While being in the rear of Osterode’s army, Valentina frequently controlled the entire army and handed out orders. Arma Zirnitra struggled harder than she had expected, but she believed that her army was still overpowering them back on the whole. That perception was correct.
When close to one koku had passed since the start of the battle, a report was delivered to her.
“I’m told that the figures of cavalrymen have been sighted in the south ─ the rear of our army! They number something between 500 and 1000. They’re flying Polesia’s banners!”
Valentina furrowed her eyebrows. A bad premonition welled up within her.
She hadn’t made sure of Sofya Obertas’s death.
──Maybe she survived and waited to appear at this very moment. No. In such a case, she would never show up with such a low number of soldiers. Several days after I’ve brought down Sofya, Polesia’s army withdrew from Arma Zirnitra. It’s possible that Arma Zirnitra borrowed Polesia’s banners on that occasion.
Valentina had 500 infantrymen from among the reserve soldiers head out to intercept Polesia’s army. Seemingly realizing that they’d have no chance of winning if they clashed with Osterode’s army, Polesia’s forces immediately pulled back. And once Osterode’s army advanced further, they began to flee in chaos.
Hearing a report about it, Valentina revealed a smile.
“So it was just a little trick after all. Make sure to also inform the other divisions. Tell them that the army of Polesia, which had shown up south, was a sham unit.”
However, Valentina received an astonishing report in almost no time after that.
“A party flying Polesia’s banners has appeared in the south once again! They number 3,000!”
Valentina was unable to give out orders right away. While watching the back of her own army’s soldiers, she sank into thinking.
──If it had been a thousand, I could consider that to be another trick. But, what about this? They shouldn’t have the leeway to use 3,000 soldiers for some clever scheme. Have they used mercenaries or the militia? If they’ve gone around Leitmeritz, Olmutz, Pardu, and the surroundings, it wouldn’t have been impossible to prepare the militia. They might have come rushing after just having assembled. But, what if it’s truly Polesia’s army? In that case, the current battle situation would be in danger of being overturned. Especially because it’ll result in five Vanadis becoming our enemy, and on top of that, those holding influence in Brune’s south. Earl Bulat has already pulled out, and if another Vanadis with her army joined the enemy at this point, the lords’ morale would likely nosedive. Even if all of the Vanadis can’t use their draconic tools.
Valentina prepared 1,000 soldiers from her reserve forces and ordered them to intercept Polesia’s army. She also added that it’d be fine for them to just hold back the enemy without trying to defeat them. She was certain that her own army would come out victorious as long as Arma Zirnitra was annihilated.
However, the 1,000 soldiers of Osterode were routed by the courageous army of Polesia which had such a high morale that it was actually frightening.
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