This is called a Plan?
What kind of plan is this?
Is it just saying whatever comes to mind?
But then again, isn't this the Sage's style? The main direction is set, the rest...that's up to the subordinates.
Devise strategic details and plans, that's their job too.
No matter what, let's get there first...
Half a month later.
Gares Kingdom, main island Gares.
Unlike the plains of Vice Island Timadon, Gares Island is mountainous, with few coastal areas. To land, one usually had to bypass the main island and reach Augustine Castle.
But that was the old way. Since the Kingdom fell into chaos, few have landed at Augustine Castle. The island's central sea route is now filled with warships, exchanging fire daily.
Although Augustine Castle belongs to Gares, it has not been occupied. Main island Gares and Vice Island Timadon have been in constant struggle. One day someone enters the city gates; the next, others land around Augustine Castle and retake it. This back-and-forth means not only has the city not been seized, but many of its buildings have been damaged.
So, both sides have developed a tacit understanding. Neither will occupy Augustine until the winner is decided, and then the victor will take Augustine Castle.
This situation has led to ongoing intense battles along the sea route.
Though the ruler of the main island Gares is a recognized Great Noble, the current leader, the Great Noble Nikiforos Tihana, has been nominated as the next King. He is wealthy and powerful, but lacks substantial forces. Most of the military strength is made up of nobles' vassals, not effective in battle.
The ruler of Vice Island Timadon was from the Kingdom Army, well-respected before calling himself the old King's bastard. He is the Kingdom's premier warrior, commanding an army of one hundred thousand, all loyal to him, lacking only in wealth.
With such forces, the 'Young Lion' William should have won, but the nobles...are truly rich!
A group of nobles, while reluctant to use their own troops, find outsiders expendable, so they raised a hand to conscript, inviting those from the United Army with promises of rich rewards and granting them permission to pillage Timadon.
The plains terrain is filled with landing spots. Small units land in droves, making it indefensible. Just defending against these Pirates consumes the Young Lion's immense energy, limiting his forces on the battlefield.
Plus, with the main forces engaged in naval battles, the situation is at a stalemate.
Boom!
Boom boom!
Outside the wide gates along Augustine Castle's coast, calculated by the waterway, should belong to the southeast side, lies a wide sea route wider even than Alabasta's Saint Dorra River.
Such a vast sea route, originally a necessary passage for travelers, has now become a battlefield. The sea is littered with shipwrecks, and between them, two fleets stand off, maneuvering for position, occasionally firing shells that splash beside the enemy ships or hit one, blasting a hole or striking the powder room, igniting a fire onboard.
Sometimes, the unlucky ones get hit by a barrage, breaking apart, leaving survivors to swim desperately to their ships or directly to Augustine Castle.
"Another ship sunk, huh?"
On the massive city wall, a group of nobles watched the battle. One with a red fur cloak laughed, "Wait till they're done fighting, then send people to scavenge. There's bound to be some valuables. Those Pirates like to keep things on them."
"You're really wicked... even after dead men's money, hahaha, share half with me!" another noble grinned evilly.
"A bunch of commoners, what right do they have to possess treasure? Those shiny things don't suit their sweaty and filthy kind. They should hand over what doesn't belong to them, sweat it out, and get muddy feet, either dying on the battlefield or continuing to farm," the cloaked noble sneered. "Giving them a chance now is already a blessing from us. If they survive, I might give them a small reward for their hard work."
"Haha, let them battle longer. No matter who wins, we'll profit," another noble chuckled.
Neither side enters Augustine Castle?
Is it because they don't want to enter?
No, it's because the nobles here don't allow them in.
What use is seizing the city gates? What use is entering? Both armies are in a standoff, and small forces that enter are secretly expelled and blamed on the other side.
This not only prevents Augustine Castle from becoming a battleground but also shifts focus from them to the rival, not on this 'World Desire City.'
It's the nobles who created this illusion, that only the victor can take Augustine Castle and become the ruler of the Gares Kingdom, ruling the main island Gares and Vice Island Timadon.
Until then, they profit from the war.
They lack the courage to seize the Kingdom, but the courage to profit from the Kingdom's war? They have that in abundance!