A long march was a trial for any army.
After seven or eight days of marching, Charles's army had drawn close to the Verdant Crystal Domain.
There, Charles ordered the entire army to rest for a full day.
The warhorses were allowed to relax, and so were the soldiers.
This period of forced marching had left the army utterly exhausted.
Six or seven days was not a long time, but in the far more perilous wilderness, it had kept many minds drawn taut.
It was even more exhausting than going straight into battle.
Under such circumstances, a day's rest could allow everyone to recover.
The army had even brought along a supply of wine.
Charles held a meeting in a hastily erected military tent and said to his officers, "After marching day after day, the soldiers are all exhausted."
"Bring out the wine. Before the battle, every man may drink three cups!"
"Boil all the meat we brought as well. After tomorrow's battle, we won't be short of meat!"
"Yes, my lord!"
Once this order was issued, everyone was delighted.
As the command spread, cheers from the soldiers rang out in the distance.
Nothing eased fatigue better than tearing into meat and drinking great gulps of wine after exhaustion had set in.
Verdant Crystal City was now only half a day's journey away.
Battle would begin tomorrow, yet Charles did not feel the slightest tension.
Even though they would face a half-elf allied army from three counties tomorrow, it seemed unable to make him worry in the least.
A brief night's rest greatly relieved the exhausted soldiers.
At dawn the next morning, just as the first light appeared,
the troops had already made all preparations for departure.
Before setting out, the army drank water mixed with potions.
Charles had asked