After whisking lissa away, Henwell doesn't overstep boundaries, arranging for her to travel with the military convoy. Two days later, Knight Gunter returns, bringing a group of around a hundred to join Henwell's ranks. Most are there to care for lissa, while the rest serve as guards.
Aside from Henwell's daily chats with lissa, he spends the rest of his ti at the frontline command center, crafting battle plans.
Leading a force of over fifty thousand troops, with nearly ten thousand in the supply convoy and more than three thousand heavy wagons, Henwell's procession stretches for miles. With over two thousand scouts spread out, the formation moves steadily.
Noble lords along the way dare not make a sound, allowing Henwell to pass through their territories unchallenged as he heads east. After more than ten days, Henwell nears Cloud Tree City.
Viscount Evans, accompanied by several hundred cavalry, blocks the path. (The one searched for his illegitimate child in the Path of Honor.)
Henwell asks helplessly, "Viscount Evans, why abandon your family joys to block my path?"
Evans glares, "Count Marcus sent with a ssage: if anything happens to Miss lissa, you will be dead!"
Henwell grins, "Then kindly inform the Count to prepare the dowry—his daughter is mine!"
Viscount Evans eyes Henwell, "You've turned into quite the rascal. This doesn't match the wisdom and poise you once had!"
Henwell shrugs, "As you can see, I tried to resolve things rationally, to discuss matters with everyone. But no one took seriously, treating like a child. So, I decided to act the part. If I'm a child, then I'll have a child's temper. Look! I'm throwing a tantrum now!"
Evans chuckles, "You never cease to surprise us. The noble alliance welcos you! Unlike a promising young man like you, I don't have much to offer, but here's a little sothing. Just to be clear, it's not for your army—it's for Miss lissa!"
Henwell bows, "Then I gratefully accept your kindness, sir!"
Evans delivers nearly ten thousand pounds of grain, a gesture that, while modest in quantity, signifies a clear stance. It demonstrates that all the noble alliance mbers along the route won't pose any obstacles for Henwell. At the very least, there won't be any trouble in procuring supplies.
The greatest weakness of Henwell's army is the urgency of their deploynt, which limits the quantity of logistical supplies. Peace Haven has already begun large-scale requisitioning of provisions. However, being able to purchase supplies along the way certainly eases the burden.
After Evans departs, Lord Keynes of Cloud Tree City, along with several thousand n and two nearby legions, intercepts Henwell. Henwell frowns, "Lord Keynes, during the Path of Honor, I received your favor. Please don't make this difficult for . I must bring back the bodies of my fallen brothers! As a fellow battlefield veteran, you should understand my actions!"
Keynes silently regards Henwell for a long mont before speaking with displeasure, "Jansen, that lucky bastard!"
Then, with an impatient wave, Keynes dismisses him, "Go on! As long as you don't threaten Cloud Tree City, I won't interfere. You're cutting off your own future, and no one can help you with that!"
As Keynes turns to leave, he warns, "Oh, and don't even think about taking advantage of Dolico Town's weak defenses to steal the stockpiled provisions there! Those supplies are ant for two stationed legions, and they're worth a fortune. If they go missing, I'll hold you accountable!"
This is a clear hint that Henwell can take gold in exchange for those military supplies. Watching Keynes's retreating figure, Henwell chuckles, "Thank you, Lord Keynes!"
With a dismissive wave, Keynes, still facing away, replies, "I do agree with one of your views. We are all forged by the battlefield, and so people should not be forgotten!"
Thus, Henwell uses gold to acquire enough supplies to sustain nearly twenty thousand troops for a month, provisions intended for two regular legions.
As Henwell continues his march, none of the nobles in the regions he passes through attempt to stop him. On one hand, they genuinely don't dare to; on the other hand, instructions have been given.
Within the noble alliance, lissa's presence in the army ensures that everyone shows respect to Count Marcus. Among the neutral nobles, Viscount Holdsworth's influence ans no one creates obstacles. As for the royal faction, their presence in the southeastern territories is already sparse.
Even if they wish to make a stand, their strength is insufficient. Henwell's vanguard cavalry alone is far beyond their reach.
Thus, Henwell leisurely makes his way to Tyran City. He camps outside the city for three days, allowing his logistical convoy to catch up. Beyond this point, there are no significant cities to rely on, especially as they venture into the territory of the Kingdom of Billie.
Partridge, the lord of Tyran City, is a royalist but, like Keynes, he is a man of military rit. He understands Henwell's actions, choosing neither to obstruct nor to assist him.
It's been over a month since Henwell set out with his troops, nearly traversing the duchy from east to west. Covering more than fifteen hundred kiloters, this pace isn't considered slow in this world. If Henwell weren't constantly wary of potential ambushes by the duchy's forces, his march could have been twice as fast.
Now, they're only about two hundred kiloters from the border. Henwell plans a forced march to cover this distance in three days. The Kingdom of Billie is already aware of Henwell's campaign and has mobilized several legions to fortify the border. At the sa ti, Billie is pressuring Grand Duke Amir to deal with Henwell, who has beco audaciously bold.
Grand Duke Amir has pulled seven legions from Luon City, heading south to join forces with Billie, aiming to crush Henwell at the border. Thus, Henwell must seize the two border fortresses as quickly as possible. Once he has a foothold, he can look for opportunities to defeat the allied forces of both nations.
On the third night, Henwell suddenly leads the left flank away. By the next day, the ssengers monitoring the situation fail to notice that over ten thousand troops are missing. The left flank carries only three days' worth of water and food, executing a forced march for two days and nights, advancing to the two garrison fortresses.
That night, Henwell personally leads a surprise attack on the fortresses. Before the garrison can react, Henwell breaks through the gates and captures the fortresses. Nearly ten thousand defenders are taken prisoner. These fortresses were intended as the staging ground for the allied forces' plan to eliminate Henwell, as well as a supply point for the duchy's seven legions.
Thus, they contain a wealth of supplies and equipnt, enough for Henwell to hold out for two years. Two days later, the duchy's vanguard forces arrive, just in ti to clash with Henwell's advancing troops.
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