The Medallion

Chapter 1956 Value In Use

"Yes, Your Royal Highness." Israel cupped his hands and accepted the order with a firm resolve.

Meanwhile, Gilbert and Rocky were still resting at the defensive position that they had just taken when they received the order to withdraw. It was Zain's order that they go back with their army in order for them to rest.

"It seems that everything is going exactly as you expected. The prince doesn't want us to take major credits in this battle with Enoch." After receiving the military order, Gilbert could just sneakily smile at Rocky.

Zain's actions were within Rocky's calculations, and everything was proceeding well.

"Then, let's follow the order and go back to have a rest. At this point, I'm sure that Prince Zain is yet to realize that the three defensive positions we have conquered are actually just a part of Enoch's bait. If we continue fighting against Enoch's soldiers from here on, we are just going to fall into their trap," Rocky said, analyzing the current situation.

One day later, the Ghost Fief's army arrived at the base camp and grabbed the opportunity to take a break. On the other hand, Israel, who was ordered to lead the spearhead, set out and continued attacking the other defensive positions.

However, three days later, not only was Israel not able to seize a single defensive position more, he also lost two of the three defensive positions that Gilbert and Rocky had seized in the past few days. Moreover, many soldiers were either killed or injured, dealing the royal army some significant damage.

Upon hearing the news, Zain asked Israel to withdraw the army. At this point, he finally realized that something wrong was going on.

"Forgive me, Your Royal Highness. I will accept any form of punishment!" As soon as Israel saw Zain, he bowed down and apologized for his failure.

"Stop that. It's not entirely your fault. I was also too careless, not expecting that my uncle would use those three defensive positions as bait to lure us. I must admit that his slyness is not to be underestimated!" After saying that, Zain couldn't help but glance at Gilbert and Rocky. At this moment, he began to suspect that the two might have already known about this beforehand, so they had the guts to volunteer for the tedious task.

However, Zain also realized that it was he who ordered Gilbert and Rocky to withdraw their army. If he hadn't done this, then it was them who might have fallen into Enoch's trap. Hence, he really had no definitive evidence to blame them.

"Your Royal Highness, what are you planning to do next?" Adrian asked, acting like he was worried about the situation.

"I need some time to think about it. In this most recent battle, we were set up by our enemies, and the morale of our men was greatly affected. I think it will be for the best if we let them rest for at least two days. After I analyze the terrain, I will come up with the next plan. The rest of you, go back and try to get some rest!" Zain said and waved his hand, gesturing for them to leave.

After that, Israel and the commanders left Zain's tent one by one.

However, just as Rocky and Gilbert were about to leave, Zain suddenly called Rocky out. "Odin, please remain for a while."

"Yes, Your Royal Highness, what can I do for you?" Rocky asked as he turned towards Zain.

"I want to speak with you alone," Zain replied with a straight face.

Hearing this, Rocky nodded at Gilbert, signaling that he could leave the tent without him.

When Gilbert was finally gone, Rocky returned to his original seat.

"Odin, let me thank you for healing me. By now, I have almost fully recovered," Zain remarked, thanking Rocky first before he got to his main point.

"I see. That's good to hear. I just hope that you won't forget your promise, Your Royal Highness," Rocky replied rather calmly.

"Of course, I won't. After this battle, it will just be a matter of time before I took over my father's position. When that time comes, I will remove and replace the leaders of most of the fiefs," Zain said, affirming that he would hold his end of their deal.

"Your Royal Highness, what do you really want to talk about? I don't think that's all you want to tell me. Am I right?" Rocky asked, going straight to the point.

"You really are a smart fellow, Odin. Then, let me also ask without further ado. I want you to tell me what you think of the current situation of the two armies." Obviously, Zain asked this to test Rocky.

"Do you really want to know, Your Royal Highness?" Rocky asked as his eyes slightly narrowed.

"Yes, of course. I do value your input."

"Then, please forgive me if what I'm about to say will offend you, Your Royal Highness," Rocky said, cupping his hands. "First of all, I think that the military tactic you are implementing is too rigid."

"Rigid? Then, what do you suggest so that we can proceed smoothly?" Zain asked with furrowed brows.

"Please remember that in a battle between two armies, aside from wisdom and courage, one must need to focus on the changes in the battlefield. The one who can make better and faster adjustments will be able to take the upper hand." Then, Rocky continued, "For example, after the Ghost Fief's army easily seized those three defensive positions, you should have noticed right away that something was not right. However, you asked Israel and his army to continue attacking blindly."

"I agree. That part was really my fault," Zain openly admitted.

"Therefore, from here on, I advise you not to think too much about how to conquer the Red River Valley. Instead, I think it will be better if you let your uncle take the initiative to give up the Red River Valley," Rocky suggested.

"Make him give up the Red River Valley? Is that even possible?" Zain asked as if what Rocky said was completely unexpected.

"Everyone knows that the Red River Valley is not the only place that could lead to his territory. If you send some of the soldiers to attack the Wind Plain, Enoch will have to make a choice. It's either he defends the Red River Valley or the Wind Plain," Rocky explained. "Since the Wind Plain is easier to attack, Enoch will be forced to mobilize his forces and guard it. Right now, one of our advantages is the sheer number of our soldiers. So, once he sends his soldiers to defend the Wind Plain, that's when we can turn the battle around."

"I see. That's a very clever analysis!" Zain couldn't help but exclaim. But of course, it was just an act. In fact, he had already thought of such a small trick. However, he still went and asked Rocky for his idea in order to assure that he was really on his side in this battle.

Naturally, Rocky also knew what Zain was thinking, so he pretended to be loyal to the prince. This way, Zain would still trust him and keep him in the army.

"Your Royal Highness, I'm flattered to receive such praise. I'm glad to be of help. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave." Rocky then arched his hands and eventually left the tent.

The moment he stepped out, he saw Gilbert waiting for him right outside.

"So, what did the prince wanted to talk about?" Gilbert asked out of curiosity.

"Well, he just wanted to test my loyalty to him," Rocky answered casually.

"Test your loyalty? How did he do that?" Gilbert continued prying.

"He asked me to analyze and comment about the current situation of both parties," Rocky replied.

"I see. Did he suspect anything?" Gilbert asked in a worried tone.

"Well, he is not that stupid, so I know that he doubts us. But as long as we don't leave any evidence, he can't do anything to us." Knowing that Zain was not that easy to fool, Rocky ensured that he would keep his guards up all the time. Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

"Then, I guess we should start to take action," Gilbert declared in a low voice.

"I agree. If my hunch is right, Prince Zain will ask us and the Ghost Fief's army to attack Enoch's troops tomorrow. When that happens, I want you to ask Prince Zain to mobilize the troops at the border to assist us," Rocky instructed. He was very confident that everything was about to go according to his plan.

"The troops at the border?" After a short pause, Gilbert asked in confusion, "Why should we also mobilize the troops at the border?"

"I need to empty the border for the time being so that I can create an illusion for Enoch!" Rocky replied with a cunning smile.

"I still don't quite understand." Gilbert could just furrow his brows because he couldn't fathom what Rocky wanted to do.

"Enoch doesn't know how many soldiers we actually have. Moreover, I'm sure that if he realizes that we have more soldiers than what he anticipated, he will panic. If everything goes well, we might not even need to fight that much. In the end, we can break through the defense line of the Wind Plain without even attacking!"

"Oh, I see. That's what you're aiming for." Gilbert nodded and finally understood.

However, he didn't know that the main reason why Rocky wanted to mobilize the troops at the border was actually to make way for the independent army. He wanted them to take advantage of the opportunity to cross the border and carry out his mission.

Then, just as Rocky expected, Zain ordered the powerful troops of the Ghost Fief to go to the Wind Plain the following day. They were instructed to pretend to launch a strong attack so that Enoch would send his soldiers to guard the Wind Plain.

Meanwhile, according to Rocky's plan, Gilbert also asked Zain to give him the right to command the troops at the border. With this, they could serve as reinforcements to the army of the Ghost Fief whenever necessary. Although Zain had some doubts at first, considering that the Ghost Fief's army was still of big use to him, he eventually agreed to Gilbert's request.