The Lich of Glory Knight Spirit: Moving towards Krimasha!
Chapter 51 - 36: Before the Battle

Chapter 51: Chapter 36: Before the Battle

Ten days, they spent a full ten days. The King’s army finally emerged from the marshlands and caught sight of the White City.

According to the plan, it should have taken only seven days. But midway, the King fell ill, delaying their progress by several days.

Can you imagine making a seventy-year-old man march continuously day and night?

This was the result.

When the news reached Lion King City, the Royal Family members even thought he might not survive the journey back.

"Why do I need to return alive? I just need to live long enough to take down the White City..." Baird VI said hoarsely.

You have to understand that for a ruler, the will to survive in old age is overwhelming, isn’t it? The length of one’s life is the only thing he cannot conquer. Because of this, he was willing to be utterly ruthless. In fact, the moment he made his decision, there was no turning back. Signing a pact with the Blood Clan to obtain eternal life—once exposed, he would lose everything.

In any case, they had finally arrived, although it was the northern side of the White City.

Looking at the map, you’d realize that the White City is hardly a fortress that’s easy to defend and hard to attack. Because it lies sprawled on a plain. Except for the northern side.

Yes, the northern side. There’s a roaring river flowing fiercely there, and beyond the river is a muddy riverbank. The so-called port is only three kilometers away from the White City. Practically speaking, it’s part of the same city, fully controlled by Yilin.

Controlling that port means controlling almost all the ships on the river, as well as securing all viable landing points. As for the rest, even if boats could be found to cross the river, the cavalry wouldn’t be able to mount their horses immediately upon landing.

Unlike other races, the individual combat capability of humans doesn’t vary much. The key to defeating opponents lies in numerical superiority. And when the numbers become overwhelming, morale becomes crucial. Crushing the enemy’s morale involves inflicting casualties—brutal, devastating casualties. And the most effective way to do so is a cavalry charge.

If cavalry can’t mount, the army loses its most potent offensive capability. Moreover, King Baird VI’s pride lies entirely in his Golden Armor Knights.

"So, what exactly is he trying to do?" Holding a monocular, Yilin stood atop the river defense wall, gazing into the opposing camp across the river with a face full of confusion.

"Maybe he’s got some unexpected strategy," mused Count Gruglu beside her, sniffing softly. "After all, this is Baird VI, who once defeated the King of Allen despite being at a disadvantage. We should exercise caution, no matter what."

"Caution is a given. Even now, his forces outnumber our own. We have no reason to be complacent. But I really can’t fathom what he’s planning."

"Miss Yilin," Abi Robbs entered from outside, holding a notepad, "We’ve confirmed the situation. His Majesty currently has around twenty thousand troops on hand. However, he has other contingents en route, expected to arrive in a few days. Ultimately, he’ll have over thirty thousand troops. With reinforcements from nobility across the regions, his total forces might reach sixty thousand. But those reinforcements are all making excuses right now, so they likely won’t arrive anytime soon."

"What about us?"

"On our side, including our own forces, those from the Gruglu family, the Field family, the Caspar family’s thousand troops, as well as support from other houses, we currently have fifteen thousand. Count Caspar is still bringing two thousand more troops and should arrive either today or tomorrow. Adding in forces from other families yet to arrive, we will ultimately muster nineteen thousand."

After a brief pause, Yilin asked, "Is Count Caspar certain to arrive today or tomorrow? He’s notorious for being sluggish. Promised full support, yet contributed only a third of his forces."

"Positive," Abi Robbs replied, flipping through his notepad. "In fact, he’s urgently rushing here, accelerating his march."

"He’s being this proactive?" Even Yilin couldn’t believe her ears.

Count Gruglu let out a faint sigh. Gazing across the river, he murmured, "I suppose we owe thanks to His Majesty. Everyone’s been observing his troop movements over the recent days. Most likely, even Count Caspar has grown suspicious."

"Let’s hope so," Yilin remarked after a moment of thought. "So, this is our best chance to attack, isn’t it? Fifteen thousand against twenty thousand, and the enemy just trudged through marshlands with scant supplies. If we wait any longer, it’ll become nineteen thousand against sixty thousand."

"Correct."

"Understood. Order everyone to hurry up with preparations—I’ll lead the charge personally!"

"Yes, ma’am!"

...

At this moment, Huoersi was patrolling amidst the troops.

Rows of soldiers stood in neat formations, holding their respective banners. Under the blazing sun, their armor gleamed brilliantly.

Walking along the frontmost ranks of the phalanx, Huoersi barked instructions at the soldiers.

"Straighten your chests! Show some spirit! Grip your swords with strength! Step with determination! Even if you act like a maiden or a child, the enemy won’t show you any mercy! Wait, did I say child?"

Huoersi stopped abruptly, taking two steps back. Lowering his gaze, he spotted a child clad in armor in the ranks—or rather, an entire squad of children dressed in armor!

"Messenger! Who the hell allowed these brats into the camp? Do you think this is a playground? Has your brain been kicked by a donkey?"

The messenger hurried over from a distance.

Nearby soldiers all stifled laughter.

One of the children boldly raised his head and declared, "We are not children! We are the invincible Silver Moon Knight Order!"

"It’s invincible, not ’un-powerful,’" another corrected him.

"Oh, the invincible and extremely powerful Silver Moon Knight Order."

"These are members of Baron Gray’s knight order," the flustered messenger explained quickly upon arrival.

Huoersi slowly looked up. His gaze fell upon a singularly eccentric flag bearing an explosion motif—the Silver Moon Banner. A corner of his eye twitched violently.

...

"Miss Yilin, I think we need to have a serious talk. I understand Baron Gray is incredibly formidable—I’ve witnessed his skills firsthand. But in other respects, we’re all painfully aware. You know what I mean, don’t you?" Huoersi gestured with his hands.

Seated in her commanding high-backed chair, Yilin nodded lightly. "I know."

The small tent housed Huoersi, Yilin, Abi Robbs, Gray, and the fifteen Silver Moon Knight Order members whom Huoersi had dragged over. Oh, sixteen—Jones was there, too.

"It’s good that you know." Pausing for a moment, Huoersi continued, "Gray is an excellent knight, beloved by all, myself included. But you must admit, he’s utterly unsuited to being a commander, let alone a general. He’s best suited for riding his horse... and kicking people. Gray, you don’t mind me saying this, do you?"

"Of course not. Thank you for your compliment."

"You think that was a compliment?"

"Wasn’t it?"

"You heard him." With that, Huoersi stepped back, resting a hand on his sword hilt.

Yilin pressed her hand to her forehead, sighing. After some thought, she asked, "Gray, did you get permission from their parents to bring them here?"

Before Gray could answer, one of the children raised his hand and produced a note, which he handed to Yilin.

Next, one child after another pulled out similar notes, delivering them to her.

Except for Jones, of course.

"My dad said it’s an honor to follow Baron Gray. We’re willing to charge into battle for him. If he pledges loyalty to you, we’ll do something for you, too."

"My dad said the same."

"My mom said it’s safest sticking with Baron Gray."

"My mom also said nowhere’s safe in a war, but it’s definitely safer with Baron Gray."

The children chattered away.

Holding the stack of permission slips, Yilin was speechless.

"Actually, when I suggested the parents sign consent slips, I was hoping they’d stop your foolishness," Black Cat muttered. "Yet they all agreed..."

"Am I not safe enough for them?" Gray whispered.

"I know you’re safe, but understand that others might not see it the same way."

"Isn’t safety more important than what others think?"

"Fine, you win. I can’t argue with you—let Yilin convince you instead." Black Cat let out a helpless sigh.

"Enough!" Yilin raised a hand to halt the children’s chatter. She set the stack of slips aside on a small end table, then turned to Huoersi. "Take them outside, Huoersi. I need to speak with Gray alone."

"Understood!"

Huoersi herded the group of children out of the tent. As they left, they cast lingering looks at Gray.

Abi Robbs also closed his notepad and exited.

Now, only Gray and Yilin remained in the tent.

Gray gazed silently at Yilin.

"Gray," Yilin began softly, "I’ll admit I underestimated you at first. When you asked how to get a formal knighthood, I had no intention of granting it to you. I thought you were just some fool from who-knows-where. That’s why I set that ridiculous task of defeating fifty opponents—something impossible... well, impossible for anyone else. I didn’t expect you to actually do it."

"I could beat even more," Gray emphasized.

"I believe you." Yilin smiled faintly. "I’ll also admit your contributions account for at least half of my current success. If you hadn’t won the tournament, I’d never have gained Count Caspar’s support, even superficially. If you hadn’t saved Uncle Gruglu, I’d surely have been trapped by Edward III by now. But the road ahead is still long. This war is crucial for me. I can’t afford to lose. Do you understand?"

Gray nodded firmly. "I understand."

Yilin rolled her eyes, sighing again. "Every time you say you understand, I feel like you don’t. You’re not foolish, not in the least; you’re very clever. But it’s as if you come from another world. You lack any basic understanding of this one. If what I’m saying offends you, then I apologize now."

"No need to apologize. You’re just stating the truth."

Yilin chuckled helplessly. "That’s one thing you do better than most—you’re extraordinarily candid and willing to help others. Your virtue is admirable. I’ve never seen another knight like you. If you had just a little more common sense, you could be the greatest knight on this entire continent."

"But maybe having a little more common sense would diminish such admirable virtue," the Black Cat muttered softly from within Gray’s armor.

"Why?" Gray asked.

"Don’t ask. You’ll understand later," the Black Cat deadpanned.

After a brief silence, Yilin continued, "About those children..."

"They’re members of my knight order."

"I know. I want them to leave."

"Why?"

"War isn’t as simple as you think. It’s not a game of knights. You, of all people, should understand that better than anyone. In war, people get injured. People die. I don’t want them hurt."

"They won’t get hurt."

"They don’t have battlefield experience. What I need are seasoned warriors."

"But who starts out with battlefield experience? I brought them here precisely so they could gain some."

"That’s not the same thing! Gray, they’re still children. I need people who will contribute to the battle. I want to win."

"I can help you win," Gray replied without hesitation.

And with that... the conversation stalled.

Yilin pressed her forehead, exhaling in frustration. After a long pause, she looked up and said, "Gray, I know how much you value your knightly oaths. So, now, based on our shared vow, I’m asking you to take each one of them back to their parents. Can you do that?"