Chapter 019 Granthar 2
After conducting his observations and receiving reports from Kevin and Saihan, Hugh decided to immediately devise concrete steps. The threat from an unclear enemy was becoming more palpable, and his forces had to be prepared for any eventuality. However, Hugh also knew that the growing anxiety among the soldiers could become an unforeseen weakness. If not addressed, it could prove to be a bigger threat than the external one they were facing.
With firm steps, Hugh made his way to the command room. Inside, the commanders were discussing in low voices, talking about the readiness of the troops and the defensive measures to be taken. The moment Hugh entered the room, the atmosphere changed instantly. Everyone stood respectfully, but the tension was clearly visible on their faces.
"Your Grace, Duke Griffith," said one of the commanders, trying to hide the growing unease among them. "We have prepared the defense at the northern point, but there are concerns regarding the troops' morale. They are beginning to doubt the effectiveness of our strategy."
Hugh's gaze sharpened, realizing that this was not just a tactical or logistical problem. This was a psychological issue that could break down their entire strength if not addressed immediately.
"Doubt," Hugh murmured, his voice heavy with pressure. "Doubt is a seed that can destroy everything we have built. If they begin to doubt, they won't be ready when the threat arrives. We need to deal with this immediately, before it spreads further."
"What if we hold more intensive drills? Show our strength in front of them?" suggested another commander, trying to find a solution.
Kevin, standing beside Hugh, spoke up. "Physical drills may only exhaust them more, Duke. What they need now is trust, and that can only be given by firm leadership."
Saihan added, "The troops need to feel that they're not just tools of war, but part of a greater purpose. If they feel neglected, they will lose their spirit. We must give them a sense of purpose."
Hugh paused for a moment, deep in thought. Then, his gaze sharpened as he looked at the commanders. "We'll start by strengthening communication. Every battalion must feel directly connected to us. They need to know that we're watching and that we appreciate their efforts. And most importantly, they need to know that we have a clear purpose."
Hugh walked over to the strategy board in the room, pointing to the established positions. "We will change our tactics. Instead of relying solely on physical strength, we'll focus on reconnaissance and deep strikes. We need to surprise the enemy, not just defend."
The commanders nodded, beginning to understand the direction Hugh intended. However, they knew that in order to change the morale of the troops, these steps needed to be implemented immediately. There was no time to waste.
Hugh then turned to Kevin and Saihan, "You two, help me coordinate this. Take a more personal approach with the troops. They need to feel that they are facing a common enemy, not just completing a task to earn gold as a reward."
Kevin, who was used to working with Hugh, nodded firmly. "It will be done immediately, Duke."
Saihan, though quieter, gave a small smile as a sign of approval. "I will follow up with direct supervision at the front lines."
Before they left the room, Hugh added one more thing in a heavier tone, "Remember, all of this will be in vain if we lose our self-confidence. If we are not resolute, we will lose before the fight even starts. I cannot allow that to happen."
With clear directions, Hugh and his two subordinates left the command room, ready to take the next steps. The troops would soon face a tougher test, not only from the enemy outside but from within themselves. This was a defining moment for Granthar.
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Investigation of the Threat
Hugh increasingly realized that the threat looming over Granthar was not merely about an enemy army preparing for a direct assault. Something more concerning was developing behind the scenes, a more subtle and difficult-to-detect threat. All the information received from spies at the border showed signs of suspicious movement, but no one could verify its truth with certainty. Hugh had to take a more cautious and meticulous approach to ensure that this threat would not catch them off guard.
With swift steps, Hugh headed to the intelligence room. Kevin was already waiting there, along with several intelligence officers who had long been working for Skythia. These were individuals accustomed to handling information coming from various sources, both trustworthy and those still in question.
"Duke, there's something you need to see," Kevin said as Hugh entered the room. On the table, there were several maps, reports, and notes that seemed well-organized.
Hugh approached, his eyes immediately drawn to a map spread out on the table. The map showed several points indicating suspicious movement beyond the border, in areas untouched by Granthar's forces. "What is this?" Hugh asked in a firm tone, eager for an answer.
"This is a report from the spies we've planted in the western territories," Kevin replied. "There's increased activity around a border that should have been quiet. No signs of a large enemy force, but these movements are definitely unusual. We've also heard rumors about groups wanting to sow chaos within the border."
Hugh examined the map carefully, his eyes scanning each point listed there. "Is this what you mean by a hidden threat?"
"Yes, Duke," Kevin responded, "we suspect that there are parties trying to organize forces or groups from within, possibly with the goal of gradually destabilizing Granthar. Nothing concrete, but we must be cautious."
Saihan, standing next to Hugh, added, "If this is true, we must act quickly before they plant their influence further among the people or the troops."
Hugh gave a sharp grin. "So, what's our next move? We can't just wait for them to surface."
"Further investigation is required, My Lord," said an intelligence officer seated at another table. "We can send some troops to scout deeper into the suspicious areas. If they indeed want to move secretly, we can use their ignorance to gather more intelligence."
"Agreed," Hugh responded firmly. "Send some of our best men to infiltrate those areas. Ensure they report every movement in detail. Do not let them know that we are watching."
Kevin nodded, "We will organize everything, Duke."
"One more thing," Hugh continued, his tone heavier. "If anyone tries to disrupt the unity of the forces from within, we will stop them immediately. We will give no room for betrayal."
With clear orders, the meeting in the intelligence room ended. Everyone quickly returned to their tasks, ready to execute Hugh's plan. However, despite the steps already taken, Hugh knew that a larger threat might still be waiting to be revealed.
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Message from Aldor & Current Situation
Hugh was reviewing the latest reports when a courier rushed into his office. The courier's face was anxious, clearly something urgent was at hand. With labored breath, the courier delivered a message that had just been received.
"Your Grace, Duke," the courier said respectfully, handing over a sealed scroll with the kingdom's insignia. "This is from Aldor. A direct message from Mister Gusev."
Hugh accepted the scroll calmly, unsealing it and began reading. The letter was brief, but clear enough to outline the developing situation in Aldor and its surroundings. Alwyn reported tensions between the administration in Aldor and the military, as well as increasing reports of instability in Ironvale. The discrepancies found indicated damage to the power structure, which could affect the areas directly connected to Granthar.
"Alwyn reports suspicious movements in the Ironvale region. The officials who should be maintaining stability are instead ignoring the internal threats," Hugh read the letter carefully.
Saihan, who stood nearby, suggested, "Duke, this could become a major problem. If the relationship between Aldor and Ironvale is disrupted, we will have trouble holding the northern border."
Hugh nodded. He knew the relationship between Aldor and Ironvale was crucial, not only for the stability of the region but also for defense against external threats. "What needs to be done, Kevin?" he asked, now turning to his deputy captain.
Kevin, who was across the table, answered firmly, "We need to increase surveillance around Ironvale. I will also send some troops to monitor activities outside the Ironvale border; there could be spreading chaos if we don't address it immediately."
"Not just that," Hugh continued. "Alwyn also mentioned betrayal within the administration. This could be dangerous if it's not cleaned up quickly. We must maintain tight control over the flow of information."
With even more resolve, Hugh added, "Prepare our best troops for action. Send someone to Aldor for a direct report. I want to know more about the instability there and how it will affect us."
After issuing the orders, Hugh returned to focus on the open map on his desk. His mind wandered, thinking about the steps that needed to be taken to face the increasingly complex threats. Not only the external dangers needed to be watched, but also the potential destruction from within, from officials who preferred to protect their own power rather than ensuring the kingdom's stability.
Hugh knew that this wasn't just about holding the border. It was about surviving as an organized power. As a leader, the decisions he would make in the coming days could determine the fate of Granthar and even Skythia itself.
"Sai," Hugh said after a moment of contemplation, "summon all the commanders, we need to discuss the situation further."
With that order, the office quickly filled with military commanders who came to discuss the current situation. Everyone who entered knew that the time to make decisions was growing short. The security of Granthar and the entire kingdom rested on the decisions that would be made in the next few hours.
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