SWNOVELXO Chapter 149
People admire when they see good deeds and strive to emulate them.
When someone pulls a fast one on another, they learn that trick like a ghost.
And then they utilize it quite cleverly. Benito is just such a case.
[ To the invading Empire: You not only invaded this country but also dare to speak of legitimacy. Do you doubters think the empire’s invaders would claim the Emperor’s legitimacy without suspicion? ]
[ Emphasizing that you’ve been sidelined in the succession dispute, talking about the rightful heir to the throne is a breach of propriety. You should be grateful that Mercy was able to survive despite being cast aside from the start. But then again, do the invaders understand such obvious truths? ]
Oh my. The wording coming from this side is quite aggressive.
Every time they mention the Emperor, the loyal ones gnash their teeth and growl.
That’s why it’s a huge success. The Benitos are horrified and reacting so intensely, aren’t they?
Our great North… no, the great Benito amplification magic has perfectly proven its utility.
“See, Your Highness the Princess? What did I tell you? They’ll thrash about like crazy.”
“It’s amazing. I thought they’d ignore it or just laugh.”
“If it’s something absurd, they might, but when it’s incitement based on facts, the rulers will inevitably react.”
Why? Because if they don’t respond, their authority is on the chopping block.
For those who maintain power with that authority, nothing could be more terrifying.
In fact, the trio of swine from the North in my past life was just like that.
“Well then. Now that its effectiveness has been proven, we must move on.”
“Are you referring to the amplification magic using cooperative prisoners from our empire?”
“Yes indeed. Just imagine if those detained, thought to be dead, are seen jubilantly shouting for joy with literal glistening faces—the perfect addition!”
“It’s funny how… our Empire. No, how Kael looks like a villain in this situation.”
Did you know, Your Highness the Princess? The best compliment in war is exactly that.
That rascal is really screwing up the war. Wow, how on earth should we deal with that jerk?
Isn’t that the greatest praise, akin to ‘That game is incredibly frustrating!’?
I might even consider forming a legion that specializes exclusively in such tasks.
A name… yes. The Empire Psychological Operations Unit. That should work.
It would be excellent to have it under the Ministry of War or Chief of Staff for use.
“Choose, Your Highness the Princess. Which of these do you think will be more effective?”
“Hmmm. This one seems to emphasize that the prisoners are just living comfortably. It might even increase their discontent and hostility towards us. Kael.”
“Indeed, I share the same thought. Then—”
“Let’s go with this one.”
The propaganda broadcast we chose for the great Benito amplification magic was—
[ People of Benito! You are being deceived. Those who claimed that the Empire is treacherous and cruel were the first to drive us into despair and fled themselves. And the Empire has instead taken us in and treated us like humans! ]
[ Are you doing this for the promise of riches and power? No! The Empire promised none of those. Obviously! They are already close to victory; what do they have to gain? Then why are we doing this? To save our compatriots! ]
[ Do not throw your lives away in a fight with no justification. Our king has already been abandoned even by God. No, he’s not even a king! We are being punished for not having a true king. Why must we pay for his sins! ]
[ Let us live. We must live. Do not squander your lives. While disgrace is said to be more terrible than death, a life is better than death! ]
Oh my. That fellow has quite the voice. Wasn’t he a platoon leader from the Benito army?
Indeed, as someone who must lead their soldiers, his voice is very loud.
Thanks to the amplification magic, it resounds thunderously and pounds across the Benito territories.
“Aide.”
“Yes, Chief of Staff.”
“Go tell that fellow to add some more resonance to his voice when he speaks.”
“More resonance, you say?”
“Not just a shout, but a voice that sounds like it could burst into tears at any moment. This way, our Benito people will more vividly realize their situation.”
A month has passed, and the plague’s grip has loosened somewhat.
However, the suffering of the sick does not easily dissipate even after a month.
In fact, those who were nursing must be collapsing from fatigue and contamination.
Healing magic has its limits. It’s a privilege for the exalted few.
There are medicines effective against the plague, but in Benito’s current state, even those are difficult to procure.
It must have been hard just to gather food and water, let alone bring in medicine.
Now that the dreadful pestilence has passed, reality will slowly come into view.
The Empire, which they thought would plunder and destroy, is not a demon after all.
They say if you step outside the castle, you die, but it feels like dying inside too.
The surrendered are lamenting, pleading not to waste their lives in vain.
Are we really trying to establish a new king to sway them?
No, this is merely an excuse. It’s a pretext for them to come out of the castle.
Or perhaps a reason to open the castle gates completely without being branded as traitors.
The issue of legitimacy doesn’t just start and end with legitimacy.
It’s just an excuse, a hidden heart each carries. A cover for that.
Our Empire has thrown the dice, and those left in Benito have no choice but to drink it.
“Aide. The first castle has expressed its intention to surrender.”
The first one is always the hardest. But from the second onward, it becomes easier.
As we diligently broadcast and present a new king, they will naturally crumble.
Especially in the South, which had been repeatedly beaten by our Empire.
Naturally, the damage will accumulate since they were positioned to defend following the Benito royal castle.
Plus, current King Andrea II is not paying them any mind, so that’s enough reason.
“Our Benito nobles welcome the entrance of the Empire!”
“Please grant us mercy. Inside the castle, there are only the dead or those who are about to die!”
“We came here because we heard there’s a true king of Benito. We, we are absolutely not surrendering to the Empire. We merely wish to be loyal to the true Benito!”
Oh my. Of course, of course. That’s right. That’s why you’re surrendering.
Don’t worry. I’ll listen to whatever strange things you say.
In the end, it’s a plea saying, ‘We came here to surrender, so please spare our lives.’
No matter what they shout, I had already given orders to just accept everything.
It’s mutual benefit. Thanks to the justification we presented, they become loyal subjects instead of traitors.
And that surrender provides our Empire with a reason to smash the current King of Benito.
“The road to the Royal Capital of Benito has been opened.”
“4th Legion Commander.”
“Yes, Chief of Staff.”
“Bring the hammer down. Don’t hold back.”
The Dedorant’s 5th Army had left for the Royal Capital long ago.
What remains is only the Benito army, but they alone are inadequate.
They say defenders have the advantage over besiegers, but the internal situation must cooperate.
The plague has weakened, but what about those who have been suffering all this time?
Just a week ago, they were crapping their guts out even just drinking water.
How can they charge into battle while carrying heavy gear and putting on armor in that state?
“From here on, I’ll leave it to the 4th Legion Commander.”
“Will you not stay, Chief of Staff?”
“If I stay here, I’ll steal all the glory from our 4th Legion Commander.”
“I don’t care about glory! I just…”
“Hahaha! Just kidding, just kidding. You really think I’d do this for such a reason?”
After patting the 4th Legion Commander’s shoulder a few times, I revealed the real reason.
“Now we’re going to resume the assault on the Dedorant side.”
A few days ago, we received a call from the Ministry of War.
The urgent fire has been extinguished, and we’ve also made thorough preparations for the Transportation Unit.
If we delay too long, our morale could dampen, you know.
I completely agree with that. We should not drag this out.
If the problem is solved, we should strike without hesitation.
Swiftly and unrelentingly. Yes, that phrase fits perfectly in this situation.
“By the way, Kael.”
As we head from the South region towards Dedorant, the Princess glances back and asks.
“Why are we suddenly carrying such a large number of herring?”
“Everything has its reason.”
“Surely it’s not for supply? The state seems fine now, but what about later…”
“Your Highness the Princess, what do you think Dedorant is aiming for right now?”
“Isn’t it a victory to undermine our Empire’s offensive?”
At her answer, I shook my head slightly.
If it was Dedorant as it used to be, perhaps. But now, it’s time for them to change their pattern.
They can’t hold on indefinitely just through tactical victories. They’re nearing their limit.
What’s important now is to drag the enemy fighting us down to their level.
“With this timing, they must know that our Imperial Army’s supply convoy is their lifeline.”
How can you be so sure? I would think the same in their position. It wouldn’t be difficult at all.