Chapter 396: Austrians Arrive in Granada (2/2)

For this reason, Hasan did not immediately understand just what a division of soldiers meant. Because of this misunderstanding, Hasan immediately asked a relatively foolish question.

”The first division? Does that mean there are more of you coming?”

Adelbrand immediately responded to this question with a smug expression as he explained in full detail just what exactly Austria defined a Division as.

”While my entire unit has yet to reach these shores. I assure you there will only be one division taking part in this conflict. Your Majesty, I must inform you that a full division is roughly 25,000 men who are fully capable of waging war independently if they must. Due to the superiority of our forces over that of the enemy, his Majesty King Berengar has decided that he will only need the First Division to win this war!”

After hearing that 25,000 Austrians would be arriving to support him, Hasan felt greatly relieved, as if the pressure he had been facing these past six months suddenly vanished. He was aware of how efficient the Austrians were in warfare and knew that Berengar truly valued their alliance if he were to send so many of his soldiers to battle.

However, there was one last question on his mind as he thought about this. As such, Hasan did not hold back his thoughts as he inquired about the whereabouts of a specific person.

”Tell me, where is King Berengar? I very much would like to share a drink with him!”

Adelbrand's expression suddenly became awkward; he had no idea that Berengar had utterly neglected to inform Hasan that he would not be entering the conflict. An uncomfortable smile appeared on his face as he tried to explain the situation as delicately as possible.

”King Berengar is currently occupied overseeing a critical transition without our Kingdom and is unavailable to lead the conflict. However, I assure you that under my command, it will be more than enough to win this conflict.”

Hasan immediately began to curse in his native tongue as he spoke his thoughts aloud.

”That bastard! I bet he's avoiding me because he knows I will try to marry my sister off to him!”

Adelbrand had no idea what Hasan was saying, but he figured it was not pleasant. Thus he kept his mouth shut. He would only speak up on Berengar's behalf if the Sultan had the guts to insult him in a language that the General could understand. Luckily for everyone involved, Hasan kept his thoughts to himself.  After a while, Hasan began to speak to the Austrian General about the ongoing conflict.

”At the moment, your General Arnolf is behind enemy lines leading my Royal Guard in what he referred to as a Guerilla campaign. So far, they have been successful in slowing down the Iberian advance, but it won't be long before they engage my defenses. I suggest that you quickly make your way to the front to reinforce my main Army, or else it will be a hell of a lot more difficult when the first line of defense fails.”

Adelbrand shook his head when he heard this suggestion; he had a plan and would stick to it. It was with this in mind that he responded to Hasan's request.

”I will wait here until the first division has fully landed. Afterward, I will route out your enemies from your land. When I have secured your Emirate and exterminated every last Catholic in these lands, I will then drive my Army into Portugal, where I will capture its capital and force their King to kneel before me. For the time being, your soldiers will have to hold out. I am sure they can manage that.”

When Hasan heard this, he sighed before walking back to his Caravan, he had traveled a long way to greet the Austrian Host, and he was not going to sit around and wait for the rest of the division to arrive. As he began marching back to his carriage, as he did so he called out to Adelbrand, giving him the green light to do whatever he pleased.

”You are the General, do what you think is best, but I warn you, if they break through my Army, you will be forced to deal with dozens of small armies across my territory, and this will turn into a very long campaign.”

After saying this, the young Sultan departed from the port, traveling back to his Capital of Granada. While Adelbrand and Arnulf waged war against the Iberians, Hasan would sick back in his palace and enjoy the luxuries contained within.  This carefree attitude would later be seen as an act of cowardice, becoming a significant point of contention between the Granadan Generals and their Sultan.

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