After wrapping up the discussions with the Ministry of War, it was time to head over to the General Staff headquarters.
It’s been quite a while since I’ve taken my place as Chief of Staff, but truth be told, I’ve barely visited this office.
Well, being almost always stationed on the frontline from the get-go tends to have that effect.
Judging at a glance, there isn’t a single person younger than me in the room.
Even a generous estimate would peg most of them in their thirties, and the higher-ranking officers are practically my father’s age.
It’s slightly awkward to be treated like the head of an organization by these folks. But then again, technically, I am the boss here.
Thinking back to my previous life, organizations always operated by rank, not age. Their reaction isn’t flattery or sycophancy—it’s just the natural order of things.
‘Alright, I’ll take it. They’re the underlings, and I’m the chief. We must maintain this boundary so the next person to take my seat doesn’t feel any extra pressure.’
With that, I took a deep breath and acknowledged their greetings politely.
Then, guided by someone, I arrived at the Chief of Staff’s office—a place I’ve never set foot in before.
“So, this is my office, huh?”
“Yes, Chief of Staff. Even though you’ve been absent, we’ve kept it immaculate, without a speck of dust.”
“Excellent. This level of attentiveness gives me confidence in the rest of the General Staff’s work.”
Which, in other words, is me saying, “You didn’t neglect your own duties just to do this, right?”
Fortunately, they responded assertively: “Yes! Precisely.”
“As for the discussions with the Ministry of War, I’ve handled the report. Matters concerning prisoners of war and supply lines will be taken care of by the Ministry, so your focus can remain fully directed at Dedolant.”
“How did the Minister of War react?”
“Though they furrowed their brow, it is, after all, part of their responsibilities, and they’ve accepted that willingly.”
Of course, at the mention of large-scale deployment of the Magic Corps, they did scream. That’s an issue which requires not only the Ministry of Finance’s involvement but also the Mage Council’s approval.
Though I, as Chief of Staff, could deal with it, it’d probably be better to delegate that to the experts.
“Alright, everyone, focus.”
Tapping the table, I gained everyone’s full attention.
“We’ve seized the upper hand. We always had it, but never like this—never so definitively.”
“Thanks to Chief of Staff’s leadership!”
“Hold your praise for later. Despite our advantages, Dedolant isn’t preparing for surrender. They’re still fighting tooth and nail, even clearing out their allies and occupied territories.”
At this stage, they should realize it’s futile. Historically, kingdoms have surrendered gracefully at this point, knowing the necessity of their own survival.
Yet Dedolant is different. Fully aware of their inevitable loss, they still push forward. Is it the Deo ethnic pride? Or has their rationality completely flown out the window?
“There’s no room for strategies that plan on the enemy’s surrender. Our foes will fight to the end, pursuing moral victories and burning the flag of resistance. Any misstep on our side could leave our Empire with unnecessary headaches.”
“We understand clearly, Chief of Staff.”
No reshuffle in the General Staff is necessary—losing skilled personnel would be a waste. Even with the extensive talent pool of the Empire, quantity doesn’t replace quality.
In fact, some members from the old General Staff, tied to the Consrocker Marquis faction, have been brought back upon my request. With everything going on, maintaining experienced advisors is crucial.
That said, I have no intention of reinstating former Chief of Staff Mesok who was punished for poor judgment.
Rumors spread, of course, hinting that my cooperation with the Consrocker faction signified mutual respect. Some even speculated that his visit to our province indicated that I respected collaboration.
“Hey, Consrocker Marquis is visiting our land.”
Thanks to this, my standing improved not only within the General Staff but in the entire Imperial Administration. It’s funny how things aligned favorably despite my lack of any such intention.
“Let’s all push forward. The better we do, the more soldiers we get to return home safely.”
“Understood, Chief of Staff!”
Meanwhile, in a distant part of the continent, word of Dedolant’s crushing defeat reached Benito.
“Your Majesty, please steady yourself.”
“Your Majesty, keep your composure.”
The storm had hit Benito’s royal palace.
“Dedolant lost. If we do nothing, Benito will soon be isolated. We must move, and fast!”
“Not quite yet. The southern border between Dedolant and Benito hasn’t been severed. The Dedolant Fifth Army is still stationed there… right?”
“That Fifth Army could retreat at any moment! Furthermore, you’re all aware that all forces guarding Dedolant’s border have moved inward to the central war effort!”
Andrea II, King of Benito, whose spirit had been crushed after suffering a devastating loss to the Empire, had just received shocking news—not just devastating, but worse than that. Dedolant had suffered a massive defeat, with over 40,000 captured. Worse still, their commander had surrendered willingly, without any request for negotiation.
The news unsettled Andrea II, who began spouting what seemed like impossible demands. Seizing the opportunity while the Empire caught its breath, he argued that they needed to strike the southern front, ensuring Dedolant couldn’t focus all their attention on the Empire.
Naturally, the royal counselors were strongly opposed. With depleted forces, Benito was in no position to launch an attack, especially when they were struggling to hold their own defenses.
“Exactly,” Andrea persisted.
“The Empire expects us to merely defend ourselves, right? They anticipate us to be neutral in the fight. But if Dedolant collapses, we’re done too. Why else would they keep the Fifth Army there, but to maintain the structural balance? We’re bound to each other in the same fate, Benito and Dedolant. If Dedolant falls further, we have no hope.”
His argument seemed utterly crazy at first but, on reflection, carried some weight. Dedolant and Benito are indeed interdependent, with each other’s survival crucial to the other.
Plus, Andrea II remains a somewhat popular king. He led Benito to its zenith as the mightiest southern kingdom, albeit briefly. His subjects, and even his advisors, hold a modicum of hope.
‘Our king doesn’t want a direct victory over the Empire.’
‘He wants to keep Imperial forces focused here in the south, so they can’t pour all their might into Dedolant.’
‘The Fifth Army of Dedolant will likely oppose this at first, but if they understand it reduces their own burden, they’ll cooperate, at least partially.’
After experiencing the Empire’s assaults several times, Benito realized it: this land is not their main battlefield, Dedolant is.
This is part of the Empire’s strategy—to prevent Benito and Dedolant from working synergistically.
It’s been working brilliantly so far. Despite the pact, the two countries haven’t coordinated well, each too preoccupied with its survival.
And, of course, the Empire prefers it stays this way till the war’s end.
“Your Majesty, should we launch small-scale attacks while gauging the Empire’s reactions?”
“That’s the plan. We must show the Empire that neglecting us could result in sudden, aggressive responses from Benito.”
With royal command given, the burden rests on the shoulders of the commander and their officers. Initially, it seemed absurd, baffling even, but slowly they came around. Continuing with defense alone wouldn’t change their predicament.
They know victory is far-fetched, perhaps even impossible. They’re not hopeful of triumph; they simply aim to distract the Empire—broadening the conflict, irritating their side, and indirectly aiding Dedolant.
“Focus on dawn when their defenses are weakest.”
“Remember, we do not seek a decisive battle. Showing Benito’s fighting spirit is enough.”
So it began; the once timid Benito forces now surged forward, declaring they’re not dead yet.
But something felt odd.
“Sir, the Empire forces are withdrawing!”
“Yes, they’re retreating their camp, avoiding direct combat with our forces!”
What the hell? This wasn’t the Empire that had been relentlessly attacking Benito till now!
While the Benito command was baffled, another report arrived.
“Urgent news! A massive Imperial force has bypassed our territory, heading straight to Dedolant’s southern border!”
“Are you sure?!”
“Yes! We’ve confirmed large-scale encampments and troop movements. It seems they’re capitalizing on our momentary absence to push through toward Dedolant!”
What remarkable timing! Could things get any better? It’s a stroke of luck! Truly, God hasn’t abandoned Benito.
With this news, the Benito forces decided to return to base, ready to exploit the opportunity fully now that a large army had vanished. The time to truly h*rass the Empire had finally come.
