In the Name of Empress-Chapter 481 - 319: To Save or Not to Save?_3

According to the intelligence sent by the messenger, the situation at the Franks frontline is quite dire.

The garrison stationed at Frank Castle is commanded by General Dailong, consisting of a reinforced division and local defense units.

The reinforced division is 1.5 times the size of a regular division, with nearly eighteen thousand men, equipped with over ten thousand firearms, more than three thousand warhorses, and seventy-five cannons, making it a formidable mobile unit.

The local defense forces at Frank Castle number about seven thousand, with more than thirty cannons.

With the addition of outer works, trenches, and bastions, the probability of Frank Castle being taken head-on is quite low.

Unless over a hundred thousand troops and three times the amount of artillery are deployed.

The Prudon Kingdom...

Deployed the 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 6th organized armies, with the 1st and 6th armies being elite units awarded the black cross on a silver flag.

From the moment the messenger broke through, the war has been ongoing for three days.

Organizing reinforcements to set out and rushing to Frank Castle would take at least ten days.

The speed of an army’s march is not comparable to the speed of a messenger moving at full speed.

To provide aid, an army of equivalent size is required, and mobilizing a hundred thousand troops is very time-consuming; sending too few would be futile.

Can General Dailong hold out for nearly half a month?

The command hall was utterly silent, as if enveloped by deathly stillness.

Present were professionals who held little hope for this defense battle.

According to the messenger’s intelligence, even as he broke through, the perimeter’s bastions and defensive works had already fallen, leaving the situation perilous.

During this military meeting, it was very likely that Frank Castle had already fallen.

Although nobody likes defeatism, reality, as always, must be confronted.

An experienced general spoke gravely:

"I’ve known General Dailong for many years; I know him very well. As long as there’s hope, he would certainly seek support, rather than require us to fortify the rear in a letter, saying support wasn’t needed."

"Although it’s cruel to say, Frank Castle probably couldn’t be held."

The old general sighed, said somewhat helplessly:

"From Hansa to Frank Castle is about three hundred miles. If the support troops march swiftly to Frank Castle, they might confront an enemy lying in wait, ready to ambush them."

After saying this, the old general seemed to have exhausted all his strength and sank back into his seat.

The Prudon Kingdom’s mobilization of all its mobile forces for a sudden attack indeed exceeded many expectations.

But the war is long, abandoning a fortress to preserve valuable living forces is better than having them ambushed.

Subsequently, several generals spoke in turn.

Rational ones suggested abandoning the rescue and laying out a new defense line.

Those with fiery spirits demanded immediate assistance.

Their reasoning was simple: what if Frank Castle was still holding on?

Abandoning them would chill everyone’s hearts, and morale would collapse.

Even if destined to fail, there must be an attempt to save them.

Christine silently listened to the generals’ arguments, her gaze turning to Roland.

"Lord Governor, what do you think?"

"I support your decision." Roland unhesitatingly passed the responsibility back.

If he could handle this complex situation, why would he need Christine?

"Any decision?" Christine continued to ask.

Roland’s heart tightened, he roughly guessed what Christine would choose.

She was always so cold-blooded when it came to giving up.

Looking into Christine’s deep eyes, Roland’s words changed at the tip of his tongue.

"Yes, any decision."

Christine’s expression remained calm, but her lips curved slightly into a barely noticeable arc.

She abruptly stood, raising the Golden Short Sword representing the Emperor’s authority.

"Generals, I have decided."

"Frank Castle must be reinforced, but the army cannot be recklessly deployed. I will personally lead seven thousand cavalry to set out, using harassment tactics and the like to relieve pressure on General Dailong."

"Bordeaux, you must reorganize the army at the fastest speed, advancing at a normal pace to ensure the army’s combat strength and morale, preparing for both rescue and decisive battle."

...

With one command after another issued, Christine’s rescue deployment was swiftly completed.

She glanced back at Roland, with a calm gaze holding a hint of mockery.

As if she were silently communicating something to Roland.