Chapter 18 (1/2)

Belta Caste, undergoing repair work post haste.

In the conference room inside the castle, the opinions of the generals and staff officers were completely divided into two between the fast warplan–immediately make Canaan surrender and seek to capture the Royal Capital, and the safe plan–capture the southern area while gunning for Canaan. The men bolstered by their successive victories strongly asserted that they ought to aim for the Royal Capital as soon as possible.

“I would like you all to remember what our great cause is. To liberate the Royal Capital from the hands of the despotic should have been our mission. Then, why do we have to go a roundabout way, I’m having a hard time understanding.”

“That’s right. While we are twiddling our thumbs, the people are suffering. It’s also obvious that the enemy has already caved in. All the more so because the Empire has also declared war. This detour road where we go out of our way to make the Kingdom’s south fall is not necessary.”

Altura had not yet revealed her own opinion. Until she heard every member’s views, she would not give her judgement. Her decision was just that important. The lives of all the Liberation Army’s soldiers were at stake.

When Altura sent her gaze towards Diener, he lightly coughed and began speaking.

“……I, think we ought not be impatient. Time is on our side. The more we wait, the more advantageous it is for us, and the more disadvantage it is for the Kingdom’s Army. Also, the harsh winter will set in soon. Canaan is not so weak that it can fall in a short timeframe.”

There were people who showed bitter expressions hearing Diener’s opinion. They were people belonging to an opposition faction, who didn’t think well of Diener’s rise to prominence. They were long serving members of the Salvador faction, who had accompanied Altura ever since she raised an army. The reinforcements who came from the Empire were also included in this faction.

Or, they were of the Belta faction, surrendered soldiers who midway through had approved of her motives and assembled.

Those closest to Altura were of course mainly the people of the Salvador faction. But, going by just numbers, they were exceeded by the Belta faction, and so their opinions couldn’t be ignored.

Altura sought a delicate guidance. When she leaned any which way, that would birth dissatisfaction. It would accumulate and accumulate, and then explode, just like the current Kingdom.

“Oh my oh my, I would not have expected such words from Sir Diener who excels in ingenuity. In the battle a few days ago, the one who sent 5,000 troops in pursuit to Canaan, wasn’t it you? They were repelled without accomplishing anything. I won’t let you say that you’ve forgotten all the blood you’ve spilled”

Criticized Ghamzeh, a staff officer of the Belta faction, and other members agreed.

“That is what happens soldiers are moved without thinking. Sure, it was you, Sir Diener, who felled Belta. That was due to your skill. But, the ones who accomplished it were the officers and men of the Liberation Army, and especially the militiamen who risked their lives participating. I would be worried if you were to forget that it was by the efforts of everyone with alike ideals.”

“……Then, does Staff Officer Ghamzeh have a plan for felling Canaan?”

“Of course. I have already put arrangements in order for its capture. I have considerable ties with the feudal lords of the Royal Capital region. We have exchanged messages saying that they will absolutely revolt as soon as we Liberation Army invade the Royal Capital region.”

Ghamzeh took out secret messages from his breast pocket. On many letters, the names of feudal lords of the area past the Canaan Area were written down. He had leveraged the connections from when he was affiliated with the Kingdom’s Army and put this plan to action.

What the feudal lords were seeking was guarantee of security. This had been easy work for Ghamzeh. Afterwards, he would monopolize achievements in the Belta faction, and had to make a foothold to seize power after gaining control of the Royal Capital. A puppet regime of the Empire was a very real threat. At this rate, the Empire would take advantage of the civil war and act as they pleased. This was a fear that the people formerly of the Kingdom’s Army had.

The one who brought about this fear, was Tactician Diener. He was a suspicious character close to Prince Alan dispatched from the Empire, and his birthplace was unknown. He was a thorn in the side for the Belta faction, and they were vigilantly waiting, like a beast hunting its prey, waiting for a timing to overthrow him. He hadn’t shown many mistakes before, but the pursuit defeat a few days ago was their long awaited chance they were sure.

“Sir Ghamzeh. I believe I asked about the capturing of Canaan. Capturing the Royal Capital should be a conversation for later.”

“Now don’t be so flustered Sir Diener, as I will explain in detail hereon. Of my subordinates there are many who know of this area’s geography in detail. ……Please take a look at this.”

Ghamzeh started to explain while indicating with his finger on the spread out map.

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“If we are to go for a frontal attack, we will have to control this main, connecting road to the Royal Capital. However, this road is tightly surrounded by steep mountains. A level castle though it may be, there is also Roshanak Stronghold. If they were to take battle formation in this mountainous region, they would be difficult to assault, wouldn’t you all say?”

“True, our opponents can fight while making the best of natural, strategic positions, while on the other hand, we will have to constantly fight on level ground.”

Altura nodded. Diener was silently listening.

“Exactly. If we decide to recklessly attack, we will suffer terrible losses of troops. ……Here, let us change the conversation for a moment please. Beyond this mountainous region of Canaan are three fortresses. The first is our target, Royal Capital Blanca. Southeast of there is Sayeh Fortress. And then soon to be completed is Cyrus Fortress to the southwest.”

He pointed out the places one by one. From Belta, the closest one was Cyrus Fortress in the southeast.

Once they traversed the road, to the west would be Cyrus and to the east would be Sayeh. Then right between them was Royal Capital Blanca which could be seen. This three-pronged defense, assuming they traversed Canaan, would be the Kingdom’s final bastion.

“It will become a troublesome enemy for us for how close it is to completion huh.”

Behrouz observed while rubbing his white facial hair. While in the middle of capturing one, they would undeniably be attacked from behind. To deal with that, as much as they hated to, they would have to divide their forces.

“Still, I conclude that it is not dangerous as of now. As it is near-completion, guards still have not been stationed. The only ones there are citizens gathered as laborers, inspectors, and a small number of guards. ……Then for us, we are in luck, for we have the guidance of the stars.”

While talking about the information gotten from his spies, Ghamzeh proudly tapped the map.

Diener prompted him to continue.

“And this good fortune is?”

“In the Canaan mountains, there exists a pass that only the local people know. Naturally, it is not on maps. Strangers were also not notified of it. Past this shortcut, is the back of this Cyrus Fortress.”

From their planned site of capture, he showed an area further west. It was a steep, mountainous area called Golbahar Ridge. Ghamzeh was saying to cross this ridge, expropriate Cyrus, and drive a lynchpin into the Royal Capital Area.

“However, is this not dangerous? You will not be able to able to avoid annihilation if you find yourselves isolated. That does not seem to me a place easy to send reinforcements.”

Altura showed her concern, and Ghamzeh shook his head saying there was no need for anxiety.

“It is for that reason that I have schemed with the feudal lords around Cyrus. The people who have the spirit will absolutely cooperate with us. I want to borrow 3,000 light infantry as an advance unit and 5,000 for a rear guard. With just that many, we can defend to the end. It will soon be the advent of winter, and if it snows, it will be impossible for a large army to march. During that time, we will pressure Canaan from the front and back.”

“Diener, what do you think?”

“……If this succeeds, Canaan will probably fall without any effort. We will be able to cut off their supply line. As a consequence of Canaan being barren, it will be extremely difficult for domestic production. The supply from the Kingdom is their lifeline. But, the probability is 50-50 I’d say?”

Diener showed misgivings, but Ghamzeh blew it off. He had made preliminary preparations up to here. Though he of his own judgement laid the groundwork with the feudal lords, he had poured in not a negligible amount of funds. He would not pull back after all he had done. He kneeled, lowered his head, and appealed to his own resolution. It wasn’t a lie that he had done it for the Liberation Army’s victory.

“Princess Altura. Dangers necessarily exist in any plan. But, the Liberation Army would not have come this far if they feared danger. I beg of you, please give me the order. Surely, I will surely bring you success!”

After brooding for a while, Altura gave her decision.

“……Understood. Ghamzeh, I leave the command of the operation to you. However, we will concurrently go to capture the southern area. Diener. You go hasten the plans for the Kingdom’s south. Behrouz. You will take the soldiers and go with Diener.”

“Sir-!”

“Understood!”

The Liberation Army had decided on their policy.

As the First Division, 30,000 would deploy to the front of Canaan and set up camp. They would tie-down the opponent’s defense forces. They would refrain from attacking, and just confronting was their goal to the very end.

As the Second Division, 30,000 would cut off Canaan’s supply line, aiming for the Kingdom’s Army to perish on their own. If the enemy were to retreat, they would carry out the suppression of Canaan.

Diener and Behrouz were sent for the capture of the Kingdom’s South. It was decided that Altura would take overall command from Belta Castle.

That night.

Diener released his agents given secret orders into the Kingdom. If his doubts were correct, they were the insurance. Even if he was worrying for nothing, there wouldn’t be a problem. In the rotten Kingdom, there would definitely be people who would make use of the false information they would sow. The Kingdom had already become an ground ripe for secret activities. Soon, an honest tree would wither. All that would remain would be rotten plants. It would be a simple matter to mow them away.

Kingdom Army controlled Canaan Territory. Roshanak Stronghold Campsite.

While surrounding a bonfire, everyone was having a meal, drinking alcohol, healing their fatigue, and amusing themselves with conversation. There were few pleasures for soldiers. In this kind of remote place, there were no other amusements.

Having earned spectacular war gains and having saved allied soldiers, Schera’s Cavalry was received as heroes.

The soldiers of Schera’s unit were very popular, and were being asked, “What kind of person is Schera?”, and, “Are the rumors of her prowess true?”

“So, is it true? About y’all and Sir Schera. Isn’t that Death God thing just a fable? As far as I can see from far away, she ain’t no different from the village girls around here.”

The guard crossed his arms while groaning quizzically. That they had great activity was certain, he thought, but it was to what degree that he was uncertain of. They had broken through Belta’s encirclement, and then beat up the pursuit unit black-and-blue. Just what kind of Hero was that!? He wanted to laugh. This wasn’t some fairytale.

“Major Schera, no, maybe Lieutenant Colonel? The rumors are pretty much on the dot. She is only about 18 though. If you just saw her fight once, you won’t ever again say it’s a lie.”

A man from Schera’s Cavalry said as he poured more alcohol. Ten men around him, overjoyed, crowded around and listened attentively.

“According to guys that survived, you guys also fought fiercely they say. Maybe you get inspired when Sir Schera leads you? As if right? Hahaha!”

“You guys even got rewarded! Ain’t I jealous, cause we’re pretty useless hah.”

“Maybe I’ll try petitioning to change commanders too, since then I can get some achievements and get promoted!”

Everyone joked around while laughing. The man from Schera’s Cavalry, while gazing at the bonfire, plainly said,

“……How do I even describe it. When I’m under that flag, fighting together with the Lt. Col., I don’t feel scared anymore. I really don’t fear dying anymore. Even I think it’s kind of strange.”

“That’s just you being hyped up. Like there’d be anyone not scared of dying.”

“Now that you say that, I guess. I get excited fighting, but I definitely am scared of dying.”

“Death doesn’t exist for Schera’s Cavalry. We… will never die. Even if we lose our flesh, always under the black flag’s crow, we will be eternally be together with the Lt. Col. That’s why Schera’s Cavalry will nOt be defeated. We wiLl never bE deFeaTeD.”

Everyone while speechless stared at the man who had continued the conversation with blank eyes. As if like reciting from scripture, the man was convinced of the righteousness of his faith. In his eyes shone a fanatical light.

“H, hey.”

“You okay?”

The man snapped back to reality, and looked around his surroundings. He lightly laughed, and gulped down his drink.

“……Whaat? Just speaking figuratively. We fight with that kind of enthusiasm. The Lt. Col. always fights at the vanguard for us. Following her is the least we can do.”

“Oh, okay. How reliable.”

“Well, let’s drink. If you don’t drink when you can, you’re going to regret it.”

“Y, yeah! C’mon, drink, drink!”