Cooperation

“Reporting to Your Highness, the Azure Sky Knight Order’s combat style is ‘mobility above all,’ and its core philosophy is ‘seize every opportunity.'”

“To counter the equally mobile nomadic barbarians of the plains, they specialized in mobility.

The most elite soldiers in their ranks are cavalry, and each cavalryman is equipped with multiple warhorses to facilitate long-distance raids.”

“Because cavalry is expensive, while their investment in cavalry is significant, their numbers are still not large.

So, to minimize losses as much as possible, they employ extensive flanking maneuvers, focusing on striking the enemy’s weakly defended sides and rear.”

Hearing this, Ryan recalled how, even when the Azure Sky Knight Order fielded only six men, two of them would always be responsible for flanking from both wings, trying every means to attack the Blue Lion’s flanks.

“As for seizing opportunities… because the Azure Sky Knight Order possesses extraordinary mobility, they can quickly adjust according to changes in the battlefield and situation, seizing exposed enemy weaknesses to create local numerical superiority…

But this also means they are not adept at wars of attrition or frontal combat, so I don’t recommend Your Highness overly imitate the Azure Sky Knight Order.”

Ryan recalled that famous classic battle eight years ago.

When the main forces, led by the Blue Lion Knight Order, were utterly routed by the barbarians, “that man,” who was then merely a partial general and thought to be just there for a temporary promotion, decisively abandoned the foolish act of dying alongside the main army and broke through with a few hundred cavalry.

Subsequently, that man led a mere few hundred cavalry deep into the plains, wreaking havoc in the barbarian rear, slaying thousands of barbarian soldiers, including a barbarian general, achieving the greatest offensive result against the barbarians in a century for the empire… and continually breaking this record in the years to come.

Every time he read this story, Ryan felt his heart swell with excitement, his mind captivated, filled with admiration, gratitude, and joy.

Because of this, Ryan discerned the blonde girl’s clear bias—she spoke only well of the Blue Lion Knight Order,

But when it came to the Azure Sky Knight Order, she repeatedly pointed out its flaws and shortcomings.

‘The student surpasses the master… is that it?’

From the Blue Lion’s perspective, this was indeed very frustrating.

Not to mention what happened afterward.

Now, everyone in the Blue Lion Knight Order was probably filled with bitter hatred for the Azure Sky Knight Order and “that man.”

That’s why the old man had him betroth to the Blue Lion family’s daughter.

‘How boring.’

Although the blonde girl’s attitude on this matter was also somewhat boring, still—

“Rest assured, I never had such intentions.”

“Then what style does Your Highness wish to establish? Or rather, what kind of army do you wish to build?”

“I want to establish a dignified, capable, offensive and defensive elite force!”

This wasn’t to say Ryan wanted to have it all.

He wasn’t so foolish as to believe there was an invincible army in this world that could avoid all weaknesses.

And he already knew the shortcomings of the Azure Sky Knight Order that the blonde girl mentioned.

But he wasn’t thinking of imitating, nor of building a force specifically to counter the Azure Sky.

He was thinking, if someone could hold off the enemy’s assault head-on, tie down more enemies, give the Azure Sky Knight Order more time for flanking maneuvers, and create more opportunities for them, wouldn’t their performance be even better than it was now?

Similarly, if the enemy focused their main attention on the flanks and rear, wouldn’t this strong frontal combat force also achieve brilliant victories?

Yes, Ryan was thinking of cooperating with the Azure Sky Knight Order.

However, the corrupt Royal Knight Order was incapable; their courage and will would only be used to protect that damned old man.

The Holy Chant Knight Order of the fanatics, the Watcher Knight Order protecting various local nobles, and the misnamed Blue Lion Knight Order, none of them could do it.

He had no choice but to do it himself.

Considering the blonde girl’s pro-Blue Lion stance, he wasn’t foolish enough to reveal his true thoughts.

Even if the blonde girl figured it out, as long as he didn’t admit it or explicitly state it, she could only suppress it.

Rather, if the blonde girl were to hold back or cause trouble because of her animosity towards the Azure Sky Knight Order, then she wouldn’t be worth his continued trust… Thinking of this, Ryan inexplicably felt a bit annoyed.

She was just a maid.

Just a mere maid… why was he so worried?

Annoying.

“I understand. I will aim for this and formulate a plan as soon as possible.”

Flora breathed a sigh of relief inwardly.

Setting aside the reasons and stances, the Crown Prince clearly envied the Azure Sky Knight Order’s combat power.

But from the perspective of the entire country, Flora didn’t believe that another similar unit would have much significance.

As for building a force specifically to defeat or counter the Azure Sky Knight Order… that would be even worse.

The enemies of the Azure Sky Knight Order were never their internal compatriots.

That’s why they didn’t even establish a branch in the capital, to demonstrate their will and loyalty.

Fortunately, the Crown Prince was far-sighted, recognizing that what the empire most needed now was a righteous army capable of facing enemies head-on, and he had been working towards this…

How wonderful.

Flora was immensely happy for the empire and for His Majesty to have such an heir.

But she couldn’t bring herself to smile.

Because no matter how she argued, she was now deceiving and hurting him…

“That’s enough for today, you may go.”

What was even more shameful was that the Crown Prince thought she looked so disappointed because she was tired.

Arriving at the corridor, Flora took a deep breath, adjusted her mindset, and walked towards the staircase.

This was not only out of consideration for acting decisively but also because someone was waiting for her ahead.

“It’s Miss Haggia… isn’t it?”

A burly figure standing like a small mountain, with a loyal yet imposing appearance.

Flax Mounten, one of the renowned “Four Knights of the Azure Sky,” blocked Flora’s path.

Although the man feigned a gentle and friendly expression, Flora knew that this formidable general, known by the nickname “Unmoving Mountain,” had grown suspicious of her.

“Good evening, Count Mounten!”

Flora curtsied demurely.

“Miss Haggia is truly remarkable. At such a young age, you’ve become His Highness’s head maid.

I heard from Mr. Charlton that you offered many excellent management suggestions, which led to your rapid promotion… Is this true?”

“Mr. Charlton exaggerates too much. I merely did some insignificant things, but everyone in the mansion has indeed been very good to me.” Flora displayed the sweet smile common to young girls.

The giant man, like a small mountain, was stunned, staring blankly at Flora.

‘No, you fool, you can’t be captivated, can you?’

Flora felt somewhat speechless.

Mounten also realized his behavior was a bit improper and slightly averted his gaze.

“Forgive me, Miss Haggia. Your smile just now reminded me of someone, and I unintentionally became distracted…”

Flora’s heart skipped a beat, but her face showed a curious expression:

“Oh, is it your daughter, Count?”

“No, it is the Marquis I have sworn loyalty to.”

Mounten said solemnly,

“His smile is always so hearty, spirited, and full of hope… So no matter what difficulties we encounter, we have never given up.”