Cornelius leaned against the bedpost, unable to speak for a long time.
Beside him, Fritz quickly skimmed through Major Degler's report, "Based solely on the report, Colonel Aldame's situation... seems acceptable.
"Although the first day's battle was indecisive, the rebels failed to take Jade Crossing, which means they are also exhausted. And the 'Twelfth Legion' is a fresh force, with superior morale and stamina. If they fight again the next day, they might be able to decisively defeat the rebels."
"Degler's report?" Cornelius said hoarsely, "Degler is just trying to preserve Aldame's dignity. Aldame underestimated the enemy and advanced rashly, failing to crush the rebels in one go, which means he has already lost. Paratu is rebel territory, and if it turns into a stalemate, the rebels can rally far more resources than Aldame has. He's cut off from water routes, which means he can't even retreat..."
As Cornelius spoke, he suddenly began to cough violently.
