These crazy bastards. Seriously, such dimwit sons of guns. Who would’ve thought they’d abandon 30,000 soldiers like this?
While hanging back in the rear and vaguely catching wind of the situation, I was chilled to the bone by the Dedolant bunch.
Bait for luring them in? But the ones hooked on the line weren’t those ragtag conscripts or anything.
What if our Empire detected something fishy? So we mobilized forces that could at least be considered our second-tier army.
Since there are Artrian troops, it makes sense with the two nations having united into one.
We can just say that the finest elite soldiers were urgently deployed for the defense of the capital, so that certainly sounded convincing enough.
And then there’s Ross Tannika. Word came that they were getting pounded hard by the Dedolant forces.
Concerned that the two-front war lines might collapse, the general staff planned a more aggressive attack.
Considering the Emperor himself promised to help and protect, failure would mean the collapse of the Empire’s authority.
Thus, momentarily, the frontline ended up delving far too deep into Dedolant territory.
Despite the staff department investigating the possibility of it being a trap, a gap in intelligence led to it being overlooked.
By the time we caught on, the Dedolant encirclement was already closing.
‘If only we’d realized sooner, we could’ve fallen back.’
Especially since the battlefield was in Dedolant, a place they know better than the Empire.
And what bad timing, with the Western Legion, staff department, and the Empire itself too drunk on positive vibes.
All these elements fitting together so perfectly brought about the current situation.
“Chief of the Imperial Staff.”
As I arrived, my familiar faces came looking for me amidst the chaos.
The 7th and 12th Legions from the Eastern army, relatively close to the gate. Their Legion Commanders and officers were there.
Their emotions a chaotic mix of despair and relief.
“It’s beyond words how glad we are that you’ve come. Could you have possibly foreseen this?”
“Huh? No, what do you mean…”
“What do we do now then? A rout on this scale… The Empire suffering such a defeat… We humbly beg you for a victory this time in the south and east, Your Excellency, Chief of the Imperial Staff!”
“Uh… see, it’s just that…”
They seem to have mistaken something. I just arrived early having wrapped up the command issue of the reinforcements.
With the matter resolving faster than expected, I came ahead of schedule. How was I supposed to know we’d end up in this mess while waiting for the Eastern Allies near the gate?
But trying to explain this won’t make them believe me willingly. They’ll just ask, “Ah, so how much of this did you predict?”
Instead, cutting to the chase and jumping straight into the situation is far better.
“What’s the current situation?”
“The Western 1st and 5th Legions managed to break out of the encirclement but suffered considerable losses. Not just manpower, but the hasty retreat means they’ve likely left most of their supplies behind.”
“This is bad. Western Legion received quite a bit of supplies didn’t they?”
At least they didn’t manage to torch all the supplies, which would’ve been good. They say the encirclement closed so fast there was no time for it.
It’s even called a miracle that they managed to withdraw such a number of troops.
Meaning all those supplies have completely fallen into the hands of Dedolant.
Top-of-the-line weapons and armor to arm the troops with, rations for the soldiers, various other necessary items, mounts, hay, and all sorts of equipment.
Things that would be a shame to leave behind are now being used by the enemy.
War department and financial department officials will probably be spitting bl**d over this news.
“So, does this mean you’ll take command of the 1st Army, Chief of the Imperial Staff?”
“Huh, well, for now the 1st Army Commander is still fine, and I haven’t received any other commands. I just arrived early to settle the issue of the reinforcements’ command.”
“Even so, from what we see, that’s bound to change soon.”
“For now, we’ll have to wait. The news has probably already reached the capital by now.”
With that, the Legion Commander’s heads dropped, casting gloomy looks.
I get it. These guys have a stake in this crushing defeat too.
They were right there when Dedolant constructed their encirclement.
Had they fought harder, perhaps they could’ve prevented it. And instead, it could’ve flipped to the Empire crushing Dedolant’s army.
There may also be talk about the Eastern and Southern Legions.
Had they held their ground in that region, the 9th and 14th Legions could’ve retreated.
It’s hard to avoid any responsibility in this mess.
“Why all this gloom? Looking like criminals?”
But I will not, absolutely not, think like that.
These aren’t criminals. They’re nothing but diligent soldiers of the Empire trying their best.
They fought with their lives on the line to rescue as many comrades-in-arms as possible in fierce battles.
“Chief of the Imperial Staff.”
“Raise your heads and snap out of it. Aren’t you ashamed of the troops of your respective legions who fought valiantly?”
“But…”
“If you Legion Commanders and officers think of yourselves as criminals, so will they. Would you let those who have sweat and bled have that label stamped on them? If you think that’s fair, I won’t stop you.”
There’s a saying that winning and losing are the nature of warfare. Be it overwhelming victory or devastating defeat, these things always happen in war.
The Empire hasn’t fallen apart; there’s no need to be so downcast as if it has.
In defeat, we learn, and we make sure never to repeat the same mistakes. This is the respect and duty we owe to those who fell honorably before us.
“Let me repeat. Raise your heads. You are not criminals and you shouldn’t be.”
“Apologies, Chief of the Imperial Staff.”
At my words, those who gathered here lift their previously gloomy moods bit by bit.
It’s heartbreaking. They’ve fought hard only to worry about being called criminals.
The ones who bear the real responsibility are the ones who drafted plans while sitting at their desks.
“Chief of the Imperial Staff! Chief of the Imperial Staff! Where are you!”
From somewhere, a voice cries out, frantically searching for me.
Raising my hand to signal my location, the courier rushes over like flying.
“Chief of the Imperial Staff! You must immediately head to the command post of the 1st Army.”
“Is the Commander calling for me?”
“No. We’ve just received word that an envoy, carrying an Emperor’s decree, is heading to the 1st Army Command. They also specifically requested your attendance.”
At that moment, the Legion Commanders’ gazes all focus on me.
Clearly, they have the same guess as I do.
‘This was bound to happen.’
The War Department and the General Staff Department especially—the members there will undoubtedly have been fired.
Who would let those responsible for such a situation go unpunished? There’s a high probability that they have already all been relieved of their duties with just the bare minimum arrangements made.
This leaves the important posts within the staff department empty.
There probably isn’t anybody among the mid-level ranks who could be named as responsible either.
And in the midst of this, the envoy delivering the imperial command specifically wants me present.
“Chief of the Imperial Staff.”
“I see…”
“Yes. It seems like you’re right.”
I just wanted to sit this one out this time, observing from behind.
But if this happens, looks like I’ll once again be dragged into putting on a tear-jerking show.
With things constantly going this way, the misunderstanding about my being some sort of genius strategist only keeps deepening. d*mn it!
*
“The responsibility for this defeat does not lie with the commanders and the soldiers of the legions, but rather in the lack of thorough oversight by those behind the scenes. In this tragic situation, what more is there for me to say?”
At these words from the envoy, the 1st Army Commander, the Legion Commanders, and all the officers and staff officers kneel in submission.
It’s a tragic sight. Heart-wrenching and terrifying.
What does that mean? The Emperor himself is shouldering the blame.
None other than the ruler of the Empire. The supreme sovereign who should never err.
It’s touching enough to bring tears to the eyes, as he sets aside his authority in consideration of the front-line morale.
“Nevertheless, you must remember: many eons ago, even the Great Emperor suffered countless defeats. But he turned those defeats into stepping stones, paving the way to even greater and more glorious victories.”
“Raise your heads. Stand tall, and face the enemies again. Defeat is not shameful. It is the failure to learn from defeat that is shameful. The most brilliant victories sprout from the most difficult moments, do they not?”
The Emperor himself took the blame of the defeat upon himself and the upper echelons.
Though the shadow of defeat will not disappear immediately, this should have some effect.
And the Emperor’s arrangement didn’t end there.
“Next, according to the imperial decree, there will be a slight reshuffle within the command section.”
First, the dismissal of the Army Chief of Staff Mesok and the other Chief Staff members who had strong influence over this operation. This was a natural outcome.
Core staff were stepped back while some members in middle positions remained.
And the Empire has plenty of staff members capable of filling those gaps.
The Constalker Marquis faction will be disappointed, but there’s nothing they can do.
Punishments are necessary for those who initiated the roots of defeat.
“Chief of the Imperial Staff, Kael Klauwitz, receive the edict.”
And to fill that void, finally, the Empire pulls out its best card.
“The Chief of the Imperial Staff is granted the authority of the Chief of Staff for the 1st Army. Hereafter, conduct business after appropriate discussion with the 1st Army Commander regarding all matters arising in the Western Theater of operations.”
At the same time, the insignia and seal for the 1st Army Chief of Staff, along with a flag to be installed in the headquarters帐篷, were handed down.
Kael, receiving them, confidently declared his dedication to the Empire’s victory with all his might.
Seeing this, the people of the Imperial Army felt a kind of release from the suffocating mood.
After suffering such a grievous defeat, each day was filled with bitterness.
Who would have thought we’d face such a humiliating setback at the hands of Dedolant?
But just as confidence in the Empire’s triumph started waning, someone arrived to prop it up.
‘The genius strategist who led the Empire to huge victories in the Eastern and Southern theaters.’
‘Let’s believe in this person. As they’ve always done, they’ll bring us the most glorious victory this time too.’
Ironically, the recent defeat is now further solidifying Kael’s reputation and trustworthiness.
