Lord Summoner's Freedom Philosophy: Grimoire of Love
Chapter 274: The Wolf Duke (2) Tricking The Duke

Chapter 274: The Wolf Duke (2) Tricking The Duke

Lyan, Borton, and their group reached the Crown Prince’s camp, nestled at the edge of Duke Ravindor’s territory. The camp was a hive of activity, soldiers moving with the purpose but a lingering sense of tension hanging in the air. Lyan immediately noticed the somber expressions on the faces of the Crown Prince Erich, Royal Knight Captain Julius, Vilgira the personal guard, and Arnold the army commander. They greeted Lyan and Borton with heavy hearts, their weariness evident.

"Lyan, Borton, it’s good to see you," Crown Prince Erich said, though his tone lacked its usual vigor.

"What happened?" Borton asked, frowning.

"We’ve been under constant attack by black-cloaked men," Julius explained. "The Duke’s specialized unit, the Crows. They strike swiftly and disappear into the shadows before we can mount a proper defense."

"Guerrilla tactics," Lyan muttered. "Effective in wearing down morale and supplies."

"Indeed," Arnold agreed, his face grim. "We can’t keep this up. We need a countermeasure."

They gathered in the command tent, a large map of the region spread out before them.

"Gentlemen, we’re having an issue. The Duke resorted to using his highly-skilled [Crows] unit that we don’t exactly know their numbers, their individual strength, and what they actually are. But what we know is that they are attacking our supply lines, hitting us with guerilla attacks, and making the army’s morale down as we need to have our guards up all the time," The crown prince begins. "I guess this is what the army that attempted to siege Arkansas felt when he was facing Lyan," Erich shrugged.

"Any suggestions, gentlemen?" (Julius)

The discussion began with Lyan proposing a straightforward plan. "We need to draw them out, force them into a confrontation where their hit-and-run tactics won’t work."

Arnold nodded, his eyes narrowing as he examined the map. "True, but how do we ensure they take the bait?"

Julius, with his sharp eyes added, "We need to make it appear as if we are vulnerable, perhaps spread our forces thin."

Vilgira, who had been silent until now, spoke up. "We could stage a supply convoy as bait. Make it look like an easy target."

Crown Prince Erich, leaning over the map, considered their words. "And when they strike, we surround them. But the Duke will expect a trap if it’s too obvious."

Lyan, his mind working quickly, suggested, "What if we use a multi-layered approach? Set up several decoys. Make them commit to one, then hit them with our main force."

Arnold’s eyes lit up. "Yes, we could use the terrain to our advantage. Funnel them into a killing zone."

Julius pointed to a narrow valley on the map. "Here. It’s perfect. We can position archers on the high ground and infantry at both ends."

Vilgira added, "And we’ll need to ensure the decoy convoy looks genuine. Send a mix of seasoned and green soldiers. Enough to make it convincing."

The room buzzed with the excitement of a solid plan forming. They debated details, refining strategies, and considering contingencies. It was a meeting of bright minds, each contributing to the larger picture.

Arnold suggested, "To make sure they don’t retreat too quickly, we need to block their escape routes subtly. Small, movable obstacles that can be deployed quickly."

Julius nodded. "And we should use our best trackers to follow any who manage to slip away. We can’t afford to let any of them return to the Duke with information."

Vilgira looked thoughtful. "We also need to consider their point of view. What would make them feel overconfident?"

Lyan smiled, "A show of weakness. Maybe even a controlled retreat after the first engagement to draw them deeper into our trap."

Erich, who had been listening intently, suddenly spoke up, his eyes gleaming with an unusual idea. "What if we turn the entire army into a decoy?"

The room fell silent, everyone turning to look at the Crown Prince. He continued, "We can create the illusion of a full-scale retreat, drawing the Duke’s forces out in pursuit. Meanwhile, a select group infiltrates the castle directly. If we can take the stronghold, the rest of the Duke’s forces will be in disarray."

Vilgira frowned. "It’s risky. If the Duke suspects the ruse, we could be walking into a trap ourselves."

Arnold considered this. "But it could also work in our favor. The Duke’s arrogance might blind him to the possibility."

Julius nodded slowly. "And if we coordinate it perfectly, we can strike from within and without simultaneously."

Lyan looked at the Crown Prince, impressed. "It’s a bold move, your highness. But it might just work. The key will be timing and coordination."

The Crown Prince’s plan was audacious but brilliant. They spent the next several hours hashing out the details, ensuring every aspect was covered. The atmosphere in the tent was charged with a renewed sense of purpose and determination.

The preparation for the attack began immediately. Soldiers moved with newfound urgency, knowing the success of the plan depended on their precise execution. Lyan and his men made sure the decoy convoy was prepared convincingly, while also readying their elite units for the infiltration.

As dawn broke, the army began its slow, deliberate march, each step calculated to entice the Duke’s forces into believing they were retreating. The tension was palpable, every soldier acutely aware of the danger and the stakes.

Lyan rode beside Crown Prince Erich, Julius, Vilgira, and Borton. The men around them moved with disciplined precision, their faces set in grim determination. As they approached the designated valley, Lyan could see the strategic points where their forces would take position.

The first skirmish happened quickly. The Crows appeared from the shadows, launching a swift attack on the seemingly vulnerable convoy. Just as planned, the convoy of soldiers fell back, feigning a disorderly retreat. The Crows, emboldened by what they saw as a successful ambush, pursued with confidence.

At the right moment, Arnold gave the signal. Archers rained arrows from the high ground, and infantry units emerged from hidden positions, cutting off the Crows’ escape routes. The battle was fierce, but the trap was well-set. Lyan fought alongside his men, his glaive flashing in the sunlight as he cut down enemies with precise strikes.

The Crows, realizing too late that they were surrounded, fought desperately. Lyan could see the fear and confusion in their eyes as they tried to find a way out. He pressed the attack, leading his men with a relentless drive.

In the midst of the battle, Julius called out, "We have them! Press forward!"

With a final, coordinated push, they broke the Crows’ formation, scattering the survivors. The victory was theirs, but Lyan knew this was only the beginning. They had to move quickly to keep the momentum.

As the Crows were being rounded up and the battlefield secured, Lyan regrouped with Erich, Julius, Vilgira, and Borton. "Now’s our chance," he said, wiping sweat from his brow. "We need to move on the stronghold."

The elite group gathered, their faces set with determination. They slipped away from the main army that continued their facade of retreating, crossing the terrain swiftly and silently. The moonlight cast eerie shadows as they approached the Duke’s castle.

The moat loomed ahead, dark and foreboding. They moved with practiced stealth, crossing the narrow bridge with care. The castle walls towered above them, but Lyan felt a surge of confidence. They had the element of surprise, and their plan was in motion.

Borton, walking beside Lyan, murmured, "I never thought we’d be marching along with the Crown Prince."

Lyan smiled, his gaze fixed on the castle ahead. "Neither did I, old friend. But tonight, we make history."

They reached the castle walls, ready for the final phase of their plan. The night was still, the air charged with anticipation. The next moments would determine the fate of their mission and the future of the realm.

The Chapter ends with the five of them standing resolute, shadows cast long by the moonlight, ready to bring the fight to the heart of the Duke’s power. The silent determination in their eyes spoke of the battles to come, and the unyielding spirit that would carry them through.

The stage was set for a daring infiltration, the culmination of their strategy. But somehow, with this group, most of them thought the same thing

"This is getting exciting!"

_____________________________

Name: Lyan Arkanium Evocatore

Occupation: Mythril-ranked Mercenary, Unofficially Baron Evocatore of Grafen

Money: 3,775,710,950 Elnes / 3775 gold 71 big silver 9 big coppers 5 coppers

Weapon: Magic Glaive, 1 (Decent) One-handed Sword, 5 (Good-Quality) One-handed swords, 1 (Decent) bow, 1 Gryphon-Winged Sword

Equipment: 3 Black leather cloak, 2 Leather Armor, 2 Breastplate, 4 Health Potions, 2 Poison Vials

Grimoire’s Companions: 8 High Spirits, 3 Valkyrie, Shadow Goblin Lord (Lv. 5), Papilio Slime (Lv. 45), Galewing Butterfly (Lv. 45), Rock Golem (Lv. 50), Deadlight (Lv. 74), Moonlight Butterfly (Lv. 45), Ice Golem (Lv. 50), Acid Ant Queen (Lv. 19), Magma Bear (Lv. 1), Fey Mammoth (Lv. 1), Arcane Retriever (Lv. 1), Winter Wolf Alpha (Lv. 12), Fenris (Lv. 1), Gargoyle (Lv. 1), Shadow Nymm (Lv. 1), Seltas Queen (Lv. 1), Rune Wolf (Lv. 1)

Grimoire’s Army: 6 Shadow Servants, 800 Skeleton Army (24 Goblin Champion Skeletons, 226 Hobgoblin Skeletons, 550 Goblin Skeleton Army), 80 Acid Ants Workers, 30 Acid Ants Soldiers, 4 Female Winter Wolves