This is a detail that all the current commanders overlook.

An army needs to cook, and even peasant soldiers, regardless of their morale, will suffer repercussions if this is ignored.

The number of cooking stoves typically doesn’t fluctuate much.

Simon remembers the Viscount saying that if the number of enemy cooking stoves changes, part of the army must have hidden away.

When an army retreats, some units will disappear—where could they have gone?

Simon broke into a cold sweat; if the main force catches up, they might have fallen into a trap.

"The Viscount was right—this is a conspiracy."

But since he had already discovered the enemy’s plot, there was nothing to fear.

Simon pretended not to notice and continued tracking the retreating army of the Holy Cross Kingdom.

By the first nightfall, with the faint light of dawn, he cut some branches with his men and fed the horses well.

"That old man, Connoll, is too cunning. Let’s see if I can outwit him once more."

Soon, the hidden army of the Holy Cross Kingdom saw a cloud of dust rising.

Even though it was still dim, the sight of large clouds of dust could be seen, indicating at least a few thousand troops.

"Damn it! When did the Lockians get here? Quickly report to the Count!"

When Count Connoll received the news, he didn’t doubt its authenticity.

He was only angry that after so much time spent on preparation, his men were still making mistakes and couldn’t even detect when the enemy approached.

"Thankfully, I planned ahead and ordered all forces to hold steady, compressing the Lockians’ space. Also, I don’t want to see those Lockians slip away without a sound again."

During a siege, the Holy Cross Kingdom’s numerical advantage couldn’t be fully utilized.

But this was the open field—he had to make the Lockians regret it.

Simon led his cavalry in a wild chase, disturbing the "fishermen," forcing the "net" to start closing.

He knew that if his small unit encountered the main force of the Holy Cross Kingdom, it would be a death sentence, so he quickly dealt with the branches and quietly moved his men to a different area.

When the Holy Cross Kingdom's army arrived, they found no trace of the Lockians.

If it weren’t for several scouts confirming the situation, they might have thought they were dealing with a mistake.

Connoll soon realized that something was wrong.

"Dammit, we’ve been played by the Lockians!"

Connoll raised his head and sighed in frustration.

"I can't believe it. Our entire army has been led in circles by a handful of men."

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

Saint Cross Kingdom officers lowered their heads, and the name "Derrick" became firmly embedded in their minds.

Fear began to spread.

They didn’t realize that Connoll’s frustration wasn’t just about the coming snowstorm—it was the realization that this genius general, Derrick, would be a huge threat if he wasn’t stopped.

"Once we get back, I’ll have all information on Sir Derrick of the Augusta family gathered," Connoll said with a sense of foreboding.

He felt that this problem was far from over.

He had already unconsciously added the title "Augusta" to Derrick’s name out of respect for a strong opponent.

"If Derrick wants it, the Holy Cross Kingdom could offer him a barony, or even more."

In contrast to the gloom surrounding the Holy Cross Kingdom, and the difficult journey ahead, White Birch Fort was filled with joy.

The retreat of the Holy Cross Kingdom’s army was confirmed, and the heavy casualties no longer seemed as important.

Derrick had already begun setting up lookout posts along the borders, increasing communication with the rear.

In fact, a week and a half ago, scouts from Count Perera had appeared near White Birch Fort. A week before, it was confirmed that the Holy Cross Kingdom’s forces had retreated, and reinforcements had been sent to the fort.

When the news arrived, Count Perera personally led a cavalry group to White Birch Fort.

Just in time, Simon arrived with his report.

Everyone was stunned as Simon recounted his experiences.

Count Perera even asked Derrick, "Which family does this young man belong to?"

His sharpness was indeed astonishing.

In fact, Simon’s abilities could be considered average at best, but Derrick’s training had made a significant impact.

But at this moment, Derrick was happy to let Simon gain some attention, and even willing to let him share in the glory.

"This is my knight-servant, from my family’s free people."

A farmer who wasn’t of noble birth—such a background would usually be looked down upon by many, even if that person achieved remarkable things.

However, some would find this even more admirable.

You can never satisfy everyone’s expectations, but you can silence all criticisms.

Just like now, Simon stood proudly in the face of everyone’s gaze.

Achievements were his glory.

Fists were his truth.

The sword and armor were his confidence.

"And they will be mine too," Derrick thought to himself.

He had already seen the trouble ahead.

But here, in Saint Miller Province, on his own turf, he would face it with determination.