"Actually, I led my troops here to resist the enemy not only because the terrain favors us, but also because of the well-built fortress.
Duke Victor, take a look at these positions too!"
Marquis Stanley tapped several more points on the far side of the map and said to Victor, "These are the positions of our other defensive lines. You see it now, don't you?"
Victor glanced over them and immediately spotted the issue. "The position where you've stationed your troops is the foremost point of the defensive line. You could even say you're surrounded by the enemy!"
"Exactly. It's the foremost position. Although we're surrounded by the enemy, you could also see it as penetrating deep into their heartland.
If I had enough troops, I could advance out of the Valley Basin and cut off the retreat of the other enemy columns.
It's precisely because I'm here that the enemy doesn't dare attack our defensive lines with abandon."
Understanding dawned on Victor. As expected of Marquis Stanley, he was as shrewd and calculating as ever. He had wedged himself into the position that hurt the enemy most, firmly tying down a considerable portion of their forces while easing the pressure on his allies.
But that also meant the troops under Marquis Stanley must have been in a difficult position. Even with the terrain on his side, the enemy would surely try every means possible to pull out this thorn.
"I almost thought I couldn't hold on any longer. I originally wanted the prince to leave first, but he kept refusing. Fortunately, you're here now, and you've brought Vela's elite troops with you. With you here, I'm confident we can keep holding our ground."
"Marquis Stanley, from what I know of you, you wouldn't just sit here defending forever. You