Chapter 340: William’s Fear

What are you trying to do? Prince Henrick.

At Henricks camp.

As soon as he arrived, William asked that question and glared at Henrick.

His glare was so intense that the general by Henricks side started sweating cold.

His anger is obvious and the reason for that is clear as day.

Henrick did not deliver the supply that he was supposed to deliver to Williams camp.

However, even in the face of William, Henrick was still carefree. Rather than firm, his attitude belongs to a person who is slow in the head but to the generals who hate William, such an attitude looked reliable.

Whats with you all of a sudden? Prince William.

Please stop pretending. You are supposed to transport the supply to my army.

Thats right. But we dont have enough you see. I only brought enough to feed my army. Yours was not included.

Stop fooling around! Do you want to starve the soldiers that are fighting on the frontline!?

It would be wrong for you to take your anger out on me. Our side has agreed to not interfere with how the United Kingdom and the Dominion handle the supply right. The amount of supply they sent us is sparse at best. I should be the one asking that question, no?

The reason for that should have been explained already! There was a thief who recently appeared in the Dominion that is targeting our supply convoy! We have already increased the number of escorts for the convoy as well!

But there is still no result, yes? Why dont you head there to see the situation yourself?

.you want me to leave the frontline?

William is now clearly aware of Henricks intention.

The reason he didnt deliver the supply is that he doesnt want William in the battle anymore.

If William is gone, the command would be given to Henrick instead as he is the second in rank.

Although Henricks action is a clear act of sabotage, their supply transportation was indeed delayed.

Reiners supply management is excellent but that still isnt enough to combat the shortage of supply. And to top it off, Williams original supply was also burned.

Right now the room is strongly against William. Even if he voices his complaints, there will surely be a few who will stand up to defend Henrick.

Even Gordon will see this as a battle for credit on the frontline and wont interfere.

William has no hand to play here.

You are the United Kingdoms Dragon Prince. You have your reputations. Even if you retire from this place, nobody would think less of you.

I couldnt care less about that. All I care about is how to take down Leonards castle. You think you can do that by yourself?

They are just a defeated general and his army. Even if they received some supply, they cant possibly stand a chance against me.

Then I want to ask you one thing.what is your battle record?

This is my first battle.

Our opponent is the Hero Prince, not just some bandit you know!? He fought against a Sea Dragon in the Principality, he defeated Demons and even Duke Kruger in the south! Dont you know that!?

His achievements have never been one that includes leading a large army! Even if he is skilled as an individual, it doesnt mean that he is a good general!

That person always has someone who can compensate for his shortcomings at his side! That is already enough proof that he is a good general! Look at the reality, even if we got him surrounded, we still can not take the castle!

Anyone can do that much if they just hold themselves in a castle!

Dont bark nonsense when you have never done it even once yourself! A Prince who never starves will never understand! A siege battle is a terrible test of patience! It is something that truly tests a general! Right now none of Leonards soldiers has deserted or betrayed him! Its clear that he has complete control of his army!

After he roared at Henrick, William glances at the nearby generals.

William didnt go so far for his own sake.

He knows that if he leaves this place to Henrick, they will lose.

The dominance Gordons faction currently has will be blown away.

Leo will be able to move unchecked. They will have to give up the advantage they have acquired and take a defensive stance instead.

Once an advantage is lost to the enemy, it is difficult to regain it. The opportunistic nobles of the north might make their move.

That was Williams fear.

Figuratively speaking, a prince is someone the army will rally under. The ones moving that army are the generals. Are you all confident that the enemy will not break through the encirclement?

The enemy aims to earn time. They will not launch an assault. Please rest assured.

Thats it, Prince William. No one is saying anything about attacking the castle. This is only a trip for you to confirm the situation of your home country while we keep this place safe and firm for you.

William clenched his teeth so much that the sound is audible to the generals.

They will not go on an offensive?

Who is going to guarantee that?

Who can guarantee that a prince who refused to deliver the supply because he wanted to raise a military achievement of his own will not arbitrarily attack the castle?

He cant imagine these generals stopping the prince either.

If that happens, the soldiers on the frontline will become sacrifices.

The army under Williams direct command includes the Black Dragon Knights, several Dragon Knights, and about 3,000 soldiers of the United Kingdom.

Ordering them to withdraw would be easy but asking the others to do the same will be difficult.

.Fine. I am going to confirm the situation back in my home country. My direct subordinates and soldiers who wish to fall back will withdraw to the rear. Is this good enough?

Yes, please do so. If there are such soldiers that is.

William left the place while Henrick saw him off with a sarcastic smile.

The situation was serious.

Initially, Leos main army has about 20,000 soldiers in the castle. However, William estimated that only about half that number could fight given that there were many injured in their rout.

Thats why William deployed 20,000 soldiers to encircle the castle. After all, there was no other army that could help Leo break the siege.

His only concern, the Imperial Army numbering 20,000 is being restricted by Gordon.

It was a perfect setup. However, the enemy managed to resupply by air transportation.

Leos main army which now has more soldiers that can fight has become more dangerous.

Thats the reason he asked for reinforcements. However, Henrick had no intention of cooperating with William.

That is the current situation. My direct subordinates will be withdrawing to the rear. Prince Henrick will assume commands when Im away. Those who do not wish to stay can withdraw to the rear with them.

William sighed to himself while telling the generals of the news.

He thought that no one would follow him.

However, one general raised his voice.

There are many injured men in my unit. I wish to withdraw to the rear with Prince William.

General Fidessa..

It was an unexpected person.

Together with General Bartel who passed away in battle, Fidessa should have hated William the most.

Why is he following him now?

That question struck William.

No one else wishes to withdraw?

General Fidessa. I wont say anything bad but please dont do it.

Why?

Prince Henrick is the younger brother of His Highness Gordon. Even if they are only half-related by blood, he is often appointed to important posts like this. If you go against him, your position will be jeopardized, no?

Hmph..my life is much more important. I dont want to die under an incompetent commander.

Saying so, Fidessa heads to Williams side.

He then showed William a sword.

This is Bartels sword. He swore that he would win this war for His Highness Gordon with it. I cant allow his death to go to waste. Please take my men with you.

I understand. I will arrange it.

After saying that, William turned his eyes to the remaining generals.

Nobody looked at William.

Having no other choice but to give up, William dismisses them.

I thought that you hated me.

If I have to pick between like or hate then I guess hate would be correct.

Then why?

Prince Leonard cannot be stopped by a prince who has never fought a war. Unlike when I and Bartel launched our attack, their strength is recovering. If you are gone, it will surely give them the opportunity to move.

His thoughts are in line with Williams fear.

Bartel and Fidessa didnt attack Leos army without a chance of winning.

They got the table turned against them in the end but pursuing a routed army is not a wrong tactic.

Fidessa who climbed to the rank of general with his own ability can see the same thing William is seeing.

Do you think that they can stop him?

Impossible. The generals at Prince Henricks side are those who refused to follow you when you set out. They dont understand the situation and they are not willing to give up the credit on the front line.

Gordons faction has one miscalculation. The number of generals that joined his side was not as much as he expected.

Although the number of soldiers and commanders joining him is gradually increasing, there are only a few generals that have a proven track record.

Gordon, who failed the rebellion at the Imperial Capital, has little chance of winning.

The excellent generals would be able to see that much and choose not to move.

Thats why they are greatly shorthanded.

we must avoid a huge loss at all cost.

Certainly.

I will head to the rear but you should lead the troops and remain nearby. It would be great if nothing happened but in case that our ally is routed, please go help them.

Thats a good idea.

William straddles on his dragon after entrusting it to Fidessa to deal with the situation in case of emergency.

Confirming their supply situation is something that William has to deal with sooner or later.

Telling himself that he is just doing this earlier than expected, William went up into the sky.

It seems that we can not settle our score yet huh, Leonard.

At the Imperial Capital, and a series of exchanges here.

He still can not settle the score with this prince who he perceived as a strong foe.

However, if Henrick loses here, his chance will arrive soon.

Lets postpone our duel until the time comes

Muttering so, William headed to Henricks camp to inform him of his withdrawal.

And after a while, Leos camp confirmed that the Dragon Knights have withdrawn from the frontline.

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