Chapter 237: Encountering the Enemy

Chapter 237: Encountering the Enemy

TL: Etude

The Alda army was marching on a dirt road across the plains. The weather was sunny and bright today. Although there was a slight chill in the air in the northwest bay area during March and April, the soldiers were still sweating profusely after a long march.

Despite it being past noon, the troops hadnt eaten yet. Since they were close to Fort Bidou, the commanding officer, Bryce, decided to reach the destination first and then allow the entire army to have their meal after setting up camp.

Platoon leader, when are we going to eat?

Josh, rubbing his stomach, heard it growl in protest.

Were almost at Fort Bidou! Once we get there, well have a lovely lunch! Really, cant you handle a bit of hunger?

Makarov took out a paper-wrapped package from his marching backpack and tossed it to Josh. One piece each, this will tide us over for now.Folloow current novÊls on nov/3lb((in).(co/m)

Platoon leader, what is this?

Biscuits from the Flying Dragon Pavilion, you guys are lucky. Theyre a steal.

The Flying Dragon Pavilion? Is that the new restaurant at the entrance of the town?

Ive been there. Their cuisine is said to come from some place in the south. Its delicious.

These biscuits are also a southern style

After munching on the biscuits, singing could be heard from the front. It wasnt clear who started it, but Josh and his peers listened closely and recognized it as the recently popular Ode to Count Grayman in the camp.

Paul Grayman~ Count, my lord!

Deploying soldiers from all over the territory~

Twelve elite squadrons~ Sixty bullets per person~

He said~ Brave men, I look forward to fighting alongside you~

The enemy covets our farms and mines~ And thousands in our treasury~

Dont you act like a bear~ Let the enemy know were not easy to mess with~

Despite sounding a bit silly, the slightly humorous lyrics combined with the tune were indeed suitable for marching.

In the open space within the square, the transportation companys supplies were placed, and the soldiers from the transportation company also joined the formation.

Besides the supplies, the artillery company was also positioned in the middle of the open space. The artillery members unloaded the cannons and ammunition, preparing to fire. Due to the sudden situation and the enemy cavalrys rapid approach, they couldnt set up the cannons outside the square and had to make ready within the formation, waiting for the right moment.

After a period of frantic activity, the Alda army quietly awaited the enemys arrival.

Standing on a hastily constructed platform made of ammunition boxes, Bryce, Joyce, and two deputy battalion commanders observed the situation ahead through binoculars.

Judging by the flags, the cavalry rushing towards us is from the Heller family, and those two groups chasing them must be from the Kent familyour enemies!

Have our allies already been defeated, leaving only these few survivors?

Dont jump to conclusions. Lets deal with the cavalry in front of us and then decide about the Hellers people!

Derrick Heller led his knights in a frantic charge northward. Due to the flat terrain ahead, he saw the Alda army from a distance.

At first, he thought they were enemy troops set to intercept him. Their quick transition from marching formation to a strange square formation indicated an extremely elite force; something his conscripted militia could never achieve.

As he prepared for a desperate fight, he gradually made out the flag of the approaching troopsa bright red flag emblazoned with a golden dragon.

It was the army of their ally, Alda. Derrick felt a sense of relief, although he had been complaining about their delay just that morning.

He raised his lance high, letting the Heller family flag flutter in the wind.

Fortunately, the other side recognized him. A figure who appeared to be a commander in the square gestured to the right repeatedly.

Derrick understood the signal, telling him to pass by the right side of the squarehis left. He knew the importance of not disturbing the formation during a dangerous encounter with the enemy. So, he gestured to his knights, and they veered left. The Heller familys troops quickly passed by the square formation, exhausted and ready to find a place to rest behind the lines.

As they passed by the square, Derrick estimated the Alda armys strength at over a thousand men.

He worried whether this number could withstand the charge of several hundred Kent family cavalry. Moreover, the defensive square they formed wasnt solid, with only three thin layers of soldiers on the perimeter.

Even more puzzling was the guns in the soldiers handstoo short and oddly shaped.

He prayed to the heavens for their protection.

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