Sending Kaya and Charlotte to Artria to create absolute chaos and pandemonium.
On the Benito front, we’ve got the Princess leading the Ghost Legion to cast an invisible yet terrifying threat.
The frontline expansion is going beyond extreme, and along with all kinds of absolutely insane antics—we’ve only got one goal.
To never, ever, give our enemies a moment to breathe or think rationally.
Let’s not forget: Dedolant isn’t a pushover kingdom by any means.
They’ve already taken a devastating hit. We threw our reserve forces at them, wiping out two of the core legions that form the backbone of the Imperial Army. In the history of our empire, this kind of loss of two legions has practically never happened. They’re reeling now, but don’t let that fool you—they could storm back at us like a raging tempest at any moment.
Now, think about this: What happens if, despite everything, they somehow regroup and prepare an attack? What if they charge straight into our First Army without mercy?
Who knows whose skull will crack first? We won’t know until they smack heads. One thing’s for sure though: Even if we win, it won’t be pretty.
You see, there are countries that have won wars, only to wobble and collapse from internal strife—or got stabbed in the back by other nations. For whatever reason, some fall apart spectacularly, crumbling into nothing.
And isn’t that the ultimate irony? Winning the war, yet losing the nation in the process.
Our empire is huge, so it won’t happen here, right? Nope. We have no way of knowing. In fact, the bigger we are, the more vulnerable. We border foreign lands on almost every side because of our vast territory.
The empire already suffered a major defeat. Lost those two legions. The empire’s authority and prestige have been marred, and this news has spread across the entire continent. And if another defeat is announced… well, who knows what’ll happen.
That’s why we must win this. Crush them. Even if it means throwing absurd amounts of money at the problem. The empire must showcase an overwhelming victory, its capabilities, its power. Internal affairs may take a hit for a while, but the joy of triumph will cover up some of the cracks. Honestly, that’s a better outcome than the empire twisting in agony over news of a defeat.
“Chief of Staff, the Ministry of Finance keeps expressing concern. They say we’ve spent the equivalent of a year’s budget for the Magical Department in less than three months since deploying the magical corps.”
“Leave it to me. I was planning to reach out myself anyway.”
I completely understand where the Ministry of Finance is coming from. They’re simply doing their duty. The taxes collected from hardworking citizens shouldn’t vanish like fireworks. Any Ministry of Finance that looks at this and says, “Oh, how pretty,” deserves immediate execution for treason.
And as the Chief of Staff overseeing this war from the frontlines, I must guide and persuade them, even if we sometimes clash. Everyone’s doing their job. There’s no malice here.
[Imperial Chief of Staff: We’re not against using the magical corps entirely. However, we urge some restraint in deploying them for every little situation.]
“Minister, how could I not understand your concerns? I too feel the weight of responsibility for how the empire’s taxes are being used. But all this is done to paradoxically reduce difficulties for the empire’s citizens, internal politics, and even the Ministry’s burden.”
[What do you mean by “reduce”?]
Let me quickly run through the excuses I’ve been preparing.
“Continued deployment of the magical corps will make Dedolant incapable of conducting powerful reconnaissance or anything else. They’ll also feel pressured to deploy their own magical corps, tying them down in this central front instead of sending them elsewhere.”
[Stopping Dedolant’s magical corps from moving north or south, right?]
“Yes, Minister. And who’s stationed in the north and south?”
At this, the Minister of Finance seems to contemplate for a moment before exclaiming with realization.
[The Nobogorod forces and the Southern Kingdom armies. Let’s keep collateral damage to a minimum, so we don’t end up owing them unnecessary favors, correct?]
“The Eastern Allied Forces already owe so much to the empire, negotiating further rewards will be tough. But that’s not the case with Nobogorod and the Southern Kingdom.”
[You’re right. Even formally, we should give them gifts. But excessive damage would only lead to more burdens.]
The feeling changes when you’re spending the same tax money for different reasons. One is to beat up the arrogant Dedolant jerks; the other is more like sending a “thank you” gift to the helpful neighboring countries.
“Most importantly, we must make it clear how deeply committed the empire is to this war. That way, no madmen will dare challenge us outright.”
[Ah.]
Saying “Our Imperial Army’s victory is crucial!” won’t do. It’ll just get rejected outright. From the Ministry’s perspective, they aren’t against victory—they simply want efficient use of funds.
And when you see it from their perspective, offering them something practical can work wonders.
[Yes. Your explanations sound quite reasonable.]
“Exactly. And if the damage increases, it’ll eventually circle back as a burden on the Ministry of Finance, won’t it?”
[Referring to compensations for the fallen and injured soldiers. We actually reviewed this with the Welfare Ministry not too long ago.]
The Ministry has already looked into these details. The current budget we’re spending and the post-war compensations for fallen and injured soldiers, as well as their welfare—it’s all about finding the cheaper option.
[Still… the unrestricted use of the magical corps…]
“Ah, why do you insist on this? If we hesitate and our forces take another hit, someone might say in the parliament, ‘This is all because the Ministry of Finance tried to save money!'”
I didn’t say it would be me. It could be anyone. Just the mere mention of parliament gets the Minister concerned, and they eventually nod in agreement. They’re not just scared of the parliament—they’ve probably done the math and figured out which strategy will save more money in the long run.
[Truthfully, Chief of Staff, the Ministry of Magic keeps requesting additional budget citing reasons related to the magical corps.]
“Ah!”
[If you could take that into account, it’d be appreciated.]
Ah, Minister! You should’ve mentioned that earlier. Not only are the finances stressed, but now the Ministry of Magic is joining in to hassle us—have mercy! But if you help me on this, I might be able to negotiate a bit of a reduction in your favor.
As I finish this difficult discussion with the Minister of Finance,
“Chief of Staff, entering.”
I attended a meeting with each of the legions and the First Army staff to receive updates.
“Reporting. The Nobogorod forces moving north of Artria have paused their advance and are waiting.”
“They’re probably taking a brief respite before Dedolant forces arrive. Did we get any separate reports from Charlotte?”
“Yes, Chief of Staff. Here.”
I reviewed the contents handed to me by the aide. Indeed, they’ve paused to monitor Dedolant’s movements before the battle. There’s also a part about whether Kaya’s even human.
Don’t turn my little sister into a monster—woman.
Though, to be honest, there might be a tiny bit of monster in her.
“Our dear Kaya. How many knight teams can you solo-destroy?”
Apparently, the Nobogorod forces are totally loyal to Kaya now. The prideful Demon Race, who consider themselves superior to humans, are practically losing their minds like fanboys the moment Kaya steps into battle. The only difference is this idol is covered in bl**d instead of makeup.
Next, regarding the southern front, everything is proceeding exactly as I ordered. The Ghost Legion, “Ghost Army,” is doing an excellent job. Once Her Highness the Princess arrives, Dedolant won’t even suspect it’s all part of a strategic deception.
“Also, make sure the 4th Legion and Southern Kingdom forces engage in appropriate combat. No need to escalate into a full-blown war, but they must never, ever show signs of retreating.”
“Understood.”
We’ve received intel that part of the Dedolant forces is heading south, likely preparing defenses in case Benito is breached.
But hey, over there, it’s all just actors in scary costumes threatening them.
“And finally…”
This is the highlight. I’ve been waiting for this report.
“The Setongrad operation is proceeding as scheduled. What was already tough to take is now being fortified to become truly impregnable by our engineering corps.”
“Don’t just say ‘impregnable fortress.’ Make sure it’s genuinely indestructible.”
To eliminate Dedolant’s rational judgment, to make them lose their minds due to raw emotion—even if they have brilliant commanders, their sense of pride will stop them from seeing things clearly.
“During my research into our western history, I came across an interesting figure named Seton. This empire’s famous general inflicted a devastating and humiliating defeat on Dedolant’s predecessor kingdoms.”
This defeat allowed the empire to expand its western territories significantly. Conversely, Dedolant and Artria’s ancestral kingdoms were utterly shattered. The Deo ethnic group, to this day, talks about the “yoke of Seton” in reference to their subjugation.
This gave me an idea—how about we drive them insane by targeting something that holds sentimental value?
Among the cities and forts we have occupied, I identified one that would stir Dedolant’s bl**d—something steeped in their history, a place whose loss they deeply regret.
And I found it—perfect!
“Here, this place was once the capital of Dedolant’s ancient kingdom. It’s lost much of its former glory, but it still holds significance as both a city and a fortress.”
With the help of local guides and imperial historians, we pinpointed the ideal location—a perfect fortress to delay any attackers’ progress.
From Dedolant’s perspective, it’s a place that once belonged to them, one they’d value. They’d feel compelled to retake it, either through a massive counterattack or a surprise assault.
After all, how could they ignore the call of the Deo people’s glory? Try to convince them it’s a trap, but will they listen? No way—not those proud Deo descendants!
“We’ll rename this place. Call it ‘Setongrad.'”
Alright Dedolant sc*m, what are you waiting for? Charge in like rabid dogs. Burn every ounce of your energy trying to take it back—even if it shatters your heads!
