Enemy Troops Make a Move

A massive cavalry force left the allied camp, its hooves pounding like thunder as it kicked up a billowing cloud of dust that blotted out the sky. It galloped south.

On the battlements of Red Waterwheel Village Fortress, Count Schwenstig furrowed his brow. His hawk-like gaze pierced the dust, carefully judging its size and density as he rapidly estimated the enemy cavalry's true numbers and composition.

Count Pisto stood beside him, full of worry. Watching the distant trail of dust, he asked, his voice tinged with unease, "From the direction they're heading... I wonder if they're making straight for Stork Port or have something else in mind?"

Ranke, standing nearby, pondered for a moment before quietly offering another possibility. "Could they be after Count Weissen's convoy?"

The two men moved closer and hurriedly exchanged opinions in hushed voices. The more they discussed it, the more they suspected that this elite cavalry force had a target far more important than they had first thought.

Their goal was likely to completely wipe out all the relief forces roaming the area around the allied camp and posing a threat.

When their discussion came to a pause, they both turned to Maria, who stood quietly nearby.

Here in the fortress, Maria was undoubtedly the strongest—and the one with the biggest fist. She also knew the most about how the Wesen Army was deployed outside the fortress, making her opinion crucial.

Feeling everyone's eyes on her, Maria blinked her clear, watery eyes, her long lashes fluttering lightly. Yet she was at a loss. This kind of complex military assessment really wasn't her area of expertise.

She thought hard. If the enemy wanted to find Count Weissen's main force, they wouldn't choose a route so far from its position.

The south... Suddenly, she remembered that there