episode_0067

A straight path emerged from the Empire to the Holy Nation.

If I were to borrow memories from my past life, it was the highway. Yes, the highway was literally open.

Not long ago, the southern kingdoms stood in the way of the Imperial legions.

But now, all the southern kingdoms that had been blocking it have retreated.

There was no physical contact or threat of any kind.

(Of course, the fact that the Imperial Legion came right up to us was more like a threat.)

Moreover, nothing happened that could have caused the empire to lose its legitimacy or to go against the popular sentiment in the South.

For example, plundering, or an attack on the southern kingdom.

There must have been some words coming out from within them.

In the end, they succumbed to power. They were cowardly people who fell for money.

There is something about this incident that makes it so impactful that there is no story to tell.

‘But. That only lasts for a very short time.’

The empire took care of their pride and interests with sincerity and a sufficient amount of money.

The kingdoms clearly realized that the money was too much to refuse.

It is truly desirable that both sides take what they need and give what they need.

Oh, I hope you don’t get me wrong. There is something you absolutely must not overlook.

The empire is not simply a purchase of hearts and minds with money. It is also a form of oppression.

Even though we show this much sincerity, you still reject this?

Then, it means that we will now push forward with force without any more room for error.

The Empire moves its legions with the intention of being cursed? It would be a disaster for them.

That’s why I quickly gathered everything I could and retreated.

“Prince Kael. I hear that the Benito Army, which was heading to the Holy Nation, is retreating.”

“I told you clearly to the 4th and 15th Corps, right?”

“Yes. I have told you to prioritize the stability of each southern kingdom and the salvation of the Holy Nation over pursuing Benito.”

“Good. Please make sure to convey this to the two legion commanders. It’s a shame that I can’t make a contribution, but considering the background of this war and the justification for participating in it, saving the Holy Nation is really important.”

The essence of the Empire’s military power. The person in charge of the legion is the legion commander.

This is a position that is impossible for anyone with average abilities. They are all great people, so they wouldn’t do anything stupid.

They certainly know how important justification and public sentiment are.

However, the human mind is so treacherous that saying something like this is necessary.

What you do is very important, so don’t be sorry and do your best.

That way, mistakes and even the “one in a million” thing won’t happen.

“If things continue as they are, Benito’s forces heading to the Holy Nation will all successfully return.”

“The number is.”

“Based on reports so far, it is estimated to be around 50,000.”

“50,000.”

Benito’s total force was 70,000, of which 20,000 were said to be deployed for national defense.

That means that almost all of the troops they brought out were intact.

‘Those holy nation bastards. Didn’t they even inflict one single bit of damage?’

Now I know why the Southern Kingdoms hate the Church so much.

Aren’t they just empty words, relying on that damn religion and that damn faith?

No, you’re saying that you couldn’t even inflict damage on the excommunicated Benito Army, even though you were Runen’s army?

I quickly opened my mental notebook and organized the section on the Holy Nation.

It should be maintained only for the sake of the doctrine of light, and it does not provide any practical help.

Even the famous knights are now nothing more than a shiny apricot.

“What do you want, Prince Kael?”

“What?”

“Would you just watch? Or would you go ahead and block their path?”

The link that had become severely fatigued and distrustful of the alliance had broken away.

Now our 6th and 13th Corps have two options to choose from.

Either advance as is and put pressure on Benito, or change direction and block Benito’s army that had been dispatched.

Perhaps the commander is asking which of them he would choose.

“Why are you asking me that? The person in charge of the 6th Corps here is the Corps Commander.”

“And Confucius is a counselor appointed by His Majesty the Emperor. I should ask for his opinion and seek his advice to help me make a decision.”

You say that, but in reality, you already know more or less.

You can see it in the commander’s face. His will to fight.

In the first place, they came here to deal with Benito.

The decision is made by the corps commander. The responsibility also lies with the corps commander.

Still, asking for my opinion and advice is probably just a morale booster.

If I say that fighting is right, wouldn’t the soldiers’ faith in victory also grow stronger?

“In my opinion.”

As I slightly opened my mouth, the 6th Corps Commander listened with his eyes sparkling.

“Implementing a diversionary operation seems to be the best method at the moment.”

“It’s a diversionary operation.”

“If both legions head towards Benito like this, they will be caught up with them as they return. On the other hand, if they all go to fight Benito’s army, the remaining legions will target us from behind.”

Compared to the Empire, the South is clearly weak. Benito is said to be strong, but he is only strong in the South.

But being caught behind in battle greatly narrows the gap in fighting power.

“That’s why we will also split into two.”

They say that when we are scattered we become weaker, but that does not apply to our legion.

Originally, two legions advanced in this direction.

And the Legion is a war machine built to be a perfect fighting force when moving as one.

“Inform the 13th Corps Commander. The 13th Corps is to advance and pressure Benito. Or at least immobilize their remaining forces.”

“If so, the 6th Corps.”

Oh my. Our commander. You seem to be expecting a lot, even though you pretend not to.

When I look at that beagle-like figure, I suddenly feel like playing a prank.

But I know very well that this shouldn’t be the case given the circumstances.

“Confront Benito’s army, who is returning after changing direction.”

“Our 6th Corps, you know.”

“That’s more than twice the number of the 6th Army Corps. I don’t want to underestimate my allies, but I can’t help but be worried. Can you lead them well?”

“Of course.”

The 6th Corps Commander’s firm appearance shows his determination to just leave it to him.

But I can see his sincerity. That’s why I feel sorry for him.

The excitement of being able to score a goal, and the worry about my legion definitely taking damage.

It’s so dualistic and should never coexist. But it can’t be helped because he’s the commander.

A face that is mixed up and doesn’t laugh openly, but can’t say no either.

‘Don’t worry. I’ll help you as much as I can.’

Surely I don’t intend to step back and leave it to the corps commander and his subordinates.

I still don’t think so, but that’s what they call it.

Then, I thought, I should do the minimum as a bookkeeper.

*

-Bang!!

The table was split in two with a loud noise—but it didn’t break.

It’s only natural. It’s not something for the common people of the kingdom to use, but something for the palace.

How could a table made of the finest wood break with a single punch?

“… .”

Thanks to that, the anger of Duce, no, Andrea II, has subsided just a little.

To be exact, I forgot about it for a moment because of the pain that was rising from my hand.

“The southern kingdoms that had agreed to join hands are leaving one after another.”

“The kingdoms that were supposed to interfere with the Empire have already joined hands with the Empire.”

Reports that I absolutely did not want to hear and should not have heard began to come in.

They were all the same and turned the king’s stomach over and over again.

“The Imperial Legions’ path to the Holy Nation is clear.”

“Fortunately, the Empire prioritized the stability of the Holy Nation. Thanks to this, the allied forces that had advanced had no difficulty in retreating.”

Fortunately? What kind of fortunate thing is this, freezing to death?

It would have been better to occupy the Holy Nation even if it meant being isolated.

They had to grab the Pope by the collar and drag him down, then put someone else up.

After the excommunication was lifted and the temple was canceled, everything could have been resolved well.

‘You stupid commanders. If we just hold out there a little longer, Dedrant reinforcements will arrive soon. You couldn’t wait a few months, so you messed things up!’

The empire’s weakness was time. And its justification.

They absolutely cannot afford to waste time, given the huge military spending they have already done.

At the same time, internal discontent would continue to grow, making it impossible to spend taxes without justification.

That’s why I declared war. I made them come in on purpose.

They took away the pretext of excommunication and holy war, but gave us the pretext of declaring war.

If you do that and hold back the Empire, Dedorant will grow.

It was clear that the Honey Empire would also decide to enter into negotiations, judging that they had nothing more to gain.

I had to grit my teeth and fight, prepared to die.

Only then would Benito’s path to survival become clear.

The commanders finally gave in to fear and left.

“And Gori! Those bastards have been living off of our Benito! Why did they retreat from a place where they could have just protected him!”

“, and fix it. Your Majesty. They say Gori’s military fatigue is extreme. For a week, the soldiers haven’t been able to sleep or rest properly… .”

“Did you end up like that because you fought? No! What kind of fatigue are you talking about when you just fell for the Empire’s tricks! I didn’t trust them!!”

“Your Majesty. Gori will have his own circumstances. Didn’t Your Majesty already anticipate that it would be difficult for Gori to hold out?”

Andrea II was barely able to calm down after hearing the words of his courtiers.

‘Whew. Okay. Things aren’t great, but they’re not the worst.’

Two legions of the Empire entered the Holy Nation.

Instead of advancing from there to Benito, they are focusing on maintaining order.

The Imperial forces that Benito had to deal with were now reduced to two legions.

About 40,000 men. And Benito’s forces combined total about 70,000 men.

It’s worth it. Even if you don’t win, you can at least hold on.

Wasn’t it for this very moment that Benito’s men were sent to Dedorant?

Didn’t he go and learn practical skills and train his own soldiers with the know-how he gained there?

‘If you’re lucky and win, it’s the icing on the cake.’

Yeah. Just win. Just once. Just win once and everything will be solved.