Chapter 582 (2/2)

The only two people present who could provide a final verdict were Roland and Iron Axe. However, whenever Roland was around, Iron Axe would never speak more than he needed to. No matter what order Roland issued, he would agree and execute it unconditionally. As both viewpoints in this argument had their pros and cons, Roland was not able to make a decision immediately.

The most effective way of using gunpowder weapons in battle was to set up a crossfire net and wait for the enemy to enter it. The Western Region was undoubtedly the ideal location for something like this. However, if the church indeed used his citizens as a vanguard for their army, his losses would be huge. While the army’s weapons could easily subdue the enchanted people, the population loss would be hard to make up for in the short term.

It was only on the day before the army set out that Sir Eltek made a suggestion which brought an end to this dispute.

“Why don’t we place our troops and supplies in the border cities in advance?” He suggested while stroking his beard. “This way, we can substantially shorten the transport distances.”

Brian shook his head in disapproval without giving the idea a second thought. “That’s only possible if we can know beforehand where the church will be attacking from.”

“Sir, the Northern Region doesn’t have enough riverways. If we gather our troops in the wrong positions, we may even be unable to catch up with the enemy’s movement.” Carter added. “Furthermore, the border between Kingdom of Graycastle and Kingdom of Dawn is very long. We won’t be able to keep watch on every passageway.”

“It’s true that we don’t know where the enemy will attack from. But we can induce them to attack from a particular point.”

Everyone was stumped when they heard this suggestion. After a long while, Brian frowned and remarked. “I’m afraid that only the Pope can do something like this.”

Meanwhile, Edith revealed a thoughtful expression on her face.

Sir Eltek was unperturbed by the sarcastic response he received. He candidly replied, “The truth is, I got the idea from Miss Edith. If we can estimate the time of the church’s invasion based on the transportation of food supplies, then the church would also be able to detect the approaching of war based on changes in our border cities.”

“Coldwind Ridge!” Edith suddenly exclaimed.

“Indeed.” The old knight laughed. “If we amass supplies in Coldwind Ridge and station the First Army in the nearby Deepvalley Town, we can be confident of directing the enemy to attack from a certain route, agree?”

“How so?” Brian remained puzzled.

“Because Coldwind Ridge is too near to the holy city,” Edith explained. “Rather than wait for the church to attack, it’s better for us to assume an offensive stance and compel them to concentrate their forces in this area.”

“I see.” Roland was quick to understand what was going on. Deepvalley Town was the only town connected to the central network of rivers. Although it was far away, his fleet of paddle steamers would be able to ship large quantities of supplies over there within one or two months, while the last leg of the transportation journey, which had to be done by land, could be reduced to only three days. Although a number of supplies might not be completely sufficient, it would at least be able to maintain a large-scale battle for some time. Of course, a better way would be to set up a defense line below Coldwind Ridge and wait for the enemy to enter the position that was made up of bunkers, barb wires and trenches.

“What if they insist on not going this way?” Van’er enquired.

“Then the holy city of Hermes will be completely flattened,” Roland answered.