The sudden retreat was immediately noticed by the soldiers who were stationed at the boarder. A wave of fear washed over them on sudden change of the battlefield.
One soldier, breathless and wide-eyed rushed into the grand halls of the Marquis' mansion.
"Where is the Marquis?!" he called out.
The tense atmosphere in the mansion shifted as the Marquis quickly appeared. He could sense the urgency and fear in the tone of the soldier.
"What is it?" the Marquis asked.
"My lord the enemy has withdrawn," the soldier replied, panting from his sprint. "The entire Apollo army has retreated. They have pulled back from the city and are no longer stationed at the border."
The Marquis's expression shifted to one of disbelief. He took a moment to process the news.
Why would they retreat now? Was it a trap? Or perhaps something had happened that changed the course of the war?
The Marquis knew that such an unexpected move by the enemy could mean one of two things: either they had been ordered to fall back or something far more sinister was at play.
He straightened up. "Prepare the troops. We need to confirm this, and quickly alert the King and the Dukes as well," he ordered. "We can't afford to make any mistakes."
The soldier nodded and rushed off to carry out the orders.
Julian stepped out of his room disturbed by the commotion filling the air. The city of Siracusa was in a state of confusion.
People whispered about what it all meant, what had caused the enemy forces to withdraw so unexpectedly? Even the higher ups were caught off guard. The King and Dukes gathered together as they discussed the news.
Julian approached a nearby guard who was rushing past. "What happened?" he asked.
The guard hesitated for a moment before replying. "Your Grace, the Apollo army... they have retreated. The soldiers at the border reported it, and it has sent the whole city into chaos. No one knows exactly why."
Julian's brows furrowed. Why would the Apollo army retreat now, especially when they were on their final struggle? Something had shifted, but what?
He glanced towards the King and Dukes, who were likely also asking the same question.
It was clear that the situation had taken a turn, but whether it was for better or worse, Julian wasn't sure.
Julian's mind raced as he paced back and forth Why would the Apollo army retreat when they were so close to being wiped out?
His thoughts ran in circles as it tried to make sense of the unexpected turn of events. Waging a war against us, was their only lifeline, so Why?
He paused mid thought as another possibility struck him. Unless... they got another lifeline.
The possibility sent a chill down his spine. It was high likely that Apollo kingdom had somehow found a new way to survive.
Was it some kind of hidden power, a desperate alliance, or perhaps even an unknown force helping them?
If the Apollo kingdom had truly found a way to battle against starvation and the plague, it was also likely that they would regroup and strike again.
Julian's mind immediately snapped back to the headmistress's warning. The duke of the neighboring kingdom is planning to attack our kingdom in a couple of years. They are searching for alliances.
The pieces clicked into place. He stood still for a moment. Did they offer help to Apollo?
The thought seemed more possible by the second. If they had offered help, it would explain the sudden change in strategy and the war would be far from over.
In fact, it could be just the beginning of an even more dangerous phase.
Julian's mind raced as he processed everything. Whatever the cause might be, I need to focus on becoming stronger and the fastest way to do that... is by developing my harem and my world.
The army continued to stay at Siracusa with the thought that his might be a strategy of the Apollo and they might suddenly attack them catching them off guard.
However, even after five tense days in Siracusa, there was no sign of movement from the Apollo forces. With each passing day, their expectations shifted from alarm to confusion.
Finally, the decision was made to go return to the city of Azazel. The army began to pack up and they finally left the city of Siracusa.
After a few days of quiet observation, they confirmed that the Apollo forces had indeed withdrawn. This was a unexpected victory for the army of Ares. News travelled far and wide and the whole city was in a mood of festive.
In a dimly lit room, Duke Ethwer and Duke Norish sat with ugly expressions. They had frustration evident in their faces. Behind Duke Norish, Marcus stood silently.
"Those Easvil bastards sure are lucky," Duke Norish said bitterly.
Duke Ethwer sighed, shaking his head. "Our entire plan fell apart because those useless Apollo fools did not even have the courage to wage the war. Now we can't make any move against the Easvil family."
Their scheme had failed miserably and now they had to continue living under the shadow of Easvil family.
Duke Norish sighed saying, "We can't push any further. It is too risky now."
Duke Ethwer nodded in agreement, frustration in his voice. "You are right. We will have to bide our time and wait for a better opportunity.
Marcus said. "Julian's growth is accelerating too fast. If we don't stop him now, he will soon be untouchable, absorbing all power and influence around him."
Duke Ethwer shook his head, "No, Marcus. Acting hastily could get us all executed as traitors. We can't afford any reckless steps now."
Marcus muttered in anger, "But he has already taken everything from me, and soon he will do the same to you all."
Duke Norish's voice rose sharply. "Marcus, remember who you are speaking to!"
Immediately, Marcus bowed in deference. "I apologize, Father," he said. He then turned to Duke Ethwer and added, "And to you, Your Grace."
Duke Ethwer chuckled slightly. "It's fine, Marcus. I understand your concerns. But we simply can't afford to move recklessly. For now, we wait."