The Lord Of Blood Hill-Chapter 172: To Retreat or Not!

The Lord Of Blood Hill-Chapter 172: To Retreat or Not!

That afternoon, Henwell leads his army to the northern border under Peace Haven's control. Upon learning of Henwell's mobilization, Count Jansen quickly gathers his own force of five thousand soldiers, positioning them at the border with Peace Haven.
At the junction of their territories, the Duchy's Seventh and Thirteenth Legions stand in Henwell's path. The commanders, Virgil of the Seventh Legion and Teresa of the Thirteenth, ride forward to confront him.
Virgil calls out loudly, "Henwell, by order of the Grand Duke, your army cannot leave Peace Haven."
Teresa adds sternly, "The lord of blood hill, without a command from the Duchy, your forces cannot cross the border!"
Henwell rides forward, responding, "I'm sure you both understand my reasons. I only wish to bring back the bodies of my brothers; I have no other intentions!"
Virgil hesitates for a moment, then says, "Henwell, I know you're angry, but this matter is too significant for us to decide. Listen to me! Go back. Everyone has seen your resolve. Once this is over, I believe there will be a better way to resolve this."
At this moment, Jansen rides up and urges, "Henwell, listen to me! Go back and swallow your pride! You're still young, with a long road ahead. Remember the humiliation they give you today! One day, they'll realize that making things difficult for you was a grave mistake!"
Henwell laughs, "Uncle! It's precisely because I'm young! Young people have to stir up some trouble! I've always been so obedient, following everyone's orders. That makes many forget I'm also a passionate young man!"
"How dare you!" Teresa grips her sword hilt and scolds Henwell, continuing in a stern voice, "Kid! Don't think that just because you've won a few skirmishes, you're invincible! If you turn back today, we'll let it go! But if you don't leave, I'll have you escorted back to your territory!"
Ignoring Teresa, Henwell turns to Jansen, "See! There are still many in the Duchy who see me as the same person from the Path of Honor! Now, I want to reason with them, but no one gives me the chance! I have to use another way, one that everyone understands, to have an honest exchange!"
Then Henwell looks at Teresa, "Who do you think you are to speak to me like that? Let you see if my army is formidable or not!"
With that, Henwell wheels his horse back to his ranks and shouts to his troops, "Form up! Prepare to charge! Crush them!"
The rhythm of drums and trumpets on the accompanying wagons changes immediately, as Henwell's army swiftly and orderly shifts into an assault formation. Six thousand cavalry form up neatly behind Henwell, with the flanking troops extending like two fists ready to strike.
Seeing that Henwell is serious, the two legion commanders rush back to their camps to quickly form their own lines. When they are just five hundred meters away from the two legions, Henwell raises his war spear, pointing it towards them, and shouts, "Retreat or not?"
The cavalry behind him rhythmically strike their breastplates with their lances, echoing, " Retreat or not?"
Then the rest of the troops join in, weapons clashing against armor, " Retreat or not?"
The deafening challenge reverberates around them. The soldiers of the Duchy's two legions turn pale, intimidated by the imposing display. Even the troops under Jansen to the west show signs of unease. Despite their alliance, they are realizing for the first time the sheer might of the Peace Haven forces.
The faces of the two Duchy legion commanders grow even more grim. From the swift and orderly movement of Henwell's army, they understand that their own legions are no match for Henwell's forces. Yet, they cannot simply step aside and let him pass.
Seeing no sign of retreat from the opposing side, Henwell slowly lowers his visor and levels his war spear, commanding, "Charge!"
As Henwell's horse picks up speed, the cavalry behind him begin to accelerate. Every rider lowers their visor, raises their lances, and enters into a charging stance.
The knight Umo, standing beside Jansen, speaks urgently, "Henwell has started his charge! What should we do? Should we intercept?"
Jansen glances around at his family members, "Intercept who?"
"Of course, Henwell!"
"The Duchy's legions!"
Both answers come out simultaneously, leaving the two groups looking at each other in confusion.
Before they can start arguing, Jansen interjects, "The Phoenix family owes Henwell! And I personally owe him a lot too! Now, Henwell is going into battle, and he's afraid of implicating the family, so he hasn't even raised our Phoenix banner! Tell me, is Henwell still a member of the Phoenix family?"
Silence falls among the group. Jansen snorts, "If we've benefited from him, we must stand by him at critical moments. Henwell is still part of the Phoenix family! What kind of family head doesn't even dare to let their child fight under their own name? Isn't that a bit disgraceful? If that's the case, what's the point of the Phoenix family's rise?"
With that, Jansen draws his sword, "Relay my command: prepare to strike the Thirteenth Legion's flank!"
As the Thirteenth Legion's Teresa sees Henwell truly beginning his charge, a shiver runs through him. But then, to his surprise and relief, he notices Jansen targeting his flank.
Yes, relief! At least, for now, it feels like relief!
Teresa immediately orders, "Contract the formation, defend our right flank!"
Henwell's cavalry charges past, nearly grazing the edge of the Thirteenth Legion. Over six thousand cavalry thunder by, the sheer force of their presence causing the soldiers of the Thirteenth Legion to tremble. Many of them feel as though they just had a brush with death.
While the Thirteenth Legion makes way, the Seventh Legion retreats even faster! Finally, under the watchful eyes of the two Duchy legions, Henwell's troops charge out of Peace Haven's territory in perfect formation.
Not long after, the knight Umo catches up to Henwell, carrying a large flag. Handing over the Phoenix family's silver wolf claw banner to Henwell, Umo says, "Go forth boldly! The family will safeguard Peace Haven for you!"
With that, Umo offers Henwell a chest-thumping salute. Henwell returns the gesture, and as he looks at the flag representing the Phoenix family, a smile spreads across his face. It seems joining this family was indeed worthwhile!
On the second day after leaving Peace Haven, Henwell's army encounters a new obstacle. Seeing the carriage ahead, Henwell rides forward, dismounts, and approaches it.
Melissa opens the carriage door and stands up, "Are you really going?"
Henwell bows slightly, speaking softly, "Thank you for saving my life back then. A letter could never express my gratitude as well as I can in person. I had many things to attend to upon my return and no time to seek you out. What I'm preparing now also relates to you and me. Don't worry about this venture; as long as I don't wish to die, no one can kill me! Just like before!"
With that, Henwell suddenly steps forward. Gunter, the knight, tries to intervene, but Henwell shoulders him aside. Jumping onto the carriage, Henwell lifts the bewildered Melissa and kisses her passionately.
Then, kicking away the approaching knights, he laughs heartily and runs off with the stunned Melissa in his arms.
"Hahaha... Tell Count Marcus that Miss Melissa has eloped with me! When I return, I'll propose, and if we're lucky, he might even get to hold a grandchild soon!"
Watching Henwell's retreating figure, Gunter rubs his shoulder. Then, raising his hand to stop the guards from pursuing, a smile plays at the corner of his mouth.

Chapter 172: To Retreat or Not!