Ironvine Territory (End)

Ursus kept his spyglass trained on the battlefield. When he saw Ernst's troops locked in combat with the enemy and his own main force draw out the troops from Great Oak Territory, his face darkened. Then he burst out laughing.

His guard captain, Martin, asked curiously, "My lord, the enemy has been tied down just as you planned. Viscount Golden Sunflower has only one or two hundred men left at his side. Isn't this the perfect time to charge?"

"He's seen through my plan too," Ursus said with a laugh. "He knows I intend to lead my best troops in an attack on him."

Martin looked uneasy. "Could Viscount Golden Sunflower have another ambush waiting?

Legion Commander, what should we do?"

Ursus put on his helmet, still laughing. "Charge, of course!

Viscount Golden Sunflower understands that no matter how many schemes either of us devises, battles are settled with swords and spears!"

Martin stared at the Legion Commander, who suddenly seemed like a stranger. His voice trembled. "The enemy must have another ambush."

"So what? If Viscount Golden Sunflower takes my head, I'll be called stubborn and arrogant. But if I take his, he'll be called overconfident.

In the end, only the result matters!"

Ursus tightened his grip on the reins, pulling so hard that his horse whinnied. Clearly, he was not as calm as his words suggested.

"I was entrusted with this command and given an army for this very moment. We can fight to the death for the Grand Duchy!

And personally, Viscount Golden Sunflower is just a young man, yet he thinks so little of me that he's deliberately shown an opening and challenged me.

If I don't dare answer, won't I become a laughingstock?"

By then, Martin had regained his composure. He looked at the determination