Chapter 276 - 212: Eating People?
But aside from that, their combat capabilities, military equipment, and tactical command were all practically nonexistent.
Ratifa nodded, her expression turning serious as she explained in detail, "Because of the prolonged fighting, the enemy has also captured a great deal of the Empire’s weapons and equipment.
They often send out cannon fodder units to attack the Empire’s supply convoys. If they succeed, it’s a huge win, and if they fail, the loss is minimal." There was a note of helplessness in her voice.
This roguish way of fighting, practically throwing lives away, was a major headache for them.
"Moreover, after such a long period of fighting, the enemy’s tactical command has also been steadily improving.
They’re no longer the disorganized rabble they were at the start. They’ve started to learn how to use tactics and strategy," Ratifa continued.
"As a result, an enemy that was once pathetically weak now has several elite units with competent command and excellent equipment."
Henry was silent for a moment, a grave look flashing in his eyes.
The enemy was growing too quickly, and the source of their soldiers was a complete mystery. No one knew just how many they had.
If this dragged on, in less than half a year, they might push straight into the Northern Lands and become a force that would give even Henry a headache.
"This main force of sixty thousand Inferior Horned Beasts—are they one of those elite units?"
"Yes. They’re not only equipped with the Empire’s weapons, but they’ve also learned how to use them effectively. Their commanders are no longer just brutes who only know how to charge. They’re becoming commanders who understand how to use tactics and strategy."
Henry nodded. ’Looks like I can’t be too reckless in this battle. I’ll have to be at least a little careful.’
’After all, I’m just one man. And people die when they’re killed.’
’Looks like I can’t underestimate these Inferior Horned Beasts.’
"Exactly. You can’t fight them based on your recent experience. You have to re-evaluate their combat strength and tactics."
With the battle orders given, Henry’s army set out once more, their morale soaring as they pushed deeper north.
In stark contrast to Henry’s army, the atmosphere in Ratifa’s Personal Guard was somewhat gloomy.
On one hand, it was because the order to continue north made them realize that another major battle awaited them.
Moreover, they had also heard of the Snowfield Basin by reputation—the nights there were freezing cold.
On the other hand, the incredible combat prowess displayed by Henry’s army had wounded their pride...
They were strong men of the Northern Lands, hunters of the forest, warriors who battled brown bears and wild wolves, qualified to wear heavy armor and become elite warriors in the Countess’s Personal Guard!
They had their pride; they prided themselves on their valor and fighting skills.
However, in this recent battle, Henry’s army had shattered their pride to pieces!
After the battle, they chatted with the allied soldiers who had fought so bravely, only to discover they were actually new recruits! New recruits!
The sense of disparity was indescribable.
’We’re the elite of the Northern Lands. How could we be on the same level as a bunch of new recruits? Or even worse than them?’ This was what most of Ratifa’s Personal Guard soldiers were thinking.
It was, admittedly, a huge blow. Anyone who wasn’t mentally strong could easily shut down and fall apart.
The resilience of the human spirit is always a mystery.
Gradually, Ratifa began to hear these complaints. She felt helpless about it. After all, what could be done when Henry’s army was simply too strong?
But she had to do something to boost their morale. Otherwise, if these feelings were left to fester, her Personal Guard would be ruined.
"Listen, my Warriors.
We Warriors of the Northern Lands have never feared a challenge! Our pride is built on our courage and our thirst for victory!
Baron Henry’s army is indeed powerful, but that does not mean you are weak!
You have your own strengths! You have a deep understanding of this land! You have the indomitable fighting spirit of the people of the Northern Lands!
In the coming battle, you will once again fight side-by-side with Baron Henry’s army.
This is not just a battle; it is proof of your courage and strength. You must not only win, but win decisively, and make sure everyone remembers the name of the Warriors of the Northern Lands!"
The soldiers were inspired by Ratifa’s words, and the fighting spirit in their eyes was rekindled.
This was for dignity!
"For the Northern Lands! For our Lady!" the soldiers roared.
Henry watched the morale of Ratifa’s Personal Guard recover. He nodded, impressed by the Countess’s leadership.
"How was that?"
Seeing Ratifa’s rather smug expression, Henry teased, "Not bad. But if it were me, I wouldn’t have said ’you,’ I’d have said ’we.’"
Ratifa was taken aback for a moment, then nodded, thanking Henry for his advice.
’Perhaps the strength of Henry’s army comes from his mastery of such details?’
Amidst the sound of hooves and the low whispers of Warriors, Henry and Ratifa’s "Alliance Army" continued its march north. Their target was the Snowfield Basin, where the main force of the Inferior Horned Beasts was gathered.
It wasn’t that Ratifa didn’t want to commit more troops; it was just that her fief was too large. Most of her army had to remain stationed in various places to maintain stability, especially now that the shadow of war loomed over the Northern Lands.
Both Henry and Ratifa knew that the outcome of this battle would affect the course of the entire war.
According to the current analysis of the war situation, if they could successfully eliminate this main force of Inferior Horned Beasts, the defensive pressure on the border would be cut in half.
The Prince could, at the very least, free up an entire Legion to move the front line beyond the border.
The distance might not be great, but there was a world of difference between fighting beyond the border and fighting on the Empire’s border.
One was defense, a passive resistance; the other was an advance, an active offense.
Once the Prince freed up a full Legion, it would mean the situation would rapidly reverse. The Empire would switch from passive defense to active offense. This wasn’t just a military victory, but a huge political and psychological one as well.
This was exactly what the Prince wanted. It might even be what the Emperor wanted.
Whether it was a "real" win didn’t matter. What mattered was making it look like the Prince had won in the Northern Lands for the sake of the Empire’s internal audience. That would be enough!
"If we can free up a Legion, we’ll be able to change the tide of the war rapidly.
At that point, I’m afraid those nobles who are just watching from the sidelines will come scurrying with their armies to get a piece of the pie and help slaughter these Inferior Horned Beasts."
That’s just how the nobles of the Empire were. They had many things to consider, and the first was always whether it was worth it.
It wasn’t important whether the Empire was being invaded. They could send troops, but not if the Emperor issued a call to arms. And as for helping voluntarily? There were no benefits to be had.
"Ha, if those guys died off, the Empire could be revitalized."
Henry agreed with Ratifa’s sentiment and said, "Many believed the Emperor orchestrated the great tax audit and subsequent rebellion in the western region.
The Emperor wanted the nobles who didn’t dare to resist to lose their noble status, and the nobles and merchants who did dare to resist to lose their heads.
With the vast lands that opened up, the Emperor could then ennoble more young aristocrats."
Ratifa nodded in agreement. Everyone could see it was a trap.
At the time, many people, blinded by greed, would have done anything to get a piece of the action. In the end, they lost everything—their fortunes and their lives. It was laughable.
As the army advanced, the outline of the Snowfield Basin gradually came into view. The temperature dropped even lower, and even Henry felt a chill. At Ailia’s strong insistence, he put on an extra layer of fur and a cotton robe.
Ratifa also put on more clothes, but the tip of her nose was still red from the cold.
It seemed the Northern Lands weren’t quite northern enough.
"My lord! We’ve found traces of the enemy! They’re in their camp, eating! And..."
Henry grew excited hearing the Scout’s report and asked, "And what?"
"And... they’re eating... people!"