“…Are you suggesting we release the prisoners we captured in battle?”
Upon hearing my proposal, the Legion Commander gave me a look that clearly said, “This makes no sense whatsoever.”
I get it. Sending back prisoners—potentially dozens, maybe even hundreds—essentially means helping the enemy recover some of their lost strength. From the perspective of an imperial soldier striving for victory, this idea sounds absurd.
“Yes, Commander.”
“…Elaboration is necessary, Lord Kael.”
True enough; he didn’t shout “Go!” and dismiss my suggestion like some random extra in a low-budget movie. Instead, as a commander, he asked for reasoning behind my proposition, demonstrating leadership.
Impressive—this is the commander of the esteemed Twelfth Legion. With that thought in mind, I responded accordingly.
“From the perspective of our Imperial Army, capturing prisoners doesn’t really give us much of an advantage.”
“An advantage? Aren’t prisoners proof of our glorious victories and war spoils?”
“Proof or spoils would be objects—they don’t eat, fight back, or require constant supervision to ensure they don’t escape. And historically, there have been plenty of examples where prisoners have been… eliminated.”
Not all such actions are for the same reasons. Personally, I oppose killing those who’ve surrendered and lost their will to fight. But sometimes, circumstances force us into unavoidable situations.
“Prisoners are burdens—feeding them, guarding them, and allocating resources and manpower is necessary.”
If the side holding prisoners is in good shape, they can afford to treat them well. But when even I’m struggling, priorities shift. Our Twelfth Legion’s current situation isn’t exactly comfortable. We’ve cut off Pavilion’s routes, but that’s about it. We’re waiting for reinforcements from other forces while marching hastily without securing supply lines properly. This means our provisions aren’t exactly flowing freely.
“…So what you’re saying is, the disadvantages outweigh the advantages when it comes to keeping prisoners, thus releasing them is better?”
“We can’t just massacre them outright, can we?”
“Of course not. Doing so would give them a moral high ground.”
Indeed, the empire condemned the actions of the Three Kingdoms’ declaration of war—but under no circumstances was indiscriminate plundering allowed. This message was clear: no actions that turn the populace against us. It was also a warning to the military not to act too excessively.
So prisoner massacres? If anyone does that, their heads will roll after the war. Guaranteed.
“Therefore, Commander, I formally propose releasing the prisoners.”
“Hmm…”
“By the way, I’m not suggesting we release all of them.”
“Not all?”
“Do you know who the commanding officer leading the Three Kingdoms’ forces in Pavilion is?”
The commander answered immediately, as if it were an obvious question.
“Bethel Folcark of Porland Kingdom.”
“Exactly, from Porland Kingdom—one of the weaker kingdoms among the Three Kingdoms alliance.”
After a brief pause, the commander tilted his head inquisitively. Was that really the end of my reasoning? I nodded silently, ready to proceed.
“…Lord Kael, are you suggesting we deliberately incite internal discord among them by releasing only the Porland soldiers?”
“Something along those lines, yes.”
Upon hearing this, the commander let out a thoughtful grunt before addressing me directly.
“Assuming the opposing command isn’t a bunch of fools, they’ll likely foresee such tactics. They know we’re trying to cause divisions within their ranks—why would they just stand by and let it happen?”
“Of course they won’t. Commander, not the command itself, but below the command.”
The commander paused, looking at me thoughtfully, muttering, “Could it be…” while crossing his arms.
“Your assessment is correct, Commander. My strategy is aimed at the troops themselves, not the leaders.”
“Alright. Let’s then consider the soldiers of the Three Kingdoms Alliance—not the commanders. Imagine this: The big shots drove these men relentlessly, ordering them forward until their legs gave out. After putting in their all, they still end up losing. The leaders might claim they’re just regrouping, but everyone knows this is an admission of defeat. If our captured Porland soldiers return, but no one else does…”
“Exactly. What would the soldiers from Burkhai and Caden think upon witnessing that?”
Though they’re currently united against the Empire, their recent history is filled with arguments and squabbles. If only certain soldiers return alive…
“What will the fighters whose comrades didn’t return think, seeing only the humble Porland forces walk back unscathed?”
“While command handles leadership, remember that war involves people—and how we influence those people can make or break a conflict.”
War isn’t easy—it requires knowledge. I recall many vivid details from my past, from books to documentaries, and even YouTube algorithms. It all helped me understand tactics, strategies, and how to stir dissent.
“The human heart trembles when influenced by others’ actions. It naturally resonates with those around them. Who knows? Maybe if the soldiers waver, the leadership will too.”
*
The second wave of attacks from the Three Kingdoms Alliance began. Again, their primary target was the defensive line of the Empire’s Twelfth Legion stationed at the pass. They also attacked the flanking highlands to prevent us from outmaneuvering them.
However, once again, the alliance failed to achieve their objectives. Unlike their disorganized state and varied training, the Empire operated with uniform discipline, bolstered by singular, consistent command.
“…We’re retreating the troops.”
As commanded, soldiers trudged back to camp with heavy hearts, mourning empty spots where their comrades should’ve stood. They’d heard the worst possible rumors about the Empire—how prisoners would become enslaved, expendable cannon fodder.
But for two consecutive days, those prisoners returned. Yesterday, some; today, more. And every single one hailed from Porland.
“What’s this? Is it Empire sending them back again?”
“Move aside! Are our boys coming back? Are they here?”
Day one: dozens. Day two: more.
Every single one came from Porland.
Confusion brewed among the ranks.
Why was the Empire only releasing Porland soldiers? If they’re so cruel, wouldn’t they keep every last one as slaves or pawns? Why go through the trouble of letting them go?
“Hey, wasn’t the guy leading us from Porland originally?”
“Could it be he’s struck a secret deal with the Empire? Asking to save Porland’s forces?”
“Why would the Empire favor the lowly Porland soldiers over us—the proud warriors from Burkhai and Caden? Something’s fishy! This doesn’t make sense!”
Curiosity turns to questions. Questions grow into doubts. Doubts eventually harden into beliefs.
Field commanders tried to counteract the rising discord.
“Quit your blabbering! Focus on the fight!”
“The Empire’s trying to break the bonds of our alliance! Don’t fall for it!”
Had Kael witnessed this, he’d have chuckled and remarked how counterproductive such warnings could be. People often latch onto the forbidden, doubting the denied.
“No secret deal between Porland and the Empire!”
This denial only amplified the thought of conspiracy.
“Our commander is from Porland. And our forces keep losing. Meanwhile, only Porland soldiers are being returned. What if…”
Suspicion spread. Those who fancied themselves “awake” began to suspect betrayal.
“Our commander is from Porland. Only his people are coming back unscathed while ours aren’t. Is it possible? Could the entire Porland Kingdom secretly colluded with the Empire?”
Though no one initially suspected the commander, now, with this doubt planted, they couldn’t let go. The question of betrayal lingered, growing stronger.
At the top of a hill overlooking their camp, I sat quietly, watching the scene unfold.
They may have realized my intentions. They may have prepared countermeasures. But often, in such affairs, the one who sows the seed wins. Not everyone needs to believe it; just some, who will shake others around them to prove their accusations are true.
And so, within Pavilion’s territory, the unity of the Three Kingdoms Alliance cracked, shattered under the weight of suspicion.
