Two weeks passed by so quickly. During that period of time, Ryntum Weekly reported the summary findings of the conference to the public. Through the same newspaper, the king announced the adoption of Ryntum Standard Time for the entire kingdom to solve the unsynchronized city halls' operational time for government-related affairs.
The move was welcomed by all parties, especially businessmen and businesswomen. Even though the rule only applies to government organizations, many businesses are thinking of adopting it as well.
Also, clock towers are expected to be built near every city hall to act as a time indicator for locals and visitors.
....
Eikadir,
Under the dawn light of March, the army of 50,000 strong lines up in a neat formation. The mix of cavalry and infantry was divided into multiple battalions and regiments.
Sitting atop her black horse, Lieutenant General Sarika Klover stares blankly at the tranquil scenery of the morning. Her short silky blonde hair fluttered in the wind, shining like a golden thread. Despite Sarika's stone-cold expression, her beauty barely faded. Her custom-made armour hadn't done a very good job of hiding her curvaceous figure. Known as a yellow jessamine of Klover, Sarika is a beautiful yet dangerous approach.
Such a woman in her early twenties was trusted with the important task of launching the initial attack, subsequently, declaring a surprise war on the southern nations on behalf of Barlia.
Not anyone could get the honour to do so, not even her actually. Sarika herself was aware of the burden she had to carry. Failure wasn't an option for a woman like her. The principality has splurged so many resources into this operation. If she wants to stay alive, she better not take this lightly. The chance she got now thanks to her ducal family of Klover pulled some string in the shadow.
As the only child and an heir, her position is currently a bit shaky. Despite being pressured from all sides, her father isn't willing to nominate a male from the branch families as an heir. Hence, she was sent here with the expectation that she would prove herself by racking up tons of military achievements. All in order to strengthen her claims and chase away the lurking wolves who coveted the territory. Not that Sarika can't understand why they did so. Due to the strategic location of Krigos, Klover Duchy becomes the richest region after the crown land. It's not odd that they would want it.
Since she rejected all the marriage proposals that come her way, those bastards would definitely take a different approach to snatch the duchy. Without a doubt, they won't sit back and watch her make a name for herself. She bet they would try to eliminate her in war.
"Ma'am Lieutenant, everything has been sorted. We're all waiting for your order." Her subordinate, Major General Nolan of the 1st Division reported.
"Is that so?" Her emerald green eyes shift to the side, looking at Nolan. Putting her helmet on, Sarika said, "Then, let's depart for Dunston. It's an easy town to take with our strength and can be a catalyst to raise the morale of our troops."
Neigh—
The massive army begins moving to the west. Sarika had not yet planned to attack multiple targets even though she had confidence they'll succeed. As much as she wishes to do so, she had to take into account the current logistical situation. It's all fun and games until they run out of food.
Two hours after midday passed and they finally see the deteriorated wall of Dunston. Her seductive lips parted slightly, showing her surprise at the sight of the city.
"Nolan." She muttered in a low voice.
"Yes, miss?" Nolan who acts as her adjutant comes closer to her side.
Pointing at a distant wall, she asks, "Explain this to me. Is this the border town, Dunston?"
The condition of the town is way below Sarika's expectations. Her initial thought of an imposing, formidable and impregnable border town crumbled in a matter of seconds. She only ever travelled to Whitrere, a port town, in the south and never would she have considered coming here if it weren't for the predicament her family was in.
Sarika clenched her teeth and tightened her grip on the horse's rein. 'No wonder old bastards didn't show any objection when I was appointed. What kind of ability can I showcase by facing a rotting kingdom?'
Ignoring her reaction, Nolan obediently explains the current affair of the south. "Two years ago, the Bagyarosia Kingdom declined due to internal conflict. Eventually, they lost all their territory except Caushilbo Region where we're currently in. The current ruler is Niall Napuna Bagyarosia who is residing at Westmewesto. He had no exceptional talent and was pretty average."
"So, we can expect to finish devouring this kingdom in a short amount of time, right?" Sarika asked. Before her superior arrived with another troop, she might as well use this opportunity to conquer cities on her own.
Nolan looks straight into her eyes, "It is undoubtedly feasible to accomplish."
The corner of her lips curls upwards, "Good. Order the 7th regiment to bring the artillery to the front. It shouldn't take too long to destroy the wall."
By now, Sarika can hear the murmurs coming from the town.
Should she care? Absolutely not.
A heavy cannon was pulled to the front behind by tens of horses. Compare to the cannons belonging to Ryntum, this one looks so crude and weighs several times more. It was so heavy that the Barlians had trouble transporting it on the ship. Nevertheless, if Riz was present, he would applaud for their tenacity to catch up with him.
*Boom*
The cannons spew out iron balls. Due to the explosion, the cannons become dangerously hot. It'll take a while for it to cool down.
On the first round of bombardment, the wall couldn't stand the impact of high-speed cannonballs and helplessly crumbled.
Sarika was dumbfounded. She accidentally blurts out, "That's it? Tsk, what a waste of cannonballs! I should just besiege the town and force them to surrender. What do you think, Nolan? Should we wait for a while?"
Shaking his head, Nolan had a different approach, "I think we should enter and paralyze the leadership in the city before they escape. I would do us more harm than good if the news about our invasion spread before we can properly establish a foothold."
"Hm~ Let's do that. I don't think they can put up a fight against us."
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