I continued to issue directives for what was to come without rest.
“Before we launch a full-scale counter-attack, we have leaked information that large-scale attacks will occur in the north and south. A supply unit is scheduled to arrive soon, so Thedorant will likely see this as preparation for a massive offensive.”
“As the eastern and southern Legions move to the flanks, they should act as if heading for the northern and southern borders. Intentionally leak the impression that you are supporting a large-scale attack.”
“Then, upon hearing that the western 5th Legion and the eastern allied forces have retreated, immediately turn your military around, as if greatly concerned about your flank being exposed by our ally's defeat, and as if the Empire remembers being burned by Thedorant's encirclement.”
They know the possibilities of that method better than anyone, because they have used it themselves.
What defeat our Empire suffered, and what victory they achieved.
If the roles were reversed in such a situation, how could they sleep soundly at night?
“We will subtly inform those growing impatient that this is their last chance. They'll think that if they recapture Setungrad, they can attack the area to seize the supply depot and use it as a defensive base.”
“The Chief of Staff is right. In fact, if those bastards recapture Setungrad and use it as a defensive base to launch a central attack, our Empire's encirclement will weaken. If the anvil can't hold, the hammer's blows are meaningless.”
The Princess, who had been in Silence until now, nonchalantly expressed her opinion.
She said she's been studying quite a bit, and her insight has certainly improved.
“Chief of Staff. What if, by any chance, the Enemy decides to retreat instead of breaking through?”
“Even if they do, the grand strategy remains largely unchanged. We will hold down as many Thedorant troops as possible. Should the enemy retreat, we will immediately mobilize the rear reserve unit and launch a powerful attack.”
Just as our Empire did, if you want to retreat, you must pay a corresponding price.
And that price will, of course, be a part of Thedorant's core Full Power.
“But as I keep emphasizing, it's better for us if those bastards launch one more attack on Setungrad rather than retreat. Therefore, deceiving the 5th Legion and the eastern allied forces is all the more important. While minimizing the appearance of an intentional defeat, we must make them realize that what's to come is the end.”
At that, the 5th Corps Commander and Betel of the eastern allied forces tensed up slightly.
This was only natural, as they had each been entrusted with the most important tasks.
“The eastern and southern Legions are also crucial. Pay close attention to ensure you are thoroughly familiar with the geography, so your advance is not delayed.”
“We have already deployed numerous Scouts in the surrounding area and have taken measures to ensure that each Commander is thoroughly familiar with the nearby geography.”
“The soldiers have also gone through training after training and should be able to endure a rapid march to some extent. However, logistical support is essential….”
“That part will be supported by a separate Reserve unit and Logistics Corps for each Legion. They will be in charge of maintaining the Supply line, so you only need to focus on picking up speed.”
Thedorant's bastards have been hammering away at Setungrad like mad.
Regardless of how elite they are, their situation differs from our Imperial Army, which has been resting until now.
When the levels are similar, what ultimately decides victory or defeat is a momentary wavering.
Next, just as I was about to receive a report on the preparedness of each Legion.
A Messenger approached the adjutant beside me and whispered something in his ear.
Just as I wondered what was going on, the adjutant came and delivered some surprising news.
“Chief of Staff. A short while ago, someone who received a decree from His Majesty the Emperor is said to have entered the Military camp.”
*
The meeting was briefly paused, and a few minutes later the Emperor's Herald entered.
And the person he, the Emperor, sought was none other than Kael.
“Kael Clausewitz, Chief of the Imperial Staff and acting authority of the 1st Army Chief of Staff. All titles bestowed upon you are hereby revoked as of this time.”
Huh? At the unexpected news, a few people's heads snapped up.
Isabelle, Sharlua, and Kaya, in addition to the Corps Commanders who had been with Kael.
Their faces were full of expressions as if they had just misheard.
Even if not to their extent, the other key personnel were also tilting their heads in confusion.
It was a sudden event to revoke all of Kael's titles.
Had something happened, or was there a movement to Check Kael from within?
Many questions followed, one after another.
Just when a series of huge battles were about to begin.
Kael, who had planned and prepared everything, was suddenly stepping down?
Would a new person take over as the 1st Army's Chief of Staff?
Could that person perform the duties with the same authority as Kael?
If they were defeated because of this, wouldn't it be difficult even for the Empire?
But in the end, all of that was merely simple apprehension.
“Simultaneously, Kael Clausewitz is appointed as the 2nd Commander-in-Chief. All authority concerning the Empire's 1st Army, the reinforcements dispatched from each country, and the Reserve unit and non-combat units to be formed hereafter is hereby granted.”
Commander-in-Chief. Hearing that title, the Emperor's command finally made sense.
Since he was the Commander-in-Chief, there was no need for him to act as the 1st Army's Chief of Staff.
The Chief of the Imperial Staff, upon reflection, was a position created solely for Kael.
“Upon receiving this decree, Kael Clausewitz shall fulfill the duty that only you can. As you have done so far, offer another Great Victory to the Empire.”
The herald who delivered all of the Emperor's will politely bowed before Kael.
“Congratulations on your appointment, Commander-in-Chief. Please bring Glory to the Empire and His Majesty the Emperor.”
At those words, Kael answered reflexively. A slight bit of bewilderment was visible.
Of course, he had been involved in almost all aspects of the Imperial Army until now.
Though his titles included Chief of the Imperial Staff and acting authority, everyone knew he was effectively the Commander-in-Chief.
However, most of that work had been done through appropriate cooperation and requests.
But from now on, things were different. He was now in command of nearly 500,000 troops.
From the 1st Army Commander down to the Corps Commanders and even to a mere field officer.
Kael had become their superior and the one who held the Command authority.
With a single gesture from him, the next actions of hundreds of thousands would be decided.
When the order was given, they would rise with determination, grip their spears and swords, and charge at the Enemy.
“…I will do my Best, Your Majesty.”
Before the decree bestowed upon him, Kael knelt and made a firm Oath.
Just as you expected of me, I will surely deliver a brilliant victory.
At the same time, I will return those entrusted to my command home as safely as possible.
After the storm passed, the strategy meeting resumed.
A young man, not yet thirty, had risen to the highest position one could reach through war.
So he could afford to be a little pleased, or at least appear to be in a good mood.
“Let's continue. Starting with the wings, we'll establish connection points within Thedorant's interior and close the encirclement—”
Watching Kael, who had not changed at all, Isabelle smiled.
Normally, he is a truly good person, kind and meticulous, a man who knows how to take care of others.
But when he stands in his position like that, he completely changes and radiates a cold sharpness.
Especially when it came to deceiving and manipulating the Enemy, he seemed to have no hesitation.
He was a Strategist who strove only for the Empire's victory, regardless of how the Enemy evaluated him.
“Commander-in-Chief.”
At that moment, Sharlua cautiously raised her hand.
“Though my knowledge is lacking, as I see it, Thedorant must first launch one more full-scale attack on Setungrad. The difference between that happening and not will be significant, so what are your plans?”
At that question, the various commanders nodded as if they had been curious about it.
For Thedorant's retreat speed to be slower than the speed at which our encirclement closes, it must be so.
But Thedorant was the one who had already landed a blow on the Empire with a large-scale encirclement.
There's no way they haven't kept that possibility in mind, so how do you make them forget it?
“That is.”
Kael, who was about to speak, let out a small sigh, haa.
Watching him, Isabelle couldn't help but let out a gasp.
Because apology and pain emanated from Kael's expression and gestures.
Others might not know, but at least she could tell for sure.
“…For that, there is ultimately only one way, isn't there?”
*
Perhaps the Emperor had predicted exactly this and bestowed the position of Commander-in-Chief.
So that I wouldn't feel too much pain or guilt when a situation like this arises.
That it's something that always happens in war, that even knowing it's a death trap, someone has to go.
[ Received, Commander-in-Chief. ]
“How is the situation there.”
[ Thedorant's offensive has subsided slightly. It is presumed that discussions about retreating have begun again. ]
“I see.”
To those still fighting so hard, I must say something disappointing one more time.
In this situation, between a request and an order, which would be slightly better?
The Emperor, if he had to choose one, seemed to have given me the latter.
“Corps Commander.”
[ Speak, Commander-in-Chief. ]
“I know best that your labors are great, however, for the Empire's grand Strategy right now, Thedorant must launch one more large-scale attack on Setungrad.”
[ Understood. ]
“…I'm sorry, Corps Commander.”
Upon hearing my words, the Corps Commander on the other side of the Magic Communication Device shakes his head.
[ Do not ask it as a favor, just give the order. No one doubts that it will ultimately be the Empire's victory. So, Commander-in-Chief, a single word from you is enough. ]
Watching the grinning Corps Commander, I too tried my best to smile.
Though the blurry reflection of my own face was nothing short of bizarre.
“Tie down those Thedorant bastards at the Setungrad front.”
[ Order received, Commander-in-Chief. ]