Chapter 156: Eighteenth Episode: Chapter 2 (2/2)
”How can this be?” Oscar scratched his head, unable to turn his mind around the facts.
Colonel Payne Lubelly was in a dilemma as to whether he should criticize his colleague and in the end could only respond with ”The army group has eliminated a few commoner generals who were good at war. The defending unit stationed here are all run by the aristocrat officers.”
”What about the commoner generals?”
Colonel Payne forced a smile, ”Sir, don't you know that the Southern Region has never reported to the Imperial Army? A few of the commoner officers who took pity on the bandits are indeed providing intelligence to the people in the mountains. The internal army has already executed quite a few.”
”Are there any results?”
Payne shook his head and pointed to the surrounding huge mountains, ”You've seen that going to war in this place is an arduous and unrewarding task. The aristocrat officers can't endure such suffering. They only wish for peace and surrounding the bandits here is enough for them. On the contrary, the commoner officers are eager to leave this place, otherwise, they would suffer from the suspicions and jealousy of their aristocrat colleagues before the war has even started.”
”Hehe! So it's like this!” Oscar suddenly saw the light. ”Is it because... the entire Southern Army Group was too passive in handling this whole matter? Because... after all, the soldiers of the Guards fighting here are all the children of the south and the bandits fighting against them are probably... their neighbors or even brothers.”
Colonel Payne again denied it. ”This we can't say for sure. Who's to know? It's already been seven years and the soldiers are weary!”
”Then let us end all this!” Oscar patted the stallion's forehead, brimming with confidence. Little Oslu immediately sprinted forwards and the knights behind the Marshal also moved into action. The mighty cavalry rank stirred up clouds of smoke and dust in the mountains. The powerful current made up of armors continuously approached the pitch-black mountain ridge.
Thank the God of Light! It was the deep into the night and the soldiers of the Guards rang the copper bell of the Holy Day of God. They had lit a bonfire in the campgrounds and were conversing loudly in their native tongue. They even skewered an entire wild boar on a spear and rolled it over the flame. Soon a tantalizing aroma wafted out. ”And that's another year of the Holy Day of God!” all the soldiers would say. They thanked the God of Light that he didn't send menacing arrows their way. However, speaking of the few large-scale ambushes by the bandits, the soldiers again fell silent. Who knew what the coming year might bring? They have already turned zombie-like over here.
Such a scene greeted Oscar. The winter clothes of the soldiers were extremely ragged. Despite the smiles on their faces, their expressions were mostly vacant. They weren't sick of the war but the difficult environment and relentless war have worn out their determination and destroyed their nerves.
It was so cold in the mountains, the Marshal thought. It was said that even the entire tree barks would freeze here. As the sea level was too high, a few sentry posts and forts absolutely couldn't receive supplies when the heavy snow sealed off the mountain. It was reported that some troops were all sacrificed at a few forts.
However, the even more outrageous matter was yet to come. The Marshal got to know about it during the banquet organized by the local commander. That was year 796. Under a bizarre coincidence, an infantry commander mobilized the entire military strength for an ambush deep in the mountains. As a result, they encountered a cold current and the air temperature during the night plummeted to a degree where even the birds were unable to spread out their wings. The soldiers of the Guards could only put on their steel armors, wield their weapons in hand, and lie in wait in the snow grounds due to the command.
”At last?”
The commander of the battlefield in the Alden mountain area, Lieutenant General Fischer, shook his head in exasperation.
”Sir, the entire group of mountain warriors was only left with two hundred over men when they emerged from the mountains! They wept throughout the way back! They are the most elite soldiers, but their former comrades didn't sacrifice themselves for the country. Rather, they died silently due to the cold current! You didn't see the soldiers who were frozen to death in the snow grounds, all packed together. However, they were setting up an ambush and no one could leave their post, no one could jump up and scream that it was cold and more so, not one of them sought for their commander... Forget it! Let us not bring up that idiot!”
Oscar grasped the hilt of his Marshal sword, ”Who was their commander?”
Lieutenant General Fischer scoffed coldly, ”A young master, also a marquis, who thought highly of himself. His soldiers were frozen to death in the freezing snow grounds while he warmed himself by a fire in an excavated military fortification!”
”Is this guy still alive?” Oscar actually asked.
”He has long since descended into hell!” Fischer spat softly. ”I let all the surviving soldiers take away a piece of his flesh!”
”Ola!” Oscar exclaimed. ”What a great idea!”
The battlefield commander gave the officers who were present a once over, ”You all shouldn't take this as a joke as well! If anyone does an act of folly, I will deal with them in the same way!”
The officers hurriedly hung their heads and adopted a manner as if the dinner plate was very fascinating.
Oscar gasped softly. He could tell that General Fischer was a good soldier who was a man of his word. However, the subordinates under him were full of a group of younger generation nobles who were yes-men and who also tried to act smart. Not many of these young officers who still looked so green were of war material. Their purpose of coming to the battlefield was merely to advance their military rank and to gather experience. To lead a group or a division, they didn't need to put all their efforts but only had to stay in the pillbox and then slip away when it was time. In the Military Ranking Department, they only had to hand over the credit register of having participated in the so and so military campaign and having wiped out a so and so number of bandits. Later, they will wait for their promotion and transfer to the military command center or to a certain metropolis where the population there had women, salons, balls, and grease.
”Could it be that... there isn't a single one of them who can fight a good war?” Oscar inquired softly.
It instantly dawned on Lieutenant General Fischer that the Marshal has guessed this reality. The middle-aged general who appeared ordinary indicated an officer with the lowest rank seated at the end of the rectangular table.
”Sandinand, a young master of the Wollums Family. When the Great Revolt in year 791 just started, his whole family was murdered and he later joined the Guards. He's my leader of the commandos, the most ruthless fighter among my subordinates.”
Oscar made a mental note of the expressionless colonel ranked leader who was busy stuffing himself.
”It seems like... he's here for revenge?”
”That's right!” Lieutenant General Fischer looked at Colonel Sandinand that was of small built and nodded. ”Despite this little rascal only joining the military not more than 3 years, his methods are brilliant beyond measure! He's an expert in war and even the bandits in the mountains fear him!”
Oscar patted the Lieutenant General's shoulder, ”I want this man!”
General Fischer actually poured a full cup of brandy for the Prince delightedly. ”Then I thank you! I have long since intended to invite little sandy, this god of plague, out of the mountains. Do you know why the bandits in the mountains are so brave and fierce in battle?”
Oscar shook his head.
The commander of the battlefield gave a few fold laughs, ”Because they say that even if they fought to their deaths, they will not fall into Sandy's hands.”
”What did Sandy do?” Oscar was a little amazed.
It was evident that General Fischer was a little hesitant and in the end, he only waved his hand. ”Forget about it, this is the banquet of the Holy Day of God, speaking of it would be blasphemous to the gods and all the more kill one's appetite! However, not long into the future, you will find out. Sandy will definitely open your eyes.”
Oscar was slightly looking forward to it. He once again sized up the future head of security of the Andrew Dynasty. Despite as of now little Sandy's head was still that of a Colonel of the Guards, full of perverted thoughts, but his atrocious methods already possess all the qualities of an executioner to slaughter people.
The Marshal's party only ended the banquet of the Holy Day of God during nightfall. The officer of the Southern Corps drank too much wine. If it were normal days, General Fischer prohibited any alcohol from being brought into the defending area of the mountain. These young nobles have almost forgotten the taste of alcohol; His Imperial Highness Prince O'Neil Andrew Morisette and the Holy Day of God really came at just the right time.
That night, Oscar couldn't fall asleep no matter what. He kept pacing inside the large pillbox of the Military Command Center, occasionally chatting up a few of the guards.
The Marshal could empathize with the hardship of the soldiers in the mountains. This piece of land has no produce, only ice, snow and ferocious beasts. Apart from those, the soldiers have to endure the whipping from the noble officers and the bandits who appeared and disappeared unpredictably. It seemed that they have had enough from all those, but they still guarded their posts while grumbling.
Oscar met a veteran who has nineteen years of military service in the castle. The veteran took the cigar that the Marshal handed over to him timidly. He sniffed it attentively and then placed it in his arms, cherishing it exceptionally.
”Everything good at home?”
The veteran chuckled, ”All good! All good!”
”Good in what way?” Oscar also laughed.
”After the revolt, the tax collector hasn't been by the land. The former lord with the title of Baron has also been driven away. So... it's pretty good back home!”
Oscar dropped his smile and the veteran was also like an ice sculpture standing there.
”That's good... that's good!” Oscar still spoke, but without knowing what he himself was saying. This was actually the first time that he was this close to a serving soldier of such low status.
”Sir!” The Veteran started and hesitated, but in the end, he still mustered up his courage, ”Those in the mountain are all pitiful, just like us soldiers. So when our brothers fight them they won't aim to kill.”
Oscar has a clear grasp of it. This was almost as he guessed, ”So... you all just surround them and waste away together with them?”
The veteran shook his head, ”They can't be surrounded as they are bound to find a small crack.”
Oscar didn't say any more. He bid the veteran farewell and went to the top floor of the fort. He dragged down Messier and Janin Sherman who stayed next door to him from the bed.
Paul yawned at the Black Devil, ”I told you that the unlucky ones will always be us four.”
However, soon there were newcomers who joined them. Brigade Commander Luke Citel also crawled up from his bed, having been awoken by his army orderly.
Oscar invited the few of his subordinates to his room. He even had First Lieutenant Kirk bring some leftovers of the banquet of the Holy Day of God from the castle's kitchen. The Black Devil was in charge of warming wine and Paul was responsible to refill the food. Not long after that, they gathered together to eat.
”All in all it's a war zone and the supplies are difficult to attain!” Messier took a bite of bread and emitted a chewing sound that sounded as if he were crushing ice.
Oscar nodded. He has a piece of not so appetizing marinated beef in his mouth. ”Do you see? The people here don't really treat us very graciously!”
Luke Citel nodded, ”It has always been like that. The southern soldiers feel that the bandits can never be wiped out. They are used to the surrounding the bandits like now and occasionally engaging in war since there isn't much loss and too big a risk.”
Oscar was a little impatient, ”ever considered a negotiation? I thought the southern soldiers have deep-seated hatred towards the bandits, but from what I see now, it seems that even the lower class soldiers are taking pity on them.”
The Division Head of the Military Intelligence swallowed the bread with difficulty. ”This can't be helped! Haven't you said so yourself during the day? There may well be the neighbors or even brothers of the soldiers among the bandits. They are all born destitute.”
Janin Sherman joined in but he talked about another matter.
”Countess Aeolia's message should have already been sent out. The few related special agent groups of the southern sub-bureau are speeding up the arrangements.”
Oscar shot a glance at the head of the sub-bureau, ”Why did you suddenly bring this up?”
Janin wrinkled his brows, ”I'm a little worried! It's difficult to deal with Hercules Hagrid! Should we make the plans...”
Oscar gave a wave of his hand, ”Vangol can't escape! The Hagrids must be rooted out! Having this powerful warlord family controlling Vielonna, we don't have to ever think about making any progress.”
”But what do you intend to do?” Janin Sherman finally voiced his thoughts. He knew that His Highness has not taken him as his trusted aide because he was completely clueless about the things that Messier knew.
”You wish to know?” Oscar gave a slight smile, ”Moreover... you won't regret after you do know it?”
Janin Sherman nodded, ”Your Highness, I'm a soldier. Soldiers only know to obey commands, so I actually shouldn't question you further about this matter, but... I hope that you can understand my feelings.”
”Okay Janin, I understand your feelings.” Oscar placed his hand on the sub-bureau leader's shoulder. ”Actually you should have been able to guess. As long as anything happens to General Vangol, the Hagrid Family would fall into chaos at least as long as they can't find a suitable successor.”
”After this, a breach that is trending towards collapse will appear in the Southern Empire's most solid local forces. What we want to do is to pour water into this breach and then destroy the entire dam. After that...”
”Build another new one!” Janin Sherman completely comprehended it.
”Just like this!” Oscar took a sip of brandy that was rippling with flame. ”Eliminating Vangol is just a start, we must direct this raging inferno towards the merchants. Religious leaders such as the Boustead Family shouldn't exist in the world. On the outside, they advertise freedom, equality, whereas, in reality, they are fighting for the political position for those as well off as them. Those poor people in the mountains are merely the gaming chips in their hands. As long as we get rid of the banker who operates the board, then these gaming chips will naturally lose their worth!”
”But... are we to let these gaming chips just scatter onto the table?” Brigadier General Luke Citel was uneasy. ”We should still gather up the gaming chips.”
Oscar gave a helpless laugh, ”I know, I know. Your Special Combat Brigade will get to go into battle! What did we come here for? Isn't it for the purpose of gathering up those gaming chips?”
The Commander of the Special Combat Brigade grinned awkwardly, embarrassed to say anything more.
Messier finally voiced out, his expression taking on his signature grim look.
”My Lord, there's a matter that must be addressed thoroughly! We have already ventured deep into the battlefield. Isn't that... that Faran Princess a bit of an extra?”
”Yes, yes!” Paul suddenly started shouting. ”The Faran Princess and Monia are both crazy. The marksman even taught a lady who is advanced in her pregnancy how to fire a mini hand cannon! She has a manner of wanting to fight to the death with the unexpected guest from Dulin.”
Oscar was slightly troubled. Ashfin Kristen was entrusted to him by His Majesty III and he remembered him saying that this daughter-in-law was one of the two most important women in his life! Which also meant that Ashfin and the child she bears couldn't have anything happen to them at all! If there really were any mishaps, then Oscar was in deep water. His Majesty III probably wouldn't allow him back in Dulin.
But... what should be done now? This was the military restricted area of the Guards; a man's turf! Having a pregnant woman and a lunatic who would even fire at a rabbit she saw wasn't something to rejoice about.
”I... can't think of any good plans! Who has ideas?”
The men looked at each other. Should they cast aside this pregnant woman? All of them didn't have any good ideas.
”Won't it do to just hide her away?” little Kirk suddenly interjected.
Oscar thumped the military orderly on the head. ”As if we haven't thought about hiding her? But the main point is where should we hide her? I can't think of any safe place.”
Janin Sherman seemed to say quite confidently, ”Hasn't the secret report to His Majesty III already been sent out? I believe that His Majesty will personally make arrangement for this matter. After all... he may well have gotten himself another son, we can't say for sure!”
Oscar threw away his dinner plate violently. ”Janin, remember! This is my last warning to you! The child that Her elder Highness Ashfin bear is His Majesty III's grandson or granddaughter, so never make the mistake again!”
The head of the southern sub-bureau hurriedly nodded, aware that he was a little frivolous towards this matter. There was historical material to refer to for the means in which the Imperial Household handled scandals. He felt lingering fear just thinking about it.
Oscar scratched his head irritably. ”Really, everything is going wrong! These days I don't even know what I'm doing!”
”You're too tired and also too dependent on alcohol and tobacco,” Messier said while snatching away the wine glass in His Highness Prince's hand. ”But returning to our topic, didn't we carry it out beautifully in Vielonna? Moreover, the situation at Countess Aeolia's side is also extremely...”
”It isn't over. Don't make conclusions at this juncture!” Oscar cut the Baron off impatiently. He's unsure just what was up with himself. It seemed as if a voice was reminding him that he should do something, but he completely couldn't get a grasp of it.
”Then let it be like this...” the Commander of the Special Combat Brigade suddenly said, ”Tomorrow Marshal, let it be tomorrow! Let us also not make any mobilization before the war or battlefield situation analysis and all that! The soldiers can't wait any longer! Let us enter the mountain and find a few bandits to sharpen our blades!”
A long period elapsed and O'Neil Andrew Morisette finally found that his worries have dissipated. Since he truly became a Marshal, he has stood at the highest peak of power, causing him to drift further and further away from the blood-soaked battlefield.
Young Oscar's eyes bulged like an aggressive bull.
”Yes, let us sharpen our swords!”