The Klover family found itself in an unprecedented situation in its recorded history.
For the first ti ever, the estate—the very place where its mber resides, their power and the symbol of their lineage located—was under siege.
This was not a re skirmish but a full-scale attack aid at seizing control of the family's legacy.
The situation escalated quickly.
Just days ago, Johann escaped from Duke Percival's pursuit, and now the Klover estate was surrounded by rcenaries and conscript soldiers.
Despite the rapid escalation, the nobles in Barlia remained indifferent.
Infighting and civil wars were not uncommon among the nobility of Barlia.
As long as these conflicts did not challenge the authority or threaten the stability of the capital, Barlia's rulers preferred to remain aloof, allowing the nobles to settle their disputes among themselves.
Inside the estate, Percival stood at the highest vantage point, surveying the surrounding area.
"That bastard," Percival cursed under his breath, "he really done it."
Beside him, his daughter Sarika stood with an equally grim expression. "What should we do now, father?"
"We fight! There's a stockpile of weapons in the armoury. We can use them to equip the servants."
Sarika shook her head. "It's not enough, father. How could inexperienced commoners fight against seasoned rcenaries? We need help."
"Then, ask all the family mbers in the estate to send their personal guards to us. Anyone who refuses will be treated as a traitor. That should add quite a number."
"I will go and ask them now."
Although Sarika knew the numbers they mustered wouldn't be enough to win a direct battle, she had a different strategy in mind.
If they could gather enough fighters, it should be possible for her to break the encirclent and launch a counterattack on Klover City, which Johann now controlled.
....
The sounds of battle echoed through the Klover Estate.
The battle of offence and defence is happening. Two forces separate by only a few inches of stone and iron wall.
The rcenaries, relentlessly assaulting the wall, throwing themselves at it with an enthusiasm bordering madness.
Their expressions look wild and desperate, like bandits attempting to rob Klover clean.
Despite no battering ram on site, grappling hooks and makeshift ladders alone caused a huge headache to the defenders.
Klover estate had entry points in all four cardinal directions. Each gate was a potential breach point that demanded constant surveillance.
Even so, Percival's force couldn't afford to focus solely on these four locations.
They need to defend the entire periter. At any mont, the rcenaries could scale the walls and invade from any direction.
It was a constant threat that kept the defenders on edge.
Looking at the situation at first glance, it seed like there was no hope for Percival and his n.
The defenders were spread thin. Their line is like a fragile thread that can collapse at any ti.
They don't know for how long they could hold out.
Sarika ca and t her father again, "Father, we can't keep defending forever. We have to strike them."
However, Percival disagrees.
"We don't have the people to do so. Can't you see beyond the gates? Although the attackers also spread their n along the periter, their number are estimated to be around seven or eight thousand. It far exceeds our forces."
Sarika persisted, "But chipping their strength bit by bit like this couldn't change the situation in our favour. We might be the ones that run out of food and weapons first. We are the ones being trapped."
"Then, what's your plan?"
"Open one gate and allow to lead soldiers to attack them. We will not only cause chaos, but we will rush to the city and disrupt Johann's control over there. The rest of the defenders can join in to cause more confusion and weaken their siege."
Percival hesitated, "It's too risky, Sarika. If we fail, it ans the end for all of us."
"I understand the risks, Father. But we need to take the fight to them and reduce the pressure on our defenders."
Seeing the resolve in his daughter's eyes, Percival finally relented.
"Very well. We'll follow your plan but please be careful."
Sarika smiled, "Don't worry, father."
Preparations began imdiately.
Sarika knew she couldn't bring too many n, or else the estate's defences would be compromised.
So she handpicked the most capable and trusted soldiers for the mission.
The remaining defenders can be left behind to defend the estate. It doesn't require too much expertise to do so.
The sun eventually sets and night arrives. The estate was cast into a shroud of darkness.
However, it doesn't an the security around the estate was relaxed.
The defenders kept their vigilant watch.
They were aware that the cover of darkness could bring both opportunity and danger.
In a secluded part of the estate, Sarika's handpicked soldiers gathered, away from prying eyes.
They ard themselves with the best weapons available.
Sarika stood before them, clad in light armour.
For the final ti, she wants to briefly go through the plan since the risk of this mission is high.
She opened her mouth and began to speak, "I need to make sure every one of you understands what we're about to do."
The soldiers pay attention to her.
"Our goal is to create chaos, disrupt their siege, and make our way to the city. Our aim should be causing confusion and panic, not defeating the enemy. Rember, speed and surprise are our greatest allies."
She pointed to a map laid out on the table.
"We'll exit through the eastern gate. It's less obvious and partially concealed by the estate's structure. Our movent will not be noticed in a short ti."
Taking advantage of a few enemies stationed there, Sarika plans to target their supply storages before aiming for the city.
"Any questions?" She scanned the faces of her soldiers.
"...."
Receiving no reply, the duke's daughter assud they all understood the plan. "No question? Great! Let's move out now."
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