Vol 6 Chapter 2 (1/2)
The Fourth Imperial Army set off towards the west coast Coupled with the harsh weather and long journey, the soldiers were fatigued Thus they arrived later than expected even though they threay so the forced march
May 29th, dusk Seventh day after departure
As they threay the tent for ca, their headquarters were shabby Table and chairs were arranged together and large canvases were used to partition a wall Heavily aruards
Regis, as summoned by Altina entered the private partitioned area after the guards saluted him
“Pardon my intrusion”
“Good job, Regis!”
In Belgaria, people with a higher status like royalty were not supposed to sit on the floor, which hy chairs were brought to the frontline
Three chairs were prepared, two of them were vacant Altina sat on the chair further in, while Claire stood behind the canvas partition
Regis sat on a chair at the side
“That reminds me… This should be your first tiood sleep?”
“I’h, how are the soldiers?”
“Hh it’s a forced march, the soldiers weren’t really discontent as they saw you sleeping with just a blanket”
“So it’s because we used food to shut their mouth”
“Ahh, we prepared more than usual as it was essential Even under harsh conditions, one would not complain if they are full ‘Men are iron while food is steel A filled soldier is stronger than anything!’ That’s what’s written in ‘My Military Guidebook’ by the Hero Roman
Altina nodded in agreement After all, she often said that she could not th with an empty stomach
“So that’s it The other units would be able to do the same if they prepared more rations too”
“Uh… … That would be difficult as that would increase the numbers in the supply division That alone would result in even more demand for provisions”
“But we did it, didn’t we? But how?”
“That’s because the food was kept in cities along the path we are taking If our supplies are replenished during our expedition, then there isn’t a need to transport them”
“I see… … Hmm? But isn’t this expedition decided suddenly? Did you hire people to transport them?”
“It isn’t possible with just a few days If we did that, the regular soldiers would be envious Moreover, ould be taken advantage of by thea small part of it from time to time, or send it to the fortress before it spoils”
“Did the other divisions do this?”
“I never heard of it, but probably not Normally, expedition within the empire is not… … We purchased theh price If we didn’t do it, the unit’s expenditure would increase That’s especially true for the price of seasoning as it fluctuates greatly”
“Ehh~ … Although I don’t really understand, it sounds incredible… … For you to do such a thing”
Altina’s eyes were sparkling
Regis shrugged
“Well, the one who concluded the deal isn’t me It’s difficult for people from Fort Volks located at the border to trade frequently with the Empire’s central This was all done by Lady Eleanor”
Eleanor Ailred Winn de Tiraso Laverde was the granddaughter of a duke Despite her young age, she was the head of her house In the southern part of Belgaria, she owned large pieces of real estate and farmland In short, she was a local industry tycoon Ever since Regis helped her out once, she had been returning the favour to Regis frequently for reasons unknown
“Hmph… …”
Altina’s voice was getting softer, but Regis did not realise it
“Srasp the country’s economy While there isn’t much profit, one can use it to prepare in time of need and connections can be established I believe this would be useful in the future”
“What’s your relation with Eleanor?”
It was a very cold voice
Regis then re
That reminds me, Altina was in a bad mood for a period of time after Eleanor kissed me on my face as a prank
Clarisse as standing sohed
“Really, Sir Regis”
“Erm… … Could it be that you are still bothered by that incident? Even though it was a prank?”
At thathusband being caught——
“I’ in”
A deep voice could be heard
It was Jerome who came in
While he was carrying a sith hi any armour
Altinaposture and put her hands on her waist
“You sure came late”
“Hmph”
Jero
While Clarisse prepared warm red tea
Regis sipped some red tea and complimented it
“This is delicious, Clarisse It’s already a any stove, and the taste remains the same as usual”
“It’s my honour that this suits your taste”
Clarisse lowered her head deeply as she spoke She would keep quiet if she was around people she did not acknowledge
If there were only Altina and Regis, she would not only sis However, Jerome was present, which hy she seemed to have turn into someone whose emotions could not be seen
Altina lifted the teacup and smiled at Clarisse
“Thanks for all this time, Clarisse”
“Not at all… …”
She returned to the other side of the canvas and stood still as if she was a decoration
Jero for so He was not interested in tea as he drank the wine he brought
“Oi, Regis, will it be fine to go to le Troyeti fort tomorrow?”
Le Troyeti was a fortress where the Second Imperial Army which was defeated at Chaineboule and nearby troops convened If they passed down the order, they would be able to e force of over ten thousand Furthermore, it only required half a day journey to Chaineboule which the High Britannia Army occupied
Regis as holding the tea with one hand nodded
“Yes Considering our future course, it would be best to obtain helpHowever, it would be best to link up with the navy as soon as possible”
Jerome nodded
“So you can’t wait to go to the sea”
“Even so, ould eventually require the help of those stationed in Le Troyeti fort It would be difficult for theent order only after reaching the place right?”
“You shall decide e should be doing The princess there couldn’t make the call anyway”
Jerome interrupted
Altina pouted
“Well, that’s true… … Hmm”
Regis thought for awhile
“I think it would be more efficient if we split up I will link up with the navy to prepare for the upco battle”
“Eh?! What about me?!”
Altina stood up from the chair
“You will be going to the Second I the princess to you, Sir Jerome”
“Hmph, so it’s like this”
Jerome nodded
Other than guarding her, Jeroe build would make it easier to convince the Second Imperial arirl
Though they would likely to obey her due to her being a royal, military rank and Latreille’s order
Altina as still standing widen her eyes
“It would be dangerous for Regis to go alone!”
“We are racing against tian near the capital While I believe that General Latreille’s defence would not be overcos on It would be pointless to attack their supply shi+ps if we have too many losses”
“Even if that’s the case… …”
“What would we do if they engaged the ene up with them? Without them, it would be difficult to carry out this ed to transport the supplies, it would only increase the chance of the capital falling”
“I understand… … but is it really fine for you to be alone?”
“If I bring along your signed orders, I think they will believe me”
“I’ about this! You do know that we are quite close the enemy? Even the harbour the fleet is stationed in is close to Chaineboule!”
If the information was accurate, the Ee which was quite near Chainboule While it was not supposed to be used as a port for the military, they could not help it due to the need for food and fresh water supplies While it would take half a day if they walked along the coast, it would only take two hours using steam shi+ps
Hmph, Jerome snorted and pointed at the map
“What then, princess? Refute the strategist’s idea?”
“T-That… … I know that Regis isn’t wrong… … but aren’t you worried, Jerome?”
“People have to die one day Whether they die like a dog in the wilderness or die trying to protect the country… … For ist,in a battle plan he devised himself?”
Jerome’s words caused Altina to lower her head
After thinking for awhile, she spoke as if confir
“That… is possible It seeoals… … If it’s for that, I’d rather die than live without any purpose”
She said so with a serious expression
For a sword user, her words carried such weight
Regis found it hard to speak
“Well… … I don’t want to die”
This caused the other two fell into silence
I won’t be able to read books if I die—— He sed back those words
“Er… … High Britannia’s ‘Queen’s Navy’ goal was to transport supplies So it’s unlikely they would attack a fishi+ng village that holds no strategic purpose”
“If Regis feels that it’s alright… …”
Altina sat back on the chair while still having a worried look
Jero at the map
“Have you decided the unit composition yet?”
“I just need a hundred knights for escort, and also carriages to transport provisions I will just sit on the carriage”
Altina tilted her head
“That white carriage?”
“I think it’s better for Clarisse to use it, since she has to follow you”
“Is that so… …”
Altina sneaked a look at Clarisse
However, right now she would not say anything at all and will stand as still as a doll
Jerome stood up from the chair
“Alright, one hundredo out to sea”
“Please choose calm and reasonable people… …?”
“Ha! My subordinates are all gentleet them to listen!”
“At least choose those ould not draw their sithout orders”
“Kukuku… …”
Jerorin
Altina shrugged her shoulders
“He’s a little too hasty Theisn’t over yet”
“Is there so else?
“Not at all… … Will it really be fine, Regis?”
“I don’t want to die yet, so I will avoid doing dangerous things Have some faith in me”
Altina stared at hiot separated from her parents
Even though she turned fifteen, an adult, a few days ago, she still showed her childish side from time to time
“I will go and find you ireet the commander of Le Troyeti fort”
“Ahh, even though I said that we are splitting up, it would probably only take a day”
“Uuh… … At least ride a horse so that you can escape when you’re in danger I have taught you before”
“You’re worrying too much”
Contrary to her distrust, her worrying this is’ heart felt war that way
“Even if you say so, you can’t even use a sword nor ride a horse It’s definitely dangerous to split up right in front of the enemy… … Hey, Clarisse, aren’t you worried too?”
“That’s right… … I’m worried about it too”
“It’s fine, the eneis said so and left the headquarters while s
“Whenever Regis took actions alone… …”
“Hmm?”
“He always got involved with girls”
Clarisse simply stated
Ahh, that’s right!—— Altina had a scary expression with her eyes widened
Hoeird Even though it felt warht
The next day, May 30th—
After splitting froroup visited a fishi+ng village naovi which smelled like seaweed everywhere
I see, so this is the sh I read it before, this isthe sea myself
The colour blue stretched beyond the horizon
The as damp
One hundred knights were led by Abidal Evra, a Second Grade Cois was the captain of this detachher rank Even so, no one voiced out any dissents as they all had accepted Regis as their strategist
The men chosen by Jerome excelled in horsemanshi+p, which hy they reached their destination two hours earlier
The time noas almost noon
This was a se that had thirty to forty families
However, the s from their chimney exceeded their nu lunch for the soldiers
Several fishi+ng vessels were docked at the bow-shaped beach
While the military shi+ps were further out on the ocean
Vessels of various sizes numbered about thirty
Regis breathed a sigh of relief
——That’s great, looks like I made it in time
Surrounding the fishi+ng village were fences that was as tall as a man Rather than for ainst wild animals
Noticing the cavalry unit, which was Regis’ unit, approaching, a lot of sailors gathered inside the fence
It was a good thing that Regis dispatched a er to alert them, which hy they did not need to waste too e
Regis was brought to the largest house in the village while being surrounded by the knights
It was likely that this house which was turned into the tee chief There were sailors guarding it at the entrance and corridor Even so, the house was not that large, so only Abidal Evra accois in while the others stood outside
Men belonging to the navy saluted by claht fist on their left chest
However, their sight was not on Regis, but to Abidal Evra beside him
It was because Abidal Evra’s appearance gave people the iht Wide shoulders, thick chest, bearded and equipped with top quality armour
On the other hand, Regis was not wearing any armour or sword, neither did he look like someone of valour
As it would be troublesome to explain, Abidal Evra returned their salute and whispered to Regis afterwards
“Sir strategist, please equip your armour and sword, at least for occasions like this?”
“Well… … Even if I do so, I won’t look like the captain”
“Then how about wearing medals? After all, you definitely earned a co the Seventh Imperial Army”
“The credits belong to the princess, and the soldiers did the actual fighting… … If I was to put on medals, people would think that I a matter”
“At least stick your chest out while walking”
“Ah, okay”
Regis frantically tried to straighten his posture as he walked
Commander’s room——
Even so, it was e chief
Sailors whose uniforhts stood in front of the sofa
There were a total of six men
Standing in the e of fifty saluted without th behind it
“I’aria, Christophe Denis de Bertraist of the land forces”
“Glad to is Auric, Third Grade Admin Officer of the Fourth Imperial Army”
Abidal Evra beside hi to add on
Probably it was because Regis was given a peerage, which hy his nais d’Auric
However, it was too late to point that out
So he pretended not to notice it
On the other side, every one of the officers, except for Bertram Furthermore, one of them who had the aura of an admiral saluted and introduced himself
In the navy, the order was given by the fleet admiral, which would be passed down to the sailors via the captains of the shi+ps This was different from inland battle where soldiers relied on their individual strength as the crucial point in sea battle was determined by the capability of the admiral and the captains
Regis sat on the sofa after being offered
Behind hiuard
Bertram and the rest also sat down That reht
“That… pardon me, but did we meet before?”
“Ah, I happened to chance upon you conversing with Her Highness Argentina on the Founding Anniversary while I was taking a break”
“I see My apologies for not greeting you at that time”
“No… … Rather, I reardless of who the next emperor is, my fleet would only sail for the Empire”
“Her Highness would be looking forward to it”
Bertram nodded
However, his expression turned gloomy
“Even though I swore that, we are in a crisis right now… … High Britannia’s warshi+ps are too strong”
“I understand… …”
Bertra fifty His rank, status and even age far exceeded Regis However, Regis never expected Bertram to show such weakness to him
He did not expect the ene
Bertram smiled weakly and spoke
“Looks like the land forces had a good laugh at us”
“There is no such thing… …”
“Let’s begin with the numbers on both sides as of now”
“Yes”
“High Britannia’s steauns can travel about 15 knots On the other hand, our large sail warshi+p, the Athena class with eighty guns, can just barely reach that speed when traveling at full sail”
“We are lucky that they are just focused on guarding the supply shi+ps If they were to engage proactively in sea battle, on’t be able to escape”
“That is so The enee are about 45Ar (3216m)”
“So it’s a type 41”
“Yes”
“In fact, our Athena class warshi+ps are using the super-large cannon that could only shoot up to 38Ar (2715m) Further and firing their guns”
“As expected of you, hly”
“This was all written in the books”
Bertram nodded
“There are still three princess class docked at the harbour While we have nine Athena class shi+ps… … In addition, there will be a Poseidon class equipped with hundred and twenty guns co in as scheduled tomorrow”
“Did you call it from the southern sea?”
“I suh Brittania attacks It’s a very slow shi+p though”
“Can the vastly inferior Poseidon class win against the enemy princess class?”
“It would probably be difficult Firstly, the enerind away at us The Poseidon class warshi+ps have thick armour, but it has teakness”
“Is it the sail and the guns?”
“Yes There are holes in the sail, hencethe shi+p would be difficult Furthered close to one another on both sides If the enemy’s shell hit the cannon , the worst scenario would be our a fire”
“Hm… … If the speed is faster than the enemy, we can still retreat even if we lose out in terms of firepower”
“It’s possible with Ouranos class that’s equipped with eighteen guns While we have twenty of them, their firepower are not up to task It would be over if they took one or two hit at close distance Unlike the durable Athena class, the sle shot is enough to disable them”
“It will be bad if they can’t escape… …”
Bertrarim expression
“We attempted to attack the enemy’s supply shi+ps”
“You’re referring to the Trouin’s sea battle?”
“We found their supply route and the wind is in our favour, It should have been an easy victory… … However, the enemy’s attacks were too fierce and we lost four Athena class instead”
“And the result?”
“Even though we hit theh one supply shi+p sunk and another could no longer sail… … In the end, it took all of our effort just to retreat, so I’m not too sure about the situation later on”
“So it’s a complete defeat… …”
“So this is what had happened We have gathered all the shi+ps that can attack in the west coast here Those shi+ps that can’t are likely under maintenance”
“We can’t always be at a disadvantage”
Repairing a warshi+p could take up to a year and one could not simply prepare a substitute shi+p for it
“High Britannia should have more princess class and supply shi+ps in reserve We need to use the shi+ps here to engage them”
‘Understood… …”
Bertram looked over with sharp eyes
and spoke with a serious tone
“This is our current situation”
“I’rateful for your explanation”
“It’s obvious that our firepower is inferior to them However, we can’t lose anyIs that what you’re thinking?”
“That’s right”
Regis nodded
This caused a commotion between the officers
Bertram’s eyes became sharper
“Even if you have many achievements inland… … It’s different on the sea”
“I understand that… … Even though I’m not that confident… … the Empire will lose this war if we fail to obtain victory here
The officers looked at one another
They had yet to understand the current situation inland
Regis told them plainly
“High Britannia Army defeated the Second and Seventh I a hard ti the capital”
“Does Marshal Latreille think that we can win…?”
“It would be great if he could win… … However, it would be difficult since the difference in our equipreat”
“For it to be like this… …”
“If the enemy receive their supplies, it would turn into a stale countries would turn against us At that time, the capital will be surrounded by tens of thousands of enemies”
The naval officers who heard this all turned pale
Bertraht
Regis stood up from the sofa
“Marshal Latreille has an order for you in his capacity as the commander in chief The unit here has to obey the Fourth Ientina As the princess’ strategist, I should have some authority as well… … As this battle concern our lives… I believe it would be difficult to obtain your trust since we just ive everyone some time to discuss the current situation”
“What if we don’t accept you?”
“To tell the truth… e still need to do re an order to y that would be acceptable to you… … Though it ht be a little troublesome if my words fail to reach you”
“Hu… … Even though you say you’re not confident, but looks like you do not doubt your strategy at all”
“No… I really do not have much confident It’s just that I happened to read a similar situation in a book before”
Bertram and the rest showed an amazed expression
Regret turned towards them to excuse himself
“I wish to have a look at Chainboule’s harbour I will be back before dinner”
“What? Do you need of a shi+p?”
“There’s no need for it, since I have yet to receive your per the naval shi+ps Since I’h I will just negotiate and borrow a fishi+ng boat froers”
“ You are a strange man…”