Marquis Stanley nodded. "Good. Are there any problems with the legions we're leaving behind to guard the border?
"Although we've given up vast stretches of occupied territory, we must hold on to what remains, especially those major cities along the border.
"The Central City-State Alliance probably won't make a move for now, but if they get any ideas, we'll only have four legions stationed here. We must be extra careful."
Duke Barick thumped his chest. "Teacher, please rest assured. I've left those four legions enormous stockpiles of supplies. The food alone will last them two years, enough for them to hold their ground.
"As for their combat losses, I've transferred entire units from other legions to replenish their ranks.
"All four legions are now fully equipped and at full strength. Their fighting capabilities certainly won't be as good before the new units have learned to work together, but I don't think they'll have much trouble holding those major border cities.
"I've also assigned men to turn those cities into fortresses and build numerous defensive installations. The goal is to establish a reliable Border Defense Line capable of holding off an enemy several times our strength.
"Once we've caught our breath, we can use this defense line to launch another offensive against the Central City-State Alliance in a few years."
Marquis Stanley nodded, then sighed. "What a pity. We squandered such an excellent position. Otherwise, we could clearly have achieved far better results!"
Marquis Stanley also found it a tremendous shame. The kingdom had won a sweeping victory against the Central City-State Coalition in this war. In particular, the more than two hundred thousand square kilometers it had occupied encompassed virtually all the advantageous terrain along their shared border, giving the kingdom a secure position whether it advanced or fell back.