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"How could this be? Even if Xilin is a useless coward, their troops aren't all idiots. Did they encounter a large orc army? Otherwise, at least half of them should have been able to escape."

"Sir, it wasn't like that. The 'Iron Cross' was cursed by thousands of minotaurs using evil totem poles, leading to their total annihilation. Later, we followed Commander Naiomie in an assault on the orc stronghold but encountered two powerful white Beamons. As a result, we were forced into a full retreat and pursued by werewolves. I managed to escape by sheer luck."

The information relayed by this thief was somewhat incomplete. He had left the battlefield with the 'Scarlet Scorpion' team before the appearance of the Holy Sword Knights and the Magic Armor Knights. When my two Ice Mountain Beamons appeared, he was still on the south bank of the Red River, so he didn't notice the other, more formidable Level 9 magical beast, the 'Golden-Eyed Dragon Lion,' which was only the size of a cow or horse and thus easily overlooked compared to the ten-meter-tall Beamons.

Nevertheless, even these partial reports caused Basten considerable concern. His plans never included contending with orcs for a stronghold. In fact, he never believed Fontainebleau would have such a fortress, let alone a Level 9 Beamon. After repeatedly questioning the thief and dispatching scouts to confirm that this wasn't false information from his rival Xilin, he convened a military meeting that night, gathering commanders and staff officers to discuss strategies.

"Sir, the situation has exceeded our expectations. It seems the orcs entrenched in the 'City of Fallen' possess formidable strength. I believe we should retreat to the Duchy's Purple Thorn City, gather more troops and siege equipment, and then attempt to capture the city again. Since Count Xilin has already been killed by the orcs, there's no need to worry about him claiming credit," said Ivy, the commander of Basten's Second Legion. Not being a noble nor part of Basten's inner circle, he saw no benefit in capturing Fontainebleau and thus opposed any risky offensive.

"We cannot retreat, sir," countered Tas, the commander of the Thunder Knights. "Regardless of how retreating before battle affects your reputation, while we regroup, the orcs will also have time to reinforce. If the Western Lion Clan sends a large army to garrison the area, even combined forces from nearby countries won't stand a chance."

"Indeed, sir. Moreover, news of the new Golden Trade Route has spread. Since spring, the number of merchants gathered in the Duchy has increased tenfold and continues to grow. If we fail to capture Fontainebleau, they will seek other supporters. Whether they ally with the orcs or support the Church's military intervention, it will harm the Duchy's interests," added Simonnet, the commander of the noble private troops, who naturally focused on the trade route's benefits and opposed retreating.

"We indeed cannot retreat, but we need feasible strategies to capture a well-fortified stronghold guarded by numerous orcs," said Basten, a seasoned general, steering the conversation toward offensive tactics.

"Sir, I have some suggestions," said Zuo Wen, Basten's chief strategist. "I believe the orcs' combat strength isn't formidable. Count Xilin's failure had three main reasons: first, they were disorganized, with internal conflicts leading to betrayal and dispersion of forces, allowing the orcs to defeat them piecemeal. Second, although both mercenary groups had strong frontline units, they lacked comprehensive support, resulting in total annihilation once their main forces were suppressed. Third, humans inherently have a disadvantage against orcs, requiring powerful experts, mages, and magical beast knights to lead the charge. Both mercenary groups lacked Sword Masters, mages, and their magical beasts were overpowered, ensuring their defeat even without dispersing their forces."

The strategist paused, noticing the approving looks from those present, before continuing, "Our situation is different. The Thunder Knights are equipped with two Level 9 magical beasts and corresponding Level 7-8 magical beast knights, supported by heavy cavalry and regular infantry and archers, forming a complete combat formation. We also have four Sword Masters, seven Sword Heroes, three High Mages, four Mages, and twenty Magic Scholars. With your unified command, our combat strength surpasses Xilin's forces tenfold, ensuring victory. Regarding the stronghold, while I believe the thief's report about the massive fortress and magic cannons, the best tools require skilled operators. From the orcs' twice leaving the stronghold to engage Xilin's mercenaries, it suggests the fortress has limitations preventing its full deployment, forcing the orcs to leave its protection. In a few days, our supplies will arrive via rafts, allowing us to construct siege weapons. This should force the orcs out to battle, securing our victory."

"Counselor Zuo Wen's analysis is sound. Let's proceed with our march preparations."

While Basten's legion was in urgent deliberation, Xuanfeng and Catherine were strolling in the rooftop garden of the Green City Stronghold.

The original garden, destroyed during my New Year's battle with Catherine, had been rebuilt over the past two months by Catherine and Hai Ruo. Since I was not in Fontainebleau at the time, the garden's layout completely abandoned my Jiangnan garden style, adopting a geometric design instead. While I found it slightly rigid, the sea of flowers cultivated through magic arrays provided a unique ambiance.

"Lord Xuanfeng, are you still pondering the battle?" Despite their human-like appearances, lion orcs remain deeply committed to their promises. Thus, despite Catherine now wielding significant decision-making power and establishing high credibility, she adhered strictly to her initial commitment, never overstepping the boundaries of a follower.

"No, the battle's outcome is clear. The strength we've hidden in the Green City Stronghold ensures our victory; the only variable is the extent of our losses, which isn't worth worrying about." I stopped, gazing from Fontainebleau's highest point across the vast wilderness. "I'm merely feeling a bit lost. The goal I've long pursued is now within reach, yet my joy isn't as great as I anticipated."