Ironvine Territory (Thirty-five)

Rusa and his guards rode to a bush and reined in their horses. He looked ahead and saw Viscount Ferry's camp in the center of the valley.

Viscount Ferry took out his binoculars and carefully observed the camp ahead. The camp was located on a high point in this small plain, two or three meters higher than the surrounding area. Fortunately, the camp walls were surrounded by slopes, which were not too steep, and he could rush up in one go.

However, Rusa felt that there was something wrong with the location of this camp. This section of the valley was the widest part, and all three camps of the Ironvine Territory were located on this plain, in a parallel state.

If it were him, he would move forward a little further and combine the three camps into one, thus arranging the garrison together, making it even more difficult for the Coalition of Nobles to deal with.

He had previously discussed this issue with other generals of the Coalition of Nobles. The others did not think it was a problem. Some thought that the number of garrison troops in the Ironvine Territory was insufficient, while others thought that if they moved forward, there would be no defensible terrain.

Although he still felt something was amiss, most people didn't have this problem. Everyone was full of confidence that as long as the main army advanced, the Ironvine Territory's camps wouldn't hold out for long.

Just then, the Captain of the Guard ran over and reported, "Your Excellency, the enemy Cavalry is approaching. Perhaps we should retreat first, as your safety is more important."

Rusa frowned and looked at the plains on his left and right sides, where scattered cavalry began to appear, forming an encirclement.

He said nonchalantly, "There are so few people, what's there to worry about? I'm not Court Noble who can't wield a sword."

However, after looking at the serious-looking guards around him, he sighed. After all, these guards were only making this suggestion because of their duty and to protect him.

"Okay, get ready, we'll be right back."

Upon hearing Rusa's words, the Captain of the Guard breathed a sigh of relief and quickly ordered his men to Mala a defensive formation, protecting Rusa in the center.

Rusa refused the guards' help and mounted his warhorse by himself. He stroked the mane of his beloved horse, which then let out a soft neigh.

"Old buddy, it seems we won't be able to go to the front lines anymore."

Emma seemed to understand Rusa's words and responded by shaking her head a few times. Rusa patted her neck to calm her down.

He thought to himself that becoming the commander-in-chief was not a good thing after all; even taking a look at the front lines would be subject to many restrictions.

Just as he was about to leave with his guards, he noticed some plants around the bushes. Pointing to some of the green weeds, he said, "These look familiar. Does anyone recognize them?"

The guards looked at each other with suspicion until a young guard spoke up, "Sir, this is Water Sword Grass. It often grows by the river. When I was a child, my mother would boil this in water for me to drink when I had a stomachache. It worked very well."

"Water Sword Grass?"

Rusa's expression was somewhat grave. He glanced again at the several camps of the Ironvine Territory Private Army, and his expression turned rather grim.

"Let's go back quickly!"

After saying that, he took the lead and ran back, almost breaking out of the guard formation. The guards saw this and quickly chased after him. Everyone was a little puzzled as to why the governor's expression was so serious.

Upon returning to the camp, Rusa immediately convened a meeting of officers.

Players including Dawan, Asur, and Melendo were called in, and even Suas and Portland were allowed to participate.

Once Rusa saw that all the commanders of the Coalition of Nobles had arrived, he immediately announced his discovery.

"While I was observing from the front lines, I discovered..."

I believe the enemy might use water attacks, so all units must be prepared. If all else fails, we should immediately retreat and leave the valley.

Otherwise..."

After he finished speaking, some nobles quickly stood up to retort, "Rusa, you are overthinking things. There are no large rivers around the Yalori Valley, and the mountains on both sides are towering. There are no lakes or other water sources. Where could the enemy launch a water attack?"

"Yes, Commander-in-Chief is overthinking things."

"I know about Water Sword Grass; it can grow in damp places and doesn't necessarily need a water source."

Many other nobles echoed this sentiment.

Seeing that so many people were opposing his opinion, Rusa turned his attention to Suas and Portland.

Suas looked somewhat serious, while Portland seemed a little bewildered by his gaze.

Finally, Suas spoke up, "Commander-in-Chief, as far as I know, there are indeed no large rivers near the valley."