Chapter 76 Heavy burden (1/2)
Chapter 76 Heavy burden
Translator: Tchu
Editor: Hydro
“Retreat?”
Ruhr, who was sitting on his horse, held the report in his hand the messenger had brought in from the frontlines.
Hmm… They retreated, although they had won. Adrick felt that something was wrong.
Ruhr started to forcefully rub his cheek, pinching the fatty skin into a large mass. This action didn’t solicit a response from the surrounding men, since they had already gotten used to the general’s strange habit.
Although Ruhrs’ infantry army’s marching speed was already fairly slow, since they were also responsible for taking care of the large amount of military equipment and supplies, such as: grain, fodder, and other commodities.
The soldiers of the 6th Army weren’t in a hurry to arrive at the frontlines – the so called courage of an army, would be deeply imprinted inside its soldiers according to the commander’s actions. Therefore, the 6th Army’s style would never be like the 13th Iron Army’s one.
In fact, when they set out north this time, the rabbit general Ruhr continued to carry a deep worry in his heart. It was a strange sense that he was born with, and each time he encountered danger, this feeling was especially intense. Ruhr joined the army for many years and fought many battles, and each time a critical situation arose, he managed to escape safely. It could be said that more than 50% of these situations were because of this keen sense. This time when they were marching north, with each additional step, his feeling of danger kept getting more pronounced. It was so strong, that this fatty was sweating coldly in this chilling weather, and completely soaking his cotton-padded gown inside his armor.
Thinking for a moment, Ruhr made a decision:”Concentrate all the horses in our army, as well as the scouts… Yes, let the legion at the back leave behind 1000 men! Arrange a mixed unit and separate it from the main force to slowly follow us from behind. Remind them that they have to keep a day’s distance off the main force. Don’t let them get too close nor too far from us!”
After issuing the order, this rabbit general sighed while his face revealed a wry smile: “Let’s hope that my premonition is correct as well.”
While talking, he touched his fat face and said a voice full of ridicule: “Even Hasting could not kill me. Could it be that the military officer leading the Odins this time is fiercer than Hasting? Hmpf!”
※※※
The 13th Army was worthy of being one of the Empire’s most elite units. After Adrick gave the order to retreat, although the soldiers had some doubts in their hearts, they still executed the order full of resolve.
After the formation was reorganized, the 13th Army quickly withdrew from the battlefield and evacuated from the flat plains. General Adrick personally led a legion to guard the rear in order to prevent the Odin army’s pursuit.
A distance of ten miles was neither near nor far, however it took a meal worth of effort for the cavalry to arrive at the designated assembly point.
Saucier, this valiant centurion who was used to leading his cavalry to charge through his enemies, still held some dissatisfaction. After regrouping, he couldn’t bear it and went to Adrick to complain.
“General, I don’t understand. Since we have won, even if we don’t charge in recklessly and enter the mountain valley, we could at least siege the valley and stubbornly pin those Odins inside, why…”
Adrick sat on his horse eating dinner, which consisted of a piece of hard meatloaf and cold water. Swallowing it down in few bites, he wiped the remaining water from his beard and squinted his eyes to look at the number one warrior under his command, with a hint of disappointment.
Taking a deep breath, Adricks’ eyes seemed slightly low-spirited: “Saucier, how many years have you already been following me?”
The full bearded Saucier thought for a moment: “I’ve had nine years with the 13th army. When you arrived back then, I was still the vice officer of a legion.”
Adrick smiled with his looks maintaining the always present dignity, before turning around to look at his cavalry’s neat formation. Whether quietly lining up or walking on the way to an assignment, the cavalrymen didn’t make any extra noise, only the hoofbeats or occasional jangling of armor could be heard. Except for these noises, a solemn and respectful quietness was prevalent over the camp.
The general’s expression became complicated, before he sighed softly. A bitter smile immediately appeared on his face: “Saucier… I probably, can’t stay here for much longer.”
Saucier’s expression immediately changed as he heard the general’s worried voice: “I have spent nine years in the 13th Army and according to the imperial military law, do you think there is a commander who can stay this long in the same army? Hmpf…Two years ago, they already wanted to transfer me. You are someone who has lived his whole lifetime in the imperial army, and should understand that it is impossible for a commander to stay a lifetime in one of the main army’s. This is in order to prevent the general from gathering too much of the soldiers support, and starting a rebellion. Being able to command the 13th Army for nine years is the limit, and if I guessed right, after this war, in a year or so, I am going to be transferred. Perhaps to serve as vice-minister of the military headquarters in Osgiliath or I can go become a military governor in a region……”
Saucier’s expression became even uglier as he stared at Adrick while not being able to utter a single word.