67 Time To End This Once And For All (2/2)

”He's an impressive fellow. Sometimes in order to have a scheme work, one must deceive both their allies as well.” Governor Tao smirked.

Hands behind his back, Governor Tao's expression turns strict.

”Remember to report this to the Imperial Court. The Tuhan's killed Captain Delun, giving us no choice but to fight back.”

”Yes, sir.”

”Governor Tao! We did it, another victory!” A soldier approached the two with a glowing grin.

Walking beside him with a dazed expression was Rin, her eyes lost in thought.

”Honestly, Captain Bai Lan, your tactics are beyond amazing, we've won two battles against them. I have full admiration for you!” The soldier chortled.

Rin, standing off to the side had an expression that revealed the opposite of what one would have when winning a victory.

Her lips were pressed into a hard line and her eyebrows furrowed.

”Now that we have the power, we should attack head on and raid their camp!”

”That's not a good idea.”

Surprised by the boy's words, the soldier looks at the young captain with wide eyes.

”What do mean not a good idea? We do have the resources, right? So shouldn't we strike them when their men are retreating and caught off guard?”

Shaking her head with a sour expression, Rin turns to glance at the governor.

”Sir, give the order for the soldiers to retreat back and head into the training grounds to train. We need to strengthen our defenses and protect the walls. As for the reinforcements, contact as many sources as you can.” Rin spoke sternly.

All three men stared at the young captain with serious expressions, the governor curiously looked into the young boy's eyes.

”With the help of my grandfather's support for our army, we were able to trap the enemy. My initial plan, however, was to trap their commander and take his head or possibly be able to burn their food and weapon supply.”

Narrowing her eyes, Rin lightly drops her head.

”However, I hadn't thought even with reinforcements, he'd still be able to avoid our trap. I also believe that if we were to raid their camp blindly on winning two victories, we'd still be outnumbered. Even I'm uncertain with how many more soldiers they hold, including their weapon supply.”

Rin, with a furrowed expression, looks up at the governor. ”Governor Tao it seems that I've neglected something significant and miscalculated the Tuhan's Commander strength.”

She was senseless to believe she'd be able to capture his head with just her grandfather's reinforcements.

It was clear the Tuhan's were stronger than she predicted.

Even with knowing their past victories she foolishly believed it was because the other provinces forces were weak. But no. It wasn't as easy as their defenses or soldiers being weak.

It was merely because the Tuhan's men were strong in both numbers and strength.

For the first time, Rin felt she had entered a battle where she was truly challenged.

To be honest...it was irritaing.

Watching the boy's grim expression, Governor Tao sighs.

”I understand. I'll have the Generals inform them and be sure to contact more neighboring provinces and empires.” Governor Tao said. ”Until then, I believe it's best suited that you rest.”

About to refute back, Rin lifts her head to speak but is cut off by the Governor's raised hand.

”Escaping a kidnap and undergoing the pressure of a battle is stressful, I recommend regaining your strength for the time being and thinking things over some more.”

Silently lowering her head, Rin gently nods.

”Yes, sir.”

”En, good. You're dismissed for now.”

Nodding her head politely, Rin, along with Xu Mujin walk away from the Governor on top of the stone walls and toward a carriage.

Inside the carriage, Rin releases a long sigh, her eyebrows scrunched together.

No matter what she couldn't rest. Not until she was sure this was all over.