Vol 8 Chapter 2 (2/2)
“Do you kno Consort Johaprecia committed suicide?”
“Although it is not appropriate for me to say this… she stabbed her own chest with a fruit knife”
Regis frowned
Impossible
Altina couldn’t accept it too
“Isn’t that strange? They say that father died of old age, but he was really lively when I last saw hih? And he ate lots of meat too”
“ Queer indeed”
“It’s obviously suspicious”
Benja all this
“IPrince Latreille?”
“We didn’t really…”
Regis wanted to conceal it, but Altina said directly:
“No matter how you think about it, it’s suspicious!”
Benjamin shook his head
“I believe in His Highness, he is always thinking about the E so terrible for his own greed”
“I can’t believe hiive a clear denial”
“What!?”
“It seeuste to happen, and it’s possible that he didn’t do it… But there are no doubts in the courts about his will to be Eht opportunity from the shadows like a vicious snake
She said that in a tone that was ry
Benja
“But His Highness wouldn’t do that for his own interest…”
It was true that Latreille wasn’t soe and responsibility to brave through dangers for the sake of the Empire, a real commander in spirit and soul
But that hy Regis felt is was even more suspicious
“ This ht be the result after he considered as the best for the Empire”
“What!?”
Latreille orried about the future of the Empire and killed the Eis didn’t state it out loud
Altina shrugged
“That guy does worry for the Empire in his oay… and will beco Emperor Sir Benjamin, do you remember?”
“What do you mean?”
“You captured a silver haired maid from Felicia’s family home”
“Ugh!? T-That is…!!”
The First Prince Auguste died because of poison, and his sister Felicia acted on her mother's order------- The order of the Second Imperial Consort was for Felicia to dress like her elder brother and live her life as Auguste
And Felicia’s stand in was a silver hairedin ato be sick
That was about a year ago
After that, on Founding Day, as a uste (Felicia) to the brink, Latreille wanted to bring that maid to the banquet directly to expose their schemes
And the one who barged into the Trouin mansion to take that maid aas Benjamin who commanded the Second Army
Altina shrugged
“There’s nothing more to say about that incident now But Latreille would do such a thing to become Emperor, that’s why I am doubtful”
“Ugh… Muu…”
Benjamin couldn’t answer
It was fine for Altina to talk about this as a royal, but if Benjaed with Lèse-majesté
Fanrine looked surprised, but didn’t say anything
Regis got back on topic
“Anyway, no uard He should understand that he would be under a lot of suspicion because of the circuh she didn’t look like someone ould commit suicide, there are all sorts of people in this world It is impossible for others to fully understand, so we can’t be certain about this”
“T-That’s true…”
Benjamin nodded
“There are soence we have right now is nothing more than rumours Let’s not doubt Prince Latreille because of baseless suspicions, let’s take care of our unit first”
They finally ended the talk that had strayed away from the main topic
The incident of Johaprecia co suicide was filled with suspect points, but there was nothing he could do about it
Regis thought
—— I already took h
He had chosen a few soldiers that could carry out undercover work, and despatched theence
But they were not professionals after all, so they couldn’t handle this eency and achieve any results They didn’t relay any effective intelligence to hiis heard the news about Consort Johaprecia
The intelligence agents belonged to the Ministry of Military Affairs, which meant they worked for Latreille
Grand nobles would have their own intelligence network
It would be really difficult to set up an intelligence network in the capital if he only starts now
—— Was I a step behind again?
It was difficult
He already knew that, but he couldn’t rely on choosing the best methods available to his to happen and then react to it like he had been doing all this while He needed to take the initiative
There was a need to be a little more reckless
The sound of knocking came from the door
The maid Clarisse entered and bowed deeply
She was acting like a different person as usual She would be emotionless when others were around, and would speak in a monotone
“It is already time for dinner, would everyone like to dine now?”
“Ahh, it’s that late already Just send it here Please join us, Officer Fanrine”
“Ara! Thank you, I am deeply honoured!”
Fanrine curtsied gracefully
Clarisse left the conference room
After that, a large amount of dishes were sent in
Haes were laid on the table, along with honey, warm soup and soft bread
They received food resupply at the fort, so their dinner was more sumptuous than usual
With the table full, Regis laid out his maps on the wall
It was ato the east
“Well… Co is a s presence in the east Their plan should be to let Consort Johaprecia give birth to a baby boy with red hair and eyes, then place him onto the throne as the next Emperor… in an ambitious attempt to control the Empire”
This wasn’t anything special The consort as taken in like a hostage giving birth to a child that beco the hoes This had happened several ti history of the Empire
Regis shi+fted the topic to the other map
“Fort Volks had the reputation for being iest tiarrisoned in the fort, and 13,000a total of 15,000… a bit too many”
With confirone, the capital was no longer under threat The noble army that was called upon to participate would return to their original unit, but they numbered less than a thousand and would not affect the combat potential too much
Altina frowned
“It would be great if Fort Volks hasif the other fronts are short on manpower”
“It is as you said, and there is the probleain…”
Altina and Benja into their dinner Stearance throughout the room
Fanrine was invited to dine too
When he heard Regis nieres stopped eating and listened with a serious expression
Regis continued:
“The terrain here is uneven, and with the wide forest, it would be difficult to deploy cavalry The ene their bows, it would be difficult to handle The strength of the Ee scale and overwhel tactics revolved around surprise attacks in sroups”
Coignieres was impressed and said
“Have you been assigned to the east before, Sir Strategist?”
“No, I only read the reports available in the capital, do correct me if I made any mistakes”
“There’s nothing wrong, but since that’s not the place you were assigned to, why did you read the reports about that area?”
“Eh? Because I had the per a commoner non-commissioned officer was permitted to read”
“I-Is that so!? But why!?”
Coignieres was surprised
Regis scratched his head
“No, leaving arrisoned in the east right? What about the composition?”
“Your nuht Most of them are rookies and oldexpedition”
“They’re not ready for battle”
“True”
“And the Seventh Army?”
Coignieres took out a folded paper from his waist pocket
“Hth is 21,000, becae, and is now 8,000 after the defensive battle in Fort Bonaire”
“The defensive battle…?”
“Both the casualty and those who fell ill increased…”
“Because the war dragged on”
“The fatigue and injuries from the consecutive battles played a part… But there is also the issue of supplies The amount delivered was less than as promised, and the food sent were rotten”
“Hoful”
“Because the Ministry of Military Affairs didn’t send enough, we had to purchase from the towns nearby…”
Coignieres showed a pained expression…
He looked really troubled
Altina became worried
“Our unit is fine right? Why?”
“There were many instances of supplies sent by the Ministry of Military Affairs being e the way, so we sent troops to the source of the supplies, confiroesthe way”
“You did that!?”
Not just Altina, Coignieres and Benjamin were shocked too
It was so rare, but they didn’t seem to know
Coignieres was just a knight earlier, and was only promoted to command because his superior fell in battle
While Benjamin’s army was o on long cans
Even though it was a ith the survival of the Empire on the line, there were still morons ould eination
Regis said with a sigh:
“The greed of an individual leading to the loss of many lives… The cause of these foolish criination Running short of supplies would result in the troops on the frontline starving and falling ill, leading to the collapse of the frontline and the destruction of the Empire Those who stole the supplies won’t think about all that, and co that ‘it would be fine since no one is watching’, which is regrettable…”
“Hmmm…”
Coignieres started groaning
People were especially lacking in their iination when there were dire consequences
Everyone knew thatfor the sake of money was a serious crime, and only the most hardcore of criminals would do that
But people couldn’t fathoht lead to thousands of people starving to death
Cutting corners on construction e based on personal preference, such indirect actions were the same
The ignorant ones who lack iination were scarier than the most hardcore of criminals sometimes
Regis got back on topic:
“ Before the ith High Britannia, the eastern front lines had about 26,000 ht now, even if they ht, there will be a limit to its effectiveness”
“We already requested reinforcement from the Ministry of Military Affairs…”
“All of our units suffered heavy losses in this war, it would be hard to get replace a part of the Fourth Army support the Seventh Army? I have yet to check the details, but we can pull out 6,000 men…”
“That would be wonderful!”
Coignieres stood up agitatedly
Regis looked towards Benjamin
“I would like the former Second Army to be the core of the Fourth Army splinter unit they’re sent to support the eastern front Of course, there would be so as well…”
“It’s a fine arrangement”
Benjamin nodded
Right now, the foriment and former Second Army soldiers still couldn’t coordinate in battle
It would still take sorate
If the budget of the Seventh Army could share the load, they could avoid the problee force
Dispatching good officers along would help in their training, so the two groups could work better in concert the next time they met
And Benjamin was a noble from the Latreille faction, it would be easier on hiside Altina
To be honest, they probably prefered returning to Latreille in the capital, but they couldn’t ignore the order from the Ministry of Military Affairs
Of course, it would be great if Regis could pull the soldiers of the Second Arht now… But it wasn’t that easy to win over people
If he was careless and appointed an inadequate commander, the troops would be resistant
Anyway, they were running short on officers
Experienced, popular, able to grasp orders accurately, capable of adapting in the ever changing battlefield, and most importantly —— loyalty
There ht be a day in the future where they have to oppose the new eh to follow Altina even if they were branded rebels
Regis checked the ain
“ We will decide on the details of the manpower allocation later The troops are exhausted frohts and expedition, so I propose ill rest for today and to two days later”
“That’s great!”
Altina nodded
Coignieres as already standing saluted
“Thank you everyone for your help! We were saved by the Beilsche, I will never forget what you have done for us Please contact us if you require anything in the future!”
Altina stood up too
And extended her right hand
“Thank you! I will look forward to it!”
“Yes!”
They shook hands
It wasn’t Regis’ intention, but an alliance with the Seventh Army was formed
Lafressange then looked towards Regis’ ith a smile
“If we encounter an eneht under the coist”
“No… I am not the commander, the Princess is the one in command”
When Regis said that, Altina patted his shoulder
“It’s fine! Regis devices all the plans in our unit, everyone knows that!”
“No, that is…”
He was happy to be relied on, but was it fine for the cois started worrying about her
After their conversation ended, they would need to start the preparations to reorganize the ar quietly at the end of the table raised her hand
“Can I say so?”
“What is it?”
Altina asked
“I didn’t come here to just deliver the orders from the Ministry of Military Affairs… Can you read this?”
Fanrine said as she took out another letter
And she was facing Regis
“ Is it for me?”
“Yes, from the Ministry of Military Affairs”
“For me… from the Ministry…?”
He had a bad feeling about this
Orders for Regis Auric
A summon from the Ministry of Military Affairs and the Ministry of Aristocracy
And they want him to report immediately
“T-This is…”
The tone on the letter was really strong
Altina peeked fro ——
She then banged the table
“We are preparing to set off for Fort Volks right no can Regis answer this summon!”
In response to Altina’s outburst, Fanrine lowered her head in apology
“I aht not have received it, but the sunored for almost half a year”
“Even if you say that, how many battlefields did you think ent to!?”
“You are right… ill need to discuss the co his war merits That’s e need to cohting ceremony Are there any problems?”
“Is there a bigger probleist away from the frontlines!?”
“Er what War Ade a Third Grade Adist for the Fourth Army’”
“What do he e!? No is protected the Eht a ith rank epaulettes!?”
“Ughhh… My apologies”
Fanrine backed away
Regis started soothing Altina
“ Don’t be mad, even if you tell her that…”
“But this is…!”
“I have yet to accept my nomination officially, so the Ministry still sees me as a Fifth Grade Admin Officer It’s true that it would be hard to understand why drawing away a Fifth Grade Admin Officer would be an issue”
Ignoring the facts for now, Regis could understand the Ministry perspective
Fanrine nodded eagerly
“Soldiers have the obligation to obey the orders of the Ministry of Military Affairs, and the Ministry of Aristocracy had earlier requested for the presence of Sir Auric… They are questioning why he has yet to respond…”
“Well, like I said, it wasn’t the time to do all that…”
Regis sighed in resignation
He already sube the exceptions
“Sorry, because the Ministry of Aristocracy raised a strong protest… ‘Can’t the Ministry of Military Affairsdown on the aristocratic system?’, ‘Is he a de every week”
“Ahh, I see… becooal of a lifeti and rush to thenored for months would be a slap on the face to them”
“The sunored, this is literally disobeying orders”
“No, that…”
“I heard that the e sent to the borders didn’t arrive So they won’t pursue the earlier summons, but on the other hand, they sent me this ti you back…”
“Sorry for the trouble…”
“No, I aet to meet Sir Auric But your position will becoo… So, can you answer the summon from the Ministry of Military Affairs?”
Regis crossed his arly
According to the intelligence report, there was a good chance there would be a battle in Fort Volks again
Even though they had , and the more troops there are, the harder it would be to deploy them effectively
—— Was it fine for him to leave the unit?
“Would the promotion and conferment of nobility be finished by a short trip to the capital and sub”
“Unfortunately, the docu in the Ministry of Aristocracy would need quite a bit of tih it’s not hereditary, it is still the confers to re”
“About how long?”
“From a week to a month”
“That’s quite long…”
Work of the bureaucracy was the saidness of their formalities were proportional to their inefficiency
“It is the same for the Ministry of Military Affairs, aside froulations What Third Grade and above need to know is different from Fourth Grade and below, it will take time to learn them”
“Such a headache, I should have rejected the promotion and the title…”
“Please don’t joke about this!”
Fanrine opened her eyes wide
A General Affairs Officer was dispatched because the suis was a rebel if he turn them do
In the end, a promotion was an order, not a reward Just like a de you could reject
“Well… it would be possible if I resign from the army…”
“Ara, I heard that my sister wanted to recruit you, you want to be a merchant?”
“No no…”
Altina slaain
“That won’t do!”
“I won’t be a hness”
What he was considering was resigning his ar with the Fourth Army
The forinized Altina as their commander, and Jerome held sway over them
They probably would listen to his proposed plans even if Regis resigns from the army
But what about the new troops? It would be hard to earn their trust
If his subordinates didn’t trust him, the plans would never work
“Anyway, I won’t agree to that!”
Altina announced firmly as she shook her head
Fanrine showed a troubled expression
“But…”
“Regis is in the reat loss if he leaves now! I have read soulations too, the commanders have some say over the nize my protest!”
“Yes… But High Britannia have retreated, and the chance of a battle taking place during this period is low, so we think out summons are appropriate”
Altina clenched her fists
She see this
“What a nonsensical and conceited bunch! What do the Ministry of Military Affairs people who have never been to the frontlines know!? Low chances of a battle!? Did they think the chances were high when High Britannia attacked!? The Ministry didn’t anticipate the attack of the enemy and underestimate the power of the new rifles and steamshi+ps, how many soldiers do they think died because of this!?”
Espionage was under the purview of the Ministry of Military Affairs
If there was h speed stea and ht with a different strategy
After seeing so many dead bodies, it couldn’t be helped if Altina didn’t trust the judgement of the Ministry of Military Affairs
Bardsabout Altina’s beauty, but she was just like a starving loup gris when she was angry
Even veteran soldiers would be wary of her
But Fanrinetone
“For Sir Auric’s future, this is definitely not a bad thing”
“Ugh…”
Altina was dumbstruck
Regis didn’t think much about promotions and conferment of titles
Now that Latreille had a decisive advantage,up for his failure took priority
The goal ofimpossible
What should he do to change the E to find a new path forward
However, Altina probably thought that she didn’t have the right to deny Regis his promotion and title, so she slouched her shoulders and looked depressed
“ That’s right… Regis accomplished so much after all, I am sorry”
Regis scratched his head
“Well, let’s calh”
“Yeah”
Altina nodded weakly
Regis asked Fanrine
“Officer Tiraso Laverde, can you give us some time to discuss this matter?”
“Fufu… To avoid confusing me and my sister Eleanor, just call me Fanrine, Sir Auric”
“Is that so? Then call is too”
“Ara, it’s an honour, I will take you up on it As for the ti, but a few days would be fine”
“Thank you, I will give a reply tomorrow”
Fanrine nodded with a warm smile
“Understood, Sir Regis”
Deep into the night, the desk assigned to Regis was filled with all sorts of documents, it even covered his bed
The light from his lamp flickered
A large quantity of docue, he felt ied to send it in one trip
He had basically finished dividing the soldiers going back to Fort Volks and those supporting the eastern front, and the finer details would be up to the officers on scene
As for his personal problems, he had to consider them from all aspects
In order to do so, Regis keptthe quill in his hand
“Hmm… So… This is the only way…”
Regis lifted the oil lah class equipment prepared by Altina It had the shape of a tea pot, and could bethe brass handle
He used candles in the past, but the oil lahter, which made administrative work much easier
It was easier to walk along the corridors at night too
Altina’s room was nearby, just at the end of the corridor
The two guards on night sentry saluted
Then said softly:
“ Sir Strategist, the Princess has retired for the night”
“Ahh, it’s already that late?”
“That’s right”
“H… I have docuhness to verify…”
The sentries looked at each other
Together with Regis, the three of them looked troubled
Aout
It was the sound of a door unlocking
The door to Altina’s rooradually
Faint light shone through the gaps
Regis couldn’t see anyone, but heard a voice