The sergeant paused for a moment, then quickly began to explain, "General Bolton's order is for all troops to hold their positions and not to launch any further offensives."
What a joke, launching a counterattack in front of the enemy's solid defensive fortifications? Was that not sending the soldiers to their deaths?
Even if one were grasping for achievements, one couldn't do so like this, right? If too many troops were lost, there would be an accounting for it!
Thinking of the daunting punishment, the sergeant who delivered the message immediately invoked General Bolton's name as a shield for himself.
Indeed, the renown of Bolton, one of the kingdom's Twin Jewels, proved useful. Hearing what the sergeant had said, the officer immediately nodded and replied, "Understood. Then we'll proceed according to the plan."
"Yes, Sir!" The sergeant snapped to attention and saluted, fearful that the other might make another strange request, and quickly turned to leave the command post.