The Collision of the Old and New (Part Two)

Rather than let them pick us off one by one, we might as well risk it all.

Up in the attic, Lakshmi Bai had already spotted the problem.

"Why are they charging from so far away? They'll have no strength left by the time they reach the enemy, won't they?"

She had received a traditional Austrian military education in the imperial palace, so she could tell at a glance that the enemy had violated a cardinal rule.

The Austrian Army's regulations stipulated that even cavalry had to wait until they were 150 meters away before charging.

Infantry, meanwhile, should generally begin a charge no more than 60 meters from the enemy. Only then could they maintain their momentum and fighting strength once they entered close combat.

Franz, however, thought the opposing commander was clever.

"True, charging from this far away goes against common sense. But the enemy they're facing can't be judged by the standards of the past, either. I'd say their commander deserves praise for adapting to the situation."

"What's so clever about that? When they run out of strength, they'll still get chased down and beaten, won't they?"

"Exactly. But if they don't charge, they'll soon fall apart. A desperate gamble at least gives them a chance."

Though Franz said this, he knew exactly what was about to happen.

On another hillock, Count Stein chose to celebrate prematurely.

"Your Highness, there's nothing more to see. It's over. The Poles are too stupid! A few skirmishers baited them, and they lost their heads. They're not worthy opponents for us."

"No, I think these people are rather interesting, though it won't change anything." Albrecht, on the contrary, had become intrigued. He called over a cavalry officer.

"When you take prisoners later, remember to bring their commander back alive."

"Yes, Your