episode_0097

Immediately after declaring war on Dedorant, the atmosphere was actually not very good.

There is a clear belief that the Empire will triumph. No one doubts it.

The question is, how many people must die and how many injuries must be sustained to achieve that victory.

Dedorant is a military powerhouse in the West. It was originally a country with a strong army.

Although he suffered an unexpected blow from DeGalle decades ago, he has now succeeded in getting revenge.

After numerous battles, they awakened into war machines similar to the Imperial Legions.

There we also got a great spare resource called Atria.

It will not be an easy fight. There may be a few losses.

Under these concerns, the First Army was created by deploying no less than 11 corps.

However, there were still some who agreed with my opinion because their concerns were deep.

However, it had only been a month since the Empire declared war and the war began.

In that short period of time, Dedorant ended up handing over part of their territory in an instant.

They continued to retreat, crumbling before the storm-like attacks of the empire.

“… Actually, isn’t it an exaggeration to say that the Dedorant Army is…?”

The princess who came to see me today opened her mouth as if she was certain of that.

Everyone was really worried about dealing with Dedorant.

Even the Emperor and the Crown Princess were said to have been anxious about how many people would die and be injured.

It feels like they’ll push all the way to the royal capital of Dedorant in just a month.

It was only natural that I felt a little, no, very disappointed.

“If not, then this can’t happen. How can you lose 20,000 people and even territory in just one month?”

“Sometimes there are those who are overrated.”

I also thought for a moment that it was a western characteristic. Isn’t there a De Galle right now?

They acted like they were something, but then they got their souls stolen by Dedorant.

The royal family fled to Los Tanica and most of the remaining nobles surrendered.

In that respect, Dedorant may also be similar to them.

Because I haven’t experienced a real opponent. Because I haven’t met the master.

So, there is a possibility that they might let their guard down thinking they are the best and end up getting beat up.

‘but….’

I thought for a moment and then shook my head.

It’s only been a month. The war has only just begun.

Although we have won, we must not be complacent or let our guard down.

Seriously, Dedorant is a bunch of idiots worse than you can imagine.

“Nothing is certain. Since neither the princess nor I are the ones to make judgments about what’s going on there, it’s probably best to focus on the task at hand.”

“… That’s true. We’re also very busy right now.”

The Emperor’s order to me and the Princess. Negotiating command of reinforcements coming from other countries.

Just hearing it will make your head hurt. It will boast an extremely high level of difficulty.

Instead, if we succeed, both Nana and the princess will have made achievements that no one can deny.

“For now, the command over the southern kingdoms has been firmly handed over. The remaining are the three eastern kingdoms and Novogord, right?”

“Yes.”

The transfer of command over the Southern Kingdoms was embarrassing enough to be called a negotiation.

I just stepped forward and said, ‘Ahem.’ and he said he would hand over command right away.

Perhaps it was Benito’s destruction that was the decisive factor.

Now all that remains are the 30,000-strong combined forces of Burkhay, Kaden, and Forland.

And 30,000 heavily armed demon infantrymen who had just set out from Novogord.

A difficult mission awaited them, to take over command from them.

“Kael. I have a good idea. Do you want to hear it?”

“I will listen.”

“They say the situation in the East is better now than before, but it’s still difficult.”

“Yes. Even though there was support from the Empire, it was only enough to avoid the worst.”

Support should be moderate. If you give too much, they will start to think strangely.

Material support that is maintained at a level that is neither too excessive nor too little.

This was the reason why the empire was able to hold the lifeline of the three eastern kingdoms in check.

If we do that, I don’t know about anything else, but the hearts of the people will definitely belong to the empire.

“It’s a little embarrassing, but why don’t you try using it this time too?”

“Are you talking about material support?”

“Our empire will take care of all supplies for the reinforcements. In return, we will receive command. They are only giving them two weeks’ worth of rations. Would you not accept that?”

That’s not entirely wrong. But it’s not without its shortcomings.

“Your Highness, the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have already decided to provide material support to the reinforcements coming from the three eastern kingdoms. It will be difficult to smoothly negotiate based on the facts they know.”

“I know that too. So I want to add one more condition here.”

Any other conditions? I quietly listened to the princess’s next words.

“The Ministry of War and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs made a promise. The Empire will bear the cost of supplies for the reinforcements.”

“Yes.”

“Of course, those supplies will not be supplied to the frontline Imperial Legions, but will be provided to auxiliary units.”

“… Probably, most likely.”

Of course, it comes with good weapons, sturdy armor, and good food.

Of the items directly related to the morale and combat power of the army, all the top-quality items are distributed to the Imperial Legions.

Reinforcements from other countries will receive supplies of slightly lower quality.

One might say that it is too rude to the reinforcements that came to the empire.

But if you look closely, this is a form of forgiveness of the debt the empire has owed them.

Especially the eastern kingdoms are so in debt that even just providing material support would be greatly appreciated.

If you have any complaints, just bring your own from the beginning like Novogord did.

The East is not particularly dissatisfied with the Empire’s decision, as their situation is not good.

Perhaps you will think that this is beneficial as you can preserve your fighting power and receive support at the same time.

“They’re offering to supply it to the Imperial Legion in the same way.”

“Your Highness the Princess?”

“Ah, of course, I plan to return all the weapons and armor when the war is over. Surely I can’t hand them all over. The Empire will take care of everything else. What do you think?”

“… First of all, it’s not an entirely absurd opinion. However, there are many things to consider. First of all, I’m worried about what the Eastern Kingdom will think, and above all―”

“We also need to hear the opinions of the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Finance.”

Yes. The most important thing is the opinion of the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Finance.

Things that the Imperial Legion should use. Things that were procured with the taxes paid by the Imperial citizens.

It should be given to the troops from the Eastern Kingdom, not to others.

Perhaps both places would jump out of their seats and say it was nonsense if they heard the princess’s opinion.

‘But if you think about it differently, it’s not so bad after all.’

The Empire will definitely deploy the reinforcements they send to the front lines.

Because that is clear evidence that everywhere except the West has surrendered to the Empire.

It is a very good excuse to prove diplomatic and military achievements so far.

But this will likely cause great anxiety to other kingdoms.

Could it be that they are using their own troops as cannon fodder? Could it be that they are using them as porters rather than reinforcements?

Still, I tried to earn the title of having fought side by side with the Empire.

If we have that, it will be a good step towards stabilizing our country’s political situation in the future.

If you can’t do anything, won’t you just throw away your pride and become a useless tyrant?

‘If we were to receive the same supplies that the Imperial Legion receives there, that would alleviate some of those concerns.’

It means that they will be treated as equal soldiers, neither as arrow catchers nor as porters.

It could be a message that as fellow soldiers, you are being given the opportunity to establish your military distinction.

To that extent, there is a possibility that a positive outcome can be achieved in negotiations regarding the issue of command authority.

“… First of all, I think it’s a pretty good condition.”

“Right?! Actually, I’ve been thinking about it since yesterday!”

The princess looked at me as if I were a puppy looking for praise from its owner.

Her eyes sparkled so much that I couldn’t help but praise her.

“I guess the time you spent with me this past month wasn’t entirely in vain.”

“Of course! Then, do you think I only saw Kael’s face? Of course, I learned many things, and… .”

As she spoke, the princess’s face suddenly turned red.

Why? What’s wrong? Why are you suddenly like this?

“Ah, anyway! I think that’ll be enough for the three eastern kingdoms.”

“The Allied Forces will arrive in three days, so let’s go together.”

“Okay. Oh, and. Did you hear the news?”

What news do you have? The princess scratches her cheek in response to my question.

“They say they had another great victory a few days ago. They say they crushed Dedorant’s army with a plan from the General Staff.”

“I see. That’s a very good thing.”

“… Really? Kael, while you’re gone, others are making progress. Even in the most important part of the entire campaign, the West.”

“The princess and I are also doing important work. Gathering reinforcements and handing over command is not an ordinary task.”

“That’s true, but… .”

The princess sighed and nodded, saying that she understood me.

That kind of detached attitude is also secretly cool. That was a bonus.

“The Eastern Union says so. What does Novogord plan to do? I wonder if the Demons, who even the Imperial Legion secretly ignores, will give up command so easily.”

“I also thought about it a lot. And just like the princess, I found the most feasible solution last night.”

“Is there a way to win the hearts of the demons?”

A way to win the hearts of the demons. Hmm. It’s similar, but it’s not exactly like that.

I didn’t think it was necessary to make them follow me.

Aren’t I a frontline commander who has to command my soldiers directly?

If you can hold on to just one thing, then that one thing can hold on to the rest.

“Your Highness, Princess. Do you remember my sister, Kaya Klausitz?”