"Oh, I nearly forgot, Matthias, you’re the new castellan."
"Haha... as I’ve heard already, my lord, the militia was kind enough to relay the news to me."
Justinian rested his head on his hands, surprised at Matthias’ calm reaction.
"You aren’t surprised?"
"I’ll consider it as an extra promotion."
Hearing those words made Justinian laugh instantly, his voice echoing across the throne. Matthias already had the skills of an incredible servant.
But even his personality was perfect.
Giving Justinian hope that this new job of his won’t result in a terrible sleep schedule due to overworking.
"I apologize for the sudden outburst."
Justinian said with amusement, wiping his tears with the back of his hand as he took deep breaths to regain his composure.
"Now for the important part... can we make contact with House Vesuvian?"
House Vesuvian, the only house still loyal to Justinian’s authority during the novel, one that tried their best in the shadows to fight off Rhyne and Elberich, Elberich being the other traitorous vassal, but is weaker in influence compared to Rhyne. In the novel, he was mostly described as subservient and a pawn.
Making him not a major issue that Justinian needs to worry about.
"House Vesuvian, my lord? I’m afraid it’s nigh impossible... the entire capital is surrounded, even a messenger bird can’t escape."
"So Rhyne has already fully cut off any chance of escape..."
Justinian feared this; in the novel, he eventually died by the pressure of both the people and his vassals, but in this life, the people are no longer a problem.
But his vassals are a different story, capable of defeating his armies when needed.
In the novel, Justinian wasn’t able to call for backup, and it’s the same story here, one that needed more creative thinking.
"I need an estimate... how many did Rhyne mobilize?"
"Likely his entire army, double our manpower, but that means his own lands are undefended... but-"
"But it won’t matter, since I can’t retaliate."
Justinian bit his nails, thinking hard of possible solutions.
One plan was to use Hannibal’s tactics of night raiding, relying on surprise to take on a better-armed force.
But it was highly dependent, he needed to know the current enemies morale, disposition, and numbers in each route.
[The Book of War Responds]
Herdrin’s Pass: 173 (Confident) (Footsoldiers)
Bridgeton Way: 125 (Confident) (Footsoldiers)
The Pilgrim’s Walk: 179 (Confident) (Footsoldiers)
Ashlane: 146 (Tense) (Cavalry)
Northwatch Road: 156 (Neutral) (Footsoldiers)
’What’s this...?’
Like a blessing, his system responded to his pleas, listing out all the routes from in and out of his capital, all the routes that were currently blockaded by Rhyne’s men.
The system was giving him a full RTS advantage now.
’Bridgeton... it has decent numbers... and also the current disposition I need for the night raids.’
"Matthias."
"Yes? Did you figure something out?"
"I need you to allocate my army: three hundred stationed around the capital’s walls, a hundred twenty stationed around the city itself."
"And the rest will be allocated to me."
"My lord... are you planning to take on the blockade with around eighty men?"
"That’s suicide!"
Matthias urged Justinian to change his mind; his command alone was suicidal, even the smallest number still outnumbered him heavily, and had drastically better morale.
But Justinian’s strategy completely nullified that advantage.
"Worry not, we’ll strike them at night..."
Justinian smiled, a hint of nervousness in his expression.
He had read it happen before, but personally executing it? It’s going to be a complete gamble.
"...I’ll do as you ask, my lord, but please explain the plan to me later."
"Wait as I organize the army..."
Matthias bowed, then took off quickly. Justinian’s plan was reckless, a plan that needed to be heard firsthand to even believe.
"My lord..."
One of the knights in the throne room spoke.
"Forgive me for my impudence, but lord Matthias is correct... eighty men are barely enough to take them on."
Javier, beside him, also urged.
"My lord, even if we strike at night, the disadvantage we give to the enemy will also be applied to us."
Justinian raised a brow at their concerns, while sure he’s command may be vague, do they not see the potential it has when prepared correctly?
Either that or Justinian was too over his head already.
But he has no choice, it’s either die trying or pathetically stay isolated and die.
"I’ll explain later... all of you here will be part of the raiding team after all."
Justinian responded, steeling his eyes, his first taste of combat... and it’s going to involve a ton of scheming and preparation to even win.
[The Book of War Responds]
+15 Prestige