Derek studied the map. It was a new map he had personally surveyed and corrected.
Augusta City was very well situated, located on a plain with a river running through it and fertile farmland all around.
Its only weakness was that it was rather difficult to defend, especially while the city had yet to be fully constructed.
If he could wait a few more years, until the city was complete and the surrounding castle defenses had been established, he was confident he could hold it even against two hundred thousand men.
But for now, it was still far from enough.
"Adrian, take my banner to Birch Castle. I'll give you ten thousand men. Hide them well. Even if the enemy attacks with two hundred thousand men, you are not to reveal all your forces."
"Yes!"
Adrian accepted the order without hesitation. He did not know Derek's full plan, but he would not question it. His duty was to carry out orders.
"Sheriff, your task this time is to take your men and avoid the war. Take my ranch, the Master Smith, and some... people to hide in my lands in the Northern Province."
Sheriff tried to object, but Derek shot him a glare. It carried a force he had never seen before.
He agreed instinctively.
"Simon, you are the main force this time. Prepare more banners. Arrange the newly recruited militia in sequence and prepare for a mass escape. Do not let yourselves get caught."
"Yes." Simon accepted the order, though he still could not understand. "My lord Viscount, if we gather everyone together, it's not as though we cannot fight. At worst, we can retreat. Why divide our forces?
As long as we preserve our people, there is still hope even if we lose territory."
"Stop talking. I have