Thinking Too Highly of Himself [Second Update]

The appearance of the pharaoh's army had certainly thrown Meribre into a panic, but he quickly regained his composure and saw the opportunity hidden within this unexpected development.

What was Meribre's dream? To replace the current royal house, become the new pharaoh, unite Egypt, and achieve an unparalleled legacy.

Yet in that process, the pharaoh's power was a major obstacle standing between him and his ambitions.

To become the new pharaoh, either the current pharaonic regime had to collapse, or he had to defeat the pharaoh head-on.

And now, wasn't the opportunity right before him?

The pharaoh's army had come from afar to attack Herakleopolis.

Along the way, the pharaoh had probably reclaimed several nomes already.

If he could defeat the pharaoh's army, his fame would immediately spread throughout Egypt, and everyone would have to bow before his might.

Then he could wage war openly in every direction and become the new pharaoh.

With such a chance to rise by stepping on the current pharaoh, how could he possibly let it slip away?

Thinking it through carefully, the pharaoh must have spent time and effort reclaiming the nomes along the way.

Between Herakleopolis and Memphis, the nearest nome to him was Tebtunis.

Herakleopolis and Tebtunis also had dealings and trade with one another.

So when had he last corresponded with Tebtunis's warlord?

Five days ago?

A week ago?

In any case, it could not have been long.

That meant the pharaoh's army could not have conquered Tebtunis very long ago either.

Reclaiming Tebtunis would take time, and fully occupying a place and maintaining order would take time as well. Since this army had appeared here without much rest in between, they were surely exhausted, both men and horses.

On top of that, because of the war, grain production throughout Egypt