After several days of grueling siege warfare, Leon faced dwindling manpower and supplies, causing morale to waver among his troops. In desperation, he dispatched an envoy to the lands of Strongson, carrying an urgent plea to Duke Horace. Days later, Duke Horace received the emissary in a dimly lit study, reading through Leon's report with a furrowed brow. He understood all too well that Leon's situation, compounded by prolonged siege and internal noble rivalries, was far more precarious than it seemed to outsiders.
Before Leon's ascension to the throne, Horace had been a critical figure in Strongson's military council. In his youth, as a frontline commander, he had fought numerous battles against the southern adversaries of the Melis territories, earning a reputation as a military legend. However, time had tempered Horace. From a hardened warlord, he had transformed into a pragmatic strategist with a vision extending far beyond the battlefield. Yet one belief remained steadfast: safeguarding the nation's territorial integrity was his paramount duty.
Horace understood Leon's motives. For Leon, the war was an opportunity—a means to solidify his power and expand the kingdom's borders. But Horace's focus was not on politics. He viewed it solely as a matter of military decision-making. The nation had committed to this course of action, and as a soldier, his responsibility was to see it through. The intricate webs of political maneuvering could be left to the scheming nobles.
Horace set the letter aside and took a deep breath before addressing General Oscar, who stood by his side. In a low voice, he said, "I understand his intentions. With the battlefield at a stalemate, we must mobilize resources from both the northern and southern provinces to sustain the fight. Are you ready?"
General Oscar nodded firmly, determination shining in his eyes. "We are ready, my lord. Just give the word."
At that moment, Minister Hermann Walford entered the room, exuding an air of disdain. An old comrade of Horace, Hermann had shared countless battles with him. Despite their camaraderie, Hermann's temperament was far more direct. He had little patience for the duplicity of nobles or their incessant infighting. Standing beside Horace, he growled, "These nobles are laughable, squabbling over power even as the nation teeters on the brink of destruction. If they refuse to cooperate, we should arrest them outright."
Horace, however, shook his head, his tone steady and composed. "Patience, Hermann. We must make them see that Strongson's resolve is absolute. We are not here to negotiate but to enforce a mandate. Mobilizing their resources is inevitable, and our presence—mine and Oscar's—will demonstrate our unwavering determination. They will not dare to openly defy us."
Hermann, though frustrated by Horace's calm approach, knew better than to doubt his judgment. The duke rarely made mistakes. Despite his warrior's instinct for direct action, Hermann chose to follow Horace's plan.
Thus, Horace, General Oscar, and Hermann set out to the territories of Melless and the lands of Marquis Erick, initiating a campaign to "requisition resources" from the recalcitrant nobles. Their mission was clear: to secure the supplies and reinforcements necessary to sustain the siege and ensure the survival of Strongson's forces.