After the start of spring, the Valois region saw frequent rainfall. This was clearly a detriment to the war, and the marching armies were severely slowed.
"Faster!" Urgent shouts could be heard everywhere as the Empire Army carried out its tense deployment. Heavy artillery sank into the mud, and draft horses alone weren't enough to pull the guns out of the ruts they'd created. Soldiers had to pull from the front and push from behind.
The rainy season brought many other inconveniences, leaving everyone exhausted. The musty smell of the campaign tents and sleeping bags made it hard for anyone to sleep soundly.
In truth, after nearly three months of fighting, just as a blade grows dull, the main force of the Empire Army had accumulated significant fatigue and many injuries. However, a string of victories had sustained their high morale, masking these numerous problems. Now, that aura of invincibility had been shattered.
