Chapter 199
(Kyle Calendar Year 511: Age 18)
The Southern Lords' Conference
Translator : PolterGlast
Around the time a
momentous decision that would sway the fate of the Kyle Kingdom was being made
in Griffin, the Imperial Capital of the Gryphonia Empire...
In a newly built fortress
in the southernmost part of the Southern Gate plains, near the border, those
responsible for the defense of the kingdom's southern border region had
gathered to celebrate its completion and to hold a meeting to discuss future
strategy.
The host was Margrave
Hastburg, but Count Gouras, the Knight Commander of the Royal Capital, had also
been invited to the meeting. The participants were an impressive lineup of
faces who had survived the military campaigns up to now.
Margrave Hastburg
Demon Territory Count
Solis (Takuhir)
Count Gouras
Count Gorman
Count Solis (Darren)
Viscount Kirias
Viscount Cornell
Viscount Solis (Darek)
Baron Creitz
Baron Bold
Baron Herald
Baron Weiss
Baron Copper
"Well then, let's
get right to it. I would like to use this meeting to discuss our future policy
regarding the kingdom's defense. First, the Demon Territory Count Solis has
something to say to you all. I would like to proceed with the discussion based
on that."
"Thank you,
Margrave Hastburg. First, there is information I must share with you all as a
premise. If the truce with the Empire expires at the end of next year, it is
almost certain that the Empire will invade in force in less than a year. Their
numbers may even exceed 50,000..."
"F-fifty
thousand!"
"How can that
be..."
"No,
that's..."
Everyone was struck
speechless by the number 50,000.
"As you all know,
last year, in accordance with His Majesty's wishes, I received Viscount
Sieghart von Kämpfer of the Empire in Teigoon and had the opportunity to speak with
him.
This is a prediction
based on that conversation combined with our intelligence up to this point. It
is believed that the Empire will seek a war with us as the final stage to
decide their internal succession dispute.
At that time, the
First Prince and the Third Prince will likely both invade and compete for
military glory. If that happens, the enemy force will naturally exceed
50,000."
"Hmm, even one of
them alone is a troublesome opponent... This is a troublesome matter. A
difficult situation. Each of us is working hard to manage our new domains and
bolster our forces, but two years is not enough time. Even if we do our best,
we likely won't even reach 15,000. It will come down to relying on
reinforcements from Lord Gouras, will it?"
Margrave Hastburg said
this, but he deliberately avoided putting his biggest concern into words.
"I find it
difficult to immediately agree with the Demon Territory Count's earlier
statement. In the first place, it is hard to imagine that the two princes, who
are mortal enemies, would form a joint front and attack together..."
"Viscount
Kirias's words are reasonable. Of course, I do not believe they have any
intention of cooperating from the start. They will likely position a
containment force in front of this fortress and aim for the Royal Capital from
the left and right flanks, respectively. For them, the military glory of
capturing the Royal Capital is the proof of their right to the throne that will
allow them to overwhelm the other."
"In that case, we
of the Royal Knights will also be unable to move easily, is that it? Because we
must also defend the Royal Capital, we will be unable to join the front lines,
and the front will be swallowed by the wave of an overwhelming army..."
Knight Commander
Gouras also turned pale. If they used their numerical superiority to advance
their conquest on multiple fronts, the Royal Knights would be unable to leave
the capital.
"Yes. We must
consider this worst-case scenario and prepare countermeasures within two years.
The Empire also has a
weakness. They have no intention of coordinating or cooperating and are
competing with each other. They will naturally be forced to operate on exterior
lines. Therefore, they will lose their numerical advantage and be unable to
coordinate.
Our strength is that
we can operate on interior lines. We can shrink the front line according to the
battle situation and break through at a single point. If we do so, we can
strike the enemy's rear and cut off their line of retreat."
Everyone gathered
imagined the map from the border to the Royal Capital, pondering the Empire's
movements.
"Commander, if
you have any points to make on this, please do."
"Yes, the
Empire's movements will be as the Demon Territory Count has said.
They will likely use a
central army of 10,000 to 20,000 men to surround and neutralize this fortress.
They don't need to capture it. Just besieging it, neutralizing it, and, while
they're at it, bottling up the Frontier Knights will be effective. Therefore,
we should reconsider the deployment of the Frontier Knights, so as not to let
our mobile forces sit idle. I believe it is appropriate to station mainly
archers in the fortress and have them focus solely on defense."
Yes, this is very hard
to say. Even though this is a celebration of the fortress's completion, we're
talking about something that could negate its very existence... It's perfectly
useful as a wedge, though. But it's difficult for it to be more than a wedge.
"The enemy's main
force, the strike units commanded by each prince, will likely split into left
and right wings, each with 20,000 to 30,000 soldiers, and advance. They will
pass through the demon territories that spread across those lands.
The enemy's left wing
will likely invade from Teigoon or the former Hiyorimi domain, pass through the
Est area, and make a straight dash for the Royal Capital. The road to the
capital has no notable defensive facilities. If they invade during the harvest
season, they can also procure supplies locally."
Yes, this was the
strategy the Commander had actually employed in the previous history, which is
why I deliberately asked for his opinion. Hearing this, my father, Count Solis,
and Viscount Cornell's expressions tensed.
"Regarding the
response to the enemy's left-wing army, we too have been making preparations
and formulating countermeasures ever since the last invasion. I can promise
that we can fully hold out against a force of about 20,000 to 30,000. The
problem is..."
Yes, I trailed off,
but the problem is how to deal with the enemy's right wing. Viscount Kirias is
a capable military commander, and the barons he leads—Creitz, Bold, and
Herald—are also experienced and reliable commanders, but they are
overwhelmingly outnumbered. And compared to us on the western side, they not
only have fewer numbers but also lack any notable defensive facilities.
"Even if the
enemy's right-wing unit passes through Viscount Kirias's domain, to aim for the
Royal Capital, they will eventually have to return to the central highway
around Burg, won't they? The other roads are not suitable for the movement of a
large army. What do you think, Kirias?"
"As you say,
Margrave, the difference in numbers is insurmountable, I believe. It seems we
have no choice but to conduct a phased retreat and employ scorched-earth
tactics. It is truly... regrettable."
"Assuming all of
my infantry are assigned to the defense here, facing the right-wing army with
the 4,000 riders of the Frontier Knights and at most 1,500 from the eastern
lords' armies—a force of less than 6,000—is a bit difficult, isn't it?"
"Margrave, this
is a hypothetical based on the current assumptions, but if the Demon Territory
Count can hold the enemy's left flank, we can dispatch 20,000 cavalry from the
Royal Knights and confront the enemy's right flank together. In that case, I
believe we can fight on equal or better terms. If we also call up the armies of
the nobles from the eastern district, who performed reasonably well in the
previous war, that would be another 5,000 reinforcements.
A combined 30,000. If
we hit the enemy with this, I believe a counter-offensive is possible. However,
this is all on the premise that the Demon Territory Count and the western
side—Count Gorman, Count Solis, and Viscount Cornell—can hold the enemy's left
flank. Otherwise, our battle line will collapse."
"We are training
and preparing day and night for that very day. If we add the archers and
integrate the power of the mages into our forces, I promise that we will meet
the Knight Commander's expectations and hold out without fail."
The Commander replied
to this, puffing out his chest.
"One more thing
from me. If we adopt scorched-earth tactics, the enemy's supply line from the
border will become quite long. We can use the Frontier Knights' Sixth and
Seventh Corps as a mobile unit to strike the enemy's supply lines. If we do,
the enemy may become unable to act and be forced to retreat.
Also, we should consider
building a secret base within the eastern demon territory, and having units
sally forth from there to strike the rear of the right-wing army.
Lord Copper and I are
accustomed to operating in the demon territory. We will show you what we can
do. If we request help from the academy and mobilize mages, mainly Earth Mages,
I believe we can construct a reasonably well-hidden base."
"Indeed! Lord
Darek's words are good. Lord Gouras, can we borrow from the Royal Knights as
well? The western side still needs its mages and likely has none to spare.
Therefore, I would like to borrow from the Royal Capital and the
academy..."
"That's right.
The mages belonging to the Royal Knights should be no problem. As for the
rest... I will have to consult with Duke Klein, but... it will likely be fine.
We already have a precedent for mobilizing Royal Command Mages and students in
the Demon Territory Count's domain under the pretext of training. Lord Darek,
you are also a graduate of the academy and are on familiar terms with the
Headmaster; it might be good for you to consult him directly."
"Thank you, Your
Excellency, Gouras. Then, I shall go to the Royal Capital with the Demon
Territory Count, who is on the most intimate terms with the Headmaster and is,
in fact, still enrolled, to make our request."
"???"
Brother, you dragged
me into it again, didn't you? Just because you're not good at dealing with the
old fox... isn't that cruel? Well, I'm not good at it either, so in times like
these, I'll probably just have to bring the 'fox-hunting expert' (Yuka-san)
along...
"Then let us each
prepare our responses and strategies for that day. Is everyone in agreement? Is
there anyone else with something to say... Hmm, Demon Territory Count, what is
it?"
"Yes. This is
slightly different from today's discussion, but after comparing the recent
weather with information from old documents, I am concerned that there is a
possibility of a natural disaster this year or next. It could be a flood due to
heavy rains, or a poor harvest due to a large-scale drought... We are also
moving to make preparations and countermeasures, but I propose that all of you
also secretly proceed with stockpiling food and preparing
countermeasures."
At my words, my
father, Count Solis, and Count Gorman's expressions changed. This is because
they know the history of the disasters I have spoken of in the past. For them,
it is already confirmed information. The two of them nodded silently,
indicating they understood. Viscount Cornell should also know some of the
history, and if my mother gives him a push, he will likely take it seriously.
"Good grief, what
a difficult matter. However, you all had best not take the Demon Territory
Count's words lightly. There is also the matter of the recent plague. Each of
you, endeavor to prepare in earnest."
With the Margrave's
backing at the end, it will probably be alright. From past experience, even if
we avoid a disaster, it just leaps to a neighboring domain, and history has
always flowed to ensure an equivalent amount of damage. Even the distant
Margrave's domain and the eastern lords' domains cannot be at ease. Even if one
domain is damaged, if the surrounding domains have sufficient stockpiles, they
can help each other.
Before the coming war
with the Empire, I wanted to crush as many factors as possible that could lead
to a decrease in our strength.
And so, involving the
surrounding nobles, I had begun to move toward the greatest crisis. Aiming for
a complete victory against history.
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