The soldiers from Valois still clung to the belief in a swift victory they had held since setting out. At the start of the battle, they had indeed routed the army of the exiled Nobility. Therefore, when the order to retreat reached every company and every soldier, their reactions were a mix of confusion and shock.
Many believed that retreating at this moment was a mistake, an act of weakness. Yet, the comrades beside and behind them were indeed falling back. If they didn't abandon their temporary positions, they would be left alone, exposed to the enemy onslaught.
As a result, the retreat was sluggish, and it turned into a rout once they came under attack.
