The old castle—also known as the true "Kingsfort"—is perfectly located, perched high and ready for defense, practically a natural fortress.
Unfortunately, as the city grew, it became completely surrounded by residential areas, losing its function to repel foreign invaders.
Luckily, the old castle remains the place with the highest ground and best view in the city, so Jansen Cornelius not only set up the command center here, but also arranged an observation post at the top of the old Duke's Coronation Church.
At this moment, Cornelius himself is in the observation post.
From his position, he can overlook the scenery on both banks of the River Shijian.
Looking westward, although there are glimmers of fire on Knight's Castle, the gunshots and cannon fire have ceased—this does not surprise Cornelius.
The problem is, the gunfire and cannon noise also stopped in the direction of Magit Island to the south.
Moreover, the island's Bishop's Castle is pitch black, completely silent.
However, behind Bishop's Castle, there are faint signs of someone using red lights on the Monastery's Bell Tower, frantically sending distress signals to the observation post.
Cornelius withdrew his gaze and looked toward the Floating Bridge between New Town and Old City.
There are no permanent bridges on the River Shijian, only floating bridges.
The locals call it the Great Geese Bridge, because the geese come in spring and leave in autumn, and Kingsfort's floating bridge is only passable in spring and summer; as winter approaches and the river begins to freeze, it must be dismantled.
At this moment, the Great Geese Bridge is brightly lit, and Colonel Ludwick's men are boarding the ships.
Yet William Lodewijk's voice suddenly sounded behind Cornelius: "I don't quite understand, why me?"
"Since when," Cornelius responded without turning his head, "have the United Provinces Army soldiers started asking 'why me' before carrying out their tasks?"
"What I want to ask is," Colonel Ludwick's tone was very stiff, "when did you start trusting me?"
Cornelius turned his head and courteously bowed slightly: "I have always trusted you, Colonel Ludwick."
William Lodewijk sneered slightly.
"As for why I sent you to reclaim Magit Island, it's actually quite simple," Cornelius spread his hands and frankly admitted, "because my men can't do it."
With no mercy, Cornelius criticized: "No matter how impressive they look, new recruits are still new recruits. The new recruits of the southern front, guarding behind the fortress walls, can be somewhat effective by shooting and firing cannons. But attacking proactively? A single charge from the Paratu People can rout them completely."
Cornelius looked at Ludwick: "So, your permanent army is the only unit capable of completing the mission, which is why I am sending you to Magit Island."
Ludwick and Cornelius exchanged look for a moment, then Ludwick said "I understand" and raised his hand to salute, turning to leave.
"Colonel, please wait." Cornelius called out to Ludwick from behind.
Ludwick turned back, puzzled, looking at Cornelius.
"You don't belong here," Cornelius said calmly, "we both know it. Your presence at Kingsfort is not because you are incapable, but because you are too capable. Because someone messed up and had to send you here to fix it. You should have your place in the western front army, not be with a bunch of disheartened people in the southern front executing a mission fraught with danger."
"What's the point of saying this now?" Ludwick frowned.
"I'm telling you," Cornelius replied calmly, "if we can survive this siege, I will ensure that you regain your place in the western front. I have that ability, don't doubt it."
William Lodewijk frowned more deeply, pursed his lips, "General, if you've just earned some respect from me, you also wasted it now."
With that, Ludwick left without saluting.
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[Magit Island]
[Bishop's Castle]
"Those United Province bastards," a soldier reported angrily and urgently to the Junior Officer, "nailed all the cannons before they fled."
Looking at the small boats coming upstream towards them, the Junior Officer said softly, "Then, we have no choice but to fight without cannons."