Chapter 353
(Kyle Calendar Year 515: Age 22)
What Was Entrusted by a Friend
Translator : PolterGlast
-- The timeline
returns to the present.
At the meeting held
in Kusanagi, once Takuhir decided on the overall strategy, the
movements from there were fast. The generals switched to a dual system of an
expedition to the southern front and defense on the northern front, and began
discussions. Reaching that point, there was someone who voluntarily opened his
mouth for the first time.
「Forgive
my interruption during your discussions. Might I be permitted to speak?」
「Think
nothing of it. As one who has served for many years as Sieghard's adjutant, I have been most eager to hear your
perspective.」
Although the head of
the trading company had a slightly surprised expression, I knew from the
beginning. Because when we first became acquainted with Sieghart during
the return of the prisoners of war, he had been constantly following behind
him.
「As
expected, His Majesty the Archduke was aware. As you pointed out, I am Accelerata Folk, who
has served as adjutant since my lord was a Baron. Although it was a mission,
please accept my deepest apologies for the circumstances up to now. Before we
begin our discussion, I would like to convey a private message entrusted to me
by my lord. First, please look at this...」
Saying so, he took
out three heavily sealed letters from his breast pocket. There, we were
surprised once again.
·
A free pass within Empire
territory, stamped with the Imperial Seal of the Griffonia Empire's Emperor.
·
A request for the suppression of rebellion and
foreign enemies, signed and sealed by the Third Prince, Grat.
·
A map showing the route from Kusanagi to
the front lines.
「Oh...
quite well prepared...」
「Indeed,
but it seems different from the words earlier?」
「Why
did you not show these letters first?」
The Commander,
Marquis Gorman, and Marquis Solis raised voices of doubt in rapid
succession towards Accelerata. Contrary to the words they dared to utter
quietly, the three directed piercingly sharp gazes at him.
「Your
anger is entirely justified. First, please allow me to apologize. As a major
premise, we fully understand that until just two years ago, we were also in the
position of having invaded the Kyle Kingdom, and that asking for
reinforcements is an incredibly self-serving request. And...」
Bowing deeply while
saying so, Accelerata looked straight at me and continued his words.
「This
is a critical matter that will decide the very fate of your country as well,
since you are also a party facing this invasion. I can only hope you might
understand the inner thoughts of both His Highness Grat and my lord, who found
themselves simply unable to ask for reinforcements honestly.」
Saying so, he bowed his
head deeply again.
『I
think Lord Takuhir would surely say so. I am so happy for that kindness
it brings me to tears. But I cannot take responsibility for the lives of
people other than those of the Empire.
Besides, dealing with the north won't be easy in the first place. And
one more thing, I hope it's unfounded anxiety, but there is also a reason why I
must dare to put on an act. Ah, but please keep that last part a secret
from Lord Takuhir...』
Sieghart had
entrusted these letters to Accelerata while saying so.
『Only
if His Majesty the Archduke says he will dispatch an army after we have
declined, please hand over these letters, and Accelerata, I want you to
act as a guide and sincerely provide convenience. I'm counting on you...』
Yes, he said that in
the event he was told we would extend a helping hand even if it meant pushing
ourselves, he wanted him to convey his feelings of gratitude by conveying
everything in his hand, which was prepared in advance to provide convenience
for us.
「Originally,
two of these were gathered by Lord Grat to provide convenience for
everyone in preparation for the battle in the north. However, in preparation
for the worst, one sentence was added to the free pass within Empire territory.」
Certainly... the
document was limited to passage dealing with the war zone in the northern Empire, but there was one sentence at
the end.
『Furthermore,
in the event an unforeseen situation occurs in the Empire, and upon request from the Emperor or a person in an
equivalent position, passage beyond the war zone stipulated in this letter
shall be permitted to respond to it.』
I see... and what
corresponds to this is the Third Prince's suppression request.
「With
the free pass within Empire
territory stamped with His Majesty the
Emperor's Imperial Seal, no one can hinder the actions of your army within the
designated regions. Since a request
is also present, it is no longer possible to hinder His Majesty the Archduke's
army within the Empire.」
「Hahaha,
as expected, Lord Sieghart is terrifying. Does this mean he had read
completely how we would move, and was proceeding with preparations up to that
point?」
「No,
that was as one possibility. In addition, my lord seems to have taken various
measures in preparation for this campaign, but we only know a fragment of
them... This map will be the itinerary when everyone's army moves to the
southern part of the Empire.」
I see, in
addition... huh. However, the itinerary shown on the map is slightly strange.
Because it showed a path proceeding west from Kusanagi through the Third
Prince's mandate territory, slipping beside the mountain range separating the
border at the extreme frontier of the western Empire. What does this mean?
「I dare
to ask, what is the reason for avoiding the main highway, which is the shortest
distance from Kusanagi?」
「Certainly,
if you proceed according to the map, I think it will be quite a detour.
However, if you pass through the main highway, you must pass through the
territories of 『stubborn people』 and 『nobles of the First
Prince's camp』. If you pass through there, you will surely be held up at
various places. After all, they are a bunch of stubborn people blind to the
times, who do not believe anything other than the facts they see and hear with
their own eyes. Besides...」
「Understood.
And if we move openly, it could affect the war situation, is that what it
means? Then, based on this route, I ask you to lead the way.」
「Understood.
And I have two more things to say.」
『What?
There's still more on top of this?』
「We have
also set up logistics bases at various points along this itinerary. It is not
much of a token of gratitude, but regarding provisions, arrangements have been
made so you can receive support at various places. And... among the cargo the Kempurna
Trading Company brought this time, we have also prepared many Empire Army
banners, so we would appreciate it if you could use those as well.」
Yeah... so
preparations are already completely ready. To read this far... is absolutely
impossible for me. As expected, Sieghart is probably an opponent I can
never match. Or am I still naive?
「Commander,
this time I think we'll bring a full set of 'that' too. Some unreasonableness
will probably be necessary, and it's frustrating to just keep being surprised
like this.」
「Understood.
With Lord Bart accompanying us, the rest will probably be ready as well.
Let's make them realize how terrifying we are.」
Of course, 'that' is
not the Magic Cannon. That was already a given, and what I have resolved to use
this time is a cutting-edge weapon that I had hesitated to deploy until now.
「Now
then, next is the deployment of the defense units. This is still just an
optimistic prediction, but if the Royal Capital Knights come as reinforcements,
they will make up for the hole we left in terms of numbers. Alexis, how
is it?」
「Let's
see. Even with our current numbers, I believe we will probably... be alright
within the Demon Territory Dukedom. However, defending the Empire territory will be a little tough. Because there are no traps or mechanisms over there.」
「Regarding
that, Viscount Durul, is it possible to have the residents of the Empire territory adjacent to the enemy's border temporarily
evacuate to a safe zone? If possible... I don't want to leave a single piece of
food on the path they invade.」
「Yes,
we are also proceeding with the movement of the territory residents. However,
the difficulty is...」
「I see,
the agricultural crops that will be harvested from now on, is it?」
Saying so, the
Commander crossed his arms with a serious expression. For farmers, the harvest
is what connects their lives. If they lose that, even if the camp they belong
to wins, they and their families will be lost on the streets. In that sense,
they too are risking their lives.
「Yes,
just as Lord Weiss says, the harvest season is fast approaching. Because
I understand the farmers' feelings painfully well...」
「That's
right, even for me or Lord Sieghart, guaranteeing the harvest is
practically impossible. Because the region is far too vast. Masrur! Every
single member of your brigade was originally a citizen of the Empire. I want
you to cooperate with Viscount Durul and take charge of persuading
them.」
「Yes,
understood. But... what should we do about those who stubbornly refuse to
listen?」
「To me,
the lives of the soldiers fighting on the front lines are also important. After
doing everything you should with sincerity, you have no choice but to entrust
their future to heaven.」
Yes, if the soldiers
forcefully stay and incur sacrifices, it would be putting the cart before the
horse. It's a phrase I myself dislike, but in order to protect the lives of 100
people, there will also be lives that must be abandoned.
「Listen
to this as an order from me. Those who will not accept persuasion even after
you have exhausted your sincerity... abandon them. Soldiers bearing the mission
to protect must protect more people in necessary battles.」
I don't want to say
things like this either. If I could say, 『A method where everyone is saved...』,
I would want to try saying it. But the reality of this world cannot go well
with just pretty ideals. I know that painfully well. I alone am fine with
bearing the infamy. I think everyone has no choice but to use my instructions
as an indulgence and act within the possible range, drawing a clear line.
「I
surmise His Majesty the Archduke's feelings. But I also think it should be so.
We too will follow His Majesty's example and intend to take the same response.」
「Viscount
Durul, thank you. Having you say that makes our hearts a little lighter
too.」
「And...
regarding the response to the reinforcements from the Royal Capital, I will
determine the basic line, but I will leave it to the judgment on site (Alexis).
Because I will take all responsibility, I will leave the responses you deem
necessary to the generals.」
「Understood.
After this, there are a few points I would like to ask questions about from my
side. Is that alright?」
「I
don't mind. Alexis, please continue.」
「Basically,
regarding the defense of Izumo, I think it has already been sufficiently
discussed. As items for confirmation, regarding operational movements in Empire territory , I would like to
receive permission to implement several operational plans. Specifically...」
On this day,
detailed meetings were held until late at night. And the next day, the
camouflaged Count Kampfer Army, guided by Accelerata, departed Kusanagi.
Everyone, while harboring an extraordinary resolve toward the difficult march
expected ahead and the battle further beyond...
Expeditionary
Unit Composition (10,000 cavalry)
·
Headquarters Escort Army: 900 cavalry
·
Demon Territory Knights: 8,000 cavalry
·
Special Fire Corps: 1,000 cavalry
·
Former Territory Garrison Army: 100 cavalry
Demon Territory
Dukedom Defense Army Composition (16,700 troops)
Central Army
(7,000 troops)
·
Izumo Garrison Army: 5,000 troops
·
Special Fire Corps Residual Group: 2,000 troops
Left Wing Army
(3,200 troops)
·
Former Demon Territory Count Domain: Gail
2,000 troops
·
Frontier Count Domain: Mars 600 troops
·
Kyrias Domain: Aral 300 troops
·
Count Cornell Domain: Danke 200
troops
·
Armed Vigilante Corps: Isaac 200 troops
Right Wing Army
(4,400 troops)
·
Marquis Gorman Army: 1,700 troops
·
Marquis Solis Army + Mercenary Group:
1,700 troops
·
Count Falmus Army: 1,000 troops
Mobile Army
(2,100 troops)
·
New Territory Garrison Brigade: 1,200 troops
·
Espionage and Disruption Unit: 800 troops
·
Headquarters Escort Army Residual Group: 100
troops
Imperial Army
Defense Unit (8,000 troops)
·
Viscount Durul Army: 8,000 troops
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