Our Family Has Fallen

Chapter Four…

The word “Hamlet” holds a special meaning for these older folks, as many of them witnessed its prosperity and likewise its decline.

It was precisely because of Hamlet’s downfall that their rise was possible; otherwise, how could they control so much territory under the title of Baron?

Most of them, like Bastia and Ovando, thrived by taking advantage of a great calamity, amassing some power, and then gradually encroaching on lands belonging to Hamlet.

To be honest, in their eyes, the only real threat was posed by the most powerful Count Bastia. Failing that, it would be a few other barons, not the fallen Hamlet Town.

Who would have thought that something would change in such a short time!

In the corners they’d ignored, the fallen Hamlet rose again at an unimaginable speed, and by the time they reacted, the situation was beyond something a single family could handle.

They had heard rumors about relics before, and realized it was their last chance. If they didn’t deal with Hamlet, they would all suffer.

The interests of the relics, combined with the hidden push from the Ascension Sect, caused the barons to start moving, preparing to organize an Allied Army.

However, the arrival of Extreme Darkness terrified them, and when the Blood Moon descended, they wished to flee as far as possible; the evil cult couldn’t advance their cause either.

In their view, Hamlet was doomed, at worst it would fall again, and they dared not seek that area any longer.

So naturally, they returned to their noble life, even the cultists knew they couldn’t rely on them, and could only organize their own forces for invasion, which they also allowed.

Who could have imagined that the Extreme Darkness and Blood Moon would suddenly vanish, leaving them with little information, and then the current situation where an army stands at their doorstep.

Currently, the situation is like a spark falling on a field; a single step could have extinguished it, but they were too busy fighting each other to notice.

By the time that field turned to a roaring blaze, they were driven too close by the rolling heat waves.

Yet, they craved the grains in that field, unwilling to leave, and none of them wanted to emerge first to extinguish the fire, hence the stalemate.

But now the fire has reached their feet, leaving no room for escape.

Looking back, when the Extreme Darkness descended, they should have launched an all-out attack, regrettably…

“Let’s all discuss what to do.”

The baron couldn’t dwell on the lost opportunity, clearly more troubled by how to deal with the current situation.

“He has no more than three thousand troops; if we go all out, we may raise over five thousand, and their cavalry lacks armor. If our Knights lead the cavalry, we can surely crush them.”

“First retreat; this is our land. If he dares enter, we’ll circle and attack his logistics. If we keep the distance, we won’t lose.”

“This isn’t just our problem, we must immediately notify the other territories; if we fall, they can’t stand against that Lord either.”

Everyone offered their views, mostly advocating for a fight. After all, who would want to give up hard-won territories?

If they were to surrender, they all knew what fate awaited, so they had to fight!

“The urgent task now is to quickly inform everyone, summon the Knights, and prepare for battle.”

“Send someone to quickly locate those armies.”

“Yes, yes!”

Soon, while this side was still discussing, someone hurried out with the message to those appointed Knights, naturally notifying the other Lords; unity was imperative now.

The once peaceful town began inventorying its armaments, preparing supplies, and conscripting soldiers; it was a do-or-die rhythm…

Actually, there was no need for them to notify every party, as the Romani almost simultaneously contacted the other major Lords, selling that information at a handsome price, even if it meant sharing with Amanda, it was a considerable sum.

For those noble lords, there was no time to mind such things; they too reacted similarly, reaching out to those around them, ready to resist Lord Hamlet.

There was no way: if everyone was involved, surrender was not an option — a showdown was inevitable.

…

“The target should be just ahead, but the situation this time isn’t easy to say.”

On horseback, Barton looked ahead with a somewhat solemn expression, turning to Reynard as if awaiting a response.

“Yes, according to intelligence, this small town must have over a thousand people, and with a noble in power, they won’t surrender easily. More troublesome is the presence of a Church, which means followers.

Moreover, there are several Knight’s Domains around it. Attacking one can easily reveal our position, giving others time to respond.”

Reynard’s words clearly showed the current situation.

After days of sweeping, the scattered villages and towns in the blank area south of Hamlet had been dealt with, finally entering the battlefield, and it wouldn’t be simple from here on.

Those before were self-proclaimed village chiefs and town mayors, isolated, and they naturally surrendered instantly when encountering a large army. Even resistance was a joke.

But those here were not isolated in the wilderness; they occupied more developed plots, backed by other noble Lords.

As Lords, they had a duty to defend their territories, everything binding them to their lands, leaving no room for yielding.

Although nominally those lands belonged to Hamlet, years of stewardship meant they viewed them as their domains, being even less inclined to surrender.

More troubling was the town having a church, and some clergy. If the fight dragged too long, the populace could be mobilized, leading to significant casualties, which would be problematic.

Indeed, what really troubled the two was explaining to the Lord if casualties were too high.

“No need to attack those Knight’s Domains, we’ll directly seize the town, then turn to deal with the others.”

“Hold the artillery back, the cavalry and infantry advance with full force; arrange for infiltrators to approach and seize the gate, then cavalry charge in to control the noble and church, with the army following to take command.”

After some discussion, the two quickly formulated tactics, a direct strike, full charge to finish the job.

Execution reflects an army’s combat prowess, and though they had marched for days, upon receiving orders, they immediately acted.

The large, lagging artillery unit paused, along with most of the army.

Some elite joined with the logistics convoy, disguised as merchants or farmers, proceeding openly, while the cavalry bypassed Knight’s Domains to ambush ahead, awaiting the charge.

This speaks to Lance’s preparations; though not fighting, early information gathering meant the situation was almost one-sidedly transparent.

Hamlet’s men could easily evade, while those enemies were oblivious.

“What’s your business? Entry requires a head tax of a copper coin.”

“All new faces, don’t you know merchant taxes differ when entering town?”

“Let me see!”

The disguised convoy drew close to the gate without issue but was immediately stopped by the guards.

It wasn’t that the guards were highly skilled, seeing through disguises, but merely levying money.

Penniless folks were no source of revenue; only merchants could spare some, or who’d take this gatekeeper job?

The convoy did not find this strange, even laughed at their fellows, then spoke up.

“We’ve got the good stuff; don’t say a copper coin, even a Gold Coin we could spare — if you dare take it.”

“Don’t bullshit me, looking at your poor faces…”

The guard put on an arrogant look, but the next moment he fell silent as a dagger pressed against his throat.

“Who’s your daddy, again?”

“You’re my daddy!” The guard instantly cried, begging for mercy.