The news from Liya Tower Fortress will take over half a month to reach the imperial capital, inevitably causing a lag in intelligence exchange between the two locations. The emperor stationed in the capital couldn't effectively analyze the overall battlefield situation, and concrete command could only rely on the numerous military aristocrats within the duchy territories.
Once Duke Charles, the core commander, left his domain, it will be tantamount to fully expose the border defenses to the Kingdom of Velys. Knowing this, the Church knights would certainly intensify their attacks, striving to seize key strategic locations before Charles' return and establish the army's offensive direction.
If Hibbort truly had complete knowledge of Lucas and Alistair's movements, clearly foreseeing when and where they were most likely to collide and attack each other, making strategic arrangements accordingly wouldn't be strange, Charles' presence wouldn't even be necessary.
