Finally, the Empire's 4th Legion entered the Holy Church.
The southern kingdoms blocking the path retreated impressed by the Empire's sincerity.
Also, with the Benito Military already retreated, there was no significant engagement.
—Ding! Dong!
From the Heart of the Church, bells ring out majestically from the Sanctuary, the Pope's residence.
Meanwhile, the people of the Church pour onto the main road, greeting the Legion by scattering flowers along their path.
Isabelle, leading a small group of dignitaries, went to meet the Pope along that road.
"Welcome, Princess. Welcome to the Holy Church."
Normally, an archbishop would greet them first before meeting the Pope.
But given the situation, the Pope himself came out to meet Isabelle.
It was only natural for the Imperial dignitaries to smile at the expected subservience.
"First and foremost, I express infinite gratitude to the Emperor of the Empire. If not for you, everything in the Holy Church nearly would have been trampled and defiled by the nefarious Benito."
"His Majesty the Emperor will surely be pleased by Your Holiness's words."
"Furthermore, I wish to thank the Princess and the members of the Legion who came here. You are the saviors of this Holy Church."
"No, Your Holiness, Pope. As believers in the same doctrine of light, we have merely done what is natural. Please put aside such embarrassing words."
In truth, the relationship between the Empire and the Holy Church could hardly be called good.
It was none other than the Empire that first stripped away the privileges of religious Powers on the continent.
Even now in the Empire, an archbishop is clearly ranked below the Nobles.
The Nobles simply treat them with respect due to their social position.
But that's that. For now, both nations take a step back.
One for its immediate Well-being and future. The other for future Justification.
Relations between nations are always like this, so there was nothing more to say.
"The Empire's 4th and 15th Legions will stay in the Holy Church for the time being. It's not a permanent stationing; once the situation in the Church, its surroundings, and further, the south stabilizes, we will withdraw to the Empire without delay, so you may rest assured."
"I certainly hope so. Although the Church has been liberated, anxiety and chaos persist. It is difficult to overcome this crisis with prayer alone, so the Empire's help is desperately needed."
At the Pope's words, Isabelle smiled inwardly.
Though dressed in layers of rhetoric, the Church's true intention was singular.
They were afraid the Empire might leave the Holy Church immediately.
'It makes sense. Even if not Benito, other southern kingdoms could swallow the Holy Church whole.'
The military incompetence of the Church had already been laid bare for all to see.
Their ability to lead the order in the south wasn't based on power like the Empire's.
It merely relied entirely on the authority of religion.
Now that the world knows this, the Church must also worry about its immediate future.
That's why the presence of the Empire's Legions in the Church was all the more necessary.
To avoid sending the wrong message to other kingdoms.
The Empire does not wish for the southern order to change, so behave yourselves well.
We won't dig further into who sided with Benito, but be careful in the future.
"Henceforth, the Holy Church will aid the Empire in punishing those nefarious groups."
"Huhu. Thank you for your words alone. But, Your Holiness. Isn't the Stability of the Church the priority right now? Since the Church was nearly trampled by Benito's feet, organizing internally seems to be the first step."
"If you just ask, I can proclaim the Holy War louder and give you greater Justification. How about it? Shall I do that for you?"
"Give it up. Do you think I don't know this trick to inflate your value now? Since the Church's Fame is tarnished, you intend to use the Empire as a weapon to erase it? Dream on. Just stay quiet as if you were dead."
Meanwhile, conversations subtly concealing each other's true intentions continued.
The Pope, wanting to ride the Empire's coattails to seize control of the south this time.
The Emperor and Isabelle, having rescued the Church but unwilling to grant it Justification.
Perhaps if Kael had seen this, he would have freaked out, saying, 'Politics really isn't for me!'
Isabelle had already contacted the Emperor directly and discussed the future grand strategy.
Maintain the existing southern order, but absolutely do not empower the Church any further than that.
They must remain an uncomfortable thorn in the side of the southern kingdoms forever.
Only then can the Empire play the scales between the Church and the southern kingdoms.
"Your Highness. Envoys from the Imperial Household Agency, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ministry of Finance have arrived from the Empire."
Things to be used for conciliating the southern kingdoms. To borrow Kael's words, it seems they came regarding the 'friendship fee' issue.
Isabelle quickly wrapped up her meeting with the Pope and went straight to meet them.
Naturally, the Empire has absolutely no intention of making empty promises.
Because they promised a friendship fee, they will definitely pay as promised.
However, due to various issues, half will be paid upfront, and the remainder later.
This serves as both a guarantee and a threat.
Meaning, if you take this much and betray us, be prepared.
The southern kingdoms near the Church will be even more cooperative because of this.
Having received half the promised amount, they still need the remaining half.
And also to ensure the friendship fee doesn't turn into funeral expenses.
'The situation in the Church and its vicinity seems roughly organized.'
Walking along, Isabelle suddenly turned her head, as if remembering something.
Separation from Kael, who was always by her side, felt strange.
Sometimes curiosity arose, and at other moments, it felt frightening.
'I am doing my best, Kael.'
You're doing well too, right? Of course, you must be.
There's no way you, the Empire's Genius Strategist, would do worse than me.
"..."
I suddenly miss you - Isabelle gave an awkward smile.
Meanwhile, in the Empire 6th Legion Command Tent.
"...Corps Commander?"
"Is this really the right thing to do?"
The Legion's Staff Officers and the Field commanders leading the legionaries gathered in the room.
All of them were aghast after hearing about the map and subsequent troop deployment presented by the Corps Commander.
"Corps Commander. Please reconsider."
"Even if the opponent is Benito, their forces number over fifty thousand."
"That's right. Furthermore, their training level is said to be quite decent, and this has been cross-verified, so it must be considered certain."
Everyone unanimously voiced their opposition to this operation.
The members of the Legion, usually so confident, were all radiating worry.
And understandably so, the formation the 6th Legion was about to deploy was the problem.
"To have the river at our backs. This is something that should absolutely never be done."
Positioning the army with a river at its back, the so-called Last Stand Formation.
An action anyone with even a little knowledge of Tactics would never take.
And it was none other than the Corps Commander proposing it.
Thus, it was perhaps natural for everyone to stare at the Corps Commander in bewilderment.
"This is not my personal opinion."
However, the reactions of the Staff Officers and Field commanders changed slightly at the Corps Commander's next words.
"It is a plan proposed by Young Master Kael, the Military Advisor. After hearing the Young Master's plan in detail, I too believe this formation has more to gain than expected."
"But... having the river at our backs is..."
"Hmm..."
Last Stand Formation, a formation fighting with the river behind.
It does have advantages. There are aspects suited to the current situation.
Right now, the 6th Legion is blocking the path of the Benito Military returning to their Motherland.
For them to return safely, they absolutely must pass through us.
Therefore, battle is inevitable. A decisive battle must be fought.
But the opponent is a large force of over 50,000. In contrast, the 6th Legion numbers slightly less than 20,000.
While there might be differences in elite status or training, the numerical Superiority cannot be ignored.
Overcoming a numerical Inferiority of at least two, potentially three times, is no easy task.
Therefore, by placing the river behind, it prevents the Enemy from potentially targeting the rear or flanks.
In a frontal clash, the 6th Legion, being far more elite than them, can surely prevail.
What if they avoid battle and simply surround us, stalling for time?
Absolutely impossible, the desperate side is the Benito Military. The 13th Legion has already reached the Benito Border.
The remaining forces in Benito are, at best, second-rate troops.
Therefore, those who can be considered a proper army must return as quickly as possible.
'Setting up camp with the river at our back. From various perspectives, it's not entirely without advantages. But...'
'Just in case. If something truly goes wrong, retreat becomes impossible.'
The disadvantage is clear. There is no escape route. If things go awry, everyone dies or gets captured.
Utilizing Reserve units is also impossible. There's simply no Space for it.
When large armies clash, that 'Space' is extremely important.
Ordering troops to maintain a certain distance isn't just for show.
That spacing is necessary so one isn't hindered while fighting and can exert their Full Power.
But adopting such a formation makes maintaining that extremely difficult.
"You need not worry, everyone."
Just then, Kael enters the Command Tent.
After exchanging Greetings with the Corps Commander and all the subordinate commanders, he approached the map.
"A formation with the river at its back. The disadvantages outweigh the advantages, don't they? Isn't that right?"
"..."
"You can speak honestly. I am the Military Advisor. My reason for Existence is to listen to your opinions, offer my own again, and reach the Best possible conclusion for the Battle."
At Kael's words, a few individuals carefully nod their heads.
Saying that no matter what, putting the river behind could heighten the soldiers' anxiety.
That anyone would feel that way in a situation with no way back.
"That's exactly it."
But Kael countered, saying that was precisely the point.
"There's no way the Commander and Field commanders of the approaching Benito Military don't know what we know."
"..."
"Now. Let's think about it. They need to return quickly, but their path is blocked. Meanwhile, the Enemy has set up a Last Stand Formation near the choke point they absolutely must pass. So, what will the Enemy do?"
With a chilling smile, the next part of the story follows.
"Will they leave only a small force here and move on? With a blade at their back? Or, will they commit all their strength, using whatever means necessary, to annihilate the Empire's Legion on this occasion."
The 6th Legion piece placed on the map. The Benito Military piece approaching it.
The moment the two Encounter. The Strategist smiled, sweeping away the Benito Military piece with another piece he held in his hand.