Persia's Third Transportation Corridor.
The enormous target underground was still moving. The Empire's forward seismic network had recorded several anomalous tremors in succession, and severe cracks had already appeared in several road and railway beds.
Cornelia had just ordered the Second Armored Group to reposition when a new report reached the command station.
"Your Highness, large-scale ground subsidence has occurred in the Fourth and Sixth Security Zones to the south. Some transport routes have already been cut off!"
"Have the engineers reassess the roads' load-bearing capacity immediately. Keep heavy vehicles out of the subsidence zones for now. Also, who is responsible for the Fourth Security Zone? Why didn't they report the underground tremors earlier?"
"The commanding officer there is requesting your latest orders."
Cornelia jerked her head up.
"I already ordered them to leave the Third Transportation Corridor!"
"Yes, Your Highness, but the officers in the Fourth Security Zone believe that, since you are still commanding at the front, they should continue holding their positions as well."
Her expression darkened completely. These Imperial soldiers were loyal.
Brave.
Willing to sustain extremely heavy losses for the honor of the Royal Family.
But their dependence on Cornelia herself had begun to create serious command problems.
Many units were unwilling to withdraw on their own while she remained on the front lines, even though she had already issued formal orders.
Gilford explained over the comms, "Your Highness, some knight orders fear that withdrawing early will be seen as abandoning the Princess. Several local officers also believe that, if you decide to lead a counterattack personally, they must retain positions from which they can return to the battlefield at any time."
"Absurd! I need them to follow military orders, not all wait around to prove their loyalty to me!"
Dalton immediately suggested having the