Those Who Raid Others' Homes Will Be Raided in Turn

"In this battle, we eliminated nearly twenty thousand enemies and captured over a thousand. The Hori Kingdom's invading army has been reduced to only one-fifth of its original strength. I think it is time for us to launch a counteroffensive!"

In Regina's Royal Palace hall, a general knelt on one knee below and delivered his report in an impassioned voice.

Upon hearing this, everyone in the hall could not help but nod.

After retaking Regina, they had cleaned up the battlefield, soothed the populace, rescued the officials and soldiers imprisoned in the dungeons... It had taken a full two days of effort to repair the scarred capital and gradually stabilize the situation.

Thus, two days later, they gathered in the hall once again to discuss their next move.

"We still have a great deal of territory west of us occupied by the Hori Kingdom. They only captured it recently, so they surely have not had time to build defensive fortifications. We cannot miss this opportunity. We must reclaim every inch of land that belongs to us."

As soon as the general finished his report, many officials nodded in agreement. Someone made this suggestion.

The acting prime minister stood in the center of the hall, stroking his beard as he suddenly asked, "What is the situation with the Hori Kingdom's remaining forces? Where have they retreated to?"

"The plains west of Locke City. Our scouts report that the enemy's remaining soldiers and priests are gathering there. We do not know what they intend to do once their assembly is complete."

"They are still gathering..." The prime minister nodded thoughtfully. "Since they have not retreated outright, it means they still do not wish to give up. They intend to draw reinforcements from the Hori Kingdom, regroup, and continue their attack."

Yet at