Price of Management

* * *

There were only four returnees.

Luckily, they brought enough information to Patrick.

“I saw the enemy's headquarters coming this way. I wanted the number to be about 5,000. ”

“More than 1,000 hostiles were approaching from the southwest. ”

“Enemies of the Thousand Merchant Guild are diverting north and approaching their allies. ”

“Enemy supply troops were transporting food. The troops appeared to be roughly 400. ”

The Horn Empire has been pressuring the Condol Cavalry in many directions, as if it had hit a net.

‘Typical hunting spree. ’

I sense Baron Jakal's willingness to end the Condol Cavalry. However, I was somewhat relieved to learn about the enemy's company.

“Thank you so much. ”

Patrick encourages the returning crew. It must have been very hard mentally because he had to travel to the dangerous area with only enemies everywhere in the short term.

Patrick was hurt, too, because the other 10 people couldn't know about their lives. It was like sending him to an extremity.

‘Their sacrifices must not be in vain. ’

I didn't want to retreat like this.

I didn't want to make the sacrifice of the men who risked their lives and succeeded in the spy work meaningless.

'Enemy supply troops are on the move, I'd say. ’

Like a flash, an idea struck Patrick's brain.

After making some kind of decision, Patrick summoned Balac, First Fleet Leader.

“You wanted to see me?”

“First Platoon Commander, I have something urgent to tell you. ”

“May I help you? ”

“Let me get this straight. Would you be able to lead an entire crew around with your enemies on my behalf? ”

“…… I need a more detailed explanation. ”

“Don't leave Antares' territory, but don't get caught by the enemy. Can you keep running and draw the attention of the Horn Empire?" ”

“But what are you going to do? ”

“I'll take only a small number of troops and engage the enemy supply. ”

“Old?”

Balac was startled.

Patrick said decisively.

“We can't back down like this. We can't hurt them, and we can't turn our backs without being a threat to our enemies. ”

Patrick grips his teeth.

“We must be remembered in terror by our enemies. I'll make it happen. Only count 100 men. ”

“... I'll choose the best chariot archers. But can you break through enemy surveillance and reach the Supply Squad? ”

“There's always a way. I'm not betting without a win. ”

You have selected 100 of the most skilled Kondol Cavalry fighters. Patrick talks in a splendid tone after gathering 100 members.

“We will march deep within the Baden River and engage enemy supply forces. Cutting through the enemy's arteries will be a great victory, but there is a great risk. That's why I've chosen you, the best warriors in the Condol Cavalry. Will you come with me?! ”

“Old-fashioned! ”

“Let's go!”

Patrick whips his horse. 100 men follow him vigorously.

Balac, who had seen them leaving, shouted at the rest of them.

“We're coming, too. It's late, but it's not time for us to rest. They will come more viciously when it gets dark. ”

Condol Cavalry has marched under Balac's command.

As the darkness approaches, the tension in the battlefield grows.

Meanwhile, Patrick moves quietly with 100 men. It was the perfect opportunity to act unseen by the enemy. They had to move like ghosts without a torch.

When the enemy patrol caught you running, you had to get off the horse and hide in the horse's mouth with a muzzle.

After moving like that, it was the battlefield that destroyed the enemy's towers in broad daylight.

After being lured by a false signal, the bodies of the Horn Empire soldiers who were besieged were scattered.

Patrick told me.

“Change into the uniforms of the Horn Empire soldiers. We must move quietly. ”

The crew stepped down instead of answering.

You strip off your uniform while searching for the body of a Horn Empire soldier.

At the darkest hour of the night, they had difficulty moving without a torch, but they managed to change into the uniforms of the entire Horn Empire as ordered.

Patrick also climbs to the horse dressed as the Horn Imperial Army.

“Here we go.”

Here we go again.

I wonder how far they've moved.

Under the moonlight, the ten cavalry silhouettes appear to be Asrai. A group of stragglers noticed it first, looking like they were from the nomads.

“Sir, we got incoming! ”

“Stay calm. Don't mind me. I'm coming at you with confidence. ”

The streets of each other slowly narrowed.

As the distance narrows, Patrick gives an order to one of the soldiers.

“Go up and ask where you belong. Remember, we have to ask first. ”

“I understand.”

One of your crewmates rides like the wind and approaches the enemy. The teenagers, the Horn Empire, were also cautious. Fortunately, it was hard to tell whether it was an ally or an enemy, so Hyo-si had not yet been launched.

Later, you hear them talking to you.

“Find out who you belong to! ”

“We are the twenties of the 14,000-700s. Who do you work for? ”

“We are 14,000 to two hundred. ”

The crew responded wittingly.

“Two hundred men? Why are you here as a group? You'd have been patrolling a dozen units, just like us. ”

“I am on a mission under the orders of the Celestial Seal. Then keep up the good work. ”

“Got it. You, too. ”

The crew returns from the conversation.

Patrick and his men are on the move again. In Patrick's head, complex calculations were made.

‘Eventually you'll find out we lied. Until it reaches the Baron's ears...... I should be able to spare about half a day. ’

But soon Patrick shakes his head.

Baron Zakkal was unusual. It was very noticeable and quick to respond, so I had to catch up with my spare time.

“Hurry! We're running out of time! ”

“Old!”

Patrick leads his crew faster. Since then, he has answered that he is definitely a member of the 14,000 when he encounters a Horn Empire patrol.

No one suspected it because he was even wearing the Horn Empire army uniform. Even the nomads looked the same as the Horn Imperial cavalry and had no difference in accent.

At last, I reached the path of the Supply Squad I learned from the scouts. The trail of heavy wagons remains clear.

“Follow this trail. And raise the torch. ”

“Old!”

They made torches and raised them one by one. It was because appearing without a single light could lead to suspicion.

Following the trail, you can see the lights from a distance. It was a camp for the Horn Empire supply troops.

‘Finally. ’

Patrick clenches his fist. The crew was also very nervous.

From now on, it was the matter.

It's said to be elite, but this is only 100. According to the spy, the target is roughly 400 or more.

If we get a good match, of course, the elite and even Patrick will win, but the damage will not go unnoticed.

Wearing the Horn Imperial Army uniform was to get here undetected, but it was also a great victory by deceiving the enemy in this fight.

As Patrick's group approaches, a group of cavalry rushes over here to see if they've been alerted by the Supply Squad.

“Identify your affiliation! ”

The enemy shouts.

As Patrick looks up, the man next to him replies.

“We are 7,000 men in the 14,000! I came here in a hurry on Baron Zakal's orders. ”

“What is the purpose? ”

“I'm concerned that some of my enemies will show up here, so I've been instructed to escort the Supply Squad." ”

“…… I see. I'll report back.”

The enemy said so and went back.

‘There's no way they'll find out. I've never deliberately carried a torch before. ’

Patrick eagerly waits for their reaction.

Fortunately, the returning enemy said he would allow access. He appears to have lost his guard on the camp side as well.

Got it!

I felt a sense of joy. It was a success.

Patrick and his men approach the Supply Squad camp. Unlike the Horn Empire, which has loosened its guard and once again, Patrick and his men have become fierce and fierce like beasts on the brink of battle.