Chapter 224
(Kyle Calendar Year 512: Age 19)
The 3rd Regular Meeting in the Royal Capital
Translator : PolterGlast
In the Royal Palace of Kylar, the capital of the Kingdom
of Kyle, the Third Regular Meeting was being held. Upon Takuhir's
prior request, both Margrave Hastburg and Margrave Hamish had
also been invited to this meeting.
"Now then, since everyone is gathered, let us first
hear from the Demon Territory Count, who visited the Empire as an
envoy. His request to invite both Margraves is likely related to that. Was there
some kind of result?"
Upon the request of Duke Klein, the Minister of
Foreign Affairs, I shared the information I had obtained from Sieghart.
"Yes. Having received His Majesty's sanction through
the Minister of Foreign Affairs, I had the opportunity to hold a
dialogue with Viscount Kampfer of the Empire. I believe there
were sufficient results. Of course, the content is not something we can rejoice
over unreservedly...
Regarding the first matter, I will start with the
conclusion. There is no doubt that the Empire will invade, likely around
next year. There will be no extension of the armistice, nor will any envoy come
to convey its termination. The other party unofficially gave that task to
me."
"As expected... Though anticipated, it is unpleasant
news."
Margrave Hastburg
sighed deeply.
"The war between the Empire and the Principality
of Sura seems to have ended. Of course, in
the form of an Imperial victory. This story has not yet been made public, but
it will eventually come to our knowledge.
It is said that peace negotiations, including cession of
territory and various conditions, are likely to be concluded within this year.
With this, the Empire will turn its fangs fully toward us."
"Does that mean the Third Prince's succession to
the throne is almost solidified?"
"Margrave Hamish, that is correct. Because it is
decided to a certain extent, both factions will likely line up their forces and
invade with a massive army. And here, the First Prince's faction is
expected to launch an all-or-nothing operation to overturn the established
route."
"That is... exactly like the situation when the current
Emperor ascended, isn't it? At that time, we suffered great damage, but... No,
sorry for interrupting, Demon Territory Count. Please continue. I have a
bad feeling about this."
"Yes, it is as Duke Klein says. Your Excellency
has long sounded the alarm regarding a two-front operation against the Empire
and against the Principality plus the restoration faction, but I believe
the reality is even more unpleasant. It seems almost certain that the Imperial
Kingdom of Istria will invade in conjunction with the Empire's
invasion."
"What!"
"What did you say!"
"That can't be..."
"I address Margrave Hamish. Please forgive me
for asking a deliberately mean-spirited question. Margrave, are you aware that
the Emperor-King of the Imperial Kingdom of Istria has
changed?"
"..., No, this is the first I've heard of it."
It's understandable. Margrave Hamish wore an
expression filled with bitterness.
"For the sake of the Margrave's honor, I state that
this is no fault of yours. Information is controlled even within the Imperial
Kingdom, and it seems measures are being taken to prevent that story from
surfacing as much as possible.
Viscount Kampfer
of the Empire likely obtained rumors of the Emperor-King's
assassination from merchants connected to the Imperial Kingdom's Central
Church, probably concerning sugar interests. And what made him certain of it
was the result of something like a personal letter addressed to the Third
Prince from Cardinal Castro, who should have fallen from power—the
one we crossed blades with directly in the previous war. From this, he became
certain of his reinstatement and the surrounding circumstances. That is my
deduction."
"I do not mean to deny the Demon Territory Count's
story, but what about the possibility that the story itself is a deception?"
"Yes, the Minister of Commerce's point is valid.
I myself considered the possibility of this being a deception, but I discarded
that thought for three reasons.
First, if it were a deception, the story is too crude. If it
were a deception, is there a need to go out of one's way to kill the Emperor-King
and resurrect someone who had fallen? If it is a fact, Margrave Hamish
will eventually learn a part of this. Crude lies are eventually exposed."
"That is certainly true. Since we constantly spread an
intelligence network to the east, there is a possibility we will eventually
notice suspicious points."
Margrave Hamish
has set up magic stone exports in detail and sends envoys several times a year,
also for intelligence purposes. Being sharp, he would eventually notice
suspicious points.
"The second point is the interest of the Empire,
specifically the Third Prince's faction. Indeed, if we know in advance,
we might divert some forces, potentially lowering the military power that
should be sent south. However, for the invading side, it works more
advantageously if we don't know this information. The shock we receive
would be great, and there is no doubt we would be thrown into confusion trying
to organize our system."
On this point, everyone nodded. Even if a two-front
operation happens on the east side where they are confident in defense, a
three-front operation would cause no small amount of agitation.
"The third point, I will explain last intentionally.
The only thing I myself am not convinced about is that Viscount Kampfer
views this as a major threat. I was involved a little myself, but the defense
of the eastern border has been significantly strengthened compared to before.
Even if invaded by a force of 10,000 or 20,000, it would sufficiently hold out.
Unless there is some operation that catches us off guard..."
Saying this, I fell silent. The other participants also
crossed their arms and closed their eyes.
Is there anything we are overlooking? What on earth is Sieghart
seeing from the distant Empire?
I casually looked at the wall of this conference room.
There, a large map depicting the entire Kingdom of Kyle and the vicinity
of each border was posted.
Come to think of it... There was a large map in Sieghart's
office too.
『I
just look at maps whenever I have free time. Even if it's a land I don't know,
I feel like I've gone there, and I like tracing the highways on the map and
touring various countries. 』
He laughed saying that, but...
Hmm...? No,
that's impossible... But... could such a move exist...
I suddenly stood up, moved, and stared intently at the map
as if devouring it, feeling sweat suddenly burst from my entire body and begin
to wet my clothes.
Is such a situation possible? Everyone looked at my actions suspiciously.
"I hope it is my misunderstanding... but perhaps we
were still conceited. It might not be an exaggeration to say we are in danger
of a four-front operation—no, an encirclement annihilation battle."
"What did you say?"
"Th-That's..."
"W-Why?"
Everyone raised voices of surprise. However, many did not
realize the reason, and most sounded like voices of doubt.
"I ask the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Could
you tell us information regarding this country, one of the Piette Trade
Union nations in the north? Military strength, relations with neighboring
countries, etc., within the scope of what is known."
I pointed to a spot on the map and asked Duke Klein.
The Piette Trade Union forms a confederation of small nations, but the
national power per country is by no means large; it is small.
"Hmm... I see. That country, if just military strength,
would likely be at most 5,000 to less than 10,000. It borders both our country
and the Imperial Kingdom, but apparently relies on the Imperial
Kingdom for most commercial transactions.
Conversely, our country has deeper and closer relations with
other small nations that also border the north. As a check against this country
with the shallowest relations, the Northern Margrave is stationed... W-Wait,
don't tell me!"
The Minister of Foreign Affairs also realized my
concern.
A country with friendly relations with the Imperial
Kingdom and the most estranged from us. The Northern Margrave also belongs
to the restoration faction like the West, and before him, the Ice Marquis's
territory spreads out.
"The possibility of the Imperial Kingdom
invading from the north... Moreover, placing a feint force in the east to make
us let our guard down, and then coming from the north side..."
Margrave Hamish
muttered.
"Good grief, I don't know who it is, but they think of
troublesome things. But if we know that at this point, is there a way to deal
with it here?
Minister of Military Affairs, could you organize a corps of about 10,000 with your
authority, centering on nobles within the Kingdom who are not currently
frontline forces in the central region? If that number of troops is stationed,
neither the Northern Margrave nor Ice can make a move. It would be helpful if
you, who know the Imperial Kingdom's tactics, would take command of the
army."
"Understood. Knowing in advance versus not knowing
makes a world of difference. I will proceed with the organization from now, and
also investigate in advance places where the Imperial Kingdom is likely
to deploy their specialty formations. Even so, that man Viscount Kampfer,
to have realized this, he is a formidable man."
"It is as Count Model says. And in the south, we
must confront that man.
"From here on, I will speak about the major premise of
the third reason I mentioned earlier, but Margrave Hastburg, could you
keep the following story secret from the southern lords for the time
being?"
"Ah, of course. I cannot carelessly convey the stories
so far to allies either. If they worry about their rear, they won't be able to
fight with full strength against the enemy in front."
"This is a story I heard through Viscount Kampfer...
To begin with, the Third Prince has neither the
purpose nor the intention to invade the Kingdom of Kyle. The only reason
is to confirm his succession to the throne and ensure his own preservation. The
war with the Principality of Sura also originated from a defensive war
on the Empire side which was invaded. Perhaps because of that, once he
advanced his army south to a place where the safety of his territory was
guaranteed, he sheathed his sword.
In short, he himself does not need to win in the battle with
us. If the First Prince's army is defeated and the Third Prince's
army remains intact, their problem will be settled ultimately."
"No, no. While I am grateful, this is also a rather
troublesome matter."
"It is as Corps Commander Hoffman says. Most
likely, even if they invade, they intend to equivocate and decide to wait and
see for a while. As long as the First Prince's army is struggling.
Our basic policy is to concentrate on the First Prince's
side and crush it thoroughly. If they see that, the Third Prince's army
will withdraw without fighting; that is what Viscount Kampfer
said."
This is one of the things Sieghart told me privately
in Teigoon before.
"Honestly speaking, if the Kingdom Army and the Empire
Army fight an all-out war, both sides will suffer considerable damage. And in
that case, we have no next time, but if the Empire side gets serious,
beyond that lies a war of attrition based on the difference in national power.
In that scenario, our situation is the worst."
"So,
you are saying we are to withdraw from the Third
Prince's forces without striking a single blow...? While that was indeed
the established course of action in terms of waiting for reinforcements from
the Royal Capital Knights, the
extent of it is the problem."
"Yes.
Although this is speculation, I suspect the Third Prince will approach from the center or the right flank.
While that makes the advance toward the Royal
Capital more arduous, it offers the advantage of allowing him to easily
obfuscate the situation midway."
"As the Royal Capital Knights, assessment is
also difficult. Furthermore, the hearts of the lords whose territories are
swept by the Imperial Army will not be calm."
"What Corps Commander Schultz says is the
biggest issue. And if this premise is known, carelessness and expectation will
be born in the hearts of those heading to intercept.
In the worst case, if this is a stratagem by the Empire
side, we could lose the opportunity to intercept. So for the time being, the
premise is to intercept with full power, and retreat flexibly according to the
situation."
"Good grief, that's not easy either, is it? We end up
pushing the heaviest responsibility onto a young man
again, truly a sorry tale."
Margrave Hastburg
said so and looked at me. After that, discussions continued regarding this
topic, and the Third Regular Meeting ended.
"Lastly, regarding the measures against the Principality's
Magic Corps that I was discussing with the Demon Territory Count
previously, there is some progress, so could you remain after the meeting
ends?"
Duke Klein
was laughing.
Something might be pushed onto me again. I had nothing but such a bad premonition.
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