“What happened? We want the details.”

The command staff asked the messenger for the sequence of events.

The messenger paced his breathing and explained composedly.

“The enemy raided a position where we were managing our supplies, but they were successfully repelled with minimal damage. Afterwards, Sir Gayle pursued the withdrawing enemy.

“Pursued? We have prohibited overextensions through military decree, have we not?”

“Yes. However, Sir Gayle made an assessment as the on-site commander that he could commence a chase with his order of knights.”

“He overextended then. And what was the outcome?”

“They encountered enemies that were lying in ambush and entered battle. In the midst of battle however, Sir Gayle says he caught sight of enemies that were wearing the black, skull-shaped helmets, as well as Siegfried who is designated as a high-priority target.”

Duke Brans rose from his seat and shouted.

“Where are they located?!”

“They are deep within the forest located southeast of our encampments.”

“The southeast? Is that not in the direction we marched from?”

“You cannot possibly be suggesting that they have been observing our movements until now from the rear…?”

“Is that how they were able to so accurately grasp our openings? Such an audacious plan…”

The commanders exclaimed in surprise.

They had committed to performing extensive...