SWNOVELXO Chapter 163
After returning from the system, the first thing I did was move the Chief of Staff Headquarters.
The Chief of Staff Headquarters is not the forward command of the Field Army. There’s no need to be located too close to the frontline.
In fact, being too close could result in damage from enemy surprise attacks and lead to confusion in command.
Thus far, it had been positioned in a castle within the border area of Dedorant that the Empire had occupied.
However, the Imperial Army had broken through Dedorant’s defensive line and approached the Royal Capital.
Just looking at the map, it was clear that the Empire now occupied more than half of Dedorant.
Therefore, the relocation of the Chief of Staff Headquarters to coordinate all operations needed to proceed as well.
“The next location for the Chief of Staff Headquarters will be, yes. Let’s set it here.”
Under my command, the flag of the Chief of Staff was newly planted in Setongrad.
We established a new home in the old castle that was once the predecessor to the Kingdom of Dedorant.
There couldn’t possibly be a more perfect proclamation of victory for the Empire in the eyes of the continent.
I can only imagine Dedorant is probably furious upon hearing the news, but what can I do about it?
If they’re upset, they can crash in like last time. Though I’m not so sure they can break through this time.
*
Now that the Chief of Staff Headquarters was situated a bit closer, the workload started pouring in.
I hadn’t been able to attend to tasks for a moment due to the move, and now there were additions to that load.
“Chief of Staff! We’ve been receiving detailed reports on the status of each legion. There are parts here that require your direct confirmation…”
“The legions are requesting new recruits or reinforcements. Currently, the number needed exceeds at least a thousand for each legion, with many wanting over three thousand…”
“Reports are increasingly coming in that supplies have been spoiled due to recent heavy rain. Additionally, the roads we’ve been using are causing problems. There are voices suggesting we need to find solutions to this…”
Damn. Work, work, and more work! I returned after just a few days off, and it’s crashing in like a tsunami.
With the issues concerning Benito and Atria, I’m already feeling overwhelmed.
I hastily brought in new workers, but they can’t replace the role of the Chief of Staff.
What that means is that even as the Chief of Staff, I’ve got to hustle hard today as well!
“All right, I will confirm everything by the end of today, so please send the important issues quickly and without delay.”
“Let’s inform them to wait on the new recruits and reinforcements issue. I haven’t heard anything from the Ministry of War yet.”
“Indeed, we have also sought assistance from the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Land regarding that issue. The biggest problem with the lost supplies is the delay in transport due to the rain, so solving the road situation would be beneficial.”
It dawns on me why our teacher, Gongmyeong, worked himself to death.
Even I, who believed I had endurance, am struggling under these conditions, despite having undergone training from the Clausewitz Family since childhood.
And this is all just my military duties.
I can’t even compare to Gongmyeong, who had to oversee everything as Prime Minister and deal with the future as well.
If I don’t collapse from overwork in a situation like this, what am I? A monster? That truly sounds like a monster.
“Chief of Staff! Here are the next reports!”
Aaaaaah!! Stop it! At this rate, the Chief of Staff is going to die!
I handle one thing, and two more come in. Handle two more, and four appear.
Then after taking care of those four for a moment, suddenly, there are sixteen.
Even when I frantically tackle them, the workload doesn’t lessen at all.
And it’s not like the work decreases either. If anything, it’s increasing.
On the Benito front, the Crown Prince is taking charge, but I also have to be involved in external matters.
With the Imperial Army having entered, it would be strange for the Chief of Staff not to be watching over it.
As for Atria, it’s even more serious. Fighting is still ongoing there.
Moreover, unlike with Benito, the nobles there are hardly surrendering at all.
It seems they’ve taken some kind of drug, as they’ve been reported to be stubbornly continuing to fight.
“The biggest problem is still Dedorant, though.”
News has come that King Cassius II seems to have met with some trouble.
Dedorant is focusing solely on defense without any particular peculiarities to note.
It’s fortunate that our Empire is gradually breaking through that defensive line.
But their frequent craziness attacking the Empire has quieted down, and that brings about its own sense of unease.
“Kael. Can I help you out?”
Entering my office for a moment and unable to hide her sorrow over the pitiful sight was the Princess.
While she says she can’t assist with the important matters, she offers to help with the miscellaneous ones.
“If you assist me, I would be honored, Your Highness.”
“Pfft. What is that? Quit your strange nonsense, Kael.”
“Unfortunately, if it’s not a joke, do you think you can believe me?”
“…Is it that difficult?”
“Let’s put it this way, Your Highness; what you are currently seeing is merely a fraction of today’s workload.”
This is a fraction? This?? The Princess gasps and glances around.
There are already plenty of documents piled atop the desk, looking incredulous.
To that, I offer a sad smile and show her the remaining documents I had set aside at the back.
“…I thought the war would be winding down and there would be some calm.”
“That’s the saddest part. Upper management will be busy even after the war ends. No, it might even be busier now. It could get crazier.”
How we will deal with Atria and Dedorant in the aftermath.
How to manage the captured key enemies over there.
And who among the Imperial Army that has advanced this far will return, and how many will it be.
By the way, this is just a small part of the work that needs to be tackled after the war.
Just recalling the major issues is already causing a headache.
And besides that, how in the world should we deal with the other problems?
“First of all, I’ll help you out. What should I start with?”
“The first thing that’s needed is to reorganize the documents. We need to separate the front and rear issues…”
At that moment, there’s a knock, and my aide peeks in.
“Chief of Staff, I apologize for interrupting, but a guest has arrived.”
“A guest?”
“It’s Commander Paelus of Dedorant, who surrendered previously. He wishes to meet with you.”
“Is that so? Please tell him to come inside.”
It seems he’s made a decision about something. Whether it’s something I’m looking forward to or not is another matter.
I hope it’s the former rather than the latter, but if it’s not, there’s nothing I can do.
A moment later, Commander Paelus entered my office, bowed slightly, and greeted me.
Then, noticing the Princess, he looked a bit surprised and began to glance back at me.
“Excuse me, is it something you’d prefer to discuss privately?”
“I would hope for that.”
“Unfortunately, both myself and Her Highness share quite a lot of information. After all, I’ll eventually inform Her Highness, so wouldn’t it be simpler to just say it?”
Even now, Her Highness is aiding me with the Chief of Staff duties bit by bit.
There’s really no issue if she knows something.
“…If the Chief of Staff says so.”
After offering him a seat, Commander Paelus graciously sat down.
I later served him a cup of tea, and he suddenly stared at me intently.
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
“When individuals rise to high positions, they often unconsciously carry an air of authority. Chief of Staff. Yet, you seem entirely devoid of it.”
“Is it just because I’m still young?”
Commander Paelus shook his head firmly without a hint of hesitation.
This applies universally, regardless of age.
Many have transformed and crumbled under such notions up to this point.
“I understand why the Emperor appointed you as Chief of Staff.”
“Suddenly flattering me won’t earn you anything special. I would appreciate it if you keep that in mind.”
“Oh ho ho. I fully understand, so worry not.”
Commander Paelus, having taken a sip of tea, maintained silence for a while.
I waited quietly as it seemed he was organizing his thoughts before speaking again.
Her Highness was simply leisurely sipping the tea I had poured as well.
“…Everything you’ve given for recreational purposes, I have viewed all of it.”
At last, he opened his mouth, and the much-anticipated conversation began.
“One last question, though.”
“If you’re asking if that’s true, I’ll pledge it right here. I swear on my loyalty to the Empire and that there are no lies or deceit in it, pledging to Runen.”
In front of no one else but the Princess herself, I laid my loyalty to the Empire on the line.
If they still harbor doubts after this, it’s a provocation to fight.
“Perhaps there have been no updates after that?”
“Except for the fact that Dedorant is extremely quiet, even as our Imperial Army continues to advance toward the Royal Capital.”
“…I see.”
Commander Paelus, holding the teacup as if it were about to break, took a deep breath.
Then he glanced at the map of Dedorant laid on the table and continued.
“It appears to be a tactical map showing the positions of key defensive strongholds and castles.”
“Correct.”
“Of course, capturing those strongholds and castles is a good method. However, there’s a more effective approach available. It would be wise to attack the dwindling supply depots of Dedorant.”
“Does Commander Paelus know their locations?”
Upon the Princess’s inquiry, Paelus nodded slightly.
“Our command has kept them so well hidden that it would have been challenging even for the Empire to locate them. Even if information were to flow in, due to bluffing on so many fronts, they wouldn’t even know what’s true.”
“Your words are correct.”
“I will assist. I will do anything I can. But, there’s one condition.”
This damned war; please, please end it quickly.
So that both your soldiers and my soldiers can step on their native lands alive.