Colonel Vava applauded the dancing courtesans, his face a slight red from the amount of alcohol he had been drinking. Around him were all the other members of the General Staff roaring their approval at the skimpily clad courtesans in a provocative dance.

Since the Gerheist offensive started, Colonel Vava’s strategy had been simple. To drag out the conflict for as long as he possibly can without losing the initiative and then striking a mortal blow to the Gerheist offensive.

Why did he want to drag out the offensive? It was simple. He knew that the loyalists would commit their soldiers as much as possible to the best of their abilities in an attempt to push back the invading forces.

If he dragged it out well enough and long enough, he can not only blame the loyalists for their incapability and claim credit when the final victory has been achieved. He can only imagine being called Chief of the General Staff, Colonel Vava, or even to become a landed noble, House Vava had an amazing ring to it. He has in fact gotten a famous painter to design his house crest as well in secret.

As the song and dance came to an end and applause ringed the tent, a rather pale faced adjutant came in, a parchment in hand. He put on a smile that seemed so forced that even the more tipsy officers in the tent turned to look as he walked to Colonel Vava and bent down, whispering into his ears.

“Colonel Vava, General Kaffe has successfully broken out of the encirclement. He is joined by Count Boulevard’s associates, Lord Black.”

Colonel Vava’s face twitched as he heard the mention of General Kaffe. That meddlesome fool should have just died in battle. That would have saved him so many problems. General Kaffe still commanded respect in the rank and file and his popularity made him a threat to Colonel Vava.

“Well… I imagine he lost a lot of men getting out?” Colonel Vava smiled as he whispered in reply. The adjutant shook his head, while trembling as he gave the news. The Gerheist lords were completely crushed and it was a stunning victory. In fact, the only reason Colonel Vava would be aware of this piece of information now was solely because of the fact that a lone Gerheist noble, in his haste to escape, had fled towards the direction of the Carminian encampment instead by accident.

Breathing in deeply, Colonel Vava nodded, waving his head, a signal that the adjutant has said enough and he can leave now.

“Come now, Colonel, what is the news?” one of the officers said, breaking the tense silence in the air. Colonel Vava sipped his wine quietly and did not reply, for he was thinking. Should he just send his own army to surround the General’s army and crush them enroute?

Accidents happen in the middle of the night. And if he sent his own officers to lead the men that was loyal to him, he would be sure that there would be leaks that are minimal.

However, this means that General Kaffe becomes a martyr. Sometimes, a man dead is more terrifying than a man alive.

With a smile, Colonel Vava replied, “Everything is good. General Kaffe has successfully smashed the enemy and I expect them to be joining our defensive line soon.”

No one met the news with applause or congratulations. Everyone in fact, looked extremely disappointed. The fire in the middle of the tent cackles, as if giving its’ agreement.

“Count Boulevard’s associate is among them as well. I will be assuming they are heading for Count Boulevard’s sector. I think it is time for a counter-offensive gentlemen. The Gerheist King has let loose his forces long enough. Let us have General Kaffe assist us in wiping up the remnants, shall we?” Colonel Vava laughed and the room returned his laughter, some forced, some genuine.

“Well… Let’s see how many lives you have then, General Kaffe…” Colonel Vava whispered to himself as he gestured for the next courtesan to begin her performance.

As night reached its’ peak, Colonel Vava stared at the map. This map detailed troop deployments of his army. His sight was on Count Boulevard’s position. It was an easily defendable pass called the Phoenix’s Fall. It had strong, tall walls and provisions to outlast any defender trying to assail the pass to enter the Kingdom of Carmine’s homeland.

Colonel Vava had wanted to assert his command over the area by ordering Count Boulevard to withdraw from the area and position his own men there. However, Count Boulevard had replied that due to his injury, he was unable to move from the position. A load of trash.

“Adjutant!”

Colonel Vava called for his assistant who promptly came into the room.

Colonel Vava took out a quill, inkpot and parchment. In it, he detailed Count Boulevard’s exact position. Rolling it up, he handed it to his adjutant.

“Go surrender to the Kingdom of Gerheist with this.”