The Valois Kingdom's disastrous retreat was as farcical as its declaration of war had been severe and its goals grandiose. While the northern Empire rejoiced, its southern regions had little to celebrate.
Not only was trade between the southern states and the Holy Kingdom almost completely cut off, but the Marlin Kingdom was also using its railways to project power to the front lines at an unprecedented speed.
Furthermore, someone had to be held responsible for the enemy's deep incursions in the early stages of the war. This was despite the fact that "a Lord holding fast in his fortress against a large enemy force" was once considered the textbook move.
