Impatience

Translator: Cinder Translations

...

Unlike the joyful atmosphere in Hydra, the capital of the Duchy of Eaton, there was a gloomy ambiance in the capital of the Horns Bay Alliance, Niceport, which was also a member of the Protestant Union.

The Horns Bay Alliance had assembled a well-equipped army, joined by allied forces, intending to engage in a grand battle against the church's army. However, the attack by the church's protective forces, which took a northern detour, disrupted the alliance's plans. The council was locked in debate over whether to continue along the original route or turn back to assist their allies.

During their arguments, many allied forces that had come to support them chose to leave and return to their homelands to defend their own territories. This significantly reduced the size of the front-line troops originally designated for the offensive.

In Speaker Marcus's office, a stifling atmosphere filled the small space.

Marcus huddled in his chair, motionless, puffing on his pipe, the burning tobacco flickering in and out like the unpredictable mood of the speaker.

"Eaton's victory has put us in an awkward position."

Foster, the councilor sitting opposite him, broke the silence.

"This will shake the leadership position of our alliance."

"That's not all, my old friend."

Marcus pulled a letter from his drawer and handed it to Councilor Foster.

"This is a confidential letter that arrived along with the battle report."

Foster hurriedly opened the envelope and, after reading a few lines, his eyes widened in disbelief.

"What is Cabre doing, acknowledging the legitimacy of wizards? Has he gone mad?"

He continued reading, "Ah, I see. The victory of the Eaton forces on the battlefield was achieved with the power of wizards. I suppose the so-called acknowledgment of spellcasters' legitimacy is some sort of exchange condition."

Marcus shrugged, "Clearly, from the wording in the letter, he's notifying us rather than seeking our opinion. Perhaps in Duke Cabre's view, notifying us in advance via a confidential letter to prepare for the impending impact is already showing considerable regard for our alliance."

Foster frowned, "Eaton, being one of the top members of the Protestant Union, will undoubtedly create a huge stir with this action. It might even lead some to believe it's a decision made by the entire alliance."

Both Marcus and Foster were furious at their ally's unilateral actions, but they couldn't blame him. Eaton's situation was precarious, and the Horns Bay Alliance, which should have been their greatest support, was unreliable. In desperation, they chose the forbidden power, which was an unavoidable choice.

Marcus said gloomily, "If this news from Eaton spreads, it will completely eliminate our chances of negotiating with the church."

Although the split between the Protestant and Catholic factions had occurred, everyone still believed in the same deity. Now, with the Protestants openly accepting the 'blasphemous' heretics, it was hard to imagine how furious the church would become.

Foster asked distressed, "So? What should we do?"

Marcus replied gravely, "We should not respond to Duke Eaton's decision for now. Let's wait until he makes a public announcement and see how other allies react. But on the battlefield, we can't continue to wait; we must take the initiative."

"But our attacking force is one-third less than planned, and many of our allies... have returned home."

"That doesn't matter. We need to strike, send our reserve forces forward, capture three or four fortresses on the other side, and show our strength. We can't let Eaton take all the glory. The Horns Bay Alliance must present a strong image to the outside world, making the enemy understand who is in charge on the opposing side and showing those who are indecisive among our allies that they are merely an enhancement, not essential."

He instructed his old friend, "Foster, we must rally those councilors who share our stance to strengthen our momentum and make those who are ambivalent understand that if they continue to waver, the leadership position of the alliance will be jeopardized."

Councilor Foster nodded heavily, "Marcus, you're right. I'll do my best."

...

At the front line where the Horns Bay Alliance army confronted the protective army, Commander Shelby Basker, accompanied by Councilor Horas, who had come to convey orders, inspected the defenses. They were joined by the younger son of Councilor Foster, who had been called up for military service—Quill Foster.

Finally, they climbed a temporary wooden tower built for observing enemy movements. Councilor Horas shielded his eyes with his hand, gazing at the protective army's fortress not far to the east. The fortress walls were constructed of massive stones, sturdy and tall, equipped with crossbows, catapults, and falling rocks—various defensive devices. Surrounding the fortress were layers of ditches, though they couldn't see clearly, they knew the ditches were likely filled with spikes.

Horas let out hissing sounds continuously, as if he had sores in his mouth. Although he was a pro-war faction member, the sight of such a well-defended enemy fortress inevitably brought memories of the grim situation during a siege to mind.

Finally, he furrowed his brow and said to the general beside him, "General Basker, the council has reached a unanimous decision, demanding that the army must secure at least one or two victories, no matter how difficult it may be."

A flicker of dissatisfaction flashed in General Basker's eyes. These useless people who stayed in the rear only now made a final decision. He painfully recalled that it was the council's indecision over whether to attack or assist allies that left the frontline troops in confusion, afraid to take action. Basker had suggested launching an immediate offensive; if they could inflict pain on the protective army here, the detachment that had taken the northern detour would have to come back to reinforce the main battlefield, naturally resolving their allies' predicament.

Now, on the contrary, the enemy took advantage of this time to build their defenses while many allied troops had fled, making the siege much more difficult.

Sigh, perhaps I should have disregarded the squabbling behind me and issued the order to attack directly, Basker thought. But if given another chance, would I dare to issue such an order? The Horns Bay Alliance severely punishes commanders who act unilaterally.

"I will resolutely carry out the orders from Niceport," General Basker stated, "I only hope that such situations of not knowing whether to advance or retreat do not arise again in the future. During this special period, orders from the highest levels should be efficient and accurate, not leaving the army hanging while we squabble among ourselves, wasting precious opportunities for action."

"I... I will convey your opinions to the council."

Horas awkwardly promised.

(End of the Chapter)

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