“We’ve been outmaneuvered!”

A cold sweat trickled down Kaien’s spine.

The Fenris mobile forces were renowned for their speed. He had anticipated that they might act independently.

However, their numbers amounted to only 20,000. While not insignificant, it wasn’t an overwhelming force. Even if they joined the enemy, it wouldn’t have posed an insurmountable problem.

In fact, he had hoped for such a move. It would have been the perfect opportunity to eliminate Count Fenris before the Ferdium forces and the Royal Army arrived.

Regrouping forces afterward wouldn’t have been an issue. No matter the losses, taking out that man …