Chapter 68 (1/2)

The Conference Isn’t Dancing [1]

On the next day, the conference for the Cordova invasion’s strategy planning began.

Those present were Archduke Ryuke Riana, Regent Guinevere, all cabinet members, the various heads of the army corps, and the great n.o.bles of each country—dukedom’s territories.

And in the middle of all of them, Serge.

In the middle of all of them, Serge. So important that it must be said twice.

He wasn’t a formal soldier, but a low cla.s.s n.o.ble. He was a young mage, but he took the seat that was directly next to Ria.

“I feel a bit out of place here…”

“Endure it. If we didn’t have your transportation capabilities, we wouldn’t be able to build this strategy.”

“I’m just an ordinary guy though…”

“You’ll be given a special two-rank promotion and be turned into a baron when this war is over. You will even be given a good territory. There’ll even be a great feast.”

“Well, I just want to be alone with a girl… no no, as a n.o.ble’s duty, maybe multiple people are needed?”

Serge’s desires took a peek out on the surface for a moment.

A great number of people entered the large conference room.

Normally, a certain amount of time would be allowed for acquaintances to greet each other. However, Ria would not allow it.

“For a.s.sembling here, I thank you all. Though this may be quick, we shall begin creating our Cordovan invasion strategy plan.”

A rough map of Cordova was displayed on the wall behind Ria. There were already a few markers placed on it.

“First is our main goal, Cordova must suffer a crus.h.i.+ng defeat. Is there anyone in objection to this?”

Ria invoked her Dragon Eyes. Nevertheless, a brave veteran raised his hand.

“Could we cut them off by isolating them economically through an embargo? If we invade after that, I think it would become easier.”

“That won’t work. First off, Cordova produces enough of its own food to be self sufficient country. And then there is the fact that it is near the sea, it would be near impossible to control smugglers. If we spent the time trying, the Millennium would arrive.

The man consented with a hmph, but Ria pursued further.

“The Millennium will arrive within the next eight year. This is something that I heard directly from the labyrinth’s master.”

The room became noisy in response to her words.

Those foolish enough to make light of the person named Ria were not here. However, to put faith all of her words, it was hard as a person.

“It will not be possible to fight a country like Cordova with the Millennium on our backs. For this reason, we have no choice but to crush Cordova even a day sooner.”

“We will fight with our lives on the line to liberate our home countries from Cordova!”

The one to shout that was an exiled n.o.ble from a country that Cordova had destroyed. Ria merely nodded to his shout.

“Cordova is a large country. The amount of forces that it can mobilize, even after being decreased by our recent fight, should be around 450,000.”

That could be considered a hopeless amount. The n.o.bles here, at most, could arranged between just 20,000 and 30,000.

“On the other hand, the total war potential of our dukedoms exceed 3,000,000.”

Again, her words caused a stir in the conference hall.

‘Do we have forces like that?’ In truth, it was simply Ria’s bluff, but only Guinevere and Fio knew that.

“Then again, those are truly our last-resort measures. Only once the demon tribe attacks during the Millennium would those numbers be helpful.”

When Ria suppressed the disturbance with both of her hands, she returned the topic back to Cordova.

“Among Cordova’s forces are those those that are at the border, and excluding those forces stationed in its capital, its working force is about 200,000. We will defeat these.”

Someone swallowed back their saliva. Even 200,000 could be called a sufficiently hopeless number.

Ria would give them realistic numbers to the last.

“Our reinforcements from Casalia are 50,000. Manesh’s army is 50,000. The ogre army is…”

Here, she purposely trailed off. To give a shock, nothing was better than putting on airs as much as possible.

“100,000.”

The greatest amount of turmoil thus far was born in the room.

“It is expected that the beastkin’s army will be able to arrange 100,000 as well. Although they lack strength on the battlefield, they will be useful in destroying Cordova’s prided information network and supply lines.”

Just how important would disrupting the rear for their victory against Cordova? Ria put her strength into explaining it.

“If we include all of the feudal lord’s war potentials to this, defeating even Cordova isn’t unreasonable. With these numbers, I think you all can understand as well.”

Ria ended that topic there.

“Now then, we are definitely invading Cordova, but I believe there are no less than four routes. Not that we will truly divide our army into four parts to invade, but by maintaining the possibility of all four routes, we can keep our enemy from inferring our plans.”

She struck three areas from the southern tip to the north-east. Then, the most important part was near its border to Manesh.

To be specific, they would use this route to invade. Manesh’s outskirts were grain-producing regions, so it would be suitable for collecting food.

“For the other three areas, I would like to be defended to the last. The aim is to divide Cordova’s troops. This I beg of you all.”

Ria bowed deeply.

After that, with Ria having requested that of the feudal lords near the invasion points, there was the preparation of siege weapons.

The backbone of their war potential were the armies of Casalia, Manesh, and the ogres. By using this to acquire experience, true elites could be trained.

Although she didn’t know what part of Cordova’s interior would turn into their battlefield, concerning the decisive battle, Ria would be counting on these three armies.

They still needed to settle the detailed, but it had been roughly decided on. When she’d asked for comments, a n.o.ble who had territory near the coast raised his hand.

“For s.h.i.+ps trading with Cordova, what if I issue a pillaging license? Even if Cordova is an agricultural country, that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t trade. Even if the purpose to disturb its people’s hearts, it might be effective.”

“Alright. Let’s allow it. Provided that you manage it and prepare a time span for it.”

“Also, your majesty…”

With a feeling that could be called timid, an aristocrat raised his hand.

Contrasting his behavior, to be able to not flinch despite Ria’s glance, be probably had a considerable amount of courage.

“It is a problem of her majesty’s partner, but when thinking about the future of the dukedom, as a successor is indispensable…”

Ria sighed very, very deeply.

She knew that his thoughts were common sense, both for n.o.bles and commoners. You could even call it the common sense of any living thing. Leaving descendants.

However, it was impossible for Ria. Thinking that, this was a good opportunity.”

“I do not menstruate. In other words, I cannot have children. Even setting aside my h.o.m.os.e.xuality, there cannot be a successor that inherits my blood.”

This time, her statement filled the room in silence.

“There is a skilled doctor in my country…”

“Even the G.o.d Dragon Valis said it was impossible. No human could do it.”

This time, the n.o.ble was at a loss for words.