Warhammer Divine Throne

Five kilometers outside Richard Castle, in the central army tent of the Knightly Army, Lorne and his company immediately returned to the camp, where they met Duke Fulcard of Montfort and Duke Hagen of Jisoleox, who had come to aid Lorne in the attack on Musillon. Due to Spring planting season approaching and the influence of Undead Grand Mage Heinrich Kemler’s attack on Brittania, both duchies had only sent a thousand troops each, but they assured this was the finest of their duchies.

Duke Fulcard of Montfort seemed to have regained some spirit as the Axe Bite Pass reopened last year. Although tax revenues had dropped significantly compared to before the destruction of Hemgart, they had finally recovered some income.

Duke Hagen of Jisoleox also brought considerable food supplies. Having suffered severe damage to his duchy’s production from Kemler’s attack, Hagen was deeply anxious until Laine and Belgar extended timely help. With the assistance from the dwarves and construction of trade stations, the duchy’s economy began to slowly recover.

They brought large amounts of food imported from the Empire, which greatly alleviated Lorne’s food shortage.

The group took their seats, Lorne-Rio Cornwall, as the Holy Grail Knight + Duke + Kingdom Regent + Commander-in-Chief, was in the highest position, followed by Duke Hagen, a Holy Grail Knight with a Duke title, then Duke Fulcard and Duke Aldred, with Kaled seated in the fifth position.

The discussion commenced.

"We have currently surrounded Richard Castle." Appointed deputy general by Lorne, De Liones, a strong and courageous Holy Grail Knight, briefed everyone on the situation: "Richard Castle was built two hundred years after Brittania was founded, and it’s an important stronghold in northern Musillon, ruled by Vampire Baron Dracula. The castle’s defenses are extremely stringent, and our catapult numbers are insufficient to inflict considerable damage on the walls."

"The best divine catapults are installed at Kulona, and it’s impossible to dismantle those and send them here. Even if ordered now, dismantling the catapults would take several days." Lorne was seated on a stool, understanding the underlying issues: "We should wait until the Fireworks Academy Mercenary Corps arrive before attacking; otherwise, lacking heavy siege weapons and elite troops, Sir Hagen, Sir Fulcard, I expected more reinforcements from your sides..."

"Spring planting is about to start, Leon Kohl." Duke Hagen immediately shook his head: "My regent, Earl Jean-Harun, told me he could only dispatch this many men."

"I’m the same." Fulcard agreed, saying: "We didn’t anticipate your urgent need for troops; manpower is needed for planting and couldn’t conscript many peasant infantry."

"How many reinforcements arrived from southern Leonais?" Lorne turned his inquiry towards Aldred.

"Not a single person." Aldred appeared quite uneasy, being very young, with Duke of Leonais not even turning thirty this year. He didn’t know how to handle these troubling circumstances, sending repeated letters urging the former Musillon nobles in southern Leonais to send troops, but few responded, citing simple reasons: unless the northern rebellion is resolved, they couldn’t divert troops to Musillon.

The sensible ones in Leonais understand staying sheltered behind the walls, and the southern Nobles endured substantial losses in previous wars. Each family refused to send troops; their forces were needed for maintaining peace.

Lorne listened to the complaints from fellow dukes, redirecting his gaze to the army flags within the central tent, showcasing his ancestors’ great deeds up till now, while behind him, the statue of the Lake Fairy shone brightly.

Although outwardly obeying my command, they’re essentially only considering themselves, my Lady, what should I do?

Lorne silently prayed deep within himself.

No answer arrived; he could feel his sacred, inviolable mistress observing his actions, yet unwilling to offer guidance.

Indeed, it’s a fair duel; my opponent is Laine Macado, the Lady is just, she won’t guide me, she only watches our performance. Lorne gradually began to comprehend anew.

"Regarding troop numbers, everyone, we must face the combat capability issue of our army." Lorne continued: "According to the current situation, three thousand from the three northern duchies, one thousand from Montfort, and one thousand from Jisoleox constitute all our fighting power, with five thousand from the Empire soon to arrive. My suggestion is, until the imperial allies arrive, we shouldn’t initiate an attack."

"Refraining from the attack is indeed correct!" Fulcard strangely asked: "Leon Kohl, why did you bring so many refugees? Even for manual labor and transport, they’re barely strong!"

"Exactly, these refugees consume quite a bit of food each day, don’t they?" Duke Hagen added.

"I have no choice but to bring them along!" Lorne felt quite helpless addressing the issue: "If not taken, they could rebel at any moment! Besides, our supply points are set within Leonais territory; I can be certain, leaving them, they’d immediately raid warehouses and castles to seize food! Hence, we must bring them, otherwise with the army entering Musillon, logistical issues are likely, and confronting Musillon’s Viper in this state is suicidal!"