Chapter 160: Eighteenth Episode: Chapter 6 (1/2)
Chapter 160: Eighteenth Episode: Chapter 6
Translator: EndlessFantasy TranslationEditor: EndlessFantasy Translation
There was such a day when the Military Intelligence Special Combat Brigade's officers and non-commissioned officers of various ranks convened to discuss a few more prominent young generals of the Guards. Some said that the Northern Army Group's Chief of Staff, General Krasius was a man of integrity, while some said that General Figg of Narcissus County was also a pretty fine man. Lastly, some said that they themselves could also contend against them, which caused the soldiers to burst into laughter until their commander barged into the tent.
Oscar assembled all the officers in the Special Combat Brigade to the empty space close to the campgrounds. He wanted to conduct a simulation exercise. The process of the exercise was simple, which was to let the officers return to their unit and lead a trapped soldier from the empty space and rush all the way up to the highland opposite the army camp.
However, Oscar didn't just idle around. He and another group of soldiers blocked the mountainside. Two units had just run to each other and the Marshal of the Guards immediately asked them to halt.
”Blasky, you've been done in by my killers!”
Big worm scratched his head and then retreated to the side. The soldiers under the Leader of the Commandos exchanged looks of dismay; how would they continue on this war now that their leader was sacrificed?
Oscar grabbed the team leader by the collar. ”What are zoning out for? Lead the rest of the men to continue the charge!”
The team leader promptly saluted the Marshal but Oscar kicked him away, totally fed up. ”Don't salute on the battlefield. The rain of arrows has already done you in. Get your ass over to your leader.”
Thus, these meaningless ”sacrifices” continued from noon all the way to nightfall until even Oscar's face has darkened, only did they totally stop.
”I'm very disappointed!” the Marshal faced his soldiers and officers. ”You're all like new recruits! If no one is there to instruct you then you have totally no idea what to do?”
The officers dared not utter a word. They gazed at their Marshal suspiciously, none of them knowing just what kind of madness has struck him.
Oscar made all the officers of the Commando group to arrange themselves into a column and pointed at the perplexed Blasky. ”Obeying orders is the most precious moral of the Titan soldiers. However, this quality can sometimes cost your life. Once your field leader falls, you all start to flounder like headless flies. This is the first sign of falling apart.”
Finally, someone grasped what the Marshal meant. A Colonel ranked officer stood out, ”reporting sir, if my leader has fallen, I can take command and continue to organize the battle.”
”If you have also met your end?”
Another Captain chimed, ”there's still me!”
”Sorry, you died even earlier than your leader!”
A head of a company offered, ”I can go in accordance to the battlefield situation and moderate the entire team.”
Oscar shook his head. ”It's already too late. You're all deep in the enemy ranks and your rank is only left with one officer, which is you!”
The ”only” platoon head of the Special Combat Commandos shot a glance at the soldiers around him. The Field Marshal and soldiers all had their eyes on him, in fact, the entire Special Combat Brigade was watching him. The platoon head cleared his throat and used his most steady voice to answer the Marshal.
”I will lead the men to fight to the death until the very end, just like my company head, battalion head, and leader, offering their loyalty to the Empire to the very end!”
This reply won cheers from the entire field and only the Marshal of the guards lifted the whip, his face sullen.
The whip landed quite heavily and the platoon head covered his face and prostrated on the ground. His shoulders were shuddering but he was putting in all his effort to suppress whimpering.
Oscar faced the crowd that was in absolute silence. ”You see? At the last of the last, under the circumstance when all the officers have sacrificed themselves, the brave soldiers are all sent to hell like this because of a stupid platoon head!”
The Marshal helped the Second Lieutenant, who was prostrated on the ground up. ”This lash is to wake you up! When you realized that you are the sole officer of the entire rank, you shouldn't lead the soldiers to go with their all at the enemy but give your everything to let your soldiers live on! Understand?”
”Yes sir!” the Second Lieutenant saluted firmly.
”What is your name?” Oscar's face finally softened.
”Reporting sir! I'm the Commando's Second platoon head under the first company of the third battalion, Second Lieutenant Massimi.”
”Very well Massimi,” Oscar said while rubbing off the bloodstain on the Second Lieutenant's face with his sleeve, ”starting from you, learn from your company head on how he operates the field! Next… is your company head. Take note of how your battalion head leads the army. Lastly is the battalion head, observe what your leader Blasky usually does.”
”Disperse!” Oscar lastly gave a military salute to his officers and then left on his own accord, leaving a group of soldiers who felt rather upset inside. However, that night, the soldiers started talking. It was O'Neil Andrew Morisette who was the most capable young general of that present age and the Emperor definitely has his reasons for promoting that little rascal to Marshal.
Oscar has been uneasy ever since he came down from Honwarren Castle. According to the Marshal's calculations beforehand, the fight in eliminating the bandits shouldn't be as smooth as it was now. The military report from the Southern Army Group claimed that several of the bandit's bodies on the battlefield have disappeared, which has never happened before!
This was very peculiar because the bandits wouldn't easily give up the base of operations within the Empire's borders and have completely no reason to do so. The commander of the Southern Army Group, General Eugene Mir Bradley even went so much as to directly point it out in his message to the prince that… the bandits were gunning for a big one! However, Oscar was still somewhat skeptical about it.
According to the intelligence gathered by the Southern Army Group, the entire group of bandits will most likely pull back to the outside of the national border in order to preserve their strength and lie low. The Military Intelligence Special Combat First Brigade made a name for themselves in the single Cyottshag battle. This special unit that condensed into an iron fist served as a wake-up call for the bandits. They annihilated over four thousand bandits who were abundant in battle experience at Coyttshag. This proved that be it a guerilla warfare or a full-frontal decisive battle, the bandits weren't opponents of the Military Intelligence Special Combat First Brigade who were well equipped and superior in strength.
”There's still one more point!” Messier handed over a file to the Prince. ”The Empire's pressure on Faran Kingdom finally received a response. The Faran King has sent all the main members of the Boustead Family to Engels. The king of Engels claims that they are supervising the most wanted Titan criminals.”
”What does that mean?” Oscar was a little dubious.
”It means that the Boustead Family is under house arrest!” the Division Head of the Military Intelligence spread opened the file excitedly. ”This implies that the Boustead Family can no longer control the free merchants and the bandit armies as before. The bandit armies gave up on resisting mostly because their financial aid from the Bousteads has been severed!”
Oscar nodded his head cautiously. ”I can't be certain of this and moreover Faran and Engels harbor bad intentions towards us! The bandits could absolutely receive financial aid from both these countries. They have already dealt with the Guards for seven years and wouldn't give up so easily!”
Messier didn't offer anything else. Although he was also a little worried, he wasn't as pessimistic as the Prince.
The Marshal of the Guards whirled around to face the Special Combat Brigade Commander who has yet to say a word, ”was I a little excessive during the day?”
Brigadier General Luke Citel nodded, ”that lash was indeed a little heavy and Massimi was almost disfigured.”
Oscar turned his head away in remorse. ”Ask Percy to have a look and apply good medicine. If he doesn't have it, have him go buy it at the small town nearby.”
Citel acknowledged him and left the meeting.
Oscar went through a week in a paranoid state. The Special Combat Brigade and the First Artilleryman Division of the Guards accompanying them have entered the mountain area of Boudesdorf's border where the Eighth Region's Second Corps were defending. The Boudesdorf area was full of typical hills, mountains, and valleys. Looking down from Boudes Mountain, the ravines and valleys continued to extend to the foot of The Alps. The shadow of the huge mountain and the folded hills produced quite a few forlorn wild areas. However, Boudesdorf's terrain was lower. The Special Combat Brigade that was on a march didn't encounter much trouble like that in Coyttshag.
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The mountains have entered summer. The warm southeastern wind brought with it greenery and drifting pollen. The thicket occupied a niche between the highland and hills. The tall grass that covered the mountains would rise and fall like the waves in the early morning breeze.
A few long-established villages were situated at the very end of the mountain's uninhabited region. These small villages produce an abundance of Hennessy Cognac. This was a type of brandy and only those that were more than fifty years were granted this title of Hennessy, which was used to commemorate Sir Hennessy who created this liquor.
In actual, the history of Hennessy was not as beautiful as depicted in legends. During the sixth century of Church's calendar, it wouldn't have crossed anyone's mind to produce a brandy stored for fifty years in the cellar. Sir Hennessy could only be considered as the person who discovered this top quality brandy and not the inventor. During the time of unrest where the chaos of war and famine raged, many villages that were manufacturing grounds for a few famous brandy brands fell into decline. When peace and prosperity once again came over the land, Sir Hennessy found a few breweries that have been hidden away for countless years in his cellar. Thus, Hennessy Cognac which reputation extends throughout the whole Westland was born.
The Marshal of the Guards, His Imperial Highness Prince O'Neil Andrew Morisette absolutely loved this bland tasting liquor that had a powerful twang. Usually, when he drank Hennessy Cognac, he would also mix in a little egg yolk wine and olive wine. Thus, the taste would be even more wonderful and the strength of the strong liquor would be dulled.
In the largest town of Boudesdorf, Oscar visited the Military Command Center of the Eighth Region's Second Corps. That was an ancient castle called Bowie. It was reportedly a building that existed after the collapse of the Roman Empire and the city was plunged into chaotic warfare. The mirror wall that was covered by all sorts of relics intrigued the commander of the Guards. The mirror wall extended from the main entrance of the ancient castle all the way to the whole corridor inside a room. Major General Silvio Barrick boasted with pride that on it were all the various forms of swords produced throughout the history of mankind.
”Will you like to choose one as a souvenir?” the commander of the Eighth Region's Second Corps suggested to the prince.
Oscar shook his head.
Silvio was astonished, ”The Marshals who visit here would all select one.”
Oscar again shook his head, ”I'm not here to pick out cheap things.”
Silvio Barrick was naturally overjoyed; he just knew that the prince was a good Marshal.
”Why do I say that?”
Silvio laughed, ”Because you don't like taking advantage.” It was evident that the Commander of the Second Corps cared a lot about his antique swords but he cared even more about the wine hidden in his ancient cellar. Since the Marshal wasn't a person who was fond of taking advantage, Silvio expressed that he was willing to share the oldest brandy with the Prince.
Oscar also broke into laughter, saying that he has been looking forward to that bottle of unique, excellent and pure aged wine.
After that, Oscar requested the Commander of the Second Corps to lead him to the war room. He indeed didn't come here for an inspection or to have fun.
The war room of the Eighth Region's Second Corps was situated at the top floor of the ancient castle. This was originally an observation deck where the previous city overlord lived, worked and rest. However, when the Guards broke through the wall and boarded up all the balcony and wooden windows of the observation deck with bricks, it caused Bowie Castle to appear even more like a fort.
The decorations in the war room were fairly simple. There wasn't any unnecessary furniture or a wide array of ornaments. After trudging up the narrow staircase, one would naturally first lay eyes on the immense tactical map. Marked out on the map were the sentry posts of the Eighth Region's Second Corps and a few prominent military forts.
”Your destination is here!” Silvio pointed out a location for the Marshal of the Guards. ”An uninhabited region that the Second Corps is used to calling Center Highland. This is the most important traffic hub of the Boudedorf area. No matter which border sentry you have to pass through, you would in the end still have to choose further routes from Center Highland.”
Oscar compared it with the tactical map he brought from Dulin. He realized that the map of the local garrison was distinctively more detailed. Therefore, he instructed his Confidential Secretary to make a copy and General Silvio agreed cheerfully.
”What's up over there?”
Silvio shook his head. ”It's very normal. Before you arrived I personally made a trip there.”
”Then why did you shake your head?”
Silvio spread out his hands. ”You may not believe it even if I say it. Although my field spies didn't discover anything there, the air there is filled with a strong smell, the smell of the bandits!”
The Marshal of the Guards eyed the Commander of the Second Corps' nose. He couldn't find anything abnormal and hence proceeded to the next question.
”What about the border area of Shawmond? Isn't it said that the bandits are the most difficult to deal with there?”
Silvio shrugged, ”Shawmond is the defending area of the First Corps.”
Oscar was aware that this commander didn't wish to comment on his ally's area and so didn't question any further.
”There is news saying that… Shawmond is a little too peaceful without any hint of the previous tense atmosphere.”
”Oh?” Oscar wrinkled his brows. He really didn't want to go on a wild goose chase.
Silvio led the Marshal into his bedroom. This was actually a cabin beside the war room. This was once a small storage room but Silvio converted it into a bedroom. As soon as Oscar entered the room, the Major General of the Guards pressed him onto a chair. He then took the coffee that Silvio passed to him. He knew that the Commander of the Second Corps was about to say something that wasn't very pleasant to hear.
”You really intend to venture into the border area?”
Oscar couldn't help but chortle. ”Then do you think I brought so many people to gather for dinner with you?”
Silvio also broke into a laugh. ”Since it's like this sir, I have to remind you that the Second Corps of the Eighth Region have already fought against the bandits for six to seven years. The reason why we haven't changed two commanders like the First Corps is because I'm a coward!”
Oscar rolled his eyes. ”I apologize for saying this, but if there was anyone who says that the butcher of Horfansted is a coward, then I would definitely slaughter him with my own hands.”
Silvio again shrugged. ”The people in the region are all saying this; you can't slaughter every one of them!”
Oscar took him seriously. He did a once over of Silvio Barrick suspiciously. ”Tell me, just what is this all about?”
Silvio took a sip of coffee and then spread out a tiny tactical map for the Marshal of the Guards. ”You've definitely already noticed that the bandit army of the southern mountains is a unit that has organization, discipline and is a valiant fighting force. After six to seven years of uninterrupted battle, to this day, they have already established their presence as a sort of military.
Oscar nodded. ”Indeed, the bandit army has really upgraded. Just as you say, they are a type of military presence. Furthermore, their tactics are agile and they have an excellent First Class Commander. But... I still don't quite get what you mean.”
Silvio indicated the Center Highland of the Second Corps and then pointed towards the nearby Shawmond border area.
”I only wish to say… as a type of military presence, the bandits will definitely not vanish without a reason! Based on previous experience, or the experience of a coward such as me, it's best that we don't do anything at this moment. Just stay put in the round sturdy castle and the border sentry posts that have a huge amount of soldiers stationed there. Then wait quietly; wait for the return of the bandits. They will definitely return!”
Oscar shook his head in exasperation. ”Silvio, thank you for your good intentions! I know that you are thinking on my behalf but I can't wait in vain in your castle. The southern army has already waited seven years and I don't have that much time.”
Silvio closed the atlas, also exasperated. ”Sir, I just know that I can't convince you! But... according to the advance of your march, I will post two groups behind your left and right flanks. These are the only two groups that I can transfer over to the others are all in their respective posts. Apart from this… I can only wish you luck.”
Oscar stood up in satisfaction. Although this commander's attitude was as conservative as he predicted, Silvio has after all done his best.
”I won't forget that you have been of assistance to me before! It was like this in Deiss and the same goes for this time.”
”My Lord, you're too kind; you're a Marshal!” Silvio shook hands with the young Marshal.
Oscar twisted his head around when he was about to exit the door. ”I say, why didn't you bring this up to me back at Honwarren Castle's Region Military Command Center?”
Silvio laughed. ”To be honest, it is because you the combat deployment that you have drawn up at the Region Military Command Center was more or less a little wishful.”
”Why?” Oscar dropped his smile.
The Commander of the Second Corps shrugged. ”Isn't this obvious? You initially planned to let the First Corps serve as the rear guard and let the Second Corps consolidate the encirclement. Just as in Coyttshag, where the involvement of the First Corps could allow the matter to be carried out more securely.”
Oscar didn't make a single comment and merely nodded.
Silvio again led the Marshal to stand beside the gigantic combat map. ”The problem now is that the Commander of the First Corps who was just been promoted, Major General Krapitch Drake, is still incapable of organizing an effective military operation. He needs to spend a little more time to establish his commanding reputation in the First Corps. Besides, most fundamentally, the bandits have vanished and the First Corps must defend their posts and can't oblige to your war plans. So… you can only penetrate with a lone army! To sugarcoat it, you're going to search for the whereabouts of the bandits, while to put it bluntly, you're waiting for the bandits to come looking for you. If the bandits really find you, then, believe me, your army will be caught unguarded! This is also the fundamental reason why I hid away my main army.”