"Hm?" Duke of Brunswick cast the staff officer a casual glance. "Go on."
Scharnhorst hurriedly said, "Marshal, our forces have not intensified their offensive these past few days, yet the French suddenly collapsed and retreated. I fear this may be a trap..."
Duke of Brunswick snorted coldly. "You are being overly cautious. On the battlefield, it is quite common for defenders to suddenly collapse once their casualties have accumulated to a certain point."
As he spoke, he waved toward the boundless open ground in the distance. "Not even a flea could hide in a place like this. What tricks could the French possibly pull?"
Scharnhorst insisted, "Perhaps we should slow the pace of our advance and strengthen cover for both flanks..."
Duke of Brunswick cut him off bluntly. "My suggestion is that you need more courage."
The staff officer hurried after him a few steps. "Marshal, at the very least, increase the frequency and range of reconnaissance..."
"Hmph, do as you please."
Scharnhorst watched the old Marshal's retreating back, sighed, and tried again to persuade the other senior officers.
It had to be said that the Chief of Staff, who would later personally spearhead Prussia's revival and military reforms, possessed extraordinarily keen insight. He had offered advice that could have saved the Allied Forces.
West of Budescheid Town.
French Army temporary command post.
Massena looked at a staff officer and frowned. "You are saying the enemy offensive has begun to weaken?"
"Yes, commander." The latter looked over the battle report. "Moreover, the enemy's right wing is closing up its formation, seemingly to guard against our counterattack."
Saint Hilaire added, "More than that, Prussian Hussars circled to the east of Wiltz to conduct reconnaissance at noon today."
Massena said, "Could Ferdinand have seen through our plan?"
Saint Hilaire shook his head