Kenji couldn't help but agree with his sister's observations.
The facts did add up. Even though Hanyin City was established as a chokepoint in the gorge, if the northern savages truly wanted to invade Camelot's territory, they could easily take a slightly longer route, using the eastern plains, which were relatively flat and unobstructed by mountains, to cross the river and launch an attack. Although there were equally well-defended fortresses there, the terrain was more open, allowing for the northern cavalry to expand their ranks and fully capitalize on their mobility advantage. In short, attacking from that side would incur fewer losses.
But the reality was different.
They chose to attack Hanyin City and managed to conquer it.
"Listen, brother," Siyue said, taking a bite of her pastry, "when I play strategy games, I wouldn't even try to capture a city like Hanyin, especially when my strength lies in mobility. A bunch of cavalry trying to hold onto a city isn't a smart strategy. Unless..."
She didn't finish her thought but pointed to several cities near Hanyin, tapping each one with a finger as if to emphasize something, then made a gesture of retreat, pulling her hand back towards the direction of the Camelot Empire.
Kenji suddenly realized something.
From what the intelligence from other regions showed, this battle wasn't particularly fierce. Despite reports of flames and battle cries rising from Hanyin City, scouts reported there were no requisitions of supplies or military musterings from the surrounding cities during the enemy's attack.
This was highly unusual, as Hanyin City's primary strategic value was to firmly wedge itself into the empire's border, locking any enemy trying to pass through the Yin Gorge in a deadly trap while buying time for the empire's defenses and counterattacks.
According to the empire's strategic planning, when Hanyin City was under attack, all cities behind it should have mobilized, preparing to form a second line of defense in support.
Yet, the reality was that while Hanyin City was being attacked, his long-standing intelligence network reported only token movements from nearby cities.
This could suggest only one thing—
The northern Hanyin City, including those surrounding cities, might be in cahoots with the enemy.
The situation was dire.
"Saddle my horse! Quickly! I need to see Her Majesty immediately!" Kenji felt a cold sweat, as he gave the order. Then he thought for a moment. "Lina!"
"Yes, what can I do for you, Young master?" Lina responded briskly.
"I'm on my way to Her Majesty. It's urgent. Ride fast and inform all military personnel, including General Balinos, to gather at the palace for an emergency meeting!"
"As you command!"
Lina didn't hesitate; she reacted swiftly to Kenji's request. She sprinted to the stables, leapt onto her snow-white steed, and without delay, she spurred it into a gallop, disappearing in an instant.
Meanwhile, Kenji's horse was brought over by a servant. He mounted it, then paused for thought.
"Siyue."
"Huh?"
"Get on the horse too."
"Uhhh!?, what?" Siyue was taken aback; she hadn't expected her brother to say something like this.
"You don't need to do anything, just watch from the side, and if I miss something, you point it out to me." Kenji explained. "Leave the dealing with people to me."
"But I can't ride... Huh? Wait, what?"
Before Siyue could think twice, she was already hoisted onto the horse by Kenji, and then, like a bolt of lightning, they were racing down the streets of Luminara City.
...............
Pluvia couldn't help but find the situation rather amusing as she looked at Kenji standing before her, with Siyue trembling behind him, not daring to look up.
Kenji's arrival was one thing, but bringing his sister was odd. She knew about Siyue's condition, a touch of hysteria that reportedly came and went. For Kenji to bring her to the palace, wasn't he afraid of her committing a faux pas in front of the Emperor?
Well... maybe he really wasn't. After all, this guy was already bold enough to go head-to-head with her. Some minor breach of etiquette wasn't something he would care about, and he'd likely think she'd forgive someone with a condition like that.
"So, these are your urgent military reports?" Pluvia asked, eyeing the still sweating Kenji.
She was toying with an expensive pen in her hands, a gift from Kenji on the day she ascended the throne. Now, out of habit, she found herself playing with this pen when she had nothing else to hold, finding comfort in its presence.
"Currently, these are the urgent reports, but, my report covers only an overview of the current military situation. I believe we should quickly and in detail devise countermeasures for the potential threats we face—the northern border, though guarded by Her Majesty's brother, is not an impenetrable barrier. We must ensure we maintain control over the north."
Kenji spoke earnestly, even causing Pluvia to question for a moment if he was genuinely loyal. However, she quickly shook off the notion, reminding herself not to be easily swayed by him, not to be led by him, and then she nodded.
"Your words are reasonable. Now we perhaps should summon the generals for a meeting."
"Your Majesty can rest assured. I have already instructed my subordinate to notify all the generals. They should arrive shortly."
Kenji assured her, knowing full well that the generals would take longer, partly because Lina needed time to deliver the message, and partly because once at the palace, they would have to dismount and walk through the vast corridors to reach the emperor's grand hall.
You're wondering how Kenji was so quick to arrive?
He could stride into the emperor's own hall with his sword, so riding a horse through the palace for military matters was nothing. The urgency of military affairs demanded prompt action, not adherence to etiquette. His horse was currently tied to the pillar at the entrance of the emperor's hall.
"You really do know how to handle things."
Pluvia didn't mince her words. Kenji was sometimes infuriating, but he was reliable in such situations.
Ten minutes hadn't passed before the sound of footsteps approached.
"No need to waste time; tell them to come in directly."
She instructed her attendant.