A quick briefing and departure

A/N: Hey guys, back after a while with a new update!

Two more days later, General Hoteac and his party return to the walls of Emti, where they immediately called for a briefing of all commanding officers.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I believe some of you have already learned of this, but Chancellor Griselda's strategy has become impossible due to this city," Said Hoteac, "As such, we shall proceed according to my strategy from now on."

"Meaning?" Asked Claudia.

"We shall devote all our troops and supplies to the mark to Sorik, and leave none behind to guard Emti," Said Hoteac.

All the gathered captains sweated nervously at this.

So we really are taking this third option... Thought Claudia, No choice but to go for it.

"All troops, move out!" Said Hoteac.

And so, the entirety of the 280,000-strong army departed Emti, not a single soul left to man its walls. Following behind the massive host of bodies was a long line of supply carts, filled with boxes, crates and barrels filled with all army's essential supplies from foodstuffs to water and medicine.

"That's our lifeline right there," Said Briolforn, "We lose that, we lose this war and the existence of Hasounga itself."

"Aye, and that means failure's not an option," Said Claudia, "That just means we have to fight extra hard, don't we?"

"Hmph, truer words have never been spoken," Said Gabriella.

Back in Hasounga, you and Olga were eagerly awaiting further news from the invasion army amid discussions with Chancellor Griselda and your other command staff. Set upon a three-dimensional model of Yanikara's geography were models of castles, cities and troops, each figurine representing hundreds of lives.

"So if they hold the city, they can slowly encroach deeper into Yanikaran heartlands and create a slow advance towards Sorik, where the Sultan resides," You said, "And assuming nothing goes wrong, they will have conquered the city within three years."

"Indeed, and to hold the cities following Emti is crucial, because if we don't, chances are that they can more easily cut off the flowing supply chain and put our armies in jeapordy," Said Griselda, "And with the army at Atabey making good progress, they should be able to reach Sorik in ten days' time."

"But the Three Lions are no easy foe," Said Olga, "And concerningly, they've halted all progress since they captured Emti. It's been five days now."

"We will simply have to leave it to the men on the ground, Mein Kaiserin," Said Griselda, "There's nothing more we can do on our end."

"I have to admit, I'm eager to teach those cubs a lesson in humility," Said Chloe.

"And this campaign shows that our generals will not lose out to some ancient fossils," Said Matilda smilingly.

But then a messenger came in, saying, "Urgent report! General Hoteac sends a message for us all!"

"Finally, some news," Said Olga, "What does it say?"

"Mein Kaiserin, General Hoteac's message is this: 'We shall leave no one to guard Emti! No further supply trains are to be sent!'" Said the messenger.

Shock is plastered over the face of everyone but the most composed of courtiers, and you narrow your eyes at this unexpected development.

"Chancellor, the fact they've abandoned Emti means..." Said Matilda.

"That they've discarded the strategy we've given them, and they are now proceeding according to Hoteac's strategy," Said Griselda.

"But why? What would make them discard such a painstakingly crafted strategem like this!?" Said Chloe.

"Emti," You said.

"Xarric?" Said Olga, who peered inquisitively into your Purple eyes.

"They've discovered a concealed weakness in Emti, rendering Griselda's strategy useless," You explained, "And now they have to take another approach to make our conquest of Sorik a success."

"And there are only a handful of candidates who could have made this happen," Said Griselda.

"The Three Lions..." Said Olga gritting her teeth, "Even now, they're a real pain in the rear to deal with. Messenger, what of the invasion army's movements?"

"Mein Kaiserin... they've changed directions and are hitting the small city of Alamun!" Said the messenger.

"What!?"

Even you struggled to make heads and tails of this unexpected diversion; if you were in the invading army's shoes, you would make for all due haste towards Sorik and attack before supplies ran out. What good would it do them to suddenly attack this small city that had no strength to resist?

"Mein Kaiser..." Said Chloe, "Could they be hoping to conquer these cities for later on?"

You shook your head at her.

"Then what is it they're aiming for?" Asked Olga.