Chapter 274 Chapter274-The Desperate Earl
"At the same time, by releasing innocent civilians caught in the war, you will earn the honor befitting a noble," Madam Agate continued.
"Lord, releasing the two of us would be all benefit and no harm," Karlondo implored.
Howard glanced to his right, where Anna nodded and whispered, "Wislot City's economy ranks firmly at the top within the domain of Earl Nok."
Turning his head to the left, Margaret added softly, "Establishing a trade route with Wislot would significantly increase the customs and trade taxes for Castle Fernsouth in the future."
Addressing Madam Agate, Howard said, "You are wise and understand what I truly need. I look forward to future cooperation with the Wislot Merchants' Association."
He then decided to release Karlondo and Madam Agate.
After resolving these matters, Howard's army continued its march.
Upon surrounding Wislot City, they found it almost abandoned by its defending army.
The city gates opened to welcome Howard's arrival without a fight.
Wislot City chose to surrender peacefully.
Following the capture of Wislot, Howard's forces, without taking much time to rest, swiftly advanced towards Mibo's direct territories.
On paper, Hof's domain appeared undefended, as much of his military strength had been drawn to assist Mibo, a duty expected of Baron Gajasu.
However, after discussions between Howard and Resarite, it was suspected that Hof might have retained some hidden troops.
Castle Gajasu was likely not entirely unguarded.
Moreover, attacking a castle was different from seizing a city.
The defensive capabilities of a castle far exceeded those of a city.
The losses incurred from a direct assault on a castle would be much greater than those from attacking a city.
Therefore, Howard decided to head straight for Mibo instead.
Mibo's army was still advancing, unaware that Howard had already defeated the forces of Mayor Portwan.
Mibo, aged and with white whiskers, rode on horseback, striving to maintain an appearance of vigor despite his years.
His son, Ivan, rode alongside him.
As a bodyguard protecting his father, Ivan also sought to gain experience, hoping for an opportunity to earn his own land in the future.
Ivan lacked strategic insight and was convinced of his father's inevitable victory in the war.
While Mibo outwardly appeared relaxed, he was inwardly anxious.
In contrast, Ivan was already contemplating how to persuade his father to bestow upon him the title of Baron Fernsouth after the war.
At 54, Mibo, the Earl of Nok, held four baronies and could have granted one to his 31-year-old son, who was already married and settled.
However, Mibo, a former chief spy for the renowned Earl Layton, engaged in many clandestine operations under Layton's orders and was a man of experience.
He saw no signs of leadership or independence in Ivan and did not support his aspirations.
Times had changed since Mibo became Earl of Nok at 42.
Now at 54, his grip on his earldom was beginning to waver.
Finally resolving his internal conflict, Mibo promised to bestow a title on Ivan after winning the battle, though he did not specify the rank.
Ivan, yearning for a baronial title, was buoyed by high spirits.
The army marched at a steady pace across a grassland blanketed with autumn leaves, silently progressing along the road like a slumbering lion.
However, this tranquility was abruptly shattered by the arrival of Mayor Portwan.
Portwan, awkwardly riding his horse, appeared rather comical as he hurriedly traversed the slightly elevated path to reach Mibo's side.
He breathlessly informed Mibo that his entire army had been annihilated.
Before Mibo could even respond, Ivan exploded in anger: "Nonsense! How could 1500 men under your command be defeated so quickly? Don't you have control over Wislot City? How could the enemy have conquered it so swiftly?"
Ivan's outburst, though impetuous, raised valid questions.
Mibo, seasoned and experienced, was no longer capable of shock or surprise.
His heart sank with every word Portwan spoke, ushering in feelings of discomfort and pain.
Although he outwardly appeared calm, contemplating the next steps in the war, he was actually falling into a state worse than rage.
This condition was one of utter demoralization.
For a commander, few situations are more detrimental than this.
While fury can lead to a vigorous response, and thorough complaints can pave the way for strategic thinking, the devastating reality of a terrible defeat, heavy casualties, and disastrous outcomes can completely sap a commander's will to fight.
At this moment, Mibo still maintained an appearance of valiant effort.
He tried to convince himself not to dwell on the disastrous loss of 1500 men, but the more he attempted to divert his thoughts, the heavier his heart grew, trapping him in a vicious cycle of negative thinking.
Meanwhile, Portwan, facing Ivan's accusations, bowed his head in silence, choosing not to respond and letting his quietude speak for him.
Portwan's mindset was typical of a city mayor.
Being just the head of a city, he believed it unreasonable to blame him excessively for a military defeat.
If there were issues with the city's taxation, perhaps he could be held accountable, but warfare was not his forte.
Being forced into combat and then facing defeat, who could he really be blamed on? Surely not him.
Mibo, still lost in a daze, mechanically murmured, "Let it be. It's no use blaming him; he was never adept at warfare. Let's focus on what to do next."
Hof, mounted on a striking black stallion and donning shining armor, intentionally stayed at the rear of the troops.
On witnessing the unfolding events, he rode forward to understand the situation.
He showed no interest in how Portwan lost but was quick to propose a solution to Mibo: "My lord, it seems Howard truly has some skill. Perhaps we should consider negotiating peace with him. A financial compensation might suffice to sign a ceasefire agreement. Howard would still remain your vassal and would support your wars if called upon."
Mibo, angered, retorted, "What are you thinking, Hof? If you're scared, you can leave. Don't demoralize my army."
Hof cunningly replied, "You misunderstand me, my lord. As your vassal, providing troops for your war is my duty, and I certainly cannot leave. I'm not trying to weaken your resolve. I have previously clashed with Howard, and that encounter at..."
Before Hof could finish recounting the incident at Castle Fernsouth, Mibo, pained, shook his head, signaling Hof to speak no further.
In the subsequent march, it was evident that Mibo's army's morale had significantly declined.
Hof's contingent was too small, and even after joining forces with Mibo's direct territorial troops, their numbers barely crossed the 2,000 mark.
They had initially counted on Portwan's forces, but that hope had now been dashed.
Portwan suggested to Mibo to return and defend the castle, but Ivan rebuffed the idea.
Hof urged Mibo to negotiate with Howard, but both Mibo and Ivan disagreed with his proposal.
Three days later, Mibo's army, still on the move, fell into an ambush set by Howard's forces.
Howard's army had been lying in wait in the forest for a day, having halted their advance on Resarite's advice.
Resarite believed the terrain of the forest was ideal for an ambush and had ordered the troops to hide in situ.
Now, they finally awaited Mibo's army.
As Mibo's vanguard entered the forest, Bosiden was eager to attack, but Howard restrained him.
Following the vanguard, the core of heavy infantry slowly advanced.
Margaret licked her dagger and, in response to Howard's concerned look, flashed a sweet smile.
By the time Mibo's main forces entered, the vanguard was within a stone's throw from Howard's position across a river.
A decision had to be made: to spring the trap now or wait for a greater victory.
Resarite suggested waiting for a bigger catch, leaving Howard in a moment of hesitation.
At that moment, Howard noticed the movement of Mibo's rearguard troops and stood up, roaring, "Attack! We have them surrounded!"
With Howard's command, a thunderous roar erupted from the soldiers, and the seemingly empty forest suddenly seemed to teem with a ten-thousand-strong army.
Resarite didn't quite grasp the situation, but Howard quickly pointed towards Hof's contingent at the rear of Mibo's army, explaining urgently,
"Hof had already noticed our ambush. Earlier, I saw him hesitating to enter, moving around the perimeter with a few light cavalry. That's when I realized what was happening. I cannot leave the success of our strategy in the hands of the enemy. We must strike now!"
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