Chapter 237: Encountering the Enemy


    The Alda army was marching on a dirt road across the ins. The weather was sunny and bright today. Although there was a slight chill in the air in the northwest bay area during March and April, the soldiers were still sweating profusely after a long march.


    Despite it being past noon, the troops hadnt eaten yet. Since they were close to Fort Bidou, themanding officer, Bryce, decided to reach the destination first and then allow the entire army to have their meal after setting up camp.


    toon leader, when are we going to eat?


    Josh, rubbing his stomach, heard it growl in protest.


    Were almost at Fort Bidou! Once we get there, well have a lovely lunch! Really, cant you handle a bit of hunger?


    Makarov took out a paper-wrapped package from his marching backpack and tossed it to Josh. One piece each, this will tide us over for now.


    toon leader, what is this?


    Biscuits from the Flying Dragon Pavilion, you guys are lucky. Theyre a steal.


    The Flying Dragon Pavilion? Is that the new restaurant at the entrance of the town?


    Ive been there. Their cuisine is said toe from some ce in the south. Its delicious.


    These biscuits are also a southern style


    After munching on the biscuits, singing could be heard from the front. It wasnt clear who started it, but Josh and his peers listened closely and recognized it as the recently popr Ode to Count Grayman in the camp.


    Paul Grayman~ Count, my lord!


    Deploying soldiers from all over the territory~


    Twelve elite squadrons~ Sixty bullets per person~


    He said~ Brave men, I look forward to fighting alongside you~


    The enemy covets our farms and mines~ And thousands in our treasury~


    Dont you act like a bear~ Let the enemy know were not easy to mess with~


    Despite sounding a bit silly, the slightly humorous lyricsbined with the tune were indeed suitable for marching.


    Joshs squad joined in the chorus, their steps unwittingly bing lighter.


    May God protect us like thunder and lightning~ Who doesnt know Lord Grayman and his soldiers~


    Goodbye~ dear Louise~ Dont cry~


    Not every arrow hits its mark~ If every arrow did~ Who would the lord need for soldiers~


    We have cannons and muskets, one shot makes a hole~


    We receive our military pay on time every month~ Who else gets paid as punctually as we do~


    Lord Grayman~ My lord~ A hero crowned in shimmeringurel~ Your soldiers are always the most loyal~


    As long as you keep letting us sweep the enemies~ Well overturn the world for you~


    Just as they were about to start the second round, a shout of rm was heard:


    Looks like someone is running over here!


    Josh and the others looked up to see a cloud of dust rising on the road ahead, indicating arge group of people or cavalry charging in their direction.


    A lieutenant on horseback rode up to Colonel Bryces side and stopped, appearing to be a scout who had been leading the way for the troops. Bryce, also on horseback, was not far from Makarovs squad.


    The two conversed in low tones, their discussion unclear.


    Makarov turned back to his squad and said, Everyone, be ready. There might be enemies ahead.


    Uh


    Josh took off the flintlock rifle strapped to his back and gripped it nervously, his palms sweating. His first experience in battle was perhaps about to begin.


    Then Colonel Bryce became tense and serious. Two messengers ran to the ends of the marching column, shouting as they went:


    Enemy cavalry spotted! Form square! Form square!


    A tense and solemn atmosphere immediately enveloped the entire army.


    Thanks to rigorous training, the regiment at the front quickly formed three lines of troops, with the following regiments swiftly joining.


    In just over ten minutes, the first and second battalions, each responsible for one side, formed a hollow square formation about 30 meters in length on each side.


    In the open space within the square, the transportationpanys supplies were ced, and the soldiers from the transportationpany also joined the formation.


    Besides the supplies, the artillerypany was also positioned in the middle of the open space. The artillery members unloaded the cannons and ammunition, preparing to fire. Due to the sudden situation and the enemy cavalrys rapid approach, they couldnt set up the cannons outside the square and had to make ready within the formation, waiting for the right moment.


    After a period of frantic activity, the Alda army quietly awaited the enemys arrival.


    Standing on a hastily constructed tform made of ammunition boxes, Bryce, Joyce, and two deputy battalionmanders observed the situation ahead through binocrs.


    Judging by the gs, the cavalry rushing towards us is from the Heller family, and those two groups chasing them must be from the Kent familyour enemies!


    Have our allies already been defeated, leaving only these few survivors?


    Dont jump to conclusions. Lets deal with the cavalry in front of us and then decide about the Hellers people!


    Derrick Heller led his knights in a frantic charge northward. Due to the t terrain ahead, he saw the Alda army from a distance.


    At first, he thought they were enemy troops set to intercept him. Their quick transition from marching formation to a strange square formation indicated an extremely elite force; something his conscripted militia could never achieve.


    As he prepared for a desperate fight, he gradually made out the g of the approaching troopsa bright red g emzoned with a golden dragon.


    It was the army of their ally, Alda. Derrick felt a sense of relief, although he had beenining about their dy just that morning.


    He raised hisnce high, letting the Heller family g flutter in the wind.


    Fortunately, the other side recognized him. A figure who appeared to be amander in the square gestured to the right repeatedly.


    Derrick understood the signal, telling him to pass by the right side of the squarehis left. He knew the importance of not disturbing the formation during a dangerous encounter with the enemy. So, he gestured to his knights, and they veered left. The Heller familys troops quickly passed by the square formation, exhausted and ready to find a ce to rest behind the lines.


    As they passed by the square, Derrick estimated the Alda armys strength at over a thousand men.


    He worried whether this number could withstand the charge of several hundred Kent family cavalry. Moreover, the defensive square they formed wasnt solid, with only three thinyers of soldiers on the perimeter.


    Even more puzzling was the guns in the soldiers handstoo short and oddly shaped.


    He prayed to the heavens for their protection.


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