This was a detail ignored by all current commanders. Armies need to make fires for cooking, and even if they are mere serfs, neglecting this can lead to backlash. The number of hearths typically doesn't fluctuate much.
Simon remembered the Viscount saying that if the number of enemy hearths changes, it means part of the army has hidden itself. When part of the army vanished during the retreat, where could they have gone?
Simon broke into a cold sweat. If a large force caught up with them, they would definitely fall into a trap. "The Viscount was right; this is a scheme."
But now that he had uncovered the enemy's plot, there was nothing to fear. Simon pretended not to have discovered anything and continued tracking the Holy Cross Kingdom's troops.
As the first night passed, and with dawn just breaking, he and his men cut down some branches and fed the horses well. "Connell is too cunning; I'll trick him again."
Soon, the ambushed Holy Cross Kingdom forces saw a huge cloud of dust rising. Even through the dim light, the sight of the dust indicated the presence of thousands of men.
"Damn it! When did the Lokians arrive? Hurry and report to the Count!"
When Count Connell received the news, he did not doubt its authenticity. He was simply furious. After all this time, his men had still left gaps, not even noticing the enemy's approach.
"Fortunately, I was one step ahead. I ordered all troops to hold their ground and restrict the Lokians' space. I don't want to see the Lokians slipping away silently again."
In a siege, the Holy Cross Kingdom's numerical advantage was not effective. But in the open field, Connell was determined to make the Lokians regret their actions.
Simon, with his cavalry, ran around creating disturbances, making the enemy's net tighten. He knew that encountering the Holy Cross Kingdom's main force meant death, so he quickly dealt with the branches and led his cavalry to another area.
When the Holy Cross Kingdom's army arrived, they found no trace of the Lokians. If not for multiple scouts confirming it, they might have suspected it was a false alarm.
Count Connell had a familiar feeling from this series of events. "Derek is truly a genius! Search for him; I must capture him, or we'll face endless trouble in the future."
Indeed, Connell sensed a familiar scent in these actions. He was convinced that the enemy couldn't be completely invisible. They must have used some method to temporarily obscure their presence. But could an army of thousands really be perfectly hidden? Connell was sure that capturing them was just a matter of time.
Even the serf soldiers used as bait were mobilized to search for the Lokians. Simon, meanwhile, would appear and disappear, always managing to evade the Holy Cross Kingdom's forces. When they occasionally encountered enemies, no one believed it was the Lokian main force but thought they were merely scouting.
Seven days passed, and the Holy Cross Kingdom's troops were exhausted. Count Connell had lost his initial confidence. The prolonged search without finding the enemy's trace clearly was not a mistake.
"What method did the Lokians use to evade my sight?"
Simon, too, was very fatigued from the encirclement and pressure. However, looking up at the leaden sky, he smiled. "Heavy snow is coming."
After the winter solstice in the North, heavy snow was a constant. The Holy Cross Kingdom's army, having wasted a week, would not have time to return.
Under the heavy snow, all lives are equal. How many of this army would make it back?
"This must be what the Viscount meant by defeating the enemy without fighting?" Simon discarded a piece of withered grass and mounted his horse. "Remove the traces, and we'll head back."
Having achieved his goal, there was no need to continue playing games with the Holy Cross Kingdom's fools.
After Simon left, Connell did not find any trace of the Lokians for two days. Finally, he realized the truth. "Fools! We are all fools, outwitted by the Lokians."
Count Connell sighed deeply, admitting his own folly. "Isn't it laughable? Thousands of troops outwitted by a handful of men. We're in serious trouble."
The Holy Cross Kingdom's officers lowered their heads, firmly remembering the surname Derek. A growing fear began to spread. They felt embarrassed, thinking Connell was referring to the upcoming heavy snow. In reality, Connell was worried about another problem. A commander with such extraordinary talent—if he survives… the Holy Cross Kingdom would face significant troubles in the future.
Thinking about facing Derek again made Connell shudder. "When we return, we must gather all available information on Viscount Feng Augustus Derek." Connell had a premonition that this trouble was far from over. And this time, he unconsciously added the title Augustus to Derek's name as a mark of respect for a strong adversary.
If Derek were willing, even a baronial territory would be affordable for the Holy Cross Kingdom, or perhaps even more.
Compared to the Holy Cross Kingdom's bleak situation and the arduous return journey ahead, Birch Castle was filled with cheer. With the confirmation of the Holy Cross Kingdom's withdrawal, the heavy casualties seemed trivial.
Derek continued to set up some outposts along the border and intensified communication with the rear. In fact, half a month ago, Baron Pereira's scouts had appeared near Birch Castle. A week ago, with the confirmation of the Holy Cross Kingdom's withdrawal, reinforcements had already been on their way.
Even when the retreat of the Holy Cross Kingdom was confirmed, the old count personally led the knights to Birch Castle. Just in time, Simon returned with news.
Before everyone, he recounted his experiences, leaving everyone astonished. Baron Pereira even asked Derek, "Which family does this young man come from?"
Such perceptiveness was indeed impressive. In reality, Simon's talent was merely average, but Derek's training had been effective. At such times, Derek was willing to promote Simon and even happy to let him share some of the spotlight.
"He's my squire, a freeman from my family."
An ordinary farmer not of noble birth would naturally face some disdain even if he achieved remarkable success. However, there were also those who found this even more admirable. You can never please everyone, but you can make everyone quiet.
Just like now, Simon stood proudly facing all eyes. Achievements are glory. Fist is truth. Sword and armor are his confidence.
"And will also be my confidence," Derek thought to himself, seeing the troubles that lay ahead. But here, in Saint Milian Province, it was his domain.