Chapter 764

What Giles had not expected was that while he and his vassals were still mustering their forces, the king's army had already begun marching south.

When his scouts brought news to Five Rams City that the Royal Army had already left Crystal Radiance, Giles was utterly shocked.

Although it had long been certain that the Royal Army would eventually march south, past experience suggested that there would be a period of delay between the decision-makers formally reaching a decision and the army beginning to move.

Giles had even anticipated that he could muster his army before the Kingdom government and launch an attack on the Royal Territory.

After his initial shock, the Grand Duke quickly reacted, leading the few troops on hand toward Rehefur ahead of the main force.

Giles's surprise reflected the difference between the Kingdom's new-style army and traditional armies.

In wars of the past, when lords formally prepared to send out troops, very few could keep it completely secret. Generally, news of a mobilization would spread early, whether deliberately or accidentally. There was no need for a spy to painstakingly gather information. All he had to do was sit down in a tavern, and countless pieces of news would come pouring into his ears of their own accord.

Recruiting soldiers, stockpiling supplies, and all sorts of other messy tasks could drag on for a month or even several months.

By the time the army officially set out, a long "tail" would still be trailing behind it.

That "tail" contained a large number of merchants who specialized in serving armies. Whenever war broke out, they would gather like bees drawn to the scent of flowers and travel alongside the army.

Their businesses covered everything: weapons, armor, food and drink, loans, and the disposal of spoils. They dealt not