisting of only 300 soldiers, all light infantry, might not have seemed significant at first glance.

nHowever, their combat record in previous wars was exceptionally fierce.

nThey were known for their ferocious and valiant performance in battle, making them a formidable force to reckon with.

n𝑖𝘦.𝑐𝘰𝘮

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