[ The King of Rostanica humbly submits this plea to His Majesty the Emperor of the Empire. Currently, the western part of the continent is suffering, its virtuous people tormented and its lands defiled by wicked entities. Having lost even our trusted friends in this situation, our kingdom has nowhere to turn but the Empire…. ]
The person reading that isn't from our Empire.
He is an envoy from Rostanica who barely made it to the Empire after enduring countless hardships.
He is prostrating himself, begging the Empire to save them.
The pride of a Kingdom? Such a thing had been discarded long ago.
Right now, Rostanica was begging our Empire to save them.
They said they didn’t know these bastards from Dregali would collapse so quickly.
They really are bastards. No, how can they not even last a month? Four weeks? They’ve really gone and filmed Élan Season 2.[TL] "엘랑 시즌 2를 찍고 자빠졌네" (Ellang Sijeun 2 reul Jjikgo Jappajyeonne) is a Korean internet meme. "Élan" refers to the French spirit/military doctrine, often ironically used in Korea to denote a quick or spectacular military collapse (like France in 1940). "Season 2" implies a repeat performance. [/TL]
After losing their western Territory to Thedorant, Dregali definitely had time.
Thanks to our Empire subtly warning Thedorant, ‘Hey. If you keep acting up, it won’t be fun.’
Moreover, Thedorant had to continually expend human and material Resources to keep Benito on life support.
From Dregali’s perspective, they could have used those few months of reprieve to reorganize their Full Power.
Just ten years ago, Dregali was a renowned power in the west.
Although they were reeling from a blow, I had no doubt they would soon be shouting for bloody revenge!
With Rostanica supporting them from behind, there was even a possibility of a fierce counterattack.
But what happened? They lost? And not just lost, they were utterly crushed?
“Thus concludes the message from His Majesty the King to His Majesty the Emperor of the Empire.”
“You have suffered much. Everyone gathered in this main hall has heard your toil and the sincerity of Rostanica. Everyone knows what that sincerity means.”
“I am merely overwhelmed with gratitude, Your Majesty the Emperor.”
“You may step back for now and relieve the fatigue of your long journey.”
From the southern coast of Rostanica, by ship past Benito’s territorial waters, to the Holy Kingdom.
Then overland into the Empire’s territory, and only then able to use a magic circle.
I can clearly see what an ordeal that envoy from Rostanica must have gone through.
The Emperor must have known that too, to tell him to step back and rest.
“Your Majesty the Emperor.”
However, the envoy bowed deeply and spoke in a mournful voice.
“I am deeply sorry to say this, but I wish to remain in this place.”
“You must be very tired.”
“With the Kingdom on the brink, wherever I go, the journey is arduous. Therefore, if a single ray of light shines in this place today, all that fatigue will be relieved.”
It is heartfelt. A pitiful sight that cannot be watched without Tears.
Is this not the image of an envoy begging for his country to be saved?
Only after the Emperor’s permission was granted did he step back with a smile.
“…Such is the state of affairs on the continent.”
The Emperor, who had been observing The Assembly for a moment, slowly opens his mouth.
“A long time has passed since the Great Emperor founded the Empire. During that time, the Empire has established an order befitting its Name, and under that order, all beings have enjoyed peace and prosperity.”
It sounds like a very Empire-centric statement, but on careful thought, it’s not wrong either.
Indeed, those who were friendly with the Empire, or those who decided to be, are all living well.
The Moderates of Novgorod. The Pro-Empire Faction that just emerged in the east. And even the southern kingdoms.
“We were not to suppress them merely because they did not accept that order. That was their freedom, so how could we persecute them?”
Every word the Emperor speaks is the Empire’s justification.
The Empire is a more merciful place than you imagine.
Behold. The north, the east, and the south. Have they not all entered our embrace?
It is a statement that limits what others might say when they critique the Empire in the future.
At the same time, it contains the hidden meaning, ‘As long as you don’t cross the line, we won’t kill you.’
This means, conversely, the moment you cross the line of what can be embraced, prepare to die.
And today, precisely such a case has finally appeared before the Empire.
“However, if they go beyond that, seeking to break and shake the order. If there are those who willingly wish to collide with the Name of the Empire. Then warm mercy must rightly become a rage that burns like fire.”
Constantly expanding its Territory, trying to become not just a Kingdom but a second Empire.
Trying to exert their influence not just in the west, but in other places as well.
Yes, up to that point, one might understand with a merciful Heart.
Of course, understanding and acceptance would absolutely not go hand in hand.
Understanding is understanding, but they must be suppressed. Honestly, does it make sense? A second Empire.
It would be done either through Diplomacy or by using other means.
However, daring to try and scheme against the Empire is absolutely unforgivable.
The attempt to form a secret pact with Novgorod this time was the decisive reason.
Besides that, there was also the matter of interfering in Benito’s affairs and stopping the Empire.
“Minister of Foreign Affairs.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“As of this moment, declare war on Thedorant and Atria and all cooperating minor nations.”
“The Empire’s fury will fall upon them as heavily as an iron mace, Your Majesty.”
Finally, the Empire’s Declaration of War against them has begun.
*
War. Not one started by others, but a feast of Blood and Iron declared by our Empire.
Personnel from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs leave the main hall first, followed by other officials.
Those who remained now had to seriously discuss the War.
“Currently, by order of His Majesty the Emperor, several Legions from the Borders are being deployed to the west.”
“The East’s 7th and 12th Legions, which were on standby in the south, and the South’s 6th and 13th Legions have entered the west.”
“However, the two Legions from the East have accumulated fatigue from continuous movement and require rest.”
“The North’s 2nd Legion and 8th Legion departed three days ago. They are scheduled to arrive within the next week.”
First and foremost, the Empire’s Ministry of War, which is inevitably involved whenever War is mentioned.
“The Military Expenditure for the recent campaigns in the east and south was substantial. Fortunately, we managed to increase tax revenue this time, and several Noble Families have contributed to the war funds, so that’s a relief, but….”
“If 11 Legions move simultaneously, the Military Expenditure will be astronomical.”
Ultimately, military matters are directly linked to money. It is therefore natural for the Ministry of Finance to also be present.
“Apart from the Legions engaged in battle, the Reserve units and Logistics Corps also need the capacity to move.”
“We have completed a preliminary inspection of the western road network within the Empire, but with so many personnel moving back and forth, some damage will inevitably occur.”
The Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Ministry of Territory, which is responsible for inspecting the Empire’s internal transportation network.
“According to current Intelligence from the west, the western borders of Thedorant and Atria are being reinforced. Furthermore, the elite troops mobilized for the Dregali attack are reportedly moving west.”
Everyone nods at the statement from the Special Affairs Ministry, which handles foreign Intelligence.
Normally, the lineup would have ended here.
But this time, another department, newly established in the Empire, is present.
“The most important thing in the current situation is, first, for the Legions gathered from various regions to train to operate more cohesively together.”
“Since the situation isn’t leisurely, the Chief of Staff Office’s meeting concluded that it is best to start immediately.”
The Chief of Staff Office, newly established by the Emperor’s command.
As the various Staff Officers speak, the Minister of War responds.
“The Ministry of War also thinks so. It is exceptional for so many Legions to gather like this. Normally, only two Legions would move at most, wouldn’t they?”
There is a point to that. Just look at the campaigns in the east or south.
Although four or five Legions were mobilized, it was always two Legions fighting in concert.
This is natural, as they were organized with such a method in mind from the outset.
'In fact, until now, enemy nations could be sufficiently handled by about 2 Legions.'
But now it is different. The opponents are Thedorant and Atria.
These two alone easily surpass 150,000. Their Power has grown even more recently.
Add to that Benito (honestly, they’re practically half-paralyzed, but they still have some strength).
In other words, the number of Enemies the Empire must face is close to 200,000.
The enemy is too numerous for operating with the current organization based on two Legions.
Therefore, the Chief of Staff Office is asserting the need for flexible movement of the entire 1st Army, rather than Legion-level movements.
“It seems the Minister of War and the Chief of the General Staff share the same thought.”
At the Emperor’s words, the two men bow their heads in Affirmation.
“Imperial Chief of Staff.”
Then, this time, the Emperor’s words are directed at me.
“What are your thoughts?”
As the Emperor’s question falls, all Gazes in the main hall turn to me.
The key figures from the Ministry of War, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Territory, and Special Affairs Ministry.
Especially, the Gaze from the newly established Chief of Staff Office is the most intense.
Rumor has it they expected me to be at least a Military Chief of Staff, or perhaps a Deputy Chief of Staff.
“…To all the opinions presented so far, this humble servant also agrees, Your Majesty.”
“Hmm.”
“However, there is a part I would like to add.”
“A part you’d like to add?”
There’s a saying. One with a lot to gain doesn’t need to accommodate the opponent.
If you can play all options in rock-paper-scissors, you should.
“In addition to the two Legions already selected, I believe it is better to declare mobilization to reinforce the Reserve unit and Logistics Corps, and in an emergency, call in more Legions from the Border.”
“Wouldn’t that make each Border too unstable?”
“Considering the current situation, I judge that one Legion can hold the Border, down from two Legions.”
Indeed, apart from the west, all other regions are significantly weakened.
First, Novgorod has firmly promised to send reinforcements consisting of their elites.
If they send 30,000 troops, that’s almost half their forces gone.
Leaving only two Legions in the north would be enough to handle Novgorod’s remaining military.
The three eastern kingdoms are ailing like patients due to the great floods.
No matter how much they might want to, they cannot raise an army.
Even sending reinforcements now is a dispatch because they can’t handle it themselves.
Finally, the southern kingdoms… to put it calmly, they must be seen as child’s play.
If their forces are weaker than Benito’s, then, without any exaggeration, one Imperial Legion can cover them.
Although the defense area is wide, the Empire is also ahead in Intelligence, so there’s nothing to worry about.
“If you combine them all, it would be a grand army of nearly 400,000, Imperial Chief of Staff.”
“Yes, Your Excellency, Minister of War.”
“Certainly, numerical superiority is a factor that cannot be ignored, but….”
At this moment, a man from the Chief of Staff Office tentatively raises his hand.
“I oppose the Imperial Chief of Staff’s opinion. What is important now is to train the currently assembled Legions and sharpen their sharpness. Now that a Declaration of War has been made, we cannot afford to delay. With Rostanica awaiting the Empire so desperately, this is even more true.”
“Hmm.”
“War is imminent. This grand army of over 200,000 already assembled is overwhelming. They are men who have undergone immense training and all sorts of real combat, so they can make short work of Thedorant and Atria.”
The man’s assertion, presenting various opinions, is that an active offensive should come first.
'It’s a face I haven’t seen before. He probably served in a western Legion.'
As I was wondering who he was, the Princess quietly approached from the side.
“That’s Military Chief of Staff Methoq, affiliated with the Chief of Staff Office. I heard he’s the fifth son of Marquis Consroker, with experience as a Staff Officer in a western Legion.”
“I see.”
“And there’s also a rumor that he’s secretly fanning the flames of rivalry against you, Kael.”
“…”
At the Princess’s words, I nodded and watched Methoq, who was eagerly presenting his assertion.
The Ministry of War and the Chief of Staff Office both show clear signs of agreeing with his words.
Because if my opinion were followed, it would naturally mean waiting at least a few more months.
It seems they want to immediately show the Empire’s might to the arrogant Thedorant.
The Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Home Affairs, and Ministry of Territory feel similarly.
Because additionally dispatching Legions and issuing a mobilization order would create problems with money and manpower.
They seem to think they can wage war and win sufficiently even with the current forces.
'Actually, since the Empire has been continuously victorious recently, that’s not an unreasonable thought.'
…This is, for some reason, ominous. Could it be just a groundless fear?