Mason was speechless, silent for a moment, he changed his direction in persuading his younger colleague, "How many companies are there now in Bishop's Castle?"
Unlike some officers who need to mentally convert when talking about companies, battalions, or regiments, Woods adapted quickly to the new organization because he also contributed to the restructuring plan from the "Old Army" to the New Army.
"When setting off, Arthur took a company," Woods replied, "after taking Bishop's Castle, another company was added to him."
"Fully staffed? Or understaffed?"
"Soldiers are fully staffed, but officers only have the company commander without the deputy company commander."
Mason nodded slightly, having only the main officer without a deputy was a common phenomenon across New Army regiments because the New Army not only lacked soldiers but was even more short on officers.
Concerned that his senior might not understand, Woods explained further, "The first battalion of the White Mountain County Infantry Regiment after restructuring is actually the original White Mountain County 'Chief Battalion.' After taking Bazenaur, during the rest in Mirror Lake County, Colonel Gessa...the General pulled elite troops from various battalions to fill it up."
"Then you said the supplies on the island can last for three days," Mason asked again, "is it calculated for fully staffed or understaffed?"
"Fully staffed..." Woods understood his senior's meaning, his expression turned grim, but he still mustered up the spirit to explain, "but there are still laborers recruited by the United Provincials in Bishop's Castle, numbering nearly a hundred."
Mason let out a long "Oh," "Thinking on the brighter side, there are more people to defend Bishop's Castle."
Woods' expression grew even grimmer, "I can't be as optimistic as you, the people of Westwood Province generally see us as the returning Blue Blood Faction, their resentment toward us is only slightly less than their hatred for Magnus and the United Provincials."
Mason already did not know how to comfort his younger colleague, after a moment of silence, he clumsily reassured, "You, don't blame yourself, no matter what, you couldn't hold the ferry crossing, even if you could hold it, you couldn't hold the cable crossing because... you have no ships."
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[Camp of the White Mountain County Troops]
[Central Army Tent]
Brigadier General Gessa Adonis was listening to the report.
"Actually," Mason stood awkwardly by the map table, for some reason, he could never quite become close to Brigadier General Gessa Adonis, which was the complete opposite of Winters, "I also have no experience in besieging large cities like Kingsfort, so my view is merely my personal opinion..."
"The trenches and fortifications around New Town look thin, but are actually complete systems, mutually supporting each other, attacking them would be not only time-consuming but would inevitably incur significant casualties.
"Moreover, even if the trenches are breached, there's still the city wall behind; if the city wall is blown down, there's still the town behind; if the town is captured, there's still the River Shijian, as well as the city wall of the old town, and Kingsfort.
"This is like a shield covered with many layers of cowhide, rather than piercing through the cowhide layer by layer from the front, it's better to start from the back."
Mason sneaked a glance at his younger colleague, solemnly said, "Therefore, I support Captain Woods' strategy. The plan to encircle the New Town and attack the Old Town has no issues."
Gessa crossed his arms, reacting indifferently.
"As for Magit Island," Mason hesitated but ultimately told Brigadier General Gessa Adonis firmly, "It's no problem fighting for it.
"In the enemy's hands, Magit Island is a natural artillery platform threatening our army's flank; in our hands, Magit Island is a barrier ensuring our army can safely move troops between the east and west banks.
"Without taking Magit Island, our army's floating bridge would have to be moved six kilometers upstream at least, a round trip is twelve kilometers in width; and the enemy can attack from Magit Island to raid any part of this twelve-kilometer-long line of communication.
"Therefore, under any circumstance, our army must take Magit Island."
Mason's gaze showed reluctance, "As for the casualties... casualties are unavoidable. Next, our army should continue to invest more troops in Magit Island until the island is captured!"
Woods raised his head, looking shocked at his senior—the latter's negative attitude toward reinforcing Bishop's Castle made him think his senior did not support attacking Magit Island.
Unexpectedly, in front of Colonel Gessa, Richard Mason spoke these astonishing words.
"That small island is just a trap, the United Provincials' cannons are all aimed at it," Gessa ground his teeth audibly, "They've set a bag, are we going to stubbornly jump into it?"
"No, that's not a trap," Mason slowly shook his head, saying forcefully, "That's an open-book exam!
"Minister Cornelius knows we must fight for Magit Island, we also know Minister Cornelius must defend Magit Island. Therefore, there's no such thing as a trap, they'll inevitably use all means to strengthen Magit Island's defenses, and what we need to do is to counter their tactics."