The armies collide, the decisive battle begins

"Father!" Alex looked gravely at Count Colt before him, awaiting his orders.

The Duchy Army's tense, confrontational formation made him understand at once: these men had no intention of retreating even a step. They were preparing to meet the Northern Alliance Army head-on.

Despite the tense atmosphere, Count Colt merely smiled faintly, a hint of disdain crossing his face.

The corners of his mouth lifted as he sneered. "Hmph! I never imagined that fellow Mora would have such nerve.

Since that's the case, how could I deny him this opportunity?

Someone, relay my orders at once! Tell every officer and soldier that the false grand duke is hiding in the county city ahead. Whoever captures him alive will be granted the title of count and rewarded with vast sums of gold and silver!"

Before he had even finished speaking, a deafening cheer erupted, shaking the skies.

Hearing their commander offer such a tempting bounty, every officer and soldier in the Northern Alliance Army felt his spirits soar. They rubbed their hands in anticipation, eager to charge forward at once and seize the false grand duke.

Although every soldier knew perfectly well that the enormous reward would most likely go to one of the lofty lords or officers, anyone fortunate enough to distinguish himself in battle could still claim a share and receive a substantial reward.

Alex, however, was not as optimistic as Count Colt. His intelligence team had failed to contact the imprisoned independent nobles, though they had learned that the Duchy Army intended to take the offensive and had discovered how its forces were deployed.

But that was all. They had uncovered no further intelligence and had no idea why the duchy was so confident and eager to fight.

Still, seeing the soldiers around him cheering, Alex breathed a