"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."
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