As everyone else sucked in a sharp breath, Nalant did not idle. He immediately put forward his suggestion.
"Baron Nalant is right. You truly are a divine blessing bestowed upon our Onyx Principality by the God of Glory!" King Carlfer immediately nodded in agreement.
The other counts also came to their senses and voiced their support. Even Rakoff had no choice but to acknowledge Nalant's words, lowering his head and falling silent.
"Alright, we will act according to Baron Nalant's plan. Quickly arrange for your subordinates to withdraw. Remember, everything must appear normal—we cannot let the enemy notice anything amiss!"
"Your Majesty, but the stone bridge is already packed with guards crossing the river!" one count said with a frown.
"Immediately send men to the opposite bank to stop the troops behind them. As for those who have already crossed, find an excuse to make them return at once!"
"As for my Iron Guard Knights and the extraordinary knight orders of your six families, all of you will remain where you are. You must even pretend to dismount and prepare to rest. Otherwise, if the magical beast cavalry beneath the river notices anything wrong, I'm afraid we won't be able to cross at all!" King Carlfer laid out a detailed retreat plan.
"Yes, Your Majesty!" The counts knew they were racing against time, trying to return to the far bank before the enemy detected the slightest clue.
Furthermore, none of them objected to having the extraordinary cavalry retreat last. In just over ten minutes, more than ten thousand ordinary guards had crossed the stone bridge. Leaving them behind here was a loss none of the counts could afford.
"Go carry it out immediately!"
Next, following King Carlfer's orders, the counts swiftly began to act.
Of course, to avoid alerting the