On a hill southwest of the Vesio River.
Bajachaza watched the battlefield below and loudly instructed the Orderly Officer:
"Have Hammer's cavalry plug the gap on the left wing, quickly!
"Tell Lieutenant Colonel Ulrich that he must hold on for another hour. Don't expect reinforcements."
He lowered his Telescope and looked at Archduke Karl beside him, sighing sincerely.
"These French soldiers are truly vicious in battle. If you had carried out my mistaken orders back then, we would probably be in a dangerous predicament now."
The young officer beside him, with slightly curly hair, sunken cheeks, and an overall listless appearance, waved a hand.
"No, it was Marshal Alvinzi's mistake. You were merely following orders.
"Fortunately, there is still time. If the Marshal's reinforcements arrive before noon the day after tomorrow, we can wipe out this French Army."
Bajachaza sighed and did not continue the subject, though he deeply agreed with Archduke Karl's words.
Alvinzi's orders to him had been to move as close to the Central Route Army as possible, so they could support one another at any time.
But ever since leaving Venice, Archduke Karl had repeatedly pointed out to him that the Left Wing Legion was too tightly drawn in, leaving a massive gap along the Vesio River. The French were very likely to exploit it by marching around them and striking from the rear.
Yet he had merely demanded that Archduke Karl obey orders.
Fortunately, Archduke Karl had "stubbornly" refused him. He had continued marching with his legion three kilometers east of Bajachaza's forces, while sending cavalry to repeatedly scout along the Vesio River.
As a Hungarian officer, Bajachaza had no way to deal with His Majesty the Emperor's younger brother, so he let him have his way.
Who could have expected that yesterday morning, Archduke