Inside the camp of the Raine Kingdom's assault force outside Stone Mountain City, Duke Sheriff personally organized a welcoming banquet for the Vela Nobles' reinforcements.
Yet the banquet was anything but cheerful. Everyone was deeply subdued. Even Duke Sheriff, who had previously been so high-spirited, now wore an exceedingly grave expression tinged with dejection.
Although they had received reinforcements—and the Vela Legion was no weak force—they should have had something to celebrate.
But the enemy had also received considerable reinforcements, and they held the advantage of terrain. This had made the chances of taking Stone Mountain City exceedingly slim.
Duke Sheriff was an experienced commander, so he naturally understood that they could not continue fighting under these circumstances. Remaining here would only squander the army's manpower and supplies.
Before this campaign, Duke Sheriff had confidently promised the king and the Raine Kingdom's Noble Council that they would completely crush the East Sea Alliance's resistance and seize all its lands. But now, it seemed that promise could not be fulfilled.
As the other two central figures of this welcoming banquet, Alex and Victor said nothing. They merely quietly sampled the fine grape wine produced in the Raine Kingdom.
Even if someone had to persuade Duke Sheriff to withdraw, it should not be them who stepped forward first.
Amid the stifling atmosphere, someone soon spoke up. A Raine Kingdom general rose and said to Duke Sheriff, "My lord Duke, given the current situation, should we make some adjustments to our battle plan?"
This general was also of noble birth and was the Legion Commander of one of the legions. He chose his words with great care, as though doing his utmost to avoid any verbal misstep that might displease Duke Sheriff.
Yet from the sound of it, he hoped Duke Sheriff would