Chapter 386: Preparing for War against the Eastern Coalition (2/2)
”They haven't been in training long; it will still be a few months before the first batch of recruits is ready for combat. Why, what do you have in mind for them?”
Berengar's lips curved into a wicked smile as he revealed his intent for the Bohemain Forces beneath his command.
”It is simple; if the Coalition does not halt their advance, then we will smash their Army with our forces. If they relent, then we will use the combined force of the Second Division and the Royal Bohemian Army to reclaim the German-speaking regions currently occupied by the Eastern Coalition. I will not rest until we have retaken Konigsburg!”
Eckhard immediately understood Berengar's intent. He would use the fresh Bohemian recruits as the cannon fodder, while the more veteran and elite Austrians would act as shock troops in this conflict. Upon seeing the level of understanding in Eckhard's eyes, Berengar immediately asked the question on his mind.
”Tell me, Eckhard, have the new field uniforms been properly distributed? Black and gold may make excellent dress uniforms but are less than ideal for combat. It is too.... flashy.”
Eckhard nodded his head silently; the field uniforms had been prepared and distributed to every soldier within the ranks of the Royal Austrian Army. Berengar smiled in response to Eckhard's answer; after doing so, he began to issue a new order.
”Very well, when the Second Division has been properly equipped with our newest weapons, I will march them to Marienburg, where I will accept the Teutonic State's request of annexation. Until that time, make sure the men are fully prepared. If you will excuse me, I must have a meeting with the Director of Royal Intelligence about this. I want our agents to be in the field well ahead of our advance.”
After saying this, Eckhard saluted his King before departing from the room. Afterward, Berengar had Linde brought to him, who was exceptionally happy to see him. She immediately tried to kiss him. However, Berengar pushed her away with a stern glare in his eyes.
The young beauty immediately began to pout as her husband shoved away her attempt to show her affection. However, Berengar continued to glare at her as he calmly explained his reasoning for doing so.
”Linde, I called you here to discuss important matters of State, not to fool around. The fact that we are standing in my office is proof of this. So let's get down to business. I need you to deploy some of your field agents to the Teutonic State and the Eastern Coalition.”
Having heard the severe matter at hand Linde immediately stepped out of her role as a loving wife and into that of the Director of Intelligence; in an instant, the affectionate expression she was giving her husband shifted to that of a quiet professional. She could easily separate business and pleasure, and Berengar admired that most about her. As such, her tone shifted to severity as she immediately asked for clarification on the details.
”Are we going to war again?”
Berengar nodded silently with a stoic expression. The moment he did so, Linde knew that things were about to get serious. As such, she quickly asked for further instructions.
”What do you need my agents to do exactly?”
Having heard this, Berengar leaned in close and began to whisper his plot into his wife's tender ears.
”For now, I want your agents to gather intelligence, assassinate priority targets, and sabotage the Eastern Coalition's efforts to conquer what remains of the Teutonic State. To put it simply, I need you to buy me time in whatever way you deem appropriate. It will be a few months before I can deploy the Second Division to the east, and in that time, I do not want the Teutonic State to fall.
After my forces have arrived and annexed the Teutonic State, I fear that the Coalition may be a bit hesitant to step on our tail. As such, I will need your Agents to provoke a conflict with them in a way that makes them appear to be the aggressors. Once we are in open war with the Coalition, I will do the rest.”
After hearing her orders, Linde nodded her head and saluted Berengar as if she were one of his soldiers. She then boldly declared her acceptance of the tasks bequeathed to her.
”It will be done, your majesty!”
After saying this, Linde wasted no time; she immediately departed from Berengar's office and entered the Headquarters of Austrian Royal Intelligence, where she relayed her orders. Berengar now had two wars he would be fighting in the near future. As such, he smiled while pouring himself a glass of wine within his Skull Chalice. After taking a slight sip from the drink, he exhaled deeply before commenting to himself on the situation.
”It looks like the Needle Rifle will see yet another conflict! Good, I wouldn't want it to be replaced without serving its purpose!”
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