In the Name of Empress-Chapter 498 - 324: Everyone Is Striving to Survive (Part 3)
Sif pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "This battle is also a race against time. I plan to gather the main force of the overseas legion, led by..."
In her heart, she hoped Roland would be the Commander in Chief. At critical moments, she was more willing to trust Roland. However, Roland always considered his military capability limited and was unwilling to lead the army into battle, and she couldn’t force him.
"Led by me personally, we will launch an attack from land. You will oversee Hansa on my behalf."
After much thought, the only people she could trust besides Roland were herself.
Roland had said that when it came to desperate measures, one could only trust oneself.
He also mentioned that during the defense of Hansa and the decisive battle at White Mountain, he would definitely join the battle in person.
Since that’s the case, she would take on this appetizer herself.
With full confidence, Sif said, "The Oden Kingdom may still have hidden strong warriors, so I must go personally. Sven the Seventh is a monarch of outstanding valor; I’ll see him off on his last journey."
"Meanwhile, I’ll deploy the navy to blockade the coast and shatter their final illusions."
Sif approached the sand table, explaining her battle plan to Roland.
Her battle plan could be summed up in one word: direct confrontation.
Anyone who stands in the way will be destroyed. She aimed to invade the enemy’s capital at the quickest speed, taking it in one swift move.
The plan seemed a bit rough, but Roland couldn’t think of a better strategy.
If they had time, he would suggest gradually eating away, disintegrating, and splitting the enemy from within, achieving the greatest victory at the smallest cost.
However, they didn’t have time.
The only choice was a direct clash, shattering the pride of the Oden people in a frontal confrontation, forcing them to bow down and submit.
Going direct also had the advantage of possibly prompting other nobility of the Oden Kingdom to surrender.
The Oden people revered strength. If Sif could show might far surpassing Sven the Seventh, she could potentially win over these nobles.
Their loyalty might not be very firm, but it was better than a firm disloyalty.
Since evening was still far away, Roland set up the pieces on the sand table, indulging in a military tactical simulation with Sif, simulating the campaign against the Oden Kingdom.
If it were a real battlefield command, Roland would be a bit nervous, but discussing paper tactics had never daunted him.
Even Christine found it no easy task to defeat him in tactical simulations.
Luckily, Sif was also skilled at tactical simulations, and the two joyfully engaged in a chessboard debate.
After two rounds of role-swapping simulations, the battle outcome was already determined.
Unless a miracle occurred, the demise of the Oden Kingdom was certain, but the Sussex Empire would face considerable losses as well.
After all, the Oden Imperial Capital was famous throughout the Rodinia Continent as an impregnable city that had never been breached through direct assault in history.
This fortress was known as the city that never falls; capturing this stronghold wasn’t easy.
The Oden Imperial Capital was bordered by mountains on three sides, with only one valley leading to the city.
The other side of the city faced the sea, meaning any landing would fall under artillery coverage.
This city had a water source, stockpiled food, and crisscrossed walls and fortifications; theoretically, under 300,000 troops, it was unassailable.
Even if both sea and land blocked the Oden Imperial Capital, the city could endure for a year or two without issue.
Conquering the Oden Kingdom was easy; taking the capital was hard.
If they couldn’t achieve a swift victory, even winning the war would equate to failure.
Sif didn’t tell Roland her trump card; she planned to ascend the city walls personally, opening the gates of victory for the entire army.
This confidence stemmed from reclaiming the Flawless Foot and gaining a perfect body.
Planting trees, advancing, storming the city—no matter the cost, she had to win.
Although she couldn’t think of a better way to reduce casualties, Roland didn’t oppose the action.
He didn’t want casualty figures; he only wanted victory.
To ensure victory, he instructed Sif to take the majority of the main force and appointed Bordeaux as deputy commander.
"Bordeaux is an experienced general; let him handle the specific commands. You just need to make the important decisions and eliminate the enemy’s hidden strong warriors. Remember, don’t take rash risks."
"Understood, I’m not alone." Sif smiled and nodded.
Her words held a dual meaning.
Under the Soul Blood Link, if she died, Roland would accompany her in death, so she wasn’t alone.
Moreover, she and Roland had a marriage agreement, making them a factual couple; naturally, she wasn’t alone.
Sif stood on tiptoe, wrapping her arms around Roland’s neck.
"Roland, I just had a strange dream. In the dream, I attained a perfect body. When I awoke, I realized it wasn’t a dream. We will win; we definitely will."
Watching his beloved wife’s gradually closing eyes and the quivering eyelashes, Roland too was deeply inspired. Without saying another word, he tenderly kissed her.
After an eternity or so, the nearly breathless couple reluctantly released each other.
Sif opened her eyes, a peculiar light dancing in them, and softly said:
"Roland, until the Day of Return, can you adore only me?"
"I always..."
Delicate fingertips touched Roland’s lips, Sif’s voice exceptionally gentle, "Roland, the Soul Blood Link changed my perspective. If Alina doesn’t wish to sever the link by Tier Three, I’m willing to share with her. But until then, no."
Her message was clear: Alina could join this family, but only after withstanding the test of time.
If by Tier Three, Alina sought to sever the Soul Blood Link, her fate with Roland would be finished.
Roland opened his mouth, countless words reduced to one, "Okay."
What else could he say, deny that he had thoughts about Alina?
Such disingenuous words would be easily seen through as soon as spoken.
Sif had a pair of insightful eyes that probed hearts. Even without the Insight Skill, she could tell if he was lying.
