I kept issuing orders without pause regarding the matters at hand.
“Before we launch a full-scale counterattack, we’ve already leaked plenty of intel suggesting there will be massive assaults from the north and south. Plus, a supply unit is set to arrive soon, leading Dedolant to believe we’re preparing for a large offensive.”
“The Eastern Legion and Southern Legion should move to their flanks, making it look like their destinations are the northern and southern borders. It should seem like you’re supporting a large-scale attack.”
“When news arrives that the 5th Western Legion and the Eastern Allied Forces have retreated, turn your forces around immediately. Act as if you’re overly worried that our side might get flanked due to a potential defeat, almost like we can’t forget how Dedolant surrounded and hammered us before.”
You’ve done it your way; you know the possibilities as well as anyone. Remember the defeats we’ve suffered and the victories you’ve enjoyed? What would happen if the roles were reversed now? Can you really sleep peacefully?
“I’ll hint to them that this is their last chance. They’re probably thinking that reclaiming Setongrad will allow them to seize our supply bases and use it as a defensive stronghold to withstand our siege.”
“The Chief of Staff is correct. If they retake Setongrad and establish it as a defensive base before launching a central strike, our encirclement strategy against Dedolant will lose its power. A hammer needs an anvil to support it, after all.”
Breaking her silence up until now, the princess subtly interjects her opinion.
She’s done quite a bit of studying, and her insight has truly sharpened.
“Chief of Staff, if the enemy decides to retreat rather than push through, how should we respond?”
“Even if they do, the grand strategy doesn’t change much. Our goal is to keep as many Dedolant forces tied up in this region. If they retreat, we’ll immediately mobilize our reserves and strike hard.”
So, you want to retreat? Just like we did, come pay the price. And naturally, that price will come in the form of part of Dedolant’s core fighting strength.
“However, as I’ve continually emphasized, it’s better for us if they don’t retreat but instead attack Setongrad again. Thus, it’s all the more important that the 5th Legion and the Eastern Allied Forces maintain their deception. We need to minimize any sense of an intentional retreat and make them believe this is their final opportunity.”
This causes the 5th Legion Commander and Bethel, the commander of the Eastern Allied Forces, to grow tense.
They have been entrusted with the most critical tasks. Naturally, it would be like that.
“The Eastern Legion and Southern Legion are also crucial. Be sure to acquaint yourselves with the geography so there’s no delay in advancing.”
“We’ve already deployed a large number of scouts around and instructed all the commanders to fully understand the surrounding geography.”
“Our soldiers have been trained repeatedly, so even with a rapid march, they should hold up to a degree. That said, we must ensure we have the material support.”
“That part will be handled by the reserves and concentrated units. They’ll maintain the supply lines, so you only need to focus on the speed of your attack.”
The Dedolant troops have been battering Setongrad like madmen.
No matter how elite they are, they don’t have the same conditions as our army, who’ve been resting.
When two sides are evenly matched, the fleeting moment of wavering ultimately decides the victory.
Just as I was about to hear reports on the readiness of the legions…
An aide nearby is approached by a messenger, who whispers something into his ear.
After considering what’s happened, the aide steps forward with surprising news.
“Chief of Staff, we’ve received a royal edict from His Majesty the Emperor.”
After a brief pause in the meeting, a few minutes later, the emperor’s envoy enters the room.
And he’s here for none other than Kael.
“Kael Klauwitz, Chief of the Imperial Staff and Acting Chief of Staff of the Empire’s First Army. Effective immediately, all your current titles are hereby revoked.”
Huh? At the unexpected announcement, a few figures perk up their heads.
Isabel, Charlotte, and Kaya. Along with the other legion commanders who’ve worked with Kael.
There’s an unmistakable look of disbelief on their faces, as if they’ve heard wrong.
Same with the other key figures, though not as strongly.
This is sudden. They’re revoking all of Kael’s titles? Has something happened? Is there an internal move to restrain Kael?
A flurry of questions follows.
We’re on the brink of a massive series of battles…
And Kael, who planned everything and prepared us, is suddenly stepping down?
Does this mean a new figure will take control of the First Army’s Chief of Staff?
Can this person command the same authority to fulfill their duties?
If this leads to defeat, the Empire won’t recover easily.
But in the end, all those concerns were groundless.
“Simultaneously, Kael Klauwitz is hereby appointed as the new Deputy Chief of Staff. Full authority over the Empire’s First Army, the auxiliary reinforcements from other nations, the reserves, and all non-combat units henceforth lies with you.”
Hearing the title of Deputy Chief of Staff clarifies the emperor’s intent.
No need for Kael to double up as Acting Chief of Staff of the First Army when he’s now the Deputy Chief of Staff.
And let’s be honest, the Imperial Chief Staff role was practically created solely for Kael.
“Upon receiving this edict, Kael Klauwitz, fulfill the duties only you can accomplish. As you always have, bring the Empire another great victory.”
With the emperor’s message fully delivered, the envoy bows respectfully before Kael.
“Congratulations on your promotion, Deputy Chief of Staff. May you bring glory to the Empire and His Majesty.”
A little flustered, Kael responds reflexively.
Of course, until now, Kael has been involved in practically every aspect of the Imperial Army’s operations.
Titles like “Imperial Chief Staff” or “Acting Chief of Staff” aside, everyone knows he’s pretty much been acting as the Deputy Chief of Staff already.
Most of this has been done through cooperation and requests, rather than official authority.
But that changes now. Kael now commands nearly 500,000 troops.
From the First Army Commander down to each unit’s field officer, Kael stands above all of them, with full command.
With a single gesture from him, hundreds of thousands will move. Orders will be followed, and they’ll charge forth with swords against the enemy.
“…I will do my utmost, Your Majesty.”
Kneeling before the edict, Kael swears solemnly.
I will meet your expectations fully, and I will bring a resounding victory, as you desire. Alongside it, I vow to return as many of those under my command safely home.
A storm has passed, and the meeting resumes.
A young man not yet in his thirties now occupies the highest position in the war effort.
One might expect a little pride, or at least a hint of happiness, to show on his face.
“Let’s continue. We’ll establish connecting points within Dedolant from our flanks and then close the encirclement…”
Watching Kael, who hasn’t changed a bit, Isabel smiles.
He’s a truly good person in normal circumstances. Kind, meticulous, and someone who cares for others.
But when he stands at his post, he completely transforms, radiating a cold intensity. He manipulates and deceives the enemy without a trace of hesitation.
He’s a strategist who works solely for the Empire’s victory, regardless of how the enemy views him.
“Deputy Chief of Staff.”
At this, Charlotte raises her hand cautiously.
“In my humble opinion, Dedolant will need to launch another full-scale assault on Setongrad before we can seal our encirclement. There would be a significant difference depending on whether they do this or not. How do you plan to make that happen?”
Her question draws nods from the other commanders, showing their own curiosity.
Closing our encirclement faster than Dedolant can retreat depends on this.
But Dedolant, who already defeated us through a large-scale encirclement, must surely have this in mind. How then do we manipulate them into forgetting?
“That…”
Kael, about to say something, lets out a small sigh.
Isabel, observing this, involuntarily sighs as well. There’s regret and pain evident in Kael’s expression and body language.
Unlike others, she knows clearly.
“…Isn’t there only one way?”
Perhaps the emperor foresaw this very moment and handed Kael the Deputy Chief of Staff position for this reason.
When situations like this arise, don’t feel too remorseful or guilty.
This is a reality of war. Some must go into d*ath zones, no matter what.
[Received, Commander of the First Legion. Deputy Chief of Staff.]
“How’s the situation there?”
[The Dedolant army’s advance has slightly waned. It appears they might be discussing a retreat.]
“I see.”
To those struggling now, I must utter this unpleasant plea once more.
Which is better in this situation: a request or an order?
The emperor has handed me the latter, if I must choose.
“Commander of the First Legion.”
[Your orders, Deputy Chief of Staff.]
“I know better than anyone how much effort your men have put in. But for the greater strategy of the Empire, Dedolant must carry out another major assault on Setongrad.”
[Understood.]
“…I’m sorry, Commander.”
Upon hearing my words, the legion commander shakes their head on the other side of the magical communicator.
[Don’t bother with pleasantries. Just give the orders. No one doubts that this will lead to the Empire’s victory. So, Deputy Chief of Staff, a simple command will suffice.]
A slight smirk crosses the legion commander’s lips, and I try my best to smile back, even though my blurred image looks bizarre.
“Keep Dedolant tied to the Setongrad front.”
[Order received, Deputy Chief of Staff.]
