Chapter 20: A Difficult Problem

“Fran, well done. I’m very satisfied. The only thing that disappoints me is the small number. Compared to the Storm Infantry Regiment, our Self-Defense Forces are far too weak. Don’t you think it’s necessary to expand their size?” Komer wore a satisfied smile. He gave Fran, who had come to report, a formal response before asking him to accompany him on an inspection.
“Lord Baron, we can’t increase the number any further. Quality matters more than quantity. They’re not yet fully qualified. Perhaps only after this battle can they truly grow. To be honest, I’m already quite satisfied with their performance. But if we expand further, I’m worried that the quality of our army won’t be guaranteed. My suggestion is to wait until this group becomes qualified soldiers before considering anything else. I know you have many concerns, but rapid growth in the army won’t work. I’ll do my best.”
Fran had now fully regained the dignity he once had in the Duchy of Mellen. He showed no outward reaction to the lord’s trust in him, entrusting him with the full responsibility for recruiting and training the Self-Defense Forces. Yet deep inside, he felt immense pride and gratitude. He had seen too much of the nobles’ arrogance and narrow-mindedness in the Duchy of Mellen. No other lord could be so magnanimous. Perhaps this lord had his flaws, but no noble was perfect. Having such a lord already made Fran extremely satisfied.
“Hmm, Fran, I understand your thoughts. But I must remind you not to be shortsighted. Just one Storm Infantry Regiment is enough to destroy us several times over. Without the help of our mages, if we don’t cut off their support in advance, we might lose everything in this battle, without even a chance to turn things around. Our future enemies may be even more numerous and stronger, so we must be doubly careful. I entrust all matters related to the army to you. If you need anything, I’ll have Puber do his best to fulfill your requests. You must create an army that I can deploy at any time to win battles. Do you understand?”
Despite Komer’s somewhat low voice, Fran could hear the trust in him. A warmth surged in his heart, and his thick Adam’s apple moved slightly, but all he could manage to say was, “Lord Baron, Fran understands.”

“Well, it’s good to know. This archer unit also seems quite capable, but their numbers are too small. Archers will play a crucial role in future battles.” Komer looked on cheerfully as groups of archers, slightly thinner than the orcs, passed by. Equipped with two longbows and two crossbows each, their determined expressions made it clear they were skilled elf and half-elf archers.

Facing Komer’s high standards, Fran could only force a wry smile. Archers couldn’t just carry long spears like ordinary infantry—they required exceptional talent. Though these archers with elf blood were gifted, it didn’t mean they were naturally qualified as archers. To become a proper archer unit, they needed intensive training. Moreover, these elf-blooded individuals were increasingly proud and sensitive, and training them alone had already left Bao Ling exhausted.

“By the way, Fran, what do you think of Homer’s army in Bruce Fortress? What tactics will they use against us?” This was what Komer cared most about. Although they had dealt with their magicians and knightly orders, the Storm Infantry Regiment of over ten thousand could still wipe out their three thousand troops. Their only advantage now was that the enemy couldn’t gauge their true strength and thus hesitated to act rashly.

“The enemy is at a loss right now. They don’t know how many magicians we have, yet they’ve lost theirs. So their commanders lack the determination to predict what this battle will be like without magical support. If I were the commander, I’d lead my troops in an all-out attack without hesitation. A few magicians alone aren’t enough to turn a battle of ten thousand against three thousand.” Fran said slowly, “But that’s just my opinion. The Homers might not think the same way.”

This was exactly what Komer feared the most. If Homer’s commanders attacked recklessly, his only option would be to retreat temporarily. These three thousand troops were his own army. Once the enemy saw through their weaknesses, the war would be over. Relying solely on magic wouldn’t be enough to withstand such a large-scale assault, especially since the enemy’s troops were well-trained professionals who wouldn’t flee in panic like the orcs at the first sign of magical attacks.

“Fran, to be honest, that’s exactly what worries me. Is there any way to make the Homers hesitate to act?” Komer nodded, not hiding his concerns.

“It’s very difficult to achieve this. It’s unlikely we can launch a raid on Fortress Bruce; otherwise, the only option is to deepen the enemy’s fear. If the commander is a coward, maybe making them back down is a good strategy.” Fran wasn’t entirely sure either, as the disparity in strength was significant. Any somewhat intelligent commander would realize that this battle could be won outright with just over ten thousand infantrymen.

“No, it’s unlikely. If we can’t completely defeat them, they’ll always remain a major threat to us. To eliminate this threat permanently, capturing Fortress Bruce is the safest approach.” Ke thought for a while before dismissing his earlier idea. With Fortress Bruce in Homer’s hands, the Homerians could threaten Leon and even the entire Caucasus at any time. The only solution was to eradicate Fortress Bruce itself.

Fran, who was well-versed in strategy, naturally understood that capturing Bruce was the best way to ensure the safety of Leon and the Caucasus. Once Fortress Bruce was under control, it would be nearly impossible for the Homerians to recapture Leon. Attacking Leon by sea would only result in losses; without supplies, the invading forces could be strangled to death. No commander would dare take such a risk, especially in a desolate place like Leon, where securing supplies on the spot was almost impossible. The idea was appealing, but with over ten thousand soldiers stationed in Fortress Bruce, who could capture it? No one could.