Chapter 171
All-out advance
A few days later, the Leonis encampment was mired in a prolonged meeting. Watching his subordinates endlessly clash over two opposing opinions, Kyle felt a deep sense of fatigue.
“We’ve already lost two squads this way. Why are you suggesting we send another?”
“The unit we lost contact with was an elite squad, sir, but there are even better soldiers available. Why is it a problem to send a squad composed of them?”
“We’ve already lost valuable soldiers twice, and you want to send more? Are you sure you don’t have some ulterior motive?” Kyle snapped back.
Provoked by the lion-tribe werebeast, the wolf-tribe werebeast of lower rank growled back with a face full of displeasure.
“There were plenty of wolf-tribe soldiers among those sent, sir. Are you really trying to stir up division after sending them to their deaths?”
“That’s not something for a Corps Commander to say!”
“Does rank even matter right now? If we just sit here, we’ll really be in trouble! Can’t you think about joining forces to overcome this instead of—”
At the wolf-tribe’s words, the lion-tribe Vice Commander’s face flushed red. As the heated argument continued, Kyle, who had been sitting with an irritated expression the whole time, finally spoke in a heavy voice.
“All of you, shut your mouths.”
It was a crude way to speak for a prince, but everyone in the meeting tent immediately fell silent. Only then did they realize just how displeased Kyle was.
“This time, I agree with the Vice Commander. We can’t afford to waste any more time. With the blizzard intensifying, supply deliveries are being delayed.”
“Yes, Commander-in-Chief. Right now, illness is spreading among the soldiers. On top of that, we can’t feed them properly, so their conditions are only getting worse. If this continues, it will seriously impact the soldiers’ morale.”
“That mustn’t happen.”
Though it felt like he’d hit a dead end, Kyle actually didn’t mind the situation. He’d never been particularly interested in winning by tactics anyway. He’d only gone along with his subordinates’ opinions out of annoyance.
His preferred method was to drive his prey into a corner with overwhelming force, sap their will, and then savor the moment as he finished them off.
“We’ll head out tomorrow. Get ready.”
“Then, what about going by way of Lake Moncha?”
“Isn’t Lake Moncha enormous?”
“Yes, so going around it would take a lot of time. But recently, my men reported that, unusually for this time of year, the lake has frozen solid.”
“Hmm.”
“I’ll send a squad to check if the ice is really thick enough.”
“Do that.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Bring out the map!”
At Kyle’s command, a leather map was spread across the table. He studied Lake Moncha and the surrounding area, explaining his strategy.
“If we can cross the lake, we’ll be able to head straight to the enemy camp. That should take about an hour.”
“If we have to go around the lake, it will take at least three hours.”
“How much supplies do we have left?”
“Only about three days’ worth…”
With the Vice Commander’s words, a heavy silence filled the meeting tent. The biggest problem now was the lack of supplies.
That’s why there was support for what the wolf-tribe suggested: send another elite unit and this time steal enough supplies to make a difference.
“Don’t worry about saving those three days’ rations. Serve them all for tomorrow’s meal.”
“But…”
“This will be an all-out battle. If we lose, it means death anyway, so at least let the soldiers eat their fill.”
Kyle slammed the table as he continued.
“Of course, I don’t intend to lose. We lions are the kind who crawl back up even if we’re thrown off a cliff. And I’m sure the other tribes are no different.”
Kyle glanced at the wolf-tribe commander.
“Isn’t that right, First Corps Commander?”
“Yes, sir. The Venesi family also takes pride in our tenacity.”
“Good, that’s what I want to hear. Let’s stop wasting our soldiers in vain.”
“My apologies.”
“It’s fine. Once the results from Lake Moncha come in, we’ll decide tomorrow’s path. Until then, everyone, go and get ready.”
“Yes, sir!”
Once everyone was gone, Kyle could no longer hide his irritation. Kicking his chair aside, he could no longer hold back his temper at their ongoing isolation.
“Why did it have to snow now? What a wretched place.”
Kyle shook his head at his father’s greed for the mines here, even though Leonis already had so many. Sitting down, he raked his hair in frustration.
“I needed to prove I’m more capable than my brother with this war, but the weather has ruined everything. Those lucky bastards from Cantabria.”
While Kyle was venting his anger, over in the First Corps Commander Jan’s tent, things were quiet. He sat lost in thought, recalling his uncle’s orders.
“Hmm, in any case, it’s certain that our chances of victory have become extremely slim.”
His uncle’s orders were simple but crucial: ensure Leonis loses this war completely.
“If there’s one saving grace, it’s that the Cantabrian crown prince is smarter than expected.”
Jan realized that the sudden change in climate was no natural phenomenon. He’d researched the local weather before arriving, and there shouldn’t be this much snow at this time of year.
“I’ll keep watching the situation, but if it comes to it, I’ll take only the wolf-tribe with me and pull out.”
And so, night deepened, with each harboring different thoughts.
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