With the strategic pns in pce, the senior commanders finalize the tactical details.

  For the next few days, they stay at Blood Hill Manor, continually refining their battle pns.

  Arnold and Gevana are the first to leave, returning to the Second Legion to gather their commanders and begin deploying the mission. Chick from the Intelligence Division personally leads a team to stay with the Second Legion, assisting Arnold in setting the stage for the initial maneuvers.

  In the southeastern region of the Ika Kingdom, Louis City serves as the headquarters of the southeastern military governor.

  The governor's mansion is bustling with officers and nobles.

  Rifidi, in his thirties, with fair skin and a neatly trimmed mustache, stands out. Although cd in armor, he doesn’t seem like the kind of man who thrives in the chaos of battle.

  Pointing to the kingdom map on the wall, Rifidi says, “We are in a critical position. This war is the kingdom's revenge against Vorry. The Grand Council in Golden Capital is closely watching this conflict. The two northern battlefronts are at a stalemate, which has greatly displeased Golden Capital. Now, I’ve received word that they pn to have us support the northern front.”

  The commander of the 22nd Legion speaks up, “Count, this doesn’t seem appropriate! We are responsible for defending the southeastern border. If we are redeployed, who will guard this line?”

  The 37th Legion commander agrees, “Exactly! Moreover, Peace Haven poses a significant threat. If we move out, they might seize the opportunity to attack us, endangering the entire southeastern region of the kingdom.”

  Rifidi smiles, “This is precisely why I’ve gathered you all here! I will find a way to reject the kingdom's redeployment order!”

  Before anyone can breathe a sigh of relief, Rifidi continues, "But that doesn't mean we're sitting this one out!”

  ”We need to concentrate our forces and unch an attack on the Vorry Duchy from the direction of Peace Haven. This way, we take the initiative, protecting the southeastern border of the kingdom.”

  ”We can also threaten the rear of Vorry Duchy once we break through Peace Haven. If necessary, we can advance north from Peace Haven and coordinate with the second assault group to encircle Vorska City."

  Rifidi looks around, expecting admiration for his brilliant pn, but instead, he is met with the awkward faces of officers and nobles. His satisfaction quickly fades.

  Frowning, Rifidi asks, "Why do I get the feeling you’re reluctant to go against that Blood Hill knight lord?"

  The room falls silent, with no one quite sure how to respond.

  Finally, the commander of the 11th Legion, tasked with defending the kingdom's southern border, speaks up cautiously, "Count, you misunderstand! It's just that we don't have a numerical advantage.”

  ”According to intelligence, Peace Haven has established three fully equipped legions. Including their border garrisons and the trade route cavalry, they have at least 40,000 troops.”

  ”We only have the fully equipped 22nd and 37th Legions. Even with the 11th, 12th, and 13th border defense legions, we barely match their numbers. Attacking Peace Haven with this force is quite risky."

  Rifidi responds coolly, "Are you suggesting that our kingdom’s soldiers, even in a one-to-one situation, can't handle the private army of a small duchy lord?”

  ”Don’t think I don’t understand military matters! The st attack on Peace Haven failed because the Phoenix family intervened. The 22nd Legion faced the Phoenix family’s elite forces—the Wolfcw family has some strength, being a century-old established family with deep roots.”

  ”But now that Henwell has angered many, with the Vorry conflict at a standstill, the Phoenix family wouldn't dare move south to support him. Besides the Phoenix family, Henwell has no allies.”

  ”Even if he did, they’re too far away to offer any real support. Do you all think I haven’t studied our enemy? In your eyes, I must seem like a useless fop who only attends balls and salons!"

  Everyone quickly denies it, but Rifidi waves them off, "I don't care what you think. But I'll prove with actions why Golden Capital entrusted me with southeastern defense."

  Seeing the room fall silent, Rifidi lets out a cold chuckle, "Don't say I'm making things difficult for you. Besides the troops here, the kingdom will provide me with two additional legions. The 28th and 33rd Legions are already on their way.”

  ”Additionally, the two border defense legions from the Lumir direction and the mobile defense 24th Legion have been reassigned to the southeastern command."

  As he observes the astonished expressions around him, Rifidi's anger subsides a bit.

  "Six fully equipped legions, five border defense legions, nearly 100,000 troops—can we take Peace Haven with this?"

  He touches the emblem on his chest, "And if that's not enough, I have my own family legion of 7,000 troops, bringing the total to 100,000! Now, what else do you have to say? Are you telling me two kingdom soldiers can't defeat one duchy lord’s private soldier?"

  Those present start calcuting in their minds; with such numbers, they might indeed be able to breach Peace Haven. The kingdom's organization of 100,000 troops, combined with the southeastern nobles' private armies, adds up to a significant advantage in numbers.

  However, someone remains cautious about Rifidi's pn to conquer Peace Haven, advance north through the Phoenix family’s territory, and support the Vorska front.

  Regardless, this is a chance to profit from Peace Haven. They all know well of its wealth, and missing out st time was a bitter disappointment.

  Seeing the officers and nobles engaged in heated discussion, Rifidi feels quite satisfied.

  However, he soon notices someone who seems out of pce, someone who has been silent since he began outlining his grand strategic pn.

  Rifidi calls out loudly, "Viscount Roderick, why so quiet? Do you have any additions to the pn? I heard that the st time the kingdom attempted to attack Peace Haven, you missed the opportunity, allowing that knight to return to Peace Haven."

  Roderick stands and shakes his head, "The Count has spoken well! I have nothing to add."

  Rifidi presses, "Oh? I hear you have a good retionship with the lord of Blood Hill, and you even fought bandits together? Is it old loyalties that keep you from speaking up? If that's the case, I won't force you; it must be difficult."

  Roderick points to the kingdom map, "Count, you should use a southeastern regional military map instead of a general kingdom map!"

  This comment draws ughter from the officers and nobles. They had already noticed this issue; discussing military details with a general map is indeed somewhat of a farce.

  Rifidi's expression stiffens, but he then smiles, "Viscount Roderick makes a good point! It was my oversight. However, I have something to remind you of as well, Viscount. You've been too careless. I'll let your old friend expin."

  When Scar Tiger steps forward, Roderick sighs. He knows it's over! Not for himself, but for the southeastern forces of the kingdom.