My Players Are So Fierce

848: 289.

Affirmation from Marshal Loren

848: 289.

Affirmation from Marshal Loren

The Pioneer Fortress in East Prussia finally welcomed back its master after a not-too-lengthy interval, a joy eagerly anticipated by both sides.

For upon returning to the barracks, Marshal Loren was also filled with a certain simple pleasure.

Ah, at last, no more dealing with those annoying nobles and damned tedious etiquettes.

He could return to the simple, efficient, and delightful military routines.

After a careful inspection of every key position in the fortress with a few guards, and finding no faults to chide, the marshal’s mood improved even more.

Even the rank-and-file soldiers’ barracks were exceptionally tidy, which proved that during his absence, his men had not wasted their lives or time.

But merely appearing so would still not satisfy the exacting marshal.

The officers of Pioneer Fortress were well aware of this, so when the marshal returned to his office in the castle, there were already commanders from various systems lined up outside waiting to report on military affairs.

“Huff…”

With his beloved Dwarf Pipe, the marshal savored the fine tobacco gifted by his cousin Rivrosa, Heart of Silver.

After ensuring his mood was sustained in a state of joy, he straightened his attire and then knocked on the table.

“Come in!”

The door was pushed open, and General Soros, acting commander of the Exploration Corps, strode in.

After a salute full of military bearing, the veteran in his fifties loudly exclaimed,

“Marshal Loren, in accordance with non-wartime regulations of the Exploration Corps, I hereby relinquish to you the supreme command of the Exploration Corps and Pioneer Fortress!”

“At ease, general,”

The marshal nodded and reached out to take the festival wand passed by General Soros.

However, due to the difference in their statures, the general had to bend down to complete this gesture without offending the half-dwarf’s peculiar sense of pride.

“Sit.”

Marshal Loren gestured towards the couch.

Despite his strictness in governing the army, necessary closeness and a proper degree of relaxation were essential when dealing with his long-standing deputy.

The two sat on opposite sides of the couch in the office, and a duty soldier immediately served up tea at the perfect temperature.

“Has anything noteworthy happened here during my absence?”

The marshal idly played with his pipe as he asked.

General Soros had naturally prepared his briefing in advance.

After sipping his tea, he replied,

“Before you left, the beautiful war had already ended, marshal.

What could you possibly expect to draw your attention in this remote area?

There have been no major battles, but minor conflicts have been frequent, mainly with our ‘neighbors.’

Transylvania…

Specifically, Count Cadman’s Domain and Crimson Castle.

That lucky young Vampire Governor seems not to be one for sitting still.

His recent series of actions, I believe, are worth reporting to you.”

“I heard about it on my way back,”

said the half-dwarf with interest,

“I heard that fellow crushed a newly rising Jackal-man warlord?”

“Yes, a very decisive beheading operation, and by employing a dual-front strategy, the defeat of the leader was accompanied by a swift breaking of the Jackals’ recently stiffened resolve.”

General Soros spoke in an admiring tone,

“A classic case of defeating the many with the few, making full use of the Blood race’s advantages in the night.

Moreover, the unity and execution shown by the people of the Crimson Castle in those days gave a glimpse of some emerging strength in that place.

But most importantly, that Vampire Governor isn’t as despicable as his kin; he understands the value of uniting all possible forces.

This is the key point I’d like to report to you.

The Xico Wing Cavalry, who have been clashing with our vanguard for the past two years, also took part in the decisive battle that night and played a crucial role.

It was precisely because of the sudden emergence of the Winged Cavalry phalanx that the Jackal-man Vanguard besieging the Crimson Castle was thrown into chaos in a very short time.”

“No wonder they achieved such a splendid victory.”

Marshal Loren hummed, lifted his pipe to his lips for a puff, and the rich tobacco aroma spread through the office.

Amid the swirling smoke, the half-dwarf marshal murmured,

“I can’t forget the ferocity of those Winged Cavalry on the battlefield.

When we were attacking Westerburg, for a full seven days!

Every time our army reorganized its defense, they would scatter it once more.

They were the first opponents I’ve seen that neither cannon fire nor Spiritual Energy could resolve.

Ha, plague, if it weren’t for those mages using that thing, our battle at Westerburg would likely have turned into a sorry mess.”

“Back then, the Exploration Corps was far from having today’s organizational level.

Our firepower, personnel quality, and logistics were all quite average at the time, so much that we had to use that cruel war for training and to complete the final command system setup,”

General Soros shook his head as he spoke,

“If it were the Exploration Corps two years later carrying out the order to attack Westerburg, even the Winged Cavalry could no longer have interfered with our march.

Of course, I know you dislike such past-based hypotheses, so let me continue with the report of that battle.

In the end, the Winged Cavalry left their wooded hills, finally allowing our scouts to ascertain their current composition.