Nors at the Gates (2)

"Young Arignon, if you are the one commanding the legion, how would you face the enemies this tricky?"

Out of nowhere, Grand Prince Alexander VIII asks Constance for a military opinion of the current dilemma the legion is facing right now. Facing such difficulty, Constance is having a hard time racking his brains out of a solution that can completely flipped the situation in their advantage.

"This is just boring and a shitshow, how about we should just send our best warrior and challenge the enemy in a one-on-one combat, that would be more entertaining." Behind Constance and Grand Prince Alexander VIIII, Sir John Melleck yawns in boredom as both sides are just staring at each other and talk what he feels to Sir Emile, he didn't realize that his voice is loud enough for the surroundings to hear what he had just said including Constance and Grand Prince Alexander VIII.

For him, the commanders and officers playing mind games against their opponents, reaching at this statement where there are not any actions taken, and Sir John really hates that kind of scenario.

Everyone stares dagger at him for giving such a stupid statement. It has already been a long time since single combat was used during wars and most of the knights and soldiers present are not confident in fighting a one-on-one fight against the Nors who are known as renown fighters.

The knights and legions also don't want to lose what they are best at, to fight in organized groups, formations and charges. A defeat in a one-on-one combat could only demoralize the soldiers more, why would they fight in a disadvantage, everyone thought.

But for Constance thinks differently, to break the current dilemma of the stalemate, the imperial army should break out from its shell and be flexible for any situations.

"Your Imperial Highness, I think that is a good idea..."

"What do you mean Young Arignon?"

"Single Combat Your Imperial Highness."

It is clear in the Grand Prince's face and expression that he is skeptical of what Constance had just said, and not only the Grand Prince but also to everyone around the two.

Princess Tessia, who just arrived in their presence, is the only one who seems okay with the idea. Her face is beaming with energy and enthusiasm to see a real duel in the middle of the battlefield.

'For a lady, the princess is really unique from other noble ladies... but still she's bad news.'

Constance looks to the princess who is nodding to the idea. Even if the other is skeptical and against the idea, as long as the Grand Prince would accept the suggestion, it would be enough. The princess being positive to the idea is helpful for it might reconsider the one-one-one combat.

"Your Imperial Highness, if you accept our suggestion, we can break this stalemate the army is facing Your Imperial Highness." Constance added, everyone is looking to the Grand Prince, and it is clear that he is not on board in the suggestion.

"I know you know Young Arignon, but such duels are the reason the three kingdoms in the west are able to break away from the empire. It would demoralize our men if we lost again in that manner."

Grand Prince Alexander VIII understands that a duel can break the impasse between the army but if they would lose in that one duel, it can cause morale to drop all its way to the bottom.

Why would he sacrifice the morale of the entire army in one duel if they could clearly win in the battle.

Constance knows that this is what the Grand Prince is now thinking, and for him, that is also a strategic decision. If the enemy has only a few hundred while they are in several thousands, why would he bet in a duel and risk the entire army's morale if he can just clearly overwhelm the enemy.

He can't repeat what happened of the Battle of Veci of the year 918, where the Aquintanian army has 60,000 men against the 18,000 of the Kingdoms of Frankias, Castila and Britania and lost the battle after losing twice in duels, losing their two best warriors and drop the morale of the entire army.

It boosted the morale of the enemy, and the huge army of the empire lost their confidence and morale in the battle, paving the way for those three dukedoms to become their own independent kingdoms.

That is the reason why the Aquintanian Empire ended sending their men in duels before battles especially if they are in overwhelming advantage over their enemies. And as time passed, the Aquintanian army avoided and disdained the practice of duels and single combats as barbarous and ancient, that it had no place in the modern battlefield for the empire's military.

"Uncle, how about we trust Lord Arignon about this. Rather than sitting here looking at the enemy taunting us, it is better if we sent one warrior to challenge them." Prince Tessia speaks for the young lord of Arignon, shocking the Grand Prince, who thinks that his niece would not support the young lord, and the men around. "I trust that Lord Arignon has the best man to ensure our victory."

"And if the duel would be victorious to our side, you can win great prestige and glory that can be use of winning a lot of soldiers in the empire." Princess Tessia whispers to her uncle. She doesn't want anyone to hear of the ulterior motives that she just hatched.

All the people around, including Constance, look to the Grand Prince. The Grand Prince is seriously reconsidering now the suggestion of sending a man for a duel and taunt the enemy in front of the camp.

"Do it as you see fit. Just bring me a Nors head. If anyone wants to disagree, then give me better alternative that they suggested."

Grand Prince Alexander VIII unwillingly agrees to the request of his niece and the young lord. The knights and officers around him want to disagree but the Grand Prince already shot them down as they can only disagree if they can provide a better solution, and everyone knows that they cannot.

All of them just look around or bow their heads in shame as they can't agree with the suggestion, but they can't do anything about it.

Only Constance, Princess Tessia and the knights of Arignon are happy with the decision of the Grand Prince.

"Yes, Your Imperial Highness."

Constance salutes to the Grand Prince, followed by his knights. Withdrawing now would be a humiliation for them.