Battle of the Biddeburg 2

Translator: Cinder Translations

...

After the excitement of handling the new firearms wore off, everyone remembered there were serious matters to discuss and returned to the meeting room.

"What more is there to discuss? Our people are all here, let's just fight!"

"Right! Send someone to issue a challenge! Let's see if that Kent kid has any guts!"

"Better finish it quickly and go home to farm!"

"But given today's situation, it seems like they might have reinforcements coming!"

Many people advocated for immediate action, while others urged caution.

As the arguments continued and no decision was reached, a guard entered the meeting room.

"My lords, the Kent family has sent an envoy."

Earl Parker instructed, "Let him in and hear what he has to say."

The guard left and soon returned with a man who appeared to be a low-ranking noble based on his attire.

The envoy introduced himself and began speaking:

"I am here on the orders of Viscount Jaius Kent to advise you to surrender as soon as possible…"

Before the envoy could finish, a burly knight erupted angrily:

"Jaius, that worthless little brat, sent you here just to spew nonsense?"

The knight's words amused everyone, and the room erupted with laughter. Though his language was crude, no one reprimanded him.

The envoy's expression remained unchanged, as if he had anticipated such a reaction.

The envoy feigned regret, shaking his head as he said:

"It's truly a pity! How many innocent lives will be lost…"

The knight, growing impatient, said, "Stop being so wishy-washy. Speak plainly or get to the point!"

"Hmph… Truly rude!"

Muttering under his breath, the envoy cleared his throat and continued, "Another task of mine is to convey Lord Kent's proposal—to avoid tricks and schemes, and to set up our forces in the middle ground between us and have a fair fight. Do you all dare to accept?"

"What's there to fear?"

"Don't underestimate us!"

"That's something we should be saying to you!"

The coalition commanders were outraged and began pounding the table.

The envoy's lips curled slightly in a subtle smile as he continued, "In that case, we propose to delay the battle for two days. After today's chaotic fight, both sides need to rest and prepare. Let's each be in our best condition for the duel two days from now. However…"

He shifted his tone: "This is merely our suggestion. If you prefer another date, we are flexible and will agree to any date you choose—three days from now, four days, or even tomorrow or the day after. We are ready to accommodate!"

There was a murmur of discussion in the room, and finally, Earl Parker summarized everyone's opinion and told the envoy, "Alright, we'll fight in two days. This will give you time to write your wills. If you want to come earlier to die, we'll accept that too!"

The envoy bowed and said, "Since you agree, I will take my leave now! Oh, by the way, can we exchange the previously captured prisoners now?"

Earl Parker waved his hand dismissively, "We'll discuss that after we decide the outcome!"

"Gentlemen, we shall meet again in two days. By then, one of us will become the other's prisoner."

The envoy bowed and exited the room.

Derrick, deep in thought, said to everyone:

"I have a feeling that Jaius is just stalling for time. If we lead our troops to attack now, using the firearms… oh, I mean the fire guns and cannons, we could achieve a great victory."

"Be quiet, Derrick. Have you already forgotten the foolish things you did today? The wounds haven't healed, and you've forgotten the pain?"

"You…"

The Earl of Melken's words made Derrick's face flush, but the events of the day had left him feeling uncertain and unable to retort effectively.

"The envoy just said that if we choose to fight tomorrow, they are ready to accommodate that as well. Isn't this stalling for time?"

"And since we have already agreed on the battle time, an early attack would damage our reputation!"

Others also disagreed with Derrick's suggestion.

Seeing the meeting's atmosphere grow tense, Earl Parker spoke up, "Alright, it's almost dark now. Clearly, we can't fight tonight. Also, our troops need time to adjust to each other. Let's plan to face the Kent family in two days."

As the initiator of the alliance, Earl Parker made the decision, and Derrick had no further objections.

With the serious discussion concluded, servants began bringing in dishes and barrels of fine wine. The coalition commanders started enjoying their dinner together.

"Oh, by the way! Colonel Alden, is it correct for me to address you this way?"

Earl Parker asked while cutting into his steak, looking over at Bryce.

"Yes, Lord Parker."

Bryce quickly responded, reluctantly putting down his recently picked-up knife and fork.

"There's something I need to arrange with you. Bring over the map."

A servant quickly brought over a map and laid it out on the table.

"Come and take a look, Colonel Alden."

Bryce rose and went to the Earl's side, examining the map on the table.

The Earl pointed to a certain area on the map and said, "If your troops are lacking anything, you can get supplies from these three neighboring villages."

Bryce understood, "Thank you for considering that, my lord."

The Earl laughed heartily, "You're welcome."

From a short distance away, Viscount Johnston raised his glass to Bryce.

"Hey, the people of the Grayman family, don't be too polite with the locals here—they are very 'hospitable'!"

Bryce smiled in return, knowing well what the so-called "hospitality" entailed.

Following their lord's instructions, the Alden army and the local residents were to build good relations, and necessary supplies were to be transported from their own territory as much as possible.

However, in extreme cases, Bryce wouldn't mind taking some measures.

Viscount Johnston refilled his glass and raised it high.

"To the hospitable people of Bido Castle!"

"Cheers!"

Everyone raised their glasses and cheered in unison.

Due to being in a war zone, and for reasons of caution, everyone did not drink excessively. After dinner, they all dispersed.

"I want to remind everyone to manage your soldiers well, use these two days to prepare for battle, and avoid spending all your time with drink and women. Also, be wary of spies."

As they were about to leave, Earl Parker gave this reminder.

In this era, military camps were not only occupied by commanders and soldiers.

There were merchants selling supplies, prostitutes engaged in flesh trade, and even the families of officers and soldiers—all sorts of people.

Therefore, in their leisure time, soldiers could easily find ways to entertain themselves, whether it was drinking at makeshift taverns or chatting with courtesans in caravan brothels. These were common pastimes for them.

Naturally, in such a mixed environment, military intelligence was easily leaked. Although everyone tried hard to guard against spies, no one ever thought of changing this environment. Perhaps it was just how military camps were seen by the world.

(End of the Chapter)

---

If you want to support me and read advanced chapters (currently up to 336 as of 13Sep24), visit my p atreon: Pa treon.com/CinderTL

Support me for as low as $1. Read this and other series on my Pa treon.

Like it? Add to library!

Don't forget to vote to support the book if you like it.