On April 15, 9756 of the Radiant Calendar, German City's eight satellite cities fell. More than eight hundred thousand troops of the Expeditionary Force encircled the royal capital, which had a population of over two million.
Inside the Royal Palace, the Old King, who had waited desperately for the eastern Noble Allied Army, finally abandoned all hope. He spent every day in a towering rage, occasionally executing a few servants and maids to vent his anger.
Everyone in the palace, servants and guards alike, trembled in fear, terrified that their turn to die would come next.
Within German City, the various factions forged alliances based on mutual interests. Some prepared to withdraw, others to surrender. Very few intended to fight to the death.
On the morning of April 16, the Fourth Legion's headquarters held a military conference.
Velin sat in the second seat on the left, listening as Marquis Roden, the legion commander, assessed the overall situation and issued combat orders in accordance with the Command Department's strategy.
"Most of the German Kingdom's eastern and southeastern regions remain in German hands. According to Commander East's instructions, our attacks on German City must alternate between pressure and restraint. We must attack fiercely, but we must not breach the city. Meanwhile, we will selectively intercept and kill the messengers sent out from German City, giving the German Kingdom's king hope so that he gathers his remaining effective forces at the Royal Capital. That will allow our other troops to wipe them out in a single battle."
"The siege will involve main and secondary assaults. I will issue orders assigning those roles to your units. No one is to attack German City without orders."
"Yes, my lord," everyone answered.
Two hours later, the conference ended. Velin left the tent and flew straight back