Chapter 331: Gordon’s Subordinates

Eastside of the Empires northern region.

Aside from Leos army that is fighting in a siege battle on the west side of Gordons base, there was an army facing down Gordons at the south.

It was an army that was judged to be trustworthy among the whole Imperial army.

The general of that army is called Harnisch.

He is a young man in his late twenties who was originally an adjutant to General Estman.

During the rebellion in the Imperial Capital, he was involved in the reconstruction of the South and came to serve under Leo by the recommendation of General Estman.

Including the 3,000 men who served General Estman who is now half-retired due to the loss of one of his legs, and 10,000 men of his own, he is leading a total of 13,000 soldiers.

Angry at what the rebels did to General Estman who he looks up to as his father, he came out to the battlefield to take his anger out on Gordon but now he has no choice but to seal his anger.

Did the enemy make any move?

None, sir.

Harnisch sighed at the unchanging reply and stared at the enemy army.

He wants to go rescue Leos main army but the opposing army does not allow that.

The enemy army consisted of 20,000 soldiers.

The general leading that army is Gordon himself.

He really looked down on us.

The reason why the enemy supreme commander came out here personally is to say that he is confident that he can not be defeated by the likes of Harnisch.

He had been tempted to break that prideful attitude many times but he managed to restrain himself.

Gordon might be restraining Harnischs army right now but on the contrary, it could be said that Harnisch is also restraining Gordon.

20,000 enemy soldiers coupled with the enemys supreme commander. Its not so bad if you put it like that.

Of course, this will not improve the situation. However, the situation will not worsen as well.

What about the letter?

We received another one, sir. This one is signed by Gordon as well.

If it was signed by Her Highness Lizelotte then I would have framed it and hung it inside my room though. Burn it, I have no need for such a letter.

Yes, sir.

He read the first one but he never read any subsequent letters from Gordon.

Gordon stated his wish for Harnisch to join him.

Of course, Harnisch understands why he would wish for that.

Surprisingly, only a few generals of the Imperial Army have joined Gordons side. There are still many armies that can breathe down on Gordons neck.

However, most of them chose a wait-and-see approach. After all, Gordon failed his attempted rebellion at the Imperial Capital.

Whether to jump on board with Gordon when he already missed his greatest opportunity. That was the question that made many generals hesitate.

The Emperor is aware of that. Thats why he only sent the trustworthy generals to the frontline.

However, if Harnisch switches over to Gordons side, the momentum will change.

If Harnisch, who originally didnt belong to Gordons faction, chooses to join his side, it will indicate that Gordon has the advantage. All the generals that sway toward Gordons side will choose to join him.

That was Gordons aim.

Hmph, ridiculous.

Harnisch suspects that it is a suggestion from the influential noble on Gordons side.

After all, Gordons army is only blocking his path to join Leos main army but not cut off his withdrawal route.

Even if they cant come to an agreement, the momentum will still change if they can get him to withdraw.

After all, withdrawing here means abandoning Leo.

How shrewd.

It is a strategy that can not be done without political skills. One that is aware of their own advantages.

If this is prolonged, it will only be harder on Leos side.

The alliance with the Sokal empire will not be finalized anytime soon either. After all, the Sokal empire has nothing to gain in this.

Moreover, it is Eric who is in charge of negotiating the alliance. Harnisch cant think of any reason why Eric would help Leo at all.

Damn you Duke Horsvath. He just keeps injecting something unnecessary into Gordons head.

Harnisch curses the name of the noble who currently should be at Gordons side while glaring at the enemy army.

There is no movement in the enemy army, Your Highness Gordon.

Hmph! I thought as much.

At Gordons camp.

There, a brown-haired middle-aged man is making his report to Gordon. The man with his characteristic calm and cold atmosphere was Rolf von Horsvath.

The family head of the prestigious Horsvath ducal house.

During the rebellion at the Imperial Capital, he chose Gordons side.

In this succession war, Rolf has set himself up with the Gordon faction while sending his second son to Eric faction as insurance.

It doesnt matter to him which one of them wins.

The Horsvath house will be able to maintain its status.

However, during the rebellion, he decided to bet on Gordon and took both his eldest son Gied and second son Reiner with him to join Gordon.

Seeing that Rolf had chosen Gordon, many nobles followed him. As a result, Rolf has a solid position in the Gordon faction.

Together with the knights under the command of his aristocrat followers, he possesses a sizable force and Gordon also respects his opinion.

Thats why Gordon followed Rolfs plan even though it was a roundabout plan that Gordon dislikes.

Duke Horsvath. It appears that William allowed the enemy to replenish their supply, do you think that we can still maintain this carefree attitude?

The situation hasnt changed, Your Highness. Even with all the supplies he received, all Prince Leonard can do is stay on the defensive. No matter how long he can hold out unless the situation changes, there will be no alliance with the Sokal empire.

You are saying that no reinforcement will come no matter how long he endured?

Exactly, Your Highness. And over time, more and more generals will convert to our side. His Highness William has also succeeded in seizing the enemys prototype weapon in exchange for allowing them to resupply. We have already begun analysis on it. Time is on our side.

Gordon nods at Rolfs reasoning.

He wanted to crush the army in front of him immediately but he cant help but let that desire go.

No matter how long it takes, he must guarantee his victory.

Gordon is now hungry for a win.

Knowing that, Rolf proposed an endurance battle. With the Empire being surrounded by enemy nations, the worst thing that can happen is the prolongation of this civil war.

Come to think of it, His Highness Henrick has submitted a request to be dispatched again.

Henrick huhdo you think he will betray us?

I wonder about that. Since he is the younger brother of Her Highness Zandra, it might be in his nature. However, he already has no place in the Empire. I doubt that he has the courage to betray us.

I agree. Conrad and Mother are acting separately from us after all. We do not have enough pawns. It would be bad to carelessly use one.

Then, how about we give him command of a unit?

Right. William will need reinforcements. I will appoint him as a commander. Let him take your eldest son with him.

As you wish. What about my second son, Reiner, Your Highness?

That one is excellent. We need him to take care of domestic affairs in Wismar so leave him there.

Yes, sir.

Finished giving his orders, Gordon stands up.

After all, he knows that the enemy army will never move.

I am going to sleep. Dont wake me up unless necessary.

As you wish.

Rolf said and reverently bowed.

While thinking that his gesture looked nothing but shady, Gordon ignored him.

No matter how much he doubts Rolf, he is still usable.

Its fine if Rolf chooses to betray him as well.

When the time comes he only needs to crush it.

Even if Rolf betrayed him, Gordons dominance in the north will not change.

I still have a trump card to play after all.

While muttering so, Gordon gets ready to sleep.

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