@boyoat You are absolutely correct. I reckon, however, that traditional siege warfare wouldn't work in Balud's favour. The fief was badly neglected, after all. Thus he's going for one-sided trench warfare. He couldn't end the war with skirmishes, it's not decisive, though I'd imagine he needs it for special operations, to finish off the enemy.
@Rayodino Yeah, that part almost makes me feel like it's a translation error, or something. After all, we do know he can, sort of, let the other souls to take control, to win fights. But maybe he doesn't feel like he has actual experience, not having gone through it in this life.