Chapter 333 - 241: John: Are You Even Polite?
As the army at Ximira Castle neared full assembly, the tension in the Odoche region reached its peak. The very air seemed to freeze.
’I can’t breathe!’
Count John had come in person. He stood on a high mountain ridge overlooking the valley exit from Ximira Castle, gazing at the ever-growing army in the distance and the overflowing Westwood Laine Castle. His eyes were filled with determination and ruthlessness.
’Damn it, this is my fucking territory! And now that little bastard has turned it into a bridgehead to attack me!’
’And that Hereditary Baron who used to be under me, that son of a bitch. I gave him such a good piece of land, and he didn’t develop it at all. Just handed it over for nothing!’
’Then there’s the Emperor, a guy who hasn’t left Lukaron in over a decade. What right does he have to meddle with the eastern grasslands! He’s far too indulgent with his academy-bred noble students!’
Anyway, it was all someone else’s fault. It had nothing to do with him, Count John!
"My Lord Count, it seems you were right. Henry really is coming for us."
John nodded, then frowned at the Knight’s Squire behind him. "Henry? You are to call him Count Henry."
The Knight’s Squire’s expression turned serious, and he quickly admitted his mistake.
Nobles could attack one another, even fight to the death, but they could not be disrespected by others. This was a consensus among the aristocracy.
John sighed. He was certain he would be Henry’s first target. The premonition was like a thorn in his back, not letting him relax for a single moment.
He didn’t know how it had come to this. Their relationship had been decent enough before. Even if it was just a nodding acquaintance, it shouldn’t have escalated to this point... ’Just where did things go wrong?’
Count John would never have guessed that the only reason Henry was constantly moving troops against him was simply because Odoche was the closest to his fief.
If he took Odoche, it would be extremely convenient to march north to Akakarat City, south into the desert, or west to Danustika.
This would allow Henry to instantly expand his sphere of influence, make his territorial map look better, and significantly ease his logistical supply lines.
"Let’s head back."
John gave Ximira Castle one last, deep look before turning and leading his party away.
He didn’t set up any defenses in the valley because he knew he couldn’t possibly stop Henry’s army there.
If he sent a large force and lost, it would be a death sentence for his entire campaign. But if he didn’t send a large force, he’d just be feeding Henry’s army free kills.
So, it was better to rely on the advantage of Odoche’s city walls, employ a scorched-earth strategy, stockpile grain, and fight a war of attrition with Henry!
’My army’s training might not be as good as yours,’ John thought, ’but with the wealth our family has accumulated over generations, you think I can’t outlast you?’
The Odoche region already had extensive experience with martial law. The moment it was enacted, the region began to operate like a precision war machine.
Armies from all over gathered. The soldiers, clad in armor and holding their weapons, formed neat ranks. Their morale was high, reversing their previous decline.
John went all out, ordering constant drills, replacing military equipment, improving food rations, and promising wartime salaries and rewards.
The nobles also flocked to join him with their Private Armies. Some rode on tall steeds, others arrived in magnificent carriages, but all wore solemn expressions. Gone was their usual leisure and frivolity, replaced by a grim focus on the coming war.
Food, military hardware, and Dinars were frantically transported and mobilized throughout the Odoche region.
The granaries were opened, and sacks of grain were loaded onto carts and swiftly sent to the various military strongholds. In the armories, weapons like swords, bows, and shields were counted and carried out by the soldiers, ensuring every man would be well-equipped. Dinars flowed like water to the army, used to pay salaries, purchase supplies, and bolster the soldiers’ morale.
This time, John was truly digging into his old reserves to fight Henry! If he could withstand Henry’s attack, his future would be bright!
’If my army can hold its own against Henry and remain undefeated, what is that if not elite?!’
He mobilized all his resources, not even hesitating to use the wealth his family had accumulated over generations, all for the sake of achieving victory in this war.
If he lost this time, there would be no next time.
The first battle would be the decisive one!
Under John’s command, the armies of the Odoche region stood in tight formation, ready to repel Henry’s invasion at any moment!
The army at Ximira Castle had also scouted out Count John’s movements. A squad of Grassland Warriors watched as Count John hastily departed the valley and galloped toward Odoche.
However, since the other party was composed entirely of Cavalry, their mobility was far too great. Even if the Warriors gave chase, it would be a fool’s errand, and they would most likely lose some soldiers for nothing.
Count John’s party sped across the land, kicking up a cloud of dust, and in an instant, vanished over the distant horizon as if they had never been there.
This news was quickly reported to Bain, who had already arrived at Westwood Laine Castle and was responsible for coordinating the army.
Bain sat in a temporary command post inside the castle. Before him lay a massive military map, densely marked with various troop deployments and geographical information.
His gaze was focused and calm, his fingers tapping lightly on the tabletop as if he were deep in thought.
When he heard the news of Count John’s movements, Bain merely lifted an eyelid slightly before burying his head once more in the military plans he held.
To him, Count John’s action was entirely expected. It didn’t count as an unforeseen event and wasn’t worthy of his particular attention.