18 Chapter 18

The inner walls of Warsaw, a mansion near the barrack of the soldiers.

I'm walking to the estate of Bogumil Kawasaki, my Marshal. There are two reasons for this visit: Firstly, his wife has just passed away, leaving him with a son and a daughter, Jan Kawasaki is still in Slyria acting as the warlord of the region on my behalf. Secondly, I want to discuss with him the tactics that I'm intending to use against the combined forces of Priam Cornubia and the Roseryth Empire. In my military right now, I see the Kawasaki family as the most military house that can help me to improve my military strength. However, the loyalty of Jan Kawasaki, some of Bogumil to me is now only around 50, which concerns me very much. Maybe after I enacted him as the warlord of Slyria, his ambition has risen. The last time I check, the loyalty of Bogumil Kawasaki is still 97, so I guess I do not need any serious method to deal with this house right now.

But who knows, Bogumil Kawasaki is old and might die in a couple of years, especially after the death of his wife, I can see his health deterioration. I hope that with this visit, I can cheer him up a bit and he can be ready for the new campaign; As always, Poland is now at disadvantage against the enemies. The guards of the mansion bow and open the gate when they notice me. I'm guided to Bogumil's office and offered a cup of tea while waiting.

While waiting, I entertain myself by investigating the portraits of the initial house head of house Kawasaki hang in the rooms. They are all tough guys wearing military uniforms and different types of weapons throughout the ages. After about 5 minutes of waiting, Bogumil gets inside the room.

- Pardon me for my late, sire. I'm still mourning my wife so I need some time to prepare myself properly.

- Don't worry, my Marshal. Everyone knows that Lady Eunice is a lovely woman as well as a skilled artist. Her death is a loss for our country. As far as I'm aware, the folks are still discussing her beautiful voice and songs.

- Thank you for your compliment, your majesty. But I'm sure my wife wouldn't be a reason for you to appear hear yourself. The country is in danger and we are running out of time.

I smile, this guy is always sharp, I'm glad that he is not my enemy. Skip the protocols, we get into the details of our plans and how will Poland fight in this war. Every civilian will be moved to Warsaw with all the food and supplies that they can carry, everything that is eatable outside of the city walls will be demolished. I won't let anything left for the invaders to advance. The further they match into my land, the fewer supplies they have, and when the harsh winter of the north comes, the eastern battalions of the Roseryth Empire who are used to the warm weather will suffer from the wrath of nature.

However, the goal of this war is to kick Priam Cornubia off the throne of Lithuania and crown Christina as the queen. Another goal is to retake 5 cities that used to belong to Poland. If these goals are finished, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth will be successfully formed and I will gain a significant influence all over Arcadia. That's the basic plan; However, there are certain difficulties, we are outnumbered, for sure. 1000 men in Warsaw can defeat 10000 in a siege battle, however, I can't be sure other territories like Slyria and Olumia can stand if being attacked.

So, the Warlord of Slyria and Olumia will combine their forces and encamp about dozens of kilometers from Warsaw, if the enemies attack them, they will flee. However, if the enemies besiege Warsaw, this army will find a chance to stab them in the back. Through the connection with the Pope, 1000 men of the Holy Order will stand and fight with the garrisons of Warsaw. I intend to take all the cavalrymen, my Royal Guards, and 60 cannons to cross the border and launch attacks on Lithuania myself. 500 Winged Hussars, 1000 Hussars, 700 Royal Guards will be enough to move fast in taking Lithuania's capital before the Roseryth Empire notice.

Warsaw will be defended by about 4000 men left. Against 20000 soldiers from the Empire Battalions, I hope under Kawasaki's command. The walls will stand strong. The warlords' army has only around 1000 soldiers, and will only react if the Empire decides to march to Slyria or Olumia. The odds are against Poland, but I know that I have a chance to win. I want to achieve greatness and I won't be able to be extraordinary if I do not dare to risk.

February 15th of the year 1653 due to the Arcadian Calendar, the call to arms from King Jan Wozniak appear all over the corner of Poland.

[ My countrymen

12 years ago we sustain a humiliating defeat, which makes us lose most of our homeland to the evil Roseryth Empire. Lithuania, our ancient ally is controlled by a traitor and usurper who kneel to the Sultans of the Empire. And now, they are marching toward Warsaw, the holiest and the most ancient city of Poland to destroy Poland once and for all.

Will we, the sons and daughters of Poland let that happen? NO!

Will we kneel for the Empire and watch our faiths be destroyed, our children become slaves? NO!

Will we show them our freedom and show them what freemen can do?

Will we let them see the flash of our cannons and muskets, the cold steel and the ring of our swords, the songs of our trumpets?

Will we show them that POLAND WILL NEVER FALL?

PICK UP YOUR WEAPONS AND GO TO WARSAW! THERE, WE WILL TELL THE ENEMIES THAT WE WOULD RATHER DIE ON OUR FEET THAN LIVE ON OUR KNEES.

POLAND MOTHER TO US ALL. ]