Ironvine Territory (55)

Having made his plan, Ursus wasted no time and immediately ordered several regiments of the army to send out their Cavalry units, led by the Second Regiment led by Jindio, to rescue Bush and his Cavalry Regiment.

"Legion Commander, the enemy is making such a big show of force, isn't it a bit inappropriate for us to send only this many men?"

Jindio looked at Ursus with a worried expression. Ursus knew his old subordinate all too well; in his own words, "His only redeeming quality in life was his caution."

But Ursus always felt that this subordinate was too cautious, almost indecisive, and often missed opportunities due to various worries. Otherwise, given his seniority in the Fourth Legion, he would at least be the Legion Deputy Commander by now.

Ursus said to his old subordinate, "Jindio, don't worry, the enemy won't be too many. You've brought nearly 3,000 cavalry this time, plus your own 4,000 infantry. This force will definitely guarantee you complete this mission."

"But Legion Commander, what if the enemy's main force actually appears?"

This force might be able to handle an entire legion of enemy reinforcements. Perhaps you should reconsider, or maybe choose someone else."

Ursus's head was spinning after hearing this. "Jindio, I'm telling you to go, so you have to go. Nothing else matters. What you need to do this time is very simple."

"It's about repelling those enemies who are besieging Bush's company. If the enemy's numbers are really too many, I'll allow you to retreat voluntarily."

Hearing Ursus say this, Jindio finally breathed a sigh of relief. This was the answer he wanted. Since he could run away even if the enemy outnumbered him, he could act with peace of mind.

Ursus saw that Jindio had relaxed considerably, and knew that he had persuaded the guy. However, he wasn't worried that the guy wouldn't put in the effort. Although Jindio had a quirky personality, he was still a qualified soldier.

Ursus paused for a moment, then continued, "However, this is the only place you can retreat to." Ursus pointed to a location on the map.

Jindio noticed it; it was an unnamed hill on the side of the road, less than 30 kilometers from Ironwire City, a day's journey for infantry.

"If the enemy numbers too many, you can retreat here and establish a stockade here."

There's no shortage of water here, and it's difficult to take a detour. You should hold off the enemy's advance here."

Jindio frowned. This was indeed an important position. If the enemy wanted to reinforce Ironwire City, they couldn't bypass this point.

However, the fact that the Legion Commander made this request indicates that the legion is about to make a major breakthrough in the siege of Ironwire City.

Before he could ask Ursus, Ursus spoke first, "If things go smoothly tonight, I will be able to conquer the outer city. The enemy's arrival was indeed ill-timed."

If it had been a few days later, I could have taken over the inner city in one fell swoop, riding the momentum of conquering the outer city.

However, if you can hold off the enemy's main force, you might still have time to catch up.

"Once we capture Ironwire City, we can avoid fighting on two fronts and use our main force to confront the enemy. With the help of Ironwire City's existing defensive system, we can at least achieve a situation where we neither win nor lose."

"But wouldn't that mean we'd be trapped here?"

"So what? We have already defeated the largest rebel Southern Region and also controlled the only mobile force of the rebels in the Northlands. It can be said that we have already made a great contribution."

After the war, the duchy will at least grant me a Count's domain, and I will also fight for rewards for you, at least a baron's or even a viscount's domain with real fiefdoms."

After hearing this, Jindio swallowed hard. For Court Noble like him, a fiefdom was indeed far too precious. If he could really obtain it, he would be willing to die in battle.

Ursus was pleased to see that his pie-in-the-sky promise had worked. Jindio was cautious and wouldn't make any mistakes, but he also wouldn't perform exceptionally well. Ursus had to find a way to ignite the guy's desire.

He believed these promises were highly likely, but they could only be fulfilled after the war; using them to attract Jindio's support was enough for now.

Seeing that Jindio was already lost in his fantasies of becoming a true nobleman in the future, Ursus interrupted him, "Regimental Commander Jindio, it's time for you to set off. I hope you won't disappoint me."

"Yes, Legion Commander!"

"Slap! Slap!"

"Herodhi!"

A long procession of carriages was traveling along the road with its Ironvine Territory; the driver's whip and the horses' neighing created a rhythmic and harmonious symphony.

Behind the convoy were rows of infantrymen marching.

Victor stood on an open space on the west side of the road, next to Gutierrez, who had just returned.

"... That's right, my lord. The two Regimental Commander have already begun their operation. On my way back, I even saw our Cavalry besieging the enemy's scouts."

Gutierrez was in high spirits. This time, serving as a messenger to convey the lord's military orders and witnessing the mobilization of thousands of troops for battle was a novel experience for him.

Victor patted Gutierrez on the shoulder. "Well done!"

He turned his head to look in the direction of Ironwire City and muttered to himself, "In that case, the enemy should have lost control of the ferry crossing."

He turned to look at Lenster expression was somewhat anxious and nervous, looking quite awkward. Victor knew that Lenster was worried about Ironwire City and Count Lloyd in the city.

"Lenster Leinster, according to the intelligence we received from Ron and James, Ironwire City is still safe and sound. Once we arrive with our army, Count Lloyd will be completely safe. You don't need to worry anymore."

After listening, Lenster nodded blankly. "I'm sorry, Viscount Victor, I'm being a bit too nervous. I was fine in the valley, but now that we're getting closer to Ironwire City, I'm starting to feel uneasy, and I don't know why."

Victor didn't want to answer the question either. In his view, it was simple: the battle in the Yalori Valley hadn't met expectations, leaving Lenster somewhat uncertain and anxious.

He couldn't very well say, "Lenster, this is like failing an exam and having to bring your exam paper to your parents right now."

"Lenster, don't worry, we need to shift our attention to something more important."

How long do you think it will take us to reach the ferry?

Lenster immediately perked up. "According to the previous report, our vanguard has already arrived at the crossing. I have ordered Manzo to go back with us. He will lead the garrison at the crossing to prepare for the main force to cross the river."

According to our plan, I will have him build two more pontoon bridges, which, together with the existing suspension bridge, should meet the needs of our large army.

The boats and materials at the ferry crossing are ready, and the pontoon bridge can be built today, so the army can cross the crossing while marching without having to stop for too long.

Our main force is expected to reach the crossing point this evening. If all goes well, after a night's rest, the entire army can complete the river crossing by tomorrow afternoon."

Victor asked, "If we don't rest, will there be any problem crossing the river overnight?"

Lenster was somewhat surprised by Victor's words. After all, crossing the river at night was not impossible, especially since it was only the beginning of the rainy season and the water level of the Green Water River had not yet risen, and the current was still very slow.

He thought for a moment and said, "It's possible, but crossing the river at night, even with plenty of torches for illumination, isn't very safe. Soldiers could easily fall into the water. Actually, resting for one night won't affect the marching speed."

Victor nodded. "Crossing the river at night is manageable. My troops have virtually no night blindness. As long as the torches are bright enough, it should be fine."

Let's rest after we cross the river. James and Ron's troops have just regrouped. Although they have launched an encirclement and suppression of the enemy cavalry, it would be troublesome if anyone slipped through and the ferry crossing was discovered.

"It would be better to cross the river at night to avoid enemy scouts."

Lenster nodded. Victor's words made a lot of sense. Besides, most of this army consisted of Victor's men. Since he said they could cross at night, they would do as he said.

Soon, messengers carrying Victor's orders began moving through the marching column, and the entire column began to move at a faster pace.