Ambush Preparation

Meanwhile, the nobles' armies had already gathered in the southeast.

"Are we acting together this time?" The count who needed his territory back watched the steadily gathering army. Their numbers would soon exceed ten thousand.

"If we don't attack now, do you still want to reclaim your territory? Are you planning to wait until after his autumn harvest?"

"But if we go now, my territory will be damaged. How am I supposed to collect taxes during the harvest?"

"That is for you to consider. During the season when grain ripens, some necessary losses are normal. Of course, we will do our best to restrain our men and make sure they do not go too far."

Although he was now a count, he had pledged his allegiance too late and held virtually no say within the Prince's faction. He had no other choice. After the east-west split, he could only side with the Prince.

All the western lands were under the First Princess's control. In truth, he would have preferred to join the First Empress's faction. No matter what, the old Emperor's children still held the overwhelming advantage in the war zone, whether in the Imperial Knights or their vast stockpiles of resources.

"Don't overthink it! Follow the Prince properly from now on. Perhaps His Highness will become the next Emperor! We only need to eliminate that rebellious Princess."

The count before them had no choice. To reclaim his territory, he could only rely on these nobles, because that dark mage had already scattered his army.

"Report!"

"Come in."

A knight entered the meeting room and faced the assembled nobles.

"News has just arrived. That dark mage's army seems to have fled. They are moving large quantities of provisions, and they have distributed their surplus grain to the commoners."

"What? He