episode_0095

[ The King of Los Tanica humbly requests His Majesty the Emperor of the Empire. Currently, the western part of the continent is being ravaged by evil men, with good people suffering and the land being trampled. In this situation where even a trusted friend has been lost, the only place our country can rely on is the Empire… ]

The person reading that is not from our empire.

This is a greeting from Los Tanica, who finally arrived in the empire after going through many hardships.

In that situation, he is lying flat and begging the empire to spare his life.

Pride as a kingdom? That was thrown away a long time ago.

Now Los Tanica was crying out to our empire for help.

DeGalley, I didn’t know these fucking idiots would fall apart so quickly.

‘I guess he’s an idiot. No, how could he not even last a month? Four weeks? He really fell asleep after filming Season 2 of Elang.’

After losing the western territory to Dedorant, Degalle certainly had some time on his hands.

Thanks to our empire’s subtle warning to Dedorant, ‘Hey. If you keep acting like this, it’ll be no fun.’

Because they had to continuously expend human and material resources to keep Benito’s lifeline tied to Dedorant.

For DeGalle, the end of those few months was a chance to regroup.

De Galle was a powerhouse known in the West only ten years ago.

Even though he was groaning after getting hit, I had no doubt that he would soon shout “bloody revenge!”

Since Los Tanica was also supporting them from behind, there was a possibility of a fierce counterattack.

But what the heck? You lost? And you didn’t just lose, you got screwed?

“The above is the message from His Majesty the King to His Majesty the Emperor of the Empire.”

“Thank you for your hard work. Everyone gathered here in Daejeon heard about your hard work and Los Tanica’s sincerity. Everyone knew what that sincerity was.”

“I am beyond words. Your Majesty the Emperor.”

“Take a step back and let the long journey wash away its toxins.”

Take a boat from the southern coast of Los Tanicas through the territorial waters of Benito to the church.

From there, we entered the imperial border by land again, before finally using the magic circle.

I can clearly see with my own eyes what kind of hardships that Los Tanica’s reaper has been through.

The emperor must have known that, which is why he said it was okay to step back and rest.

“Your Majesty the Emperor.”

But the messenger bowed and spoke in a gloomy voice.

“I’m very sorry to say this, but I want to be here.”

“You must be very tired.”

“The kingdom is on the brink of collapse, so wherever you go, it will be difficult. So if a single ray of light shines here today, all the poison will be relieved.”

It’s heartbreaking. It’s a sad sight that you can’t watch without crying.

Isn’t this the appearance of a messenger of death begging for his country to be spared?

Only after the Emperor’s permission was finally granted did he step back with a smiling face.

“… The situation on the continent is like this.”

The emperor, who had been observing the crowd for a moment, slowly opens his mouth.

“A long time has passed since the Great Emperor founded the Empire. During that time, the Empire established an order worthy of its name, and under that order, everyone enjoyed peace and prosperity.”

It may sound like an overly empire-centric statement, but if you think about it, it’s not wrong.

In fact, all those who were friendly with the Empire, or decided to be, are living well.

The moderates of Novogord. The pro-imperial faction that had just arrived in the east. And the kingdoms in the south.

“They were not oppressed for not accepting the order. It was their freedom, so how could they be persecuted?”

Every word of the Emperor is the justification of the Empire.

The Empire is more merciful than you can imagine.

Look. The north, the east, and the south. Are they not all in your arms?

It is a statement that limits what others can say when they criticize the empire.

At the same time, it contains the intention that ‘as long as you don’t cross the line, you won’t be killed.’

What this means is that, conversely, the moment you cross the line of tolerance, prepare to be beaten.

And today, that very case has finally come before the Empire.

“But beyond that, if you want to break and shake the order. If there are those who are willing to bump into the name of the empire. Warm mercy should soon become anger that burns like fire.”

Constantly expanding territory and trying to become closer to a second empire rather than a kingdom.

They want to exert their influence not only in the West but also elsewhere.

Yes. How can you understand that with compassion?

Of course, understanding and acceptance will never go hand in hand.

Understanding is understanding, but it needs to be suppressed first. Honestly, does that make sense? The second empire.

Whether through diplomatic relations or by other means.

However, any attempt to meddle in the Empire will absolutely not be tolerated.

The decisive factor was the attempt to conclude a secret agreement with Novogord.

Besides that, he also interfered in Benito’s affairs and brought the empire to a standstill.

“Minister of Foreign Affairs.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“As of now, declare war on Dedorant and Atria, and all minor nations that cooperate with them.”

“The wrath of the Empire will fall upon them like a hammer, Your Majesty.”

Finally, the Empire declared war on them.

*

War. A feast of blood and steel, not one started by anyone, but one declared by our empire.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs left Daejeon first, followed by other officials.

Those who remained were now the ones who had to seriously discuss war.

“Currently, two legions are deployed from each border to the west by order of His Majesty the Emperor.”

“The 7th and 12th Corps in the East, which had been waiting in the South, and the 6th and 13th Corps in the South entered the West.”

“However, the two eastern legions are exhausted from the continuous movement and need rest.”

“The 2nd and 8th Corps in the North departed three days ago. They are expected to arrive within the next week.”

First of all, the Imperial War Department that unconditionally appears when there is war.

“The military expenses consumed in the eastern and southern campaigns are considerable. Fortunately, we have increased our tax revenue this time and have received military expenses from various noble families… .”

“If 11 legions move at the same time, astronomical amounts of military spending will be consumed.”

The military is ultimately a matter of money. Therefore, it is only natural that the Ministry of Finance should also be present.

“In addition to the legions that will be going into battle, there needs to be room for the reserves and cavalry to move.”

“We have completed the initial inspection of the western road network within the Empire, but with so many people coming and going, there will inevitably be some damage.”

To the Ministry of the Interior, and the Ministry of Land, which inspects the transportation network within the empire.

“According to intelligence currently coming from the West, the western borders of Dedorant and Atria are being strengthened. In addition, the elite soldiers who were mobilized for the attack on Dgalle are said to be moving west.”

Everyone nods their heads at the remarks of the Special Services Agency, which handles foreign intelligence.

Originally, the lineup would have ended at this level.

But this time, there is another department newly established in the Empire.

“The most important thing in the current situation is to train different corps gathered from different regions to operate more organically.”

“The staff meeting result is that it is not a very relaxed situation, so it is better to start right away.”

The new General Staff was created by the Emperor’s order.

When each chief of staff there speaks, the Secretary of War receives it.

“The Ministry of War also thinks so. The Imperial Legion is certainly strong, but it is unusual for so many of them to be gathered together. Normally, it would only take two legions to move.”

That makes sense. Just look at the entire East or the South right now.

Although the mobilized legions are said to be four or five in number, they always fight together in solidarity with two legions.

This is a natural part, as it was organized with that method in mind from the beginning.

‘In reality, up until now, we could easily deal with our opponents with just two corps.’

But now it’s different. The opponents are Dedorant and Atria.

These two alone easily exceed 150,000. Their numbers have even grown recently.

There’s even Benito (who is honestly paralyzed, but still has some leeway).

In other words, the number of enemies the empire has to deal with is expected to be close to 200,000.

There are too many enemies to move with the existing two-corps formation.

So, the General Staff is insisting on fluid movements of the entire First Army, not just corps-level movements.

“The Minister of War and the Chief of Staff seem to have the same thoughts.”

At the emperor’s words, the two people each bowed their heads in agreement.

“Imperial Chief of Staff.”

Then this time the emperor’s words flew towards me.

“What do you think?”

As soon as the Emperor’s question fell, all eyes in the palace turned to me.

The Ministry of War, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and the Ministry of Special Affairs. The key figures there.

In particular, the gazes of those in the newly established General Staff Department are the most intense.

From what I’ve heard, they expected me to become at least the Chief of Staff, or maybe even the Deputy Chief of Staff.

“… I agree with all the opinions presented so far, Your Majesty.”

“Hmm.”

“However, there is something I would like to add to that.”

“What part would you like to add?”

There is a saying that goes, “Those who have a lot don’t necessarily need to cater to others.”

If my opponent and I are playing rock-paper-scissors, it’s right to give everything if you can.

“In addition to the two corps already drafted, I think it would be better to declare a mobilization order to reinforce the reserve and garrison units and call in more corps from the border in case of emergency.”

“Wouldn’t each border become too unstable?”

“Considering the current situation, I believe that one corps can handle the border instead of two.”

In fact, except for the West, all of them are in a very weak state.

First, Novogord promised to send reinforcements with his elite troops.

If you send 30,000 troops, almost half of them will be lost.

Even if only two legions are left in the north, they can deal with the remaining forces of Novogord.

The three kingdoms in the east are suffering like sick people because of the great flood.

No matter how much they want to seize the possibility, they cannot raise an army.

They are sending reinforcements right away because they cannot afford it.

Finally, the kingdoms in the south… to put it bluntly, should be seen as child’s play.

If the force is weaker than Benito’s, one Imperial Legion can cover it without any exaggeration.

Although the defensive area is large, the Empire has the upper hand in intelligence, so there is nothing to worry about.

“If you combine them all, it would be a great army of almost 400,000. Imperial Chief of Staff.”

“Yes, Your Excellency the Secretary of War.”

“Of course, the numerical advantage is something that cannot be ignored… .”

At this moment, a man from the staff quietly raises his hand.

“I disagree with the Imperial Chief of Staff’s opinion. Right now, it is important to train and refine the gathered legions. We cannot delay now that we have declared war. This is especially true when Los Tanica is waiting for the Empire.”

“Um.”

“War is imminent. The 200,000-strong army that has gathered now is overwhelming. They have already undergone extensive training and all kinds of combat, so they can be made into something like Dedorant and Atria.”

A man who presents various opinions and argues that an active offensive should come first for now.

It’s my first time seeing your face. I think you’re probably someone who was active in the Western Legion.

As I was looking at her, wondering who it was, the princess slowly approached me.

“He is the Chief of Staff of the Mesok Army, who belongs to the General Staff. I heard he is the fifth son of the Marquis of Conslocker, and he has experience working as a staff member in the Western Army Corps.”

“I see.”

“And there are also rumors that he secretly has a competitive spirit against you, Kael.”

“… .”

I nodded to the princess’s words and looked at Mesok, who was earnestly presenting his argument.

It is clear that both the Ministry of War and the General Staff agree with his words.

If we do as I say, it’s obvious that we’ll have to wait at least a few more months.

It seems that they want to show off the Empire’s power to that insolent Dedorant right away.

The Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of the Interior, and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport also feel similarly.

Additionally, if we issue a mobilization order to draft additional troops, we will face problems with money and manpower.

It seems that they think they can wage war and win even now.

‘Actually, the Empire has been winning continuously lately. That’s not too much to ask.’

… This, for some reason, feels ominous. Could it be just a simple worry?