Usually, it was an unrealistic idea to trade a singular person for a city but in Grand Duke Maldenbergs case, it might work. Adrian was the only male heir to the Grand Duchy of Maldenberg. Arthur was big on tradition and military strength, he would never let a woman lead his forces or rule his lands and certainly let a woman inherit his title.
Arthur had made it his life's work to mould Adrian into a worthy successor. He constantly tutored him in the art of war and how to manage his realm. Adrian was drilled in both marksmanship and swordsmanship, he had to be a warrior as well as a general.
Working off General Rapp's plan, the newcomer, Jasper Gundenvarg offered his thoughts on the plan. "In theory, it is entirely plausible if we offer the Maldenberg safe passage to leave the city along with Adrian that they would accept, however, there is no guarantee that happens, we should at least have a plan in case that fails."
The commanders all nodded, it was a decent plan to take a shot at but there definitely needed to be a secondary option in case the plan failed. It was evident that in the likely event they could not peacefully take the city there would have to be a full-on frontal assault. No matter how much they schemed and planned, they had no other options.
For the next 3 days, Victor and his army marched to Archenshien and set up a camp just out of range of the city's cannons. A perimeter was set and guard assignments were issued. Once the Luxenberg army was settled and ready to negotiate Victor sent a soldier waving a white flag to deliver Victor's terms.
The terms were simple. 'Open your gates and surrender the city. In return, your family will be allowed to leave with some prisoners of war as well as Adrian. Refuse and we will execute him and destroy the city.'
Grand Duchess Priscilla Maldenberg was now in charge of the territory in the absence of her husband and son so sending a more threatening demand was necessary to strong-arm her to accept the deal. It would take a whole day for Priscilla and her daughters to deliberate on the terms sent by Victor.
When the reply finally came, Victor was surprised to see that Priscilla accepted the deal. Her conditions were simple. The Maldenberg family and 1,000 prisoner infantrymen would depart from Archenshien unharmed and unimpeded. They were to leave as soon as the Luxenberg army entered the city.
With both sides in agreement, the exchange began right away. The gates of the impoverished city were opened and out came the Maldenberg family along with their elite guard. Seeing the Maldenberg family exit the city the Luxenberg army marched into the sanctuary of the domineering walls.
Once inside they complied with Grand Duchess Maldenbergs conditions. Adrian and 1,000 infantrymen were released and reunited with Priscilla and her daughters. The party would then travel into the distance, they were planning to join their patriarch and his army on the frontlines. Not aware of their target destination Victor attached some spies to the released infantrymen to gain intel for him.
When the Luxenberg army marched into Archenshien they were greeted by sullen expressions of weary and malnourished citizens. Due to the emphasis on military infrastructure, the citizens were deprived of food and many found themselves living in cold, broken homes.
Victor knew that once the war was over the newly conquered cities would need much attention in restoring order and improving the quality of life. Once the army had fully occupied the city they ransacked the Maldenberg palace and used their surplus of food to ease the citizens suffering.
In over a month, the city was stabilized. General Tauentzien and his 3rd Corps were called to garrison the city, while Duke Gundenvarg was sent to defend his territory in case of an enemy raid by Maldenberg forces. The city of Hausen was to be left defended by its original garrison.
During that month the Maldenberg party arrived at the main army's camp. Arthur Maldenberg was struggling to deal with the Fontaine faction's army. They had resorted to hit-and-run tactics causing havoc on any scouting forces from the Maldenberg army. Arthur who was a skilled tactician struggled to do any significant damage to his enemy.
The main Fontaine army was well dug in along the main road leading to Osterbon. With the Maldenberg forces cut in half, it made it hard for Arthur to pursue a more aggressive means in his campaign.
When Adrian returned to the camp and reported what happened at the Battle of Brathurst-Fulkliem and the surrender of Archenshien, Arthur went bright red with anger. Half his army was dead or captured, his capital was now under Luxenberg's control and the 2 dukes who were sent alongside Adrian were either killed or defected.
"You utter failure! You lose half my men, my capital city and now 2 ally dukes are dead or defected. Your sister played her part well in framing that buffoon from the Fontaine family. This war was meant to prove yourself and help me conquer those soft-cocks from the Fontaine faction, yet you have failed me miserably. How do you expect to make this right?!" Screamed Arthur at Adrian
Adrian cowered, in total fear of his father's murderous aura that was exuding from him. Whimpering Adrian managed to sting a couple of words together. "I am sorry Father, If given another chance, I will bring you victory."
"Victory? Victory?! How the bloody hell can you do that? We are at war on 2 fronts, 3 out of my 7 cities now wave the Luxenberg coat of arms. We are outnumbered almost 3 to 1. I can not even begin my invasion of the Fontaine faction's territory when I have an enemy army conquering my land." Arthur replied, trying to stop himself from going into a blind rage.
Adrian tried to offer a solution but before the words could leave his mouth he was struck in the face by his father. Arthur's hand fell upon Adrian's cheek and the blow pushed him to the floor. Priscilla quickly rushed to the side of her son while Arthur grumbled to himself.
"It looks like I need to abandon this front."