The Empire had been deceiving Benito, secretly concentrating troops in Dedolant!
When the news reached Andrea II, he loudly declared that he had expected as much.
Still sharp as ever, he asked his ministers if this didn’t prove his foresight.
His renewed confidence brought a fresh breeze through the palace.
“We must immediately inform Dedolant of this. The Empire is concentrating their forces, you see.”
“According to reconnaissance reports, there are easily tens of thousands. Which means the Imperial Army left in our path probably doesn’t exceed a single legion.”
“A single legion? That sounds like a perfectly manageable level, doesn’t it?”
Though they had lost many seasoned soldiers, they hadn’t lost them all.
Moreover, the newly recruited troops had gained some experience in skirmishes with the Empire.
After successfully defending for the past half year, it was time for a counter-offensive.
Securing a decisive victory was an impossible feat – they hadn’t even considered it.
Currently, Benito’s objective was simply to hamper the Empire’s advance toward Dedolant.
To achieve this, they needed to deliver a solid blow to the forces left behind.
“But, shouldn’t we consider the possibility that this is a trap?”
One of Benito’s commanders looked worried.
Until now, their country had only defended its position without taking offensive actions, leaving the Empire without a winning strategy. It wasn’t out of the question that the Empire had set this up to lure them out.
The Benito command had already considered this possibility.
They had dispatched scouts and asked Dedolant to check the border.
The returning reports were similar to previous ones.
[Large-scale troop movement estimated. Clear traces of movement and encampments.]
[One Imperial legion stationed near Benito.]
[No signs of reserve forces found in the entire area.]
Was it truly reliable? The command confirmed it multiple times, but the scout reports remained consistent.
“Should we send scouts deeper?”
“That’s risky. The surrounding kingdoms have sided with the Empire and would capture our scouts on sight. Trying too hard could expose our own movements.”
“Our scouts are barely just becoming competent. Pushing further would be unreasonable.”
“We’d like to check beyond the one Imperial legion in front of us…”
Indeed, the massive loss of seasoned soldiers had been devastating.
Not only the common soldiers, but also their highly skilled reconnaissance units were gone, along with many capable officers who had commanded them.
Based on the information gathered by Benito’s forces, only one Imperial legion remained in front of them.
Tens of thousands of troops appeared to be waiting near Dedolant’s border.
If they were to begin an offensive, stopping them would be tough.
Attack is the best form of defense, or so they say.
Striking first could turn the tide.
Since they had the disadvantage, they needed to aggressively probe the enemy’s intentions.
“There’s no more time to think. The fifth army of Dedolant will support us from behind, so let’s move.”
“Understood. Your Majesty has been urging us anyway.”
“We must drive back the one Imperial legion without overextending. Absolutely, absolutely not!”
Though Benito had been swiftly pushed into a corner by the Empire, they were not yet defeated.
“Do not take us for mere breathing corpses. We have pride too. We are Benito!”
“Had it not been for the Empire, we could have restored order in the south!”
Thus leaving the city, Benito’s forces attacked the Imperial legion under cover of darkness.
The battle was fierce. The Empire’s resistance was formidable, making Benito cautious about possible traps.
But as dawn broke, the Imperial legion started retreating with clear organization, confirming their defeat.
With this, Benito forces cheered, believing their plan had succeeded.
“Do not get overexcited! Just because we won once doesn’t mean we should get complacent!”
“The Empire is treacherous. This could still be part of their plan!”
Having taken over the enemy camp, they switched to offensive-defense on the battlefield.
The Empire’s counterattack soon began, but despite several close calls, they repelled all assaults successfully.
At this point, the large army heading to Dedolant’s border would likely turn back.
Even if not, the odd situation in the south would make them halt and assess.
The Benito command thought this, but the Empire appeared to have no such plans.
“Report. There are no signs of enemies withdrawing back here.”
“Could the Empire really intend to keep us tied here?”
Yes. That possibility couldn’t be entirely ruled out.
Having suffered much at the hands of the Empire, Benito assumed this was a scheme to keep them occupied.
When the enemy cut off the border in their cautious response, it created another scenario the command had to consider.
Moving toward one target versus considering multiple possibilities made a definite difference.
*
“…Benito is making a move?”
Just as I was finishing my business in the capital and about to return, news came through the War Ministry.
“Yes, Chief of Staff.”
“Oh, it feels like God is on our side.”
I too had just been pondering what action to take against Benito.
The issues of prisoners and supply lines only pertained to the Dedolant front.
Pausing the advance didn’t mean stopping the offensive altogether.
I was looking for some other move to make against Benito instead.
“God must love our Empire, His Majesty, and you, Chief of Staff.”
“Hmm. It’s true I’ve had good luck, but let’s not go so far as love.”
If truly loved, wouldn’t it have been better to just live peacefully?
Lately, I’ve been getting anxious about the future due to my growing influence.
“So, what’s the 4th Legion in the southern front doing?”
“I hear they’ve feigned retreat. They keep losing in small skirmishes to boost Benito’s confidence.”
“After so many defeats at our hands, they won’t be easy to deceive. We need to prepare carefully.”
“Still, with the Ghost Legion moving, Benito won’t be so relaxed anymore.”
Indeed. We can’t just pull a quick trick with such a costly setup.
Otherwise, the Finance Ministry might come after me shouting “You!” once the war ends.
War heroes are all well and good, but wasteful spending doesn’t escape the Finance Ministry’s hammer.
The law always matters when it comes to national funds, which is pretty scary.
“So. Contact the Ghost Legion and tell them to make it seem like they’re merging with Dedolant’s flank. This would make it impossible for Benito to proceed cautiously as before.”
“But with only the 4th Legion in the south, wouldn’t it be too much?”
“The Empire hasn’t been idle either.”
We’ve called in reinforcements and conducted selective conscription to form a new army.
We can’t keep fighting with the same legions indefinitely.
Otherwise, we’d run out of experienced troops and make the situation even worse.
The 4th Legion in the southern front has gathered ample combat experience fighting Benito.
Now all we need to do is add the reserve forces we’ve prepared to balance out the seasoned and new soldiers.
Casualties will be greater than before, but as time goes on, they’ll surely fill the gaps effectively.
“I’ll report this part to His Majesty. The War Ministry and General Staff need to plan more economical support strategies for the 4th Legion in the south.”
“Understood, Chief of Staff.”
After sending someone off, I returned to the palace and informed the Emperor of the current situation and future plans.
“Will it be fine? Benito has suffered greatly and isn’t easy to deal with, even if they’re not their former selves. Chief of Staff.”
“Exactly, but conversely, it means they have much to worry about. After all, they scored a great victory in the Dedolant theater. Isn’t it their turn elsewhere now?”
“Do you intend to collapse the pivot?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Until now, we’ve kept them in a state of deception, but it’s time to change that.
We’re preparing to push forward on Dedolant, so we need to take down Benito first on their flank.
The only concern was that they were too afraid to move, but now that they’ve started, that concern is gone.
“Can the 4th Legion handle it alone?”
“Adding another legion would scare them, and we’ve prepared the reserves thoroughly. It’s time to deploy them.”
The 4th Legion will support them well – I’ve already talked it all through with them.
Considering the expected losses, don’t worry about that burden —
“Your Majesty, I shall return to the southern front.”
Hearing this unexpected suggestion, I turned my head.
It was the princess, stepping forward with the Crown Princess and First Prince.
“To the front?”
“Isn’t a symbolic presence needed for both sides? Benito will want to break where I am, and our troops will be highly motivated for victory.”
“Do you mean to encourage them directly?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. Just staying in the rear won’t provide enough influence–”
“You cannot do that, Your Highness.”
Without realizing it, those words came flying out of my mouth.
Daring to interrupt a conversation between the Emperor and Princess!
A reprimand could come down instantly.
But Kael continued without hesitation.
“Your Majesty, all matters concerning the front lines fall under the Chief of Staff’s authority.”
“You are correct.”
“Therefore, I must declare under the Chief of Staff’s authority that the Princess’s movement to the southern front, especially near the battlefield, is not permitted.”
This isn’t like before when staying safely in the rear increased morale.
It’s not like the Dedolant siege where victory was certain with overwhelming force.
This time, even the Empire is taking some risks for additional strength.
Does it make sense to place our most crucial figure – the princess – in such a situation?
“I can help with morale and combat effectiveness, Chief of Staff.”
“There are plenty of alternatives. Their combat efficiency has already been raised.”
“So precisely because of that, I must go.”
“I will allow you to stay in the rear.”
“Since this isn’t a siege and involves direct combat, staying in the rear won’t have much impact.”
Suddenly, an argument begins between Kael and Isabel.
“It could be dangerous.”
“It’s for the Empire’s victory. Isn’t that outside the Chief of Staff’s jurisdiction?”
The Chief of Staff insisted the front lines were absolutely off-limits, while the Princess argued it was for the good of the Empire.
The Emperor, Crown Princess, and First Prince watched their quarrel with curious expressions.
