Chapter 482: Targeting from Garret

Thirty-four years ago, the Kingdom of Auduin and the Kingdom of Tricia, in order to assert their legitimacy externally and attempt to destroy each other, engaged in a prolonged, years-long great battle in Mist City.

The course of the conflict was fraught with twists and turns, and ultimately, the Kingdom of Auduin lost Mist City and retreated northward a hundred miles, establishing the present defensive line.

This defensive line stretches from the Mist Mountains that run north-south on the western side, extending eastward for hundreds of miles.

Over these years, the nobility have dispatched knight squads or knight orders to the defensive line to execute defensive duties, with major nobles having their designated areas of responsibility.

For instance, Count Ibn Tolancy’s Twin Peaks Canyon, Duke Andrea’s Crimson Frontline, and the Westwind Hill of Moonlight Valley, among others.

Yet there are exceptions, such as Fort Black Mountain.

During the battles over thirty years ago, the Black Mountain family suffered heavy losses. Whether out of compassion for the Black Mountain family or a sense of guilt, Auduin IV, King Clinsmann, did not assign a specific area of responsibility to Lulance. Instead, he mandated that Fort Black Mountain transport a fixed quantity of grain and supplies to the frontline annually, replacing military operations.

Fort Red Pine, situated within a forest of red pines, serves as both the midpoint of the defensive line and the command center for the entire front.

This place has long been garrisoned by the royal knight order. Since Crown Prince Garet arrived at the frontline, Count Ibn has focused on the defense of Twin Peaks Canyon, leaving Fort Red Pine to Garet.

Nominally, Garet is now the commander of the entire defensive line.

At this moment within Fort Red Pine, Garet is listening to his intelligence officer, Matt Romero, report on the movements of noble forces.

"So, Ronin’s knight order will arrive at Westwind Hill within ten days at the latest?"

Garet was somewhat surprised. According to his expectations, Ronin was likely to delay until the end of the year, yet he arrived in August.

"How many have come?"

Matt replied, "There are no detailed figures, but based on intelligence from nobles along the route, Ronin’s contingent should consist of two knight orders."

"Two knight orders?"

Garet frowned, then disdainfully shook his head.

"I admit Ronin’s personal prowess is commendable, but his hastily assembled two knight orders are likely just for show. Their combat capability..."

His tone betrayed both resentment and contempt, seeming utterly unconvinced of Ronin’s military acumen.

"Your Highness, though his forces may not be formidable, Ronin himself and his dragon are truly terrifying. If a battle ensues, Viscount Placidio at Westwind Hill likely cannot handle them."

Upon mention of the dragon, Garet’s expression turned grave.

Since he last saw Karlos in the royal capital, that colossal beast left an indelible impression in his mind, leading to frequent nightmares over the past half-year of Ronin’s dragon spewing flames upon him.

It was nothing short of a nightmare.

"Placidio is merely a Meteor Knight, seasoned in battle and aided by magisters, but against Ronin and his dragon, he is insufficient."

Garet slowly stood, pacing the room before stopping at the window, gazing afar.

Once battle commences, barring unforeseen circumstances, victory at Westwind Hill should be assured.

Contemplating this, Garet felt uneasy; he always thought Ronin’s journey had been overly smooth.

If such smoothness persists, likely after a few wars, his father, to solidify Auduin’s ties with Black Mountain, would elevate Ronin to duke.

Tapping the window ledge, he pondered how to curb Ronin’s rise.

Given Ronin’s strength, actions targeting him personally would be futile; even if assassination were intended, suitable assassins would be hard to find.

Thus, to suppress Ronin’s advancement, one must consider weakening his subordinates.

Within his territory, it’s difficult, but now on the battlefield, suitable conditions and environment exist.

Garet turned, beckoning Matt closer, whispering, "You have placed personnel with Placidio, right? Find a way to leak Ronin’s information to him, let him know his opponent’s details."

Matt hesitated, "Your Highness, is this... appropriate?"

Garet scoffed coldly, "Matt, mind your attitude. Never question my decisions!"

Matt promptly bowed, placing a hand on his chest, deferentially saying, "It is my fault, I should not have questioned your decision!"

Garet patted his shoulder, calmly stating, "An excessively powerful individual poses a danger to the kingdom; this you should comprehend."

Matt lifted his head, nodding slowly, seemingly grasping the crux.

Garet waved his hand, "Go."

"Oh, additionally, once Ronin reaches Westwind Hill, have him come to Fort Red Pine to meet me."

"Yes, Your Highness!"

After watching Matt depart, Garet’s mood suddenly felt somewhat lighter.

He did not know if Placidio possessed Ronin’s information, but forewarning should afford preparation.

At least, magical cannons, magical arrows—these would be stocked more abundantly?

Then, even if unable to counter Ronin and his dragon, at least a batch of knight order members could be eliminated, forcing Ronin to spend heavily reassembling his forces.

He suddenly grasped his father’s words—

A Sun Knight might conquer territory through force, but to govern well requires a cohort of competent subordinates.

If Ronin’s subordinates are dispersed and weakened, it greatly aids the stability of royal authority.

"Father still does not trust me enough!"

Garet’s tone bore complaint.

Recently, during internal strife in the Kingdom of Tricia, he repeatedly requested proactive strikes, all suppressed by Bruno, leading to the enemy kingdom seemingly stabilizing now, missing the opportune moment for attack.

"Now Ronin has arrived at the frontline, if I petition for campaign again, surely it should be permissible?"

He swiftly returned to his chair, taking out paper and pen to compose a new petition for war, once again detailing advantageous conditions, emphasizing Ronin’s role, hoping to actively annul the peace accord with the Kingdom of Tricia and launch a full-scale invasion.

Garet folded and sealed the written letter, holding it contemplatively.

"Father, if you agree this time, then as I surmised, your inactivity awaited Ronin."

He placed the letter on the table, feeling discontent anew.

Always deeply trusted and relied upon, he unexpectedly found his prominence overshadowed by an outsider.

"Mika," he called.

The messenger entered, "Your Highness, what is your command?"

"Take this letter to the royal capital, deliver it to my father."

Garet earnestly instructed, "Return at the fastest speed; I hope this time you bring back satisfactory news."

Mika had delivered many letters; without reading, he roughly guessed the contents.

He promptly tucked the letter into his chest, "Rest assured, Your Highness. I shall return within five days at most, hoping His Majesty responds this time to your resolve for a powerful kingdom!"