Advance Toward Promotion and Peerage

The north wind howled through the military camp. The flags atop the walls snapped violently in the gusts, flapping with a sharp, urgent crackle.

The Rhine Alliance's main force had made camp several miles from Florensburg, preparing for the battle ahead.

Inside Rudolf's command tent, a military council was underway. A large map lay spread out in the center, showing Florensburg and the surrounding terrain in clear detail.

Count Schwenstig pointed to the map with his baton and explained the enemy's defenses. "Florensburg's defenses have been adjusted repeatedly after several sieges. They now form a defensive system centered around tower strongpoints, with a moat and firing platforms as support."

"Supplies inside the castle are scarce. Our forces must seize this opportunity and seal it off completely."

"I suggest we first eliminate the outposts around it, cut off any possible supply routes, restrict its room to maneuver, and further deplete the enemy's supplies before laying siege."

Count Schwenstig had originally planned a surprise attack, but according to Reiner, who had accompanied Ranke to urge a surrender, the defenders had been preparing to fight at any moment. A surprise attack was out of the question.

The plan was therefore changed. The main force would surround the castle, while the armies of the lesser nobles occupied the surrounding villages and towns, encircling Florensburg from every direction.

There was one problem. Count Schwenstig used his baton to circle a small spot by the river to the northeast. "This harbor is extremely important. It's two kilometers from the castle, and its waterway connects to the moat. There are blockhouses and low walls on both sides of the waterway. If the enemy uses it to bring in supplies or harass our flanks and rear, it could cause us considerable trouble."

Rudolf sat at the head of