Right after the Declaration of War against Thedorant, the atmosphere was, in truth, not good.
There was certainly faith that the Empire would be victorious. Everyone had no doubt about that.
The problem is, how many will have to die and how many will be injured for that victory.
Thedorant is a military Power in the west. It was originally a nation with a formidable Army.
Although they suffered an unexpected blow from Dregali decades ago, they have now succeeded in their revenge.
Through numerous Battles, they have even awakened as war machines, similar to the Empire's Legions.
On top of that, they have acquired excellent reserve Resources in Atria.
It will not be an easy fight. There might even be several defeats.
It was under these concerns that a staggering 11 Legions were deployed to create the 1st Army.
And because concerns were still deep, there were those who agreed with my opinion.
However, just one month after the Empire's Declaration of War and the start of the War.
In that short time, Thedorant had instantly lost a part of its Territory.
They were crumbling like leaves before the Empire's storm-like attack and continuously retreating.
“…Actually, isn't it possible that the Thedorant Military was overestimated?”
The Princess, who visited me again today, speaks as if that is certainly the case.
Everyone had worried so Much about facing Thedorant.
Even the Emperor and the Crown Princess were reportedly anxious about how many would die or be injured.
But in just one month, the atmosphere is such that they could push to Thedorant's Royal Capital at any moment.
So, it was perhaps natural to feel a little. No, quite a lot, deflated.
“Otherwise, this couldn't happen. How can they suffer losses of nearly 20,000 and lose Territory in just one month?”
“Sometimes, some are subject to Overestimation.”
For a moment, I also wondered if this was a characteristic of the west. After all, there is Dregali.
They acted as if they were something special, only to have their souls thrashed by Thedorant.
The royal family fled to Rostanica, and most of the remaining Nobles surrendered.
From that perspective, Thedorant could also be similar to them.
Because they haven't faced a real Enemy. Because they haven't met their match.
So, there is a possibility they thought they were the strongest, let their guard down, and are now getting thoroughly beaten.
‘But….’
After a moment of thought, I shook my head.
Only a month has passed. The War has just begun.
It is true that we have achieved victory, but we must not be complacent or careless.
Even if Thedorant really are morons beyond imagination.
“Nothing is certain. In any case, neither Your Highness nor I are the ones to judge the situation there, so it would be better to focus on the immediate tasks at hand for now.”
“…That's true. We've been incredibly busy too.”
The Emperor's order given to me and the Princess: Negotiation of Command authority over the reinforcements coming from other nations.
Just hearing it makes my head ache. It will involve an extremely high difficulty.
However, if successful, both I and the Princess would achieve Merit that no one could deny.
“First, we’ve secured Command authority over the southern kingdoms. What’s left are the three eastern kingdoms and Novgorod, right?”
“That is correct.”
The transfer of Command authority over the southern kingdoms was hardly worthy of being called a Negotiation.
I just stepped forward, went ‘Ahem,’ once, and they immediately said they would transfer Command authority.
Perhaps destroying Benito played a decisive role.
Now, what remained was the combined force of 30,000 from Burkheim, Carden, and Fohrland.
And the 30,000 heavily armed Demon infantry that had just departed from Novgorod.
A difficult mission awaited us: to secure Command authority from them.
“Kael. I have a good idea. Want to hear it?”
“I will listen attentively.”
“The situation in the east is better than before, but it's still tough, isn't it?”
“That is correct. Although the Empire provided support, it was only enough to avoid the worst.”
Support must also be given in moderation. If you give too much, they start getting strange ideas.
Not too much, nor too little, a maintained level of supplies support.
This was why the Empire could hold the lifelines of the three eastern kingdoms.
If we do just that, even if other things are uncertain, public sentiment will definitely be on the Empire's side.
“It's a bit embarrassing, but how about we try using that again this time?”
“Are you referring to supplies support?”
“We say that our empire will cover all supplies for the reinforcements. In return, we receive command authority. Since all we've given them so far is a fortnight's worth of rations, wouldn't they accept?”
It is not entirely wrong, but it is not without its shortcomings either.
“Your Highness. The Ministry of War and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have already decided to provide supplies support to the reinforcements coming from the three eastern kingdoms. It will be difficult to lead the negotiation smoothly with what they already know.”
“I know that too. That's why I want to add another condition here.”
Another condition? I quietly listened to the Princess's next words.
“The Ministry of War and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs made a promise, didn't they? That the empire would bear the cost of supplies for the reinforcements.”
“That is correct.”
“Of course, those supplies will be at the level provided to auxiliary units, not what front-line Imperial Legions receive.”
“…Most likely, that is highly probable.”
Naturally, high-quality weapons, sturdy armor, and good food.
The top-grade items directly linked to the military's morale and combat power are all distributed to the Imperial Legions.
Reinforcements from other countries will receive supplies of slightly lower quality.
One might say it is too impolite to the reinforcements who came for the empire.
However, if you think about it, this is a way of canceling out the debts the empire has incurred from them.
Especially the eastern kingdoms, who owe so much, should be grateful just for the supplies support.
If they have complaints, they can just bring their own from the start, like Novgorod.
The east, with their difficult situation, has no particular complaints about the Empire's decision.
Perhaps they even think it's a profit, preserving their combat power and receiving support like this.
“We offer to provide them with the same supplies that the Imperial Legions receive.”
“Your Highness?”
“Ah, of course, weapons and armor will be returned after the war. We can't just hand all of that over. Other than that, the Empire will bear the cost. What do you think?”
“…Well, it is not an entirely absurd opinion. However, there are many aspects to consider. First, I am worried about what the eastern kingdoms will think, and above all—”
“We also need to hear the opinions of the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Finance.”
That's right. The most important things are the opinions of the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Finance.
Things that Imperial Legions should use. Things procured with taxes paid by Imperial Citizens.
To give them to troops from the eastern kingdoms, of all people.
Probably, both departments would jump up and say it's absurd if they heard the Princess's opinion.
‘But then again, it’s not entirely bad either.’
The Empire will definitely deploy the reinforcements they sent to the front lines.
That is the most certain proof that all regions except the west have surrendered to the Empire.
It is an excellent justification to prove the diplomatic and military achievements thus far.
However, this will approach other kingdoms with a sense of unease.
What if they use our country's army as arrow fodder? What if they use them as porters instead of reinforcements?
They wanted to gain the title of having fought alongside the Empire, shoulder to shoulder.
That would be a good card to play in stabilizing their own country's political situation later.
If they achieve nothing, won't they become incompetent rulers who lose their pride and gain no profit?
‘If they receive the same supplies as the Imperial Legions, it could alleviate some of that anxiety.’
It means we will treat them as the same military, not as arrow fodder or porters.
It could be a message that we will give them the opportunity to achieve military merit as fellow soldiers.
That might lead to a positive outcome in the negotiation regarding the command authority issue.
“…For now, I think it's a pretty good condition.”
“Right?! Actually, I've been thinking about it since yesterday!”
The Princess looks at me as if she were a puppy expecting praise from its master.
Her gaze was so sparkling that praise came naturally from my mouth.
“It seems the past month spent with me was not entirely in vain.”
“Of course! Do you think I only looked at Kael's face? Naturally, I learned various things, and also….”
Saying that, the Princess's face suddenly turns red.
Why? What's wrong? Why are you suddenly like this?
“Ah, anyway! I think we can handle the matter of the three eastern kingdoms that way.”
“The allied forces are said to arrive in three days, so let's go together.”
“Sounds good. Ah, and, did you hear the news?”
'What news are you talking about?' In response to my question, the Princess scratches her cheek.
“I heard they achieved another Great Victory a few days ago. They say a plan devised by the Chief of Staff Office completely crushed Thedorant's Military.”
“I see. That is very good news.”
“…Really? Kael, while you're away, others are achieving Merit. And in the west, the most important front of all.”
“Your Highness and I are also doing work just as important. Uniting reinforcements and transferring Command authority are no ordinary tasks.”
“That's true, but….”
Letting out a sigh, the Princess soon nodded, indicating she understood me.
That detached attitude is also kind of cool, I thought to myself.
“So much for the eastern alliance. What are you planning to do about Novgorod? I'm worried if the Demons, who tend to disregard even the Imperial Legions, will willingly hand over Command authority.”
“I also thought about it a lot. And like Your Highness, just last night, I found the most realistic plan.”
“You mean there's a way to win the Demons' Hearts?”
A way to win the Demons' Hearts, huh. Hmm. It's similar, but not quite.
I didn't think it was necessary to make them follow me.
I am not a frontline Commander who needs to directly command soldiers, am I?
If I can firmly grasp just one thing. If that one thing can grasp the rest.
“Your Highness. Do you perhaps remember my younger sister, Kaya Clausewitz?”