440: Chapter 61, The Tragedy of Orton_1 440: Chapter 61, The Tragedy of Orton_1 In Dapes City, after two days of searching, traces of the Orc Army have finally been discovered.
However, upon looking at the incoming intelligence report, Chancellor Hercheg was completely bewildered.
As a civil official, presiding over a military council meeting was like trying to herd a duck onto a perch.
During these desperate times, it was perfectly normal that he could not understand the strategic intentions of the Orc Army.
If he did understand, it would actually spell disaster.
If an amateur player could see through a strategic plan, then it would be an overt plot right out in the open with a known but unsolvable ending.
“According to the messages from the nobles along the way, the Orc Army continuously moved in the southwest direction, and none of the Noble Castles along their path were touched.
They targeted the Orton Duchy directly.
Why would they risk being cut off from support and venture deep into enemy territory for a small Duchy?
It’s impossible to read.”
Chancellor Hercheg complained helplessly.
While it was unclear what motivated the Orcs, the current situation was not the worst.
If the war reaches the Orton Duchy, the supply line from the Moxi Duchy would be reduced by one, but the pressure of warfare would drastically decrease.
As for how big the future impact will be, that can’t be determined for now.
In the short term, this could serve as a breather for the Moxi Duchy.
Nobles everywhere are frantically expanding their armies and preparing for war.
The longer this is dragged on, the more prepared everyone will be.
Even if attacked by the Orc Army, they will be able to hold out for a few more days.
“Could the Orcs be intending to encircle and cut us off from communicating with neighboring countries, and then attack us from both sides?
A similar strategy was implemented in a major war 150 years ago when the Orcs attacked the Alpha Kingdom.
Caught off guard, the Alpha Kingdom suffered heavy losses, and the Capital City of Canglan fell into the hands of the Orcs.”
Reynato couldn’t help but speculate.
As the Minister of Foreign Affairs, he was very familiar with the histories of various countries due to his professional responsibilities.
Seeing the movements of the Orc Army, he couldn’t help but interpret them in historical context.
“That’s unlikely.
Our current situation is different from that of the Alpha Kingdom at the time.
Now Dapes City is directly exposed to the Orc Army.
There is no need for them to encircle and cut us off.
Perhaps the Orcs want to march straight in, causing endless slaughter on the Northern Lands, luring other races into this war.
Or perhaps there’s something they are determined to get from the Orton Duchy, and they are willing to adjust their combat plan for it.”
Military Minister Martins carefully analyzed.
To drag others into the conflict, it’s a common tactic to stir up some trouble, sending a message to the outside world that humans are on the brink of collapse.
There are countless instances of waging wars over prized items, let alone now when it’s merely about altering a battle plan.
Both outcomes are possible, and both serve to confuse.
The truth will only be revealed once the Orcs make their move.
The only consolation is that the unfortunate Orton Duchy is relatively weaker.
Even if we couldn’t inform them in time, the most we’ll receive is some complaints, they can’t do much to us.
If they can’t guess the outcome, they won’t bother trying.
While they do feel some guilt towards their allies, but there’s nothing they can do.
…
“News of victory!”
Just as the meeting concluded, the regiment commander of the Heshi Gryphon Cavalry Regiment brought in an urgent battle report from the frontlines, pulling everyone back into the meeting.
As the senior leaders of the Duchy, such incidents had occurred countless times since the outbreak of war.
Working overtime had become a luxury.
Being roused in the middle of the night to deal with emergency matters was routine.
Their wealth and prosperity were tied to the fate of the Duchy, and they all had no option but to carry on.
…
“This is impossible!”
Chancellor Hercheg exclaimed, losing his composure.
Receiving news of victory was a good thing, but the victory reported here was too exaggerated.
He knew very well that the frontline had a habit of exaggerating achievements.
But overall, everyone kept to a balance.
Typically they would slightly inflate their merits, but this report appeared more of a “multiplied by ten” exaggeration.
“Your Excellency, Prime Minister, Marshal Hodge has verified the contents of this report.
While it may contain some embellishments, it does not deviate significantly from the truth.
In addition to the Memory Stone records provided by the Expeditionary Army, our people have also conducted investigations on the battlefield.
Even the war flag of the Bearman Imperial Court ended up in the hands of Earl Hudson.”
Kampars explained.
A highly alarming piece of news would certainly cause doubts.
Even urgent news of victories would inevitably be subjected to initial verification of their authenticity.
After a momentary lapse, Chancellor Hercheg quickly regained his composure.
The recent events had been overwhelming, yet they had strengthened his ability to handle shock.
Things that went against the norm could not disprove concrete evidence.
Anything else could be fabricated, but the war flag of the Bearman Imperial Court couldn’t be.
Being able to seize the enemy’s war flag from the heart of the Bearman Imperial Court ensured a great victory.
Defeating an Elite Bearman Regiment and crippling two or three Cannon Fodder Legions seemed plausible.
While he rejoiced, he couldn’t help but feel a hint of sorrow.
Since the start of the war, the Moxi Duchy hadn’t produced any significant fighters.
Surprisingly, the best fighters turned out to be the reinforcement troops from their allies.
Marshal Hodge was indeed steady, but he lacked offensive ability.
Despite their thoughts, none of them considered changing the commander-in-chief.
Having an aggressive commander would be a good thing, but depending on the timing.
Given the current situation in the Moxi Duchy, if they were to appoint an overly ambitious commander, the chances of losing everything would significantly increase, without necessarily turning defeat into victory.