Chapter 127: Fourteenth Episode: Chapter 9 (2/2)
”You may begin!”
”Yes, Marshal!” Colonel Leigh turned his body slightly sideways and the officers at the scene were able to see the tactical map with countless red arrows drawn on it. ”May everyone please look. If the Deiss used the Scorpion Ant Array, then they will probably use the Infantry Corps as the lead, two SS rank Independent Cavalry Brigade as both pincers, another two Infantry Corps as its waist and the most aggressive Teutonic Knights as its tail. Thus, no matter how sharp our assault is, and regardless of whether our military strength has any advantage, the unit that first comes into contact with the enemy will sustain disastrous losses.”
Alan nodded and then shook his head.
”Colonel Leigh, this is a great decisive battle. Do you believe I can enter Alborto Fortress without harming a single soldier?”
”Marshal, that isn't what I mean. I mean to say that this is a great decisive battle, which is hurried and without a definite attack goal.”
”Enough... Colonel.” Alan rapped on the table before him with his finger. ”You must remember! We aren't ants but the wolf pack! The huge grizzly! The avengers! The Scorpion Ant Array is a typical battle array to subdue many with few. The Deiss have to rely on formation, coordination, and flexibility to maintain this battle array. This way, they have inadvertently disregarded the combat advantage of the individual soldiers! Have no doubt!” Having said that, the Marshal pointed to a General whose mustache was standing up.
”As far as I know, in the struggles against the Diess, the Northern army group has never been let off easily by them. This means that we still have a gap in terms of the level of our fighting force and the enemy's. Our winter offensive could receive such tremendous success is because of the battlefield's reasonable layout and the superiority of our strategy and tactics. And without doubt, each of our comrades from the guards and Northern warriors' fearless struggles was the fundamental reason for the string of victories. However, if everyone looks around carefully, you will realize that the once familiar faces are no longer with us. When you return to your camp, you will discover that many brave soldiers have sacrificed themselves! Therefore, I do not wish to see arrogant restraint and more so do not wish to see cowardice and fear for the enemies!”
The officers calmed down, their eyes wandered around the scene. There was no mistake; many familiar faces were no longer with them! The Northern Army Group sacrificed a Commander of a Corps, four Division Commanders, eleven Group Commanders and another eighty officers of a Company or above that level when they intercepted the enemy at the front lines. All the Northern Generals on the scene recalled that the Deiss Kingdom army was the formidable armed group that suppressed Titan's Northern military force for more than a century.
”Lastly, there are still four hours left before the scheduled offensive. Everyone return and prepare!”
Since the Marshal already issued his notice to leave, the officers of Titan's Northern Army Group left the site dejectedly. It should be said that this was definitely not the atmosphere in handling a main force decisive battle.
”Marshal!” Only Alan and the Confidential Secretary were left on the scene and Colonel Payne Lubelly couldn't stand it anymore!
”What Colonel Leigh said is absolutely right and I think that some in the ranks have seen through it as well! This is a sudden decisive battle. At least... You should have informed them before that we only have four hours for preparations.”
”Hehe, the Deiss don't even have the privilege of an hour. They can only follow my wish and meet us head-on.” Alan grinned; unsure what Payne was worried about.
”Besides, is there anything we need to prepare for? I trust that the soldiers and officers all know what they are doing and what they should do!”
”Marshal, this isn't the problem. I'm saying that... If you wanted to reorganize the Northern Army Group, there is no need to use such cruel methods! Moreover... Isn't your intent too obvious?
Alan was suddenly rendered speechless. A brief period elapsed before he sneered. ”The Commander of the Second Corps was still completely unaware after an entire five-thousand Cavalry Brigade came up from the rear. Why did he have to get rid of the Ninth Corps? It is simply to get more credit. This kind of men, we can do without! However, a majority of Northern Army group consists of men such as this. When they command an army, they are confined to their narrow minds. Those appointed are all hypocrites.”
Payne let out a sigh; it seemed that no one could change the fate of the Northern Army Group.
”Marshal, I must remind you, Her Imperial Majesty Empress didn't just invest a day or two for the North. Let us not go into how Her Majesty will regard this matter, let's just say after the decisive battle, I believe that those joining the North as supplementary officers will be those handpicked by Empress Rolyn Kate.”
The Silver Fox gave a cold laugh. ”Do not forget! We still have the spring, summer and fall offensive. Just let them come! The day will come when all these blockheads have been exhausted and Rolyn Kate will no longer be able to find men who dare work for a living in the Northern Army Group! When that moment comes... Those gathered at the Northern Front against the Deiss will be excellent soldiers who are fearless and have a strategy.”
”But... The soldiers are innocent. If this takes place, then their injuries and deaths...”
”Enough!” Alan turned his head away, reluctant to offer further explanations regarding the matter. The Silver Fox didn't care about sacrifice, so much so that he never paid attention to the casualty report. He was only interested in results and whether this outcome was the one he was gunning for.
”So in other words... I have guessed wrong!” Payne Lubelly locked eyes with his commander stubbornly. ”You exhausted lots of energy in constructing a strategic situation where the Deiss is surrounded from three sides. You used an elite Mountain Corps to clean up the inner battlefield. Each and every one of these is merely to put up a façade of a long-term war of resistance. Your target isn't Deiss, but internal! Using the Deiss to toughen the Northern army, using the lives of soldiers and officers to mold the Empire's Northern defensive lines! Let me guess, why didn't you mobilize the troops of the Big Three1 in this immense offensive; why didn't you launch the attack from the two provinces originally belonging to Deiss? Apparently... Your next move will be to bring your ax down on the Big Three! I know you have always taken to heart Her Majesty Empress' interference with the Northern military matters and you have at long last found this opportunity...”
”Shut up! Shut up!” Silver Fox Alan finally leaped up from his seat. He caught hold of Colonel Payne Lubelly's collar violently.
”Payne! Since you have seen through it so clearly, you shouldn't proclaim it to the heavens. Don't you hate Major General Silvio Barrick the most? Report to him for duty! From now onwards, you are his army orderly!” Alan seemed to have really lost his temper. He said those while tearing off the army badge on the Major General's shoulder and flinging it onto the ground.
Payne eyed the army badge on the ground then focused his gaze onto the Commander he has followed for many years and couldn't forbear a self-deprecatory laugh, ”Marshal, you are more eligible for the address of butcher than Major General Silvio Barrick! At least General Silvio regarded each and every one of his soldiers as lives! I am deeply honored to accept your new appointment! Before I report myself to the Second Corps of the Eighth Region, allow me to fulfill the last of my duty to you!”
Looking blankly inscrutable, Colonel Payne spread out a file, ”The encrypted war report just sent back by the Second Corps of the Eighth Region. They have successfully rescued His Highness Prince O'Neil Andrew Morisette in ambush battle yesterday. Our hero has finally returned!”
Having said that, the ”former Confidential Secretary” strode out of the compound without a backward glance, leaving Marshal Alan alone in the deserted site! The morning rays filtered through the blood-red curtain, cloaking the Silver Fox in a blinding scarlet. Alan laughed bitterly. This lonely scene was extremely suited for the veteran's frame of mind. Alan was convinced that there was no one in the Empire who understood his choice.
***************
”This... Isn't the outcome that I was hoping for.” Dortmund dusted off the document with his hand.
”Marshal, as what you saw, both the manhunts of my organization are in place, but again the targets have escaped!” Colonel Peter tried to encourage the slightly discouraged Commander-in-chief in exasperation. ”There is nothing that can be done about this! This is Dulin, a place where Chief Berkley has operated in for half a century. Wanting to apprehend him in this metropolis of close to ten thousand, isn't easy. Moreover, the Military Investigation Bureau has halted their work. Those secret agents are all under investigation, so...”
”I know!” Duke Andrew cut off his secretary grumpily. However, he still nodded, ”Honestly speaking... Berkely's fate is already sealed. I am only worried because from the looks of things, it indicates that... Our operations in Dulin are still being controlled by him!”
A knight suddenly sauntered into the living room close to the patio, ”Reporting! My lord, the Empire's Cabinet Chancellor, Duke Kachev Drakas Ferdinand has paid a visit.”
”What great timing!” Dortmund exclaimed while striding towards the patio. Colonel Peter followed behind the Commander-in-chief muttering quietly that he has always suspected that the family's traitor was hiding in the Cabinet Chancellor's manor. Dortmund gave a slight nod, but he wouldn't look to verify that matter.
The top-ranking officers of Titan Empire finally came face to face. Frankly, they have only heard about each other before. Before they met, both Duke Andrew and Duke Kachev only sized up the other roughly. Both probably knew the position they occupied in the other's heart.
After an exchange of meaningless greetings, Dortmund led the old chancellor into the dining hall. It was right about the hour for lunch and the family head of Andrew used fine refreshments to receive the old man who was brimming with evil tricks.
”Having been unable to attend your birthday wine reception, I offer my deepest apologies!” Dortmund adopted a look of utter remorse.
”You're too polite, I know that you were needed His Majesty Emperor and Her Majesty Empress. Being unable to leave is only natural. You need not blame yourself.”
”Oh, hold on!” Dortmund suddenly stopped an attendant serving them tea. He uncovered the teapot and peered into it, ”What is this? Replace it with another pot. The water should be seventy percent hot and the tea served should be Engel's Black Tea. Boil it twice separately! Don't add any sugar, just ground cinnamon will do.”
Old Kachev's smile became stiff, but soon returned to normal, ”You truly know my habits inside out.”
Dortmund rose slightly from his seat, ”Likewise!”
The Old Fox cleared his nose, appearing to have some symptoms of a cold. However, what worried him most was the hidden threat beneath Dortmund's words.
”I heard that... You have the Ministry of Justice and the Secret Service form an alliance for a manhunt.”
”Indeed!” Duke Andrew nodded, ”To be more exact the investigators of the Military Intelligence Bureau are also searching. To be even more precise... It is a member of Andrew, but a traitor to the family. I trust that you have long since heard about the method in which my family deals with traitors?”
”Yes! Very terrifying; I wouldn't want to experience that!” Old Kachev took the teacup handed over by the attendant and flashed a furtive glance at Duke Andrew. Dortmund laughed lightly and took a sip of his tea. The Old Chancellor averted his head resentfully. ”Is there anything that requires my assistance?”
”Assistance?” Dortmund snorted coldly in his heart. ”Thank you for your good intentions, but it's best for you to just take care of yourself! I understand that you have far more significant matters in your hands than I.”
Old Kachev was troubled. He has always been passive. Perhaps it was because no one has treated him this rudely before, rendering him momentarily at a loss to react.
”Dortmund, Oh my apologies! May I address you like this?”
”Of course, you are older.”
”Very well then Dortmund. I understand that we may have some misunderstandings. Just like those external rumors, my grandson and your daughter...”
”No!” Duke Andrew suddenly broke Old Kachev off, ”That is a matter of the youngsters. This is Dulin, there is frequent interaction between the young people. This is normal and isn't sufficient enough to affect the relationship between the Andrews and Ferdinand Family. I believe that we are both not the kind who make an issue out of insignificant news.”
Old Kachev nodded. Aware that this was a great step, he only had to continue on.
”Okay Dortmund, since this is a misunderstanding, then I believe that we can view the matter from another standpoint. For example... This!” Old Kachev extended his hand across the dining table and when he had pulled back his hand, a note appeared on the table.
”Indeed deserving of being called the Ancient Monster who has walked through all walks of life for half a century!” Dortmund groaned loudly in his heart. On the note was an address and he already knew what was there without having to guess! In dealing with a man who flipped sides quicker than flipping through a book, if Berkley Andrew Nedgabel still had a chance, he should properly teach his associate a lesson.
”You know my uncle Berkley? Oh! Saying it this way isn't appropriate anymore. Berkley's family name has been removed. I should say, you know the traitor of the Andrew Family?”
”How do I put this? We are old acquaintances and even classmates!” Kachev broke into a faint smile, apparently not taking to heart Duke Andrew's taunting. ”Just when your united Secret Service issued the order for the manhunt, I was thinking how my old classmate could have fallen into such a plight today! Really! No family is capable of putting up with a traitor who sells out the family's interest. It seems that he has wronged and no one can save him!”
”This shameless chap is really unparalleled!” Dortmund had a burning urge to give that hideous face a beating, but as the family head of Andrew, he must restrain himself.
”Let us not talk about this, despite me not thanking you yet!” Duke Andrew waved the note in his hand and handed it over to his Confidential Secretary by his side. With only a glimpse, Colonel Peter turned around and left the room, having to go make arrangements.
”So... My lord, it seems that you have already found out about that classified report sent back to the Imperial Secretariat?”
”Indeed!” Old Kachev nodded, ”Although His Majesty Emperor injuncted the court and Secretariat to temporarily keep it confidential, I still must congratulate you. Your little son, our young hero, has returned home safely!”
”Heh heh heh! Thank you!” Dortmund finally burst into hearty laughter. He has a good son! This young lad was the worthiest successor he has his sights on. To stand up and fight his way out from the surround of Deiss' ten thousand men army was easier said than done. However, outsiders couldn't possibly imagine the difficulties and obstacles it involved! He trusted this experience has helped his young son completely mature! The Duke was fervently looking forward to the moment his trusted aides reunited.
However... His top priority now was to make all these loiterers who have gathered in Dulin to leave, for instance, the Cabinet Chancellor before him. Why did he have to pay him a humble visit? Why did he have to sell out Berkley Andrew Nedgabel without any sense of shame? It was because this old rascal's wishful schemes have all been completely foiled! It was because Oscar has evaded danger and had an elite Mountain Corps protecting him.
In fact, regardless of how the battle in Dulin turned out, as long as Oscar returned safely, then all the problems can be smoothed out! To the Andrews, the bond with the Imperial Household has not faded away but instead strengthened all the more. For Kachev Drakas Ferdinand, all his beautiful aspirations have turned into a mirage-like illusion. He was about to suffer from Andrew's hostility and retaliation from O'Neil Andrew Morisette. Needless to say, Dortmund never imagined being able to topple the Cabinet Chancellor in Dulin. In facing annihilation, Old Kachev's resoluteness indicated that he was different from the usual conspirators. He knew when it was time to advance and when it was to retreat! Knowing these were the trick to surviving and also the fundamental factor that Dulin still existed.
”Oh, that's right!” Old Kachev slapped his forehead, apparently suddenly recalling something. ”How do you plan to deal with your eldest son? I heard that he was injured during the resistance! Oscar is a kindhearted young lad. If he knew that his father gained a son but lost another, he would be very much heart-broken!”
Dortmund's face turned a sickly white. He suspected that the Old geezer's purpose of bringing up this matter was to pick a fight with him. However, Duke Andrew still kept himself in check, his knuckles were already faintly red due to his strenuous grip.
”This... Is a matter of the Andrew Family. Your concern is a little excessive.”
”Ohh... That's good! That's good! It seems that I was really worried about nothing!” Kachev blurted out while standing up. Seeing the look on Duke Andrew's face, the old man knew that he has successfully gained an upper hand. Dortmund thought that it was over? Hehe, things have only progressed hallway. The Head of House Andrew's nightmare was about to begin!
”I should take my leave!”
”Yes indeed! Get lost from my sight!” Dortmund thought in his heart, but a smile was plastered his face, ”Really, the state of your health isn't too great and I still have to burden you to visit personally!”
Kachev waved his hand dismissively, ”This old bone doesn't break easy!”
”Really?” Duke Andrew extended his hands to embrace the Empire's Cabinet Chancellor who was about to leave, ”I must remind you to take care!”
”Hehe!” Kachev gave a strange laugh. ”Dortmund, you also must take care! This is Dulin; you will sometimes also feel unacclimated.”
Duke Andrew seemed to have been pierced by the old man's gaze. He felt a spell of panic. When Kachev's silhouette had vanished on the patio, Dortmund finally let out a long sigh. Perhaps... He underestimated the people of Dulin and also the Ferdinand Family.
Dense clouds formed from condensed ice crystals hung over the skies of Dulin. It was about to snow! Hawk-eagles were circling high in the sky of this metropolis. The robust male eagles soared away from the towering Imperial Palace and away from the murky, narrow clock tower of the church. Now it perched restlessly on enormous eaves, vigilantly scrutinizing the patrols and warriors who have the Narcissus totem sewn on their uniforms, scattered throughout the street.
Deiss' winter arrived far earlier than that of Titan! Only during noon could one feel the warmth of the sun rays, but the Sun has been a gloomy ash grey since half a month ago. An enormous condor took off from its home at the summit. It foraged alone on the remote plains. An army camp emerged before it and the crowd was convening and moving about! The condor landed on a tall flagpole. Titan Empire's Golden Lion Flag billowed under the bird of prey as the Northeastern wind whistled past.
It was as if... This whole scene was foretelling the coming of a decisive battle.
Translator Note:
1. Big Three: Includes the Karl Arnold, Sukhoi & Jebron House