People tend to admire good deeds and strive to emulate them when they see them.
But when someone sees an act of deception, they seem to learn that skill uncannily fast.
And they use it oh-so-carefully. Just like dear old Benito here.
“To the invading Empire: Not only do you dare invade our land, but you have the audacity to question our legitimacy? Do you fools think we’re naive enough to believe imperial invaders spouting nonsense about legitimate rule?”
“Emphasizing the throne’s succession disputes, it’s outright inappropriate to even discuss ownership of the royal seat. You should be thankful for the mercy that allowed you to survive such a setback. Though, I suppose invaders like you wouldn’t understand such reasonable truths.”
Wow. The messages coming through are quite aggressive.
Every time the Emperor gets mentioned, watch those loyalists gnash their teeth in fury!
This is why it’s working so well. The Benito folks are practically having seizures reacting to these broadcasts.
We’re practically nailing the effectiveness of our anti-Benito amplified magical communication system.
“Look, Princess. Didn’t I tell you? They’re going absolutely ballistic.”
“I’m surprised. I thought they’d just ignore it or laugh it off.”
“Yes, they might laugh off some absurd propaganda, but when the accusations are grounded in realpolitik, rulers can’t help but react.”
Why? Because if they don’t respond, their authority starts crumbling like a house of cards.
And for those who’ve built their power on such authority, the thought of losing it must be absolutely terrifying.
Just like the trio of northern swine from my past life — they were exactly like this.
“Alright. Since we’ve already proven its effectiveness, let’s move on to the next phase.”
“Through our empire-collaborating prisoners, you mean?”
“Exactly. With the amplifying magic, imagine showing the enemy prisoners who thought they’d d*e in captivity happily proclaiming their newfound life, practically glowing with health. Wouldn’t that be grand?”
“Sometimes I can’t help but feel… that our Empire, or should I say Kael, comes off as villains.”
Ah, Your Highness, did you know? In war, that’s one of the highest compliments.
“You think this guy really knows how to fight dirty.”
“What can we possibly do against this despicable lowlife?”
That’s high praise, my friend. The ultimate commendation in warfare.
And now I’m even considering forming an entire legion dedicated to stuff like this.
Name it? Hmm. How about… The Imperial Psychological Warfare Division? Sounds about right.
We could place it under the War Ministry or the General Staff. It’d be incredibly effective.
“Choose, Princess. Which method do you think will yield better results?”
“Hmm. This first one seems to focus too heavily on how well the prisoners are treated, which may just fuel resentment and animosity. Kael?”
“I agree. So…”
“This one then.”
The plan Your Highness and I devised for our Benito magic broadcast goes a little something like this:
“Dear fellow citizens of Benito! Beware, you’ve been deceived. While they screamed about the Empire’s cruelty, they were the first to send us to our deaths and flee. It’s the Empire that took us in and treated us like human beings!”
“Are they doing this for riches and power? No! The Empire has promised us nothing. Why would they? They’re practically winning without it! So why do we do this? To save our compatriots!”
“Don’t d*e in a war with no cause! Our king has long been forsaken by even the gods. He isn’t even a king! We’re paying for our sins of not following the true king, so why must we suffer for this?”
“Live! Survive! Though they say disgrace is worse than d*ath, life is better than d*ath any day!”
Aww, look at that lad go. What was it? Former squad leader from the Benito army?
Of course, he’d have a loud voice, leading his men and all that.
With the magic amplification, it’s absolutely booming across all the Benito fortresses.
“Sir?”
“Yes, Chief of Staff.”
“Please tell that young man to put a bit more emotional weight into his delivery.”
“Emotional weight?”
“A voice not just shouting, but one trembling with heart-wrenching sorrow. We want our Benito audience to fully grasp their situation, right?”
A month has passed, and the epidemic has somewhat subsided.
But the suffering of those afflicted isn’t fading so easily.
In fact, even the caretakers are succumbing to fatigue and contamination.
Curing magic has its limits and is only accessible to the elite.
As for epidemic medications, while they do exist, Benito is in no position to procure them.
They’re barely managing to secure food and water; how could they possibly obtain medicine beforehand?
Once the horrific disease wave subsides, it’s only natural for reality to come to light.
As it turns out, the empire that was expected to pillage and destroy isn’t really that monstrous after all.
They told us leaving the city would be d*ath, but staying in seems just as deadly.
Surrendered soldiers are crying out, begging not to d*e in vain.
Are we trying to sway them by installing a new king?
Nope. That’s just the justification. A reason for them to step outside their fortress walls.
Or better yet, a reason why opening their gates fully wouldn’t label them traitors.
Legitimacy talks start and end with legitimacy. It’s simply an excuse. A cover for the myriad of different motivations people may have.
Our empire has thrown bait, and those still in Benito have no choice but to take it.
“We’ve had our first fortress declare intentions to surrender.”
The first one’s always the hardest. Once we’ve got the ball rolling with our broadcasts and our new king, it’s smooth sailing from there.
Especially the southern regions, who’ve taken heavy blows from our forces. Naturally, their defenses crumble faster when they’ve been hit the hardest.
Add to that, they’ve been long neglected by King Andrea II anyway, so plenty of reason for them to switch sides.
“Our Benito nobles welcome the Empire with open arms!”
“Please show mercy. Inside the city are only the already dead and the soon-to-be-dead. There’s no one left alive!”
“There’s a true king of Benito! We haven’t bowed before the Empire! We are merely seeking the true Benito!”
Aww, sure, sure. That’s why you’re surrendering right?
Don’t worry, whatever excuses you make, we’ll accept it all.
In the end, all they’re saying is, “We surrender, please save us!”
I’ve already given the order to accept all their blabbering and welcome them regardless.
This cooperation benefits us both. They aren’t traitors anymore; they’re loyalists to us.
And as their surrenders accumulate, our empire gains further justification for toppling the existing Benito king.
“The road to the Benito capital is now open.”
“Legion Commander.”
“Yes, Chief of Staff.”
“Go ahead and smash it to pieces without reservation.”
The 5th Army of Dedorant left for the capital ages ago.
The remaining Benito forces are no match on their own.
True, defenders hold an advantage over attackers, but only if their internal conditions allow it.
The epidemic may be fading, but what about those who’ve suffered through it all this time?
Just a week ago, drinking water made them throw up.
Do you think they can haul heavy weapons, armor up, and fight wildly as if nothing happened?
“From here on out, it’s up to Legion Commander Four.”
“Is the Chief of Staff not involved?”
“If I stick around here, it’d steal all Commander Four’s glory, wouldn’t it?”
“No! I couldn’t care less about glory! I just…”
“Haha! Just joking, my friend. Do you think I’d be here for such a reason?”
After patting Commander Four’s shoulder a few times, I confided in him the real reason.
“We’re about to reignite the assault on Dedorant.”
Just a few days ago, the War Ministry sent word.
They’ve successfully suppressed the immediate threats and have ensured adequate support for their specialized units.
Staying here too long could dull our forces’ momentum, right?
I completely agree. We mustn’t hesitate. Once a problem is solved, we must press forward relentlessly.
Victory like broken bamboo—that phrase fits this situation perfectly.
“Oh, Kael.”
As we traveled from the southern theater to the Dedorant theater, the Princess glanced back and asked.
“Why so many barrels of pickled fish?”
“Everything has a reason.”
“Surely not logistical reasons, are they? They’ll spoil soon enough given the weather.”
“Princess, what do you think Dedorant is aiming for?”
“Nothing less than a decisive victory against our Empire, I suppose.”
At that, I shook my head slightly.
That might’ve worked with the old Dedorant, but now it’s time for them to change tactics. They can’t keep surviving on tactical victories forever. Their borrowed resources are almost depleted.
What’s important now is bringing their opponent — us — down to their level.
“They must’ve realized by now how crucial our supply caravans are to the Imperial Army.”
And how am I so sure? If I were them, I’d do the same. Nothing challenging about it.
