Duke of Brunswick took the report and scanned it. His face immediately filled with surprise as he looked at the officer. "Can you guarantee the accuracy of this intelligence?"
"Yes, Marshal." The latter nodded firmly. "Multiple sources within their ranks have sent back the same information, and it has also been confirmed by farmers from the Ardennes Plateau."
"Forty to sixty thousand men?" Duke of Brunswick frowned deeply. "Hadn't the French Army already abandoned Luxembourg and prepared to fall back to Verdun?"
He raised a hand to signal his attendant. "Bernhard, summon all senior officers for a meeting at once."
"Yes, sir!"
Forty minutes later.
Second-floor hall, Allied Forces headquarters.
Blücher studied the French Army's deployment on the map and said loudly, "Clearly, the French still want to struggle a little longer at Luxembourg. I don't think they'll launch a large-scale offensive. It should mainly be harassment, followed by a withdrawal to Verdun."
Staff officer Scharnhorst rose to his feet and said cautiously, "General, I believe the French deployment may pose a serious threat."
Duke of Brunswick thought highly of this newly risen staff officer and nodded. "Please explain your assessment in detail."
"Yes, Marshal." Scharnhorst bowed slightly and continued, "The French objective should be our supply lines.
"Their strategic intention is likely to use Verdun Fortress to pin us down, then continually harass our logistical supplies along the Rhine River while steadily reinforcing Verdun.
"Once our supplies run short, we will have no choice but to withdraw to Trier."
Colonel Glauber Tauentzien beside him added, "Luxembourg Fortress likely cannot be taken in just a few days, either. While our forces attack the fortress, these French troops will strike us from behind.
"Dividing our forces to defend against them is one possible response, but it will severely slow our offensive.