Volume 2 Chapter 19 (1/2)

Editor: Tan

Chapter 2 Episode 19

(Outbreak of War 2)

Day 166 after being summoned to another world: (Outbreak of War 2)

”What? So you want us to advance to Irachion!?”

Meltina's high pitch voice echoed throughout the meeting room.

The emergency meeting had begun since dawn.

”Why so suddenly? Didn't you say that we should wait until the enemy to approach Pireaus to begin the decisive battle?”

Mikhail added his own question.

And such question is understandable.

In between the royal capital Pireaus and the Duke Gerhardt stronghold Irachion, there are two rough place known as Eleksha forest and Thaves river.

The Eleksha forest is a vast woodland area, with a single road cutting through the the forest.

There would be no problem for ordinary merchants or travelers to pa.s.s by. However, for an army this would be far too narrow to commute.

While it is not impossible for them to use this route, their formation would be narrowed, and not to mention that their speed would also decrease. Furthermore, the thick wooded area around them would be a perfect place for setting up an ambush.

After pa.s.sing through Eleksha forest, the Thaves river will be visible.

This river is originated from mount Oul, which is located at the border of Zalda Kingdom. The river runs from northeast to Southwest of Rozeria Kingdom.

Thanks to this river, Rozeria Kingdom can live as an agricultural nation. However, from the perspective of moving soldiers, this river can only be seen as a hindrance.

The river itself has 500m width, meaning it would be impossible for them to build a bridge.

Additionally, the depth of water is quite deep, which would make it impossible for soldiers to walk across it.

Naturally, they would need a s.h.i.+p to cross the river.

On both sides of the river, there are several ferries that provides transportation services.

Although there'd be no problem for ordinary people to cross it, the story would be different when it comes to maneuvering a large army.

First of all, despite calling it a s.h.i.+p, it was not something that can be used to transport 100 people at once.

Even the largest s.h.i.+p there would be full with just 20 people.

Not to mention that a range of supplies need to be transported as well.

From spears and harness replacement.

To provision and horses.

As well as medicines for the injured.

And the list goes on and on.

Each and every one of those items are essential and must be carried over to the other side..

It is painfully obvious that this will take far too much time to complete.

The only way for the entire army to cross the river is to make round trips with a handful of soldiers at a time.

And that could be problematic.

Because something like that might become the cause of defeat.

Incidentally, in the past Rozeria Kingdom had waged war against Mist Kingdom through Irachion.

However, the situation right now is completely different.

At the time when they wage war against Mist Kingdom, the battleground was on the border between the two nations.

It was a situation where the safety of Irachion was guaranteed; thus there was no problem when they crossed over the river.

However, right now the enemy is Duke Gerhardt.

The east side of the Thaves river is completely under Duke Gerhardt’s control.

It is not a situation where they can cross over the river without any trouble.

That is why previously Ryouma had suggested performing the decisive battle by luring the enemy toward the royal capital Pireaus.

Draw the enemy toward their own territory and then cut off their supply line.

That was what Ryouma had planned.

And that was also the reason why all of the people who are present in the meeting raised their voice of surprises when Ryouma suggested a change of plan.

The only people who did not change their expressions are the Marfisto sisters.

”I see..., as expected of Ryouma, you have a clear understanding of the psychology of our enemy huh. ”

Though she was initially surprised with what Ryouma had suddenly suggested, she also understands what Ryouma is aiming for.

And that person is Elena.

”What does that mean?”

”It means, it would be easier for us to attack their territory now, Your Highness. ”

Ryouma answered Princess Lupis' question, but she remained doubtful.

That is because he did not explain the reason why it would be easier for them to attack their enemies’ territory now.

Ryouma then proceeded to explaine to everyone who attended the meeting carefully.

”At first, I had suggested to lure the enemies to our territory because it was difficult for us to attack their territory. ”

Because both parties were worried about the possibility of getting attacked during the time they cross the river and forest, both Princess Lupis and Duke Gerhardt were waiting for their opponent to cross to their own territory..., however, there is no need to worry about those issues right now.

At least for the next 2 - 3 days.

As for the reason?

It is because General Hodram has joined Duke Gerhardt.

”I've never considered General Hodram joining forces with Duke Gerhardt as a problem. Rather, I thought of it as a mistake made by the enemy. ”

In the first place, this war was started because of their struggle for power.

Both the Duke and the General are prideful and arrogant beings.

And both of them are not the type who would compromise with their opponent.

”Now I ask you people, who do you think among those two will become the commander of their army when they ended up joining forces?”

Command structure is a vital part in war.

No matter how much troops you have, victory cannot be achieved without a systematic and efficient command structure.

This was evident in Earth’s history.

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It might be easier if we compare it to a business company

For example,  when a section chief and the director's direction conflicted with each other, which one would you give priority?

The answer would be the director's orders since the director is superior in rank.

Then how about when the president and the director order conflicted with each other?

You would give priority to the president, right?

Then what would happen if there are two presidents?

Both are your bosses.

What would happen if the two of them give out a conflicting order to you?

Everyone would end up confused.

That is because you wouldn’t be able to decide which order you should follow.

This applies to the current situation.

Hypothetically speaking, if Duke Gerhardt were to hand the authority of commanding his soldiers to General Holdram who has more experience in the military, or if General Holdram were to follow Duke Gerhardt’s orders since he has more soldiers, then this could spell a disaster for Ryouma.

But they are people with simple nature, narrow-minded mind, and overflowing arrogance.

Precisely because Ryouma understood that, he thinks now is the best time to attack.

”...I see, so that's how it is...”

Listening to Ryouma's explanation, the Princess’ face no longer has any doubtful expression.

The surrounding people seem to be able to understand what Ryouma had said as well.

”But this won't last forever, no?”

Earl Bergston casted his doubt.

Indeed their opponents are arrogant and narrow-minded people.

However, they are among this nation’s best people.

They are not completely stupid.

”That's why I said 2 - 3 days. ”

Because they had just joined forces, there would be a small opening.

The moment they finished their agreement, that opportunity would disappear.

”But Mikos.h.i.+ba-dono... no matter how fast we dispatch our soldiers, it would take us around seven days to reach the Thaves River alone. Won't that be too late then?”

Earl Zerev pointed out a logical question.