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Chapter 517
Chapter 517
Chapter 517: A Clear Advantage
The Duke of Pastore has set out.
Upon hearing the news, I sighed.
"So, he sided with them after all?"
"It seems Oscar couldn't persuade him..."
Julio's shoulders dropped.
Duke Pastore, who had stayed in the capital until now.
He has finally moved because Count Adornato, who had maintained neutrality, has sided with him.
This caused the Pastore Duke's forces to swell.
Seeing this advantage, Duke Pastore finally moved.
A total of six thousand troops are coming our way.
On our side, we have a total of one thousand.
The disparity in strength is six times.
Even if we fight holed up in a stronghold, there is no robust fortress in the Duchy of Albatro.
We have renovated some nearby forts that could potentially be used, but there wasn't much time, and it's like a drop in the bucket.
A fragile base can't withstand a sixfold difference in strength.
"Well, we should consider it good that Duke Pastore himself has set out."
"What do you mean?"
"If he had his son act as general and fully entrusted Marcel, we wouldn't have had a chance to win. Considering he didn't move until now, Duke Pastore probably dislikes the kingdom's intervention."
"Even though he took over the capital with the help of the kingdom, he dislikes interference..."
"He probably doesn't have the guts to be a puppet. It's a convenient story."
That convenient thought becomes our chance to win.
Duke Pastore probably set out because he was convinced he could absolutely win, but there are no absolutes in war.
"Let's do what we can."
Saying that, I slapped Julio's shoulder.
A few days later.
The Pastore Duke's army of six thousand was deployed in front of us, who had holed up in the fort.
A messenger from the Pastore Duke's army came.
The messenger dismounted from his horse in front of the gate and greeted us.
"It's been a while. Prince Arnold, Prince Julio."
"It has been a while, Oscar."
The one who came as a messenger was Oscar, the son of Count Adornato.
He was supposed to be sent to get Count Adornato on our side, but now he has come as an enemy messenger.
"I'm sorry for this outcome... I couldn't persuade my father."
"Oscar..."
Julio's face showed a resigned expression.
Oscar also looked regretful.
But...
"You must be disappointed..."
"Not at all. I somewhat expected this."
"What do you mean?"
"Exactly that. I don't know you well, but I have some understanding of your character. You were persuaded by your father to side with the Duke of Pastore and betrayed us because the situation suddenly tipped in the Duke's favor, right? You realized your father was right?"
"You call it a betrayal!? Do you know what I've been through!"
"I'm sure you tried your best to persuade him. I'll give you that. But in the end, you stand against us. I somewhat knew. You're not the type to side with a clearly disadvantaged force."
Being able to understand the situation too well can see the advantages and disadvantages.
Being too good at self-preservation makes one aware of what happens after winning or losing.
Being too good at acknowledging one's faults makes one realize the correctness of one's parents.
I thought Oscar would surely be swayed by the Count.
I had no expectations, so there's no disappointment.
"You seem to have it all figured out... I was under house arrest for several days. By my own father. Until the situation changed, I was on your side. There was no choice but to follow the Duke when it became irreversible!"
"That's who you are, Oscar. You think you've done your duty after being under house arrest for several days, and it can't be helped if you change sides when the situation changes. People call such individuals traitors."
"I had no choice! Wouldn't you do the same if you were in my shoes!?"
"If I have someone I want to win, I will make sure they win. I will overturn an irreversible situation and do the impossible even if it's impossible. You seem to not understand... remember well. Not everyone in this world is as indecisive as you."
Upon narrowing his eyes, Oscar steps back.
However, Oscar argues back.
"You talk big... Can you really turn this disadvantage around? If not, it's just empty talk!"
"We can, and we are no longer at a disadvantage. The Duke of Pastore took too much time."
"Are you hoping for reinforcements? I don't see Raul around. Are you expecting the frontier nobles? They wouldn't come. Even a fool like Raul wouldn't challenge an impossible fight! You should've secured an advantage if you wanted them to follow you!"
"Is that your true intention? Well, I get what you're saying. However, with that mindset, you can't achieve greatness. Those who stick with us when we're down are the ones worth trusting. That trust lasts a lifetime. That's why Raul will continue to be of great importance. Unlike you."
We were at a disadvantage.
That's why we could only trust those who we believed would not betray us even when we were down.
We were just like a woman fallen by the roadside.
It's an excuse to abandon her.
It's understandable because there's a reason.
Helping her is just an act of charity.
But what we're looking for is that charity.
"Raul... of importance? You seem to lack discernment. A country that values such an unremarkable man is doomed to ruin."
"I may indeed lack discernment. My brother can find merit in people without any visible advantages. Compared to him, I'm still learning. I can only see obvious strengths. Raul is sincere. That alone far surpasses someone as half-hearted as you."
At that moment.
A lookout soldier raises his voice.
"Army from the north! About two thousand strong!"
Everyone's gaze shifts to the north, confirming the incoming troops.
A coalition of minor nobles.
The flag flying at the head of the army is that of the Pint Count.
"Go back and tell your father. He chose the wrong side."
"Just two thousand reinforcements... We have six thousand! That's still three times as many!"
"If you think so, bring it on. We're ready to face you. Given the Duke of Pastore's character, he likely placed Count Adlunate in the vanguard, uncertain until the last moment about which side to join. He'd find it unpleasant when he ascends to the throne. He'd want to whittle down the strength. Do your best."
"Speak as you like! When we win, be sure to plead for your life. Then I'll be thankful!"
"I'd suggest you stop betting on such insurance. I won't spare you."
I plan to save myself.
Showing such a stance, creating insurance for when things go wrong.
Betraying us and pleading for mercy is laughable.
"Go on, leave. Prince Julio and I are busy welcoming future heroes."
I dismiss Oscar with both hands.
Then, Julio and I prepare to welcome the slowly approaching reinforcements.
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