Karl tapped the table and said, "Gentlemen, the key to this war lies in attrition. How many Sauron soldiers we kill or how many castles we capture is not the priority. What matters most is delaying their spring planting, draining their precious grain reserves, and forcing them to conscript their able-bodied young men into the army, leaving them unable to produce."
He leaned forward slightly, his tone growing heavier. "Carnford has the south at its back, with an unbroken supply of manpower and resources. The Sauron, meanwhile, were already badly weakened by last year's defeat. So long as we advance steadily, do not greedily rush ahead for merit, and give them no chance to catch their breath, then one or two more campaigns like this—harassing them on multiple fronts while striking key targets—will bring their internal economy crashing down. Popular resentment will boil over, conflicts among their factions will intensify, and they may even collapse into chaos without a battle!"
"So never underestimate the enemy or advance rashly! Commanders on every front must keep our strategic objective firmly in mind. Advance when it is time to advance, retreat when it is time to retreat. Keep the troops intact and keep bleeding the enemy. Understood?"
"Understood!" the generals answered in unison.
Once the meeting ended, Karl returned to the castle in high spirits. At last, they had shifted from passive defense to taking the offensive.
Harald, last time you came to hit me. This time, it's my turn to come find you for a little fun. You'd better be ready.
Karl ate dinner somewhat absentmindedly. Even the delicious stew and fresh bread seemed to have lost their usual appeal. It was only when Charlotte softly reminded him that his soup was about to go cold that he came back to himself