Chapter 60 - The Guideline of the Knightly Family
Elder Brother’s office was enveloped in a heavy silence. Yet, amidst the whirlwind of conflicting information, certain undeniable facts had been laid bare. One such fact was the deployment of enemy forces beyond the border. The intelligence gathered by scouts and spies at great risk, though only a fraction, had been disclosed to the noble families who were called upon to contribute troops.
“You are likely aware, but the Empire’s vanguard is believed to consist of soldiers from other nations. Annihilating them could spark a cycle of hatred. Please strive to ‘capture them alive’. They are far less of a threat compared to monsters or magical beasts, and for someone like you, Second Brother, it should be no trouble.”
“......Well, I’ll do my best. Ah, I see. You’re suggesting we use the same tactics we employed during that incident with Granduncle.”
“Many of the Imperial soldiers we capture will likely be from nations the Empire has annexed. In that case, it might be wise to attempt conversion. What we must be cautious of is...”
“Hinting that there are still royal relatives from their side on ours, and how we treat those who have defected to the Empire.”
A sly, meaningful smile spread across Second Brother’s face. So, he did remember. The tactics he had employed during that incident with Granduncle. Though I was the one who instigated it, I believe it was a useful strategy. It was merely an imitation of ancient military wisdom, though...
“Indeed. If the royal family has been eradicated and there is no hope of restoration, they may have no choice but to submit. But if they learn that a standard-bearer still exists... As for identifying traitors, it is difficult, but there are certain methods.”
“...I am aware of that as well. Even if they have been annexed and mobilized for war, those who refuse to abandon their original nation’s equipment... their banners... will become worthy adversaries. If their loyalty lies with their nation and its people, they cannot discard their uniforms. Even if they have lost their royal family, there will always be stubborn individuals who cannot abandon their oaths. Those who were converted and made to wear the Empire’s uniform can be annihilated as enemies.”
“If we strike them a few times, the enemy will likely catch on. Even if we don’t take prisoners, releasing them might be a viable option. As a nation that protects human territory and values its people, it is crucial to declare our intentions to the prisoners. ‘We will release you on the condition that you return to your homeland.’”
“Such a lenient approach would not normally work... but considering that full-scale conflict has not yet broken out, it might be a viable strategy. Releasing the stubborn ones could significantly demoralize the enemy’s main force, the allied army... Lowering their will to fight, and if all goes well, they might even refuse to move. I understand. I have grasped the possibility of being ambushed during this march, how to handle it, and the subsequent strategies. I will report this to the high countess on-site. For some reason, that high countess has placed considerable expectations on our knightly family. She even took notice of us during joint training.”
I see. The high countess had also anticipated this and had taken various measures. Joint training and such... I hadn’t heard about that. It’s only natural that Second Brother, as the leader of the main force, would be called upon by the unit. Our guerilla unit specializes in monster subjugation, so it makes sense that we weren’t included.
“Indeed. That is good news. If she was impressed by your martial prowess, Second Brother, then that is most fortunate. Ah, Second Brother, I have one request.”
“What is it?”
“It concerns the equipment and gear of the main force. Since this is a conflict between humans...”
“Oh, that matter. I understand. The equipment and weapons you provided are restricted to use only during monster subjugation. They will not be used in human conflicts, so rest assured. We have already prepared the old standard equipment. The weapon and blacksmith artisans have all worked on them. They are of better quality than the old ones. Though their performance is far inferior to what you provided, they are more than sufficient for human opponents. Oh, we also used the old equipment during joint training with the high countess and others. We only use your equipment within the Demonic Forest of our knightly family’s domain.”
“Thank you... I was concerned about that. Hearing this puts my mind at ease. As expected of you, Second Brother.”
I never imagined that my concerns had already been anticipated and addressed... I felt a deep sense of respect. The knightly family’s secret—the artificial magic ore weapons and armor—were permitted for use only in battles against monsters and magical beasts... Second Brother, you truly are a product of the heir’s education. I deeply understood that. I am profoundly grateful for your consideration.
“Hmm. I will gratefully accept your words. ...Elder Brother, I must take my leave now to organize and prepare the main force I will be assisting.”
“Very well. I pray for your martial success. Don’t die. Come back.”
“I will do my best. Then, farewell!”
With his straightforward nature, Second Brother received Eldest Brother’s blessings and left the office. Behind the desk, Eldest Brother, with his complex personality, crossed his arms and wore a troubled expression. He turned to me and spoke with a serious face.
“Your strategy is based on military history, isn’t it? But you seem to see something beyond that. Am I wrong?”
“The Empire’s... intentions are unclear. Would they truly approve of deploying the armies of annexed nations and those they’ve given the good name of friendly nations directly against us? I have my doubts.”
“To unravel this, the Empire is a military state that must flaunt its military might to maintain its regime. It is a nation that, almost every twenty years, reveals its ambitions and invades our fertile lands. The fact that they haven’t deployed their own elite troops as the vanguard, who are praised for their ‘first-class military achievements,’ makes me question their motives.”
“Exactly. If it were the former North Kingdom, they would have declared war and immediately launched a military invasion to seize our trading cities. They wouldn’t wait for our forces to gather. Their specialty is small, elite infiltration units, so this current campaign feels unsettling.”
“What do you see?”
“...It is merely a matter of possibility.”
“Very well. Speak. Depending on what you say, our preparations may change.”
“Yes. Earlier, I mentioned that the Empire might have found a way to traverse the Demonic Forest. If that method allows them to send not just small raiding parties, but a large army... and if that method enables them to penetrate even the deep Deep Forest... then the nature of this campaign would drastically change. If our kingdom’s main forces and elite frontier troops are concentrated around the northeastern trading city, the other regions would be left with only weak defensive units against threats from the Demonic Forest. Furthermore, the area beyond the Demonic Forest, which lies directly opposite this northern border—which includes our family’s controlled territory—is the Empire’s heartland. If they have a method to bring a large army through the forest and can actually do so, they could march directly from the northern borderlands to the capital. Our gathered kingdom’s forces, being a large army, would be slow to move and unable to respond quickly. The capital, left vulnerable, would be unable to mount an effective counterattack against an invading Imperial army.”
“A large army... how large are we talking?”
“Based on their organization, two brigades. Approximately fifteen thousand heavy mobile infantry. The transport units would consist only of those necessary to traverse the forest. The rest could be sustained through plunder, which is likely part of their plan.”
“Is that possible?”
“It is merely speculation. I have never heard of such a method. But looking at the northern border from a strategic perspective, it seems possible. Furthermore, their invasion of the neighboring country could be a rehearsal. If a large army suddenly attacked the capital, and before anyone could understand the situation, the royal castle fell... it seems they have assessed whether the meticulously crafted plan against our kingdom would succeed, and have gained confidence in its viability.”
“So, the unprecedented gathering of troops at the northeastern border is a decoy?”
“If the Empire’s elite forces were to ravage our capital... it would send shockwaves through our allied nations. They could expand their territory without a fight. Only the Emperor would reign supreme. The rest would be enslaved—that much is clear. The high-ranking officials would be slaughtered, and the capable commoners would have their wealth, if not their lives, stripped away...”
“A self-evident truth. I see. We must continue to strengthen our surveillance of the Demonic Forest. It would be easy to dismiss this as absurd, but given your knowledge of military history and your study of numerous national records, your words warrant consideration. Prepare for the worst. The guard unit will not hold back their support. Devise as many strategies as possible, keep your ears and eyes open, and address the kingdom’s crisis.”
“Understood.”
Eldest Brother... how much does he truly believe? It wouldn’t be strange if he dismissed the ramblings of his younger brother as mere nonsense... Or perhaps, as the heir, he sees something beyond my understanding. He is a thoughtful, cautious, and complex individual.
And so...
I turned on my heel and took a step forward to fulfill my duty.
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