Before Victor could finish, Duke Barick was still shaking his head, clearly pessimistic about the situation.
Victor could only continue, "Although the Central City-State Alliance's armies have launched extremely fierce offensives, the Kingdom Regular Army has held them firmly at bay. Doesn't all this prove the effectiveness of your leadership and command?"
"Enough, don't flatter me. You know perfectly well that my teacher, Marquis Stanley, is the one commanding the troops. I'm merely handling some logistics."
With that, Duke Barick began sighing again. Clearly, Victor's praise had done nothing to lift the prince's spirits.
Then Duke Barick continued, "Under the circumstances, I'm treading on thin ice.
Our armies have suffered considerable losses because they lack support from within the kingdom, and even supplies are running short. I have to keep scouring the occupied territories for resources to send to the troops at the front, while taking care not to push too hard and provoke large-scale resistance.
It's not just the shortage of supplies and troops. The biggest problem is the situation at home. Three days ago, the Prime Minister sent me four letters in succession, urging me to abandon the troops and the fighting here as soon as possible and return home to take charge. He can barely withstand the pressure either.
But as you know, I can't leave these armies behind. Once I lose them, even if I inherit the throne, I'll be nothing more than a puppet.
Duke Victor, I have a presumptuous request!"
Duke Barick's tone was solemn.
Victor nodded. "Please, go ahead. The Vela Nobles stand with you."
"If possible, I hope we can launch a counterattack against the Central City-State Alliance as soon as possible. We must drive them back within half a month to buy time and an opportunity for the army to retreat."