Even from his distant position on the frontier, Duke Palan could see that the Second Prince’s army had changed their movement patterns.

“Your Grace, this is an emergency report.”

“What is it?”

The messenger submitted his report to Duke Palan with a grave expression.

“The rebel army has split into two.”

“Into two, you say?”

“Yes, Your Grace. They separated into two and are now marching for the Capital on different courses.”

“……”

Duke Palan’s face hardened as he stayed silent. The other commanders with him promptly entered into a discussion.

“Those foxes are slyer than I thought.”

“Is it not imperative that we also divide our troops into two and respond accordingly?”

“This is no time for jests. What use would we derive in further subdividing a force of 5000? Not to mention – the detachment without the Duke’s presence would be as good as finished, would it not?”

“That may be so, but we must prevent the capture of the Capital at all costs. They have proceeded with this operation because they are certain that the Capital will be captured, even lest only one of their two companies reaches it.”

The commanders joining Duke Palan on the frontier debated ferociously without a moment’s pause to breathe, but even they could not devise a clear-cut solution. If they managed to impede one of the attacks but let through the other, it would all be for naught.

Even as they loitered like this, the Second Prince and his rebel army...