Judge Gatros’s decision to delegate authority to the various commanders rather than stubbornly taking complete control himself was a commendable move. Few people have the ability to assess their own limits objectively without overestimating their capabilities.

While this was likely the best option, dispersing command caused small cracks to appear in the cohesion of the Delphine forces. This was inevitable due to the sheer size of the army.

“Hmm, are we moving along smoothly?”

During their retreat to the fortress, Gatros repeatedly glanced over his shoulder, his expression uneasy. Something about the march felt off.

One of his adjutants standing …