SWNOVELXO Chapter 144
The Empire attempted to deceive Benito and secretly concentrate its forces in Dedorant!
As soon as the news reached him, Andrea II let out a loud proclamation that he had anticipated this.
He asked his ministers if his sharp instincts were still intact.
After regaining his confidence for the first time in a while, the Royal Palace was filled with a new breeze.
“We must inform Dedorant immediately. The Empire is concentrating its power.”
“According to the reconnaissance report, the signs indicate that there are at least tens of thousands. If that’s the case, the Imperial Army remaining in front of us is likely no more than one Legion.”
“One Legion. That should be a level we can handle, right?”
While they had lost many elite soldiers, they hadn’t lost them all.
Moreover, the new soldiers gathered had gained some training from engagements with the Empire.
Having successfully defended for the past six months, it was time to change the pace.
Achieving a decisive victory was out of the question, and that wasn’t even in their plans from the start.
Currently, what Benito desired was to trip up the Empire’s advance toward Dedorant.
To do that, they needed to strike a solid blow against the forces left behind.
“Um, but shouldn’t we consider the possibility of a trap?”
One of Benito’s commanders appeared worried.
Until now, their nation had maintained a defensive posture.
Since they had not recklessly advanced, the Empire probably had no sharp measures against them.
They could not rule out the possibility that the Empire had plotted to draw them out.
Benito’s command had been considering that possibility long ago.
They deployed scouts and asked Dedorant to confirm the border.
The return report contained nearly identical information as before.
[ Large-scale troop movement suspected. Clear signs of movement and encampment ]
[ Imperial Army, one Legion stationed near Benito ]
[ No traces of reserves found in the surrounding area ]
Was it really certain? The command checked several more times after that.
But the reconnaissance reports all returned the same.
“How about sending scouts even deeper?”
“That’s difficult. The neighboring kingdoms have now sided with the Empire, and they’ll try to capture our allies on sight. If we get too greedy, it could expose our movements.”
“Our scouts are only just barely at a skilled level. This is beyond our capability.”
“I want to confirm what’s beyond the Imperial Legion in front of us…”
Indeed, losing countless elite soldiers had hit hard.
Not only had regular soldiers been lost, but so had the excellent scouting units that had belonged to them.
Many capable commanders who had guided them were also gone.
In any case, the information gathered by Benito indicated that only the Imperial Legion remained before them.
The tens of thousands of troops seemed to be lurking near the Dedorant border.
If they were to begin an offensive, it would be challenging just to hold them back.
The saying “The best defense is a good offense” isn’t just a saying.
If they strike first before the enemy does, they might be able to turn the offensive back.
Since the disadvantage lay on their side, they needed to keenly anticipate the intentions of their opponent.
“We don’t have time to think any longer. The 5th Army of Dedorant has agreed to back us up, so let’s move.”
“Understood. Plus, His Majesty has been increasingly urging us, so it would be hard to stall.”
“Push the Imperial Legion back, but don’t get greedy. Absolutely, absolutely!”
Despite being pushed back by the Empire and quickly cornered, Benito was not yet dead. Do not think of us as a half-dead carcass that merely breathes.
Just like Dedorant, we have our pride. We are Benito.
Had it not been for the Empire, we could have reestablished order in the South!
Thus, the Benito forces attacked the Imperial Legion under the cover of night.
The battle was rather fierce. Naturally, the resistance from the Imperial Army was extremely intense.
Watching the situation, Benito’s side began to worry that this might be a trap.
But as dawn broke, the Imperial Legion began to sound their retreat more and more as if they couldn’t hold out any longer.
They withdrew in a relatively orderly manner, but the fact that they had been defeated was undeniable.
Overjoyed, Benito roared that their plan had succeeded.
“Don’t get too excited! Just because we’ve won once doesn’t mean we should get carried away!”
“The Empire is a cunning breed. This could be what they intended all along!”
Having taken control of the enemy’s encampment, they now had to defend outside the castle.
Afterward, it seemed that the Empire started a counterattack to deal with Benito who had come out of the castle.
There were several close calls, but ultimately they succeeded in repelling all of them.
At this point, the large force heading toward the Dedorant border would likely turn back.
Even if not, something was off in the South, so they would stop their advance and assess the situation.
The Benito command thought so, but the Empire appeared to have no such intention.
“Report! No enemies are visible retreating our way.”
“Could it be that the Empire is truly planning to keep us locked here?”
Yes. That possibility cannot be completely ruled out.
Having suffered greatly at the hands of the Empire, Benito might see this as a deception.
They could block Benito’s escape by moving strategically while they move passively.
As this possibility was mentioned in the command, more considerations for action arose.
Moving towards a single objective is very different from needing to account for several scenarios.
*
“Did you say Benito has moved?”
After completing my business at the institution, I was about to head back when news arrived through the Ministry of War.
“Yes, Chief of Staff.”
“This is quite surprising. I wonder if the gods are truly helping us.”
I had been thinking that it was about time to take action against Benito anyway.
The issues regarding prisoners and supply lines pertained to Dedorant.
Merely halting our advance could not translate to entirely stopping our offensive.
Hence, I was considering taking alternative measures against Benito.
“Surely, the gods love our Empire, His Majesty the Emperor, and you, Chief of Staff.”
“Hmm. It’s true I have been lucky, but love is a bit much.”
If they truly loved me, wouldn’t they have let me live peacefully without any troubles?
Now, with my reputation at stake, an uncertain future looms.
“So, how is the 4th Legion in the South faring?”
“For now, they’ve pretended to lose. They continue to withdraw in smaller skirmishes to bolster Benito’s confidence.”
“The Empire has suffered too much to easily cross that line again. We need to prepare with utmost caution.”
“Even so, the Ghost Legion has moved, so Benito won’t be entirely at ease.”
They shouldn’t be able to afford to deceive us with such an investment casually.
Should that happen, the Ministry of Finance might come after me post-war saying, “You fool!”
War heroes or not, those who frivolously spend money cannot escape the Ministry of Finance’s wrath.
Taxes are always serious business, so it is scary that I can’t complain about it at all.
“Contact the Ghost Legion and instruct them to take on an appearance as if they’re joining the forces from Dedorant. That way, Benito will lose their cautious movements.”
“But is it alright with just the 4th Legion from the South? It could be too much of a burden.”
“The Empire hasn’t been idle either.”
They called up reserves and even drafted some additional troops to form a new military force.
It was no longer feasible to rely on the existing Legions alone anymore.
If seasoned soldiers are continuously exhausted, the situation could grow even worse.
The 4th Legion in the South has accumulated enough battlefield experience from fighting Benito.
Now, they need to merge with the reserves prepared below them to balance out the ratio of veterans to recruits.
The casualties might be greater than before, but with time, they would surely fill the gaps.
“I will report on this matter to His Majesty the Emperor. The Ministry of War and the headquarters should refine the support plans for the South’s 4th Legion.”
“Understood, Chief of Staff.”
After sending someone off, I returned to the Imperial Palace.
I then informed the Emperor of the current news and future plans.
“Is it really okay? Even if Benito isn’t as strong as before, they still have their past grievances to consider. Chief of Staff.”
“Of course, but conversely, this means there is considerably much for them to worry about. Most importantly, since they’ve taken a major victory in the Dedorant region, it’s now our turn, isn’t it?”
“To topple their pivot?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
While we had previously opted for deception, it’s no longer the time for that.
We must prepare to dig into Dedorant, starting with taking down Benito.
The issue had been they were too terrified and had resisted moving.
Now that they’ve started to act on their own, my concerns have eased.
“Is the 4th Legion sufficient for this?”
“If we add more Legions, Benito will definitely grow frightened. Moreover, we have thoroughly prepared the reserves, so it’s time to deploy them into action.”
The 4th Legion will support the reserves well. I’ve already discussed everything with them.
Although we expect some losses, they should ease into filling any voids over time.
“On this matter, I will inform His Majesty the Emperor. The Ministry of War and the staff should refine the support measures for the South’s 4th Legion.”
“Understood, Chief of Staff.”
After sending someone off, I returned to the Emperor.
Then the Crown Princess, the Crown Prince, and the Princess stepped forward to speak to me.
“I intend to head to the front lines.”
“Your Highness intends to go to the front lines?”
“Isn’t there a need for symbolism for us both? Benito will want to destroy the place I am, and the Imperial Army will have a great desire to claim victory.”
“Are you saying you intend to encourage the battle directly?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. Just being in the rear won’t carry significant influence—”
“You cannot do that, Your Highness.”
Before I even realized it, those words slipped out.
*
How audacious to intrude into the conversation between the Emperor and the Princess.
It wouldn’t be surprising if a royal decree were issued at once.
But Kael, without a hint of hesitation, continued speaking.
“Your Majesty, all matters concerning the frontline are under the Chief of Staff’s authority.”
“You speak correctly.”
“Therefore, I must state that going to the South region, especially near the battlefield, is outside the authority of the Chief of Staff.”
We are not hovering in the rear, boosting morale like before.
This time, the Empire is daring to embark on a gamble, as well.
It would be absurd to place such a crucial figure as the Princess in such proximity.
“If I go, it will assist morale and combat effectiveness. Chief of Staff.”
“There are other means. More importantly, their combat effectiveness has already been raised.”
“Then all the more reason to go.”
“If you stay in the rear, I will grant permission.”
“Combat isn’t a siege; being in the rear carries no significant influence whatsoever.”
Suddenly, an argument began between Kael and Isabelle.
“It could be dangerous.”
“It’s for the victory of the Empire. Besides, isn’t this not something for the Chief of Staff to remark upon?”
The Chief of Staff who insists the front lines are absolutely not permissible versus the Princess who argues it’s for the Empire’s benefit.
The Emperor, Crown Princess, and the Crown Prince watched their quarrel with strange expressions.