Today, Tomorrow
But the only thing I can talk about are the contents of books.
That is fine too.
Altina was making a fuss out of nowhere and puffed her cheeks.
She seed angry That might be so, but it didnt feel that way either.
Regis tried his best to recall similar scenes which was similar to the way she acts.
She was like a girl cajoling a good friend or lover
Impossible.
She was the fourth Princess of the Belgarian Empire. And she was the commander of the Fourth Imperial Army, and holds the rank of Lieutenant General.
Only fifteen of age, she set her sights on becoming the next Empress, a girl supported by many soldiers and citizens, especially the new nobles of the south.
Marie Quatre Argentina de Belgaria is not like a girl of common birth.
In contrast, Regis had very low evaluation of himself.
All this while, he could only search for similar situations he read in books, and achieve victory with the help of excellent teammates and luck. He had never thought that he possess extraordinary talent himself.
In the end, Regis thought of himself as if a situation similar to the ones found in books doesnt happen, he wont be able to do anything.
Since he took up the post of Altinas strategist handling the wretched inspector was Erics rit, and he couldnt do anything about Latreilles sche during the trip to the Imperial capital Versailles in April at the very beginning.
He then collated Erics hint, Eleanors information and the fact uncovered by Altina to set up a way to counter them.
When the Seventh Imperial Army fought the High Britanians, he knew that charging with the classic tight formation would present problems, but he couldnt raise an opinion that would change the mind of the commander.
Regis thought of himself as just a second rate strategist.
Furthermore, he was bad with swordsmanship and couldnt ride a horse.
He had no charm as a man at all.
Because of all these reasons, he ruled out the possibility that Altina was cajoling to a lover, not worthy of further review At least it wasnt possible for Regis.
If that was so, what was Altina thinking?
I am bored now, tell an interesting story thats what you an? That might be so, but I cant spin an interesting tale like a bard.
Regis smiled wryly.
Altina had sure made a difficult request.
What, you are making sound like a wilful Empress.
Well, not to the extent of tell an interesting story every night or I will kill you like that person.
What is that!?
Eh? You didnt know? In the past, there was a king
Regis told her a story he read in the past. Even though Regis had always been reading books, he still understood how he could tell the story in a way to make it interesting and easy to understand.
Not just Altina, even Clarisse was listening intently.
He related the tale while drinking tea, and when he was about to finish his tea
Brigadier General Beilschmidt and Lieutenant General Beaumarchais are seeking an audience.
A heavy infantry guard outside the tent announced.
Jero Jean de Beilschmidt was a renowned general who held the title of Black Knight and Hero of Erstein.
He was now serving under Altina, but he was still the amongst the top generals of the Empire.
Regis trusted him unconditionally in a battle.
He entered the tent with a knight who had orange hair.
That was the commander of the Second Imperial Army, Lieutenant General Benjamin Emanuel de Beaumarchais.
The eldest brother of the Beaumarchais Marquis House.
His younger brother Jestin Gabriel was the deputy commander.
By the way, the third brother Germain was Latreilles trusted aide.
Regis saw Benjamin during the Founding Day Festival in April, but they didnt speak.
Right now, he showed an unsatisfied face after making his greetings.
The Second Army that was devastated by the High Britannians was assigned to the new Fourth Army by the orders of Field Marshal Latreille.
So Benjamin was now a subordinate of Altina.
The Belgarian Empire had a deep Patriarchal mindset.
Furthermore, Altina was just fifteen.
It was natural for Lieutenant General Beaumarchais who was almost forty to feel uncomfortable.
At the sa ti, the Beaumarchais Marquis House was one of the grand nobles based around the capital, which ant he belonged to the Second Prince faction.
The political enemy of the Fourth Princess in the struggle to inherit the throne.
If not for the war with High Britania that threatened the survival of the Empire, the two sides would be at each others throats.
He is probably thinking the sa thing, Regis thought.
Will they use this chance and send him to his death in order to gain a slight advantage in their political struggle? It was natural for Benjamin to have such doubts.
He didnt take a seat after entering the tent, but survey the surroundings with cautious eyes instead.
......
Please have a seat.
Regis gestured. Benjamin pondered for a mont and nodded.
Alright.
He must have judged that it was inappropriate for him to remain standing alone.
Jero who entered at the sa ti treated this place like his own ho, grabbing a chair and sat down.
I am running low on food, and was thinking of buying sothing here. I didnt imagine that I would see such a scene.
What a disaster.
Thats true. Instead of a war, this was more like a catastrophe.
Enzo thought as he clenched his fist.
True
Their provisions were limited. They wanted to rush to their destination with a light load, so they didnt bring much food and water.
If they shared with the old man, they wont have enough.
And giving so supplies to the old man would just delay the inevitable.
Even if he scavenge for food in the town to survive another day or two...
Enzo ca from Rouen City to the east, which just happened to be the opposite direction the High Britannians were invading from.
Many of the cities were pillaged and the people ran away, leaving behind ruins.
Although there were still so relatively safer places...
Enzo knew that there was another town about two days journey by foot to the east.
What are your plans?
Can you sell so food, how much will it cost?
Enzo wasnt good at lying.
After pondering for quite a while, he explained the current situation to the old man with a wry smile.
Its the thought that counts, dont feel bad about this. Since you ca this way, there must be a task you want to complete, right?
Yes, thats right.
I have no intentions of holding back the strides of the young. Even if I pass on here on this land, I will be satisfied.
Lionel thought about this seemingly deep words.
The driver asked uneasily.
Dear custor, it will be troubling if we dont have enough provisions.
Even so, I cant just leave him
Enzo finally sort out his mind.
He turned to the old man.
Sorry, we have to head to the battlefield. We will be joining the soldiers waiting for us, and head for one of the Imperial Armies.
Oh, an army.
This is urgent, we dont have the ti to make a detour to another town.
Dont worry about it.
The old man shook his head and shrug.
Enzo was thinking of another way.
Well then, if you are willing to co with us to the war zone, we can give you a ride. How about it?
The old man opened his eyes wide.
Lionel also looked at his master in surprise.
The driver muttered with a worried expression.
Is that really fine? Our food and water might not be enough.
Enzo shrugged.
Even if he head east and reach the other town in several days, it might be deserted. He wont see any towns unless he scale the mountains northwards, and there are no towns to the south.
Furthermore, even if we give the old man provisions for a day or two, it wont be of much help.
That might be so
Since we cant just leave him, it would be better to bring him to the warzone. If we ration a little, we should be able to make it.
The driver agreed and nodded.
If there wasnt enough food, Enzo thought that he could just give his share to the old man. He wouldnt die if he didnt eat or drink for a day.
The old man asked:
Do you have to head for the battlefield.
Yes, because we have sothing very important to do.
Hmmm Thats true, instead of staying here, it would be better to follow you to the battlefield.
If we are lucky, we can et up with the Imperial Army. Food and water wouldnt be a problem then.
The old man nodded deeply.
Great!
Ah?
You are a true man! I like that!
Erm, thanks.
I am an old man who ca from the capital, please take with you.
I am a blacksmith from Rouen city, this is my disciple.
Good day, I am Lionel. From sewing machines to armour, do visit our store if you need anything!
After hearing the disciple said sothing so casual, the old man laughed.
Enzo pointed at the load-carrying tray.
Lionel, please make so space.
Alright. Lets stack these boxes here It would be better to tie the covers up, please wait a mont.
Pardon The old man said and boarded.
Enzo unconsciously noticed sothing tied to the left of the old mans brown robes.
... You have a sword?
Of course. Not having any weapons while traveling is dangerous, this is for self defence.
Its fine, just my occupational habit.
Regrettably, this isnt anything valuable, just sothing cheap.
The old man pulled back his cloak to show them his sword.
Just like he said, it was a normal mass produced sword that could be found anywhere.
Lionel who cleared so space gestured for the old man to sit on a rug.
Your butt will hurt if you sit for too long.
Compared to camping out in the wild, this is heavenly.
My skills will beco dull if I keep idling. If possible, can I sharpen your sword?
Hm? that, should be fine
The old man seed to be waiting for Enzo to acknowledge, so Enzo said:
Please leave it to him if it is okay with you. His skills arent bad. It wouldnt be a surprise if he struck out on his own next year.
No, Im still learning. I will still be counting on Masters tutelage.
As he spoke, Lionel took out his sharpening tools and prepared to get started.
The old man leaned on a crate, and sighed in relief.
Phew, thank god for showing grace.
eting in such a place was like a sign from god I have prayed sincerely before, of course.
The driver raised his whip and the carriage moved off once again.
==================================================
Imperial Year 851, 3rd June, Night
The sky was filled with stars.
They will be heading over today.
After being resupplied, the Fourth Army had plenty of equipnt.
The commander and commissioned officers stayed in huge tents, the rank and file only had simple tents, but it was enough to shelter them from chill and rain.
In the center of the large tents were simple beds for Altina and the maid Clarisse.
Inside the tent besides them was the room of Regis who had been promoted to a commissioned officer
Regis sat inside the carriage that was unhooked from the horses.
The white and beautiful carriage was large enough for six people to hold a eting in it.
The windows were made from high quality glass, and the axles of the carriage were secured with springs.
This was the highest quality carriage in this era, not sothing that could be bought with the budget of a border regint. It was a personal gift from the southern new noble Eleanor to Regis.
Designed as a mobile command center, it had a small foldable table, and Regis placed plenty of docunts onto it.
The light from the lamps hanging on the walls were swaying.
Knock knock.
The sound of knocking broke the silence.
Hmmm?
Regis lift his head from his book and looked out the window.
The hills that were only illuminated by the stars were pitch dark. The only thing he could see from the windows was his reflection that was lit by lamp. He couldnt see anything outside.
No matter what, soone dangerous wouldnt knock the door.
Regis turned the handle and opened the carriage door.
The light shone on the visitor.
The swaying orange light contrasted with the fiery vermillion hair. Even the dim lamplight couldnt conceal the breathtaking beauty of her porcelain white skin and ruby like eyes.
... Ah.
Are you free, Regis?
The one visiting was Altina.
Her lips were smiling, but it couldnt hide the nervousness in her voice. Did she have sothing to discuss?
Y-Yes
Regis tidied the books sprawled out on the seats.
His heartbeat was racing for unknown reasons.
It was already midnight, but it wasnt anything unusual about a commander seeing a strategist the night before battle.
But the sight of her in the night had a different charm from usual. She had a fragrance that seed to be from fairy tales. Regis wondered if he was dreaming.
Altina got onto the carriage.
And sat opposite Regis.
Thank you for your hard work, still not turning in?
... I will be working through the night.
Is the preparation for tomorrow not done yet?
That isnt so, the main tasks have been entrusted to Sir Jero. We have begun the battle operation. According to the Pioneers that returned and scout reports, the enemy has set up camp in the place we predicted.
Can we win?
... According to the current situation, if we cant defeat the supply team, it will make wonder if they have the help of a wizard.
How confident.
No, I just
Alright alright, you are going to say I just happen to know, right?
Altina said with a smile and Regis scratched his head.
She took one of the docunts on the table and looked.
It was the map of this area, from Chaineboule City in the west to the hills of Lafressange.
... Whats the matter?
Hey, I dont understand sothing Maybe Im a bit dumb, but I dont get this.
What is it?
I am thinking if Regis already expected the High Britanian supply team would escape from Chaineboule?
It was rare to see Altina carefully choosing her words.
Regis didnt answer.
......
Sir Jeros unit wasnt far from Chaineboule back then right? Why did you give the order not to attack the escaping enemy units?
... True.
For example, if we blocked the exit of the city, the supply unit wouldnt be able to escape. We can then order the fleets to fire upon the city. Even the invincible rcenary King would have no choice but to surrender right? Well If I can think of it, Regis can do it too, I just want to know why you didnt do so.
It wasnt a suspicious attitude.
Altina was like a curious student raising a question to her teacher.
Trusting your subordinates too much was dangerous
But right now, Regis should be happy about being trusted.
Hmm I shouldnt explain this too clearly
No problem. There are no one else around the carriage, and no one will co here. Your words are just for my ears.
Speaking of which, Altinas ears were more keen than a dog, and her eyes could rival a cat.
... I understand, then I will share my views Its not a reason that will make anyone happy, and might cause internal strife if the wrong people hears it. No matter how much you trust them, do not tell them about this.
Okay.
Altina nodded obediently.
Regis lowered his voice and said:
... Simply put its because I dont trust the Second Army.
Eh? Not confident in their strength?
... No, its not about that.
Regis was hesitant to speak, but since he already said this much, he had to make it clear.
Who can be sure that the Second Army is not in cahoots with the Britanians?
Ah Altina opened her mouth wide.
... Sir Jero and the border regint are well trained soldiers. They didnt let their guard down even after joining up with the Second Imperial Army. Even if they are in bed with the enemy, it wouldnt cause too much damage. Protecting Altina is the top priority Thats why I entrust this mission to them.
Right.
But things wont be so simple when we fight the Britannians. If they turn on us in the midst of battle, we will suffer greatly.
So thats what you think.
... We might all be soldiers for the sa nation, but they might not be completely on our side.
Then why didnt you tell this before hand?
You are an straightforward person, if I ask you to be wary of them, your attitude would be completely different. On top of that, the Second Imperial Army was reorganized into the Fourth without prior warning and have a new commander, it was impossible for them not to feel a little a little resistant to this.
Thats true, Benjamin always looks so serious.
... He is probably wondering if the commander will betray them Like using them as a sacrificial pawn to bait the enemy.
I wont do that!
... Lets assu that in a terrible situation, the Fourth Army had to choose to sacrifice half of our soldiers. I would definitely choose to save my own border regint and old guards If I didnt do so, the soldiers would probably protest.
Ughh That I can understand.
Because the Beilschmidt border regint was also part of the Fourth Imperial Army
It was a fact the Fourth Army was ford after absorbing the Second Army. It was natural that the old units led by the commander Altina would beco the core of the Fourth Army.
If the old guards didnt receive better treatnt, they will feel that it was unfair.
For humans, injustice was a strong dicine.
Even more so if it was a matter of life and death.
Jealousy and survival instinct will make them uneasy, which will fill them with rage, and beco a trigger point for a riot.
... When the new troops joined our ranks, the thing I watched closely was the old guards and whether they felt any unfairness. However, if the preferential treatnt is too obvious, it will weaken the cohesiveness of the new soldiers. I wanted Altina to not be over cautious before we find a balance point in how we treat our troops
Regis is right. If I thought that they might betray us from the start, I will show an unnatural attitude.
Sigh
It was a bit unexpected, and Regis sighed.
Altina noticed and asked:
Whats the matter?
Nothing, I just feel that you have grown.
I-Is that so? Where? Which part?
Altinas cheeks blushed, and she flicked her hair and placed her hand over her chest discreetly.
Regis gritted his teeth and said with a serious face:
... If it was the old you, you will definitely say angrily I will hide my suspicion carefully!
Eh
But if it is the current Altina, you wont need to duel with Sir Jero in order to improve your command relationship with him.
In the past, Altina challenged the forr commander Jero to a duel in order to beco the de facto commander of the Beilschmidt border regint.
She won back then, but now
If she was good with negotiations and socializing, there would be other ways to resolve that.
Altina pouted.
T-Thats not true, the duel was necessary! I knew my strength from the very start, I wont act like a stubborn child putting on a front!
Really? If Sir Jero rode his horse and used his lance for the duel, how would you handle it?
Eh? Erm I already knew from his personality that he wouldnt do that!
Hmmm You didnt say I will win even if that happens!, you certainly have grown.
Y-You
Regis seed to have overdid it, as Altinas eyes beca watery.
So he smile wryly and said:
... Isnt that great You are just fifteen, you wont be qualified to be the Empress if you dont grow further.
Im not qualified? I cant do it?
Not right now But people will grow. To be a qualified Empress, there are many things you have to learn.
Okay.
... Regrettably, to beco a ruler, learning how to doubt others is necessary.
No problem. If doubting others makes unhappy, I will read a poem by the window to change my mood.
Thats true.
She was royalty by birth. She should be enjoying a peaceful life. But she abandoned her life of luxury, and committed herself to the battlefield to fulfill her dreams. Being too suspicious would hold her back instead.
Altina went back to the topic.
You stopped Jero from cutting off the High Britania Army that was escaping Chaineboule because of your distrust of the Second Army, is that right?
... Yes, and also, I am not very confident that we would win.
The enemy has about 15,000 soldiers right?
Even though the Seventh Imperial Army are mostly infantry, they still numbered 20,000, but were powerless before the enemies 10,000 n.
Thats true. We only have 16,000 n, and quite a number are injured.
In terms of training, the Seventh Army is stronger. After taking all this into consideration, I feel that it would be too difficult for Sir Jero to intercept the supply unit. And winning might not be a good thing.
What do you an?
... After this war is over, we will be struggling against Prince Latreille for the throne. If the army that is supporting us suffers huge losses, it would be bad.
Altina frowned.
Instead of that, shouldnt we prioritize the defence of the Empire?
... Those who cant see what will happen in a thousand years have no right to discuss politics, Mr Villoresi wrote that in his history book Tipoly's Rampart. He thinks that if you cant consider a problem a thousand years later right now, you are not qualified to be a leader of a nation.
But, if the nation is falls, there wont be a future for everyone.
... Even so, we still need to treat both sides equally. It is the privilege of the people to give up on prioritizing the present. If the leaders of a nation abuse this privilege, the nation will fall a thousand years later. And when it falls, there would still be plenty of people alive then. The nation will need to take responsibility for these citizens in the future.
Ugh A thousand years later?
Well, in contrary to this saying, there will be people who think this problem will not be relevant a thousand later. But of course, the ti fra can also apply to tomorrow, next year, next decade or next century.
What if it was a choice between today or the future?
... If the situation calls for us to discard one or another, that isnt really a choice. Quoting a line from the book Wall of Teebow, to drink poison today or tomorrow. If one dont have the resolve to choose, they cant be a leader of a nation.
Is that so?
... Normally speaking, most people will choose to drink poison tomorrow. They will hold on to the hope that another choice will co up tomorrow.
Thats normal.
But people who place their hope on miracles are no different from gamblers and girls who daydream, and cannot shoulder the responsibility of guiding the people. Miracle wont happen in reality, Prince Charming will never co, and only destruction awaits the nation.
It is wrong for a ruler to hope for a miracle.
Altina nodded.
Regis asked:
... Well then, what will you choose?
So other things were also written in the book.
If soone made the third choice of not drinking poison today or tomorrow, that person would be the least suitable to be a ruler. That would be unrealistic and unwilling to face the problem head on. Just a fool who didnt even think about solving the issue.
These words that seed to be idle chatting concealed Regis true thoughts.
Altina answered without a second thought.
Cut down the guy who is asking about drinking poison, of course!
She puffed her chest out and stood proudly.
Regis was stunned, and laughed the next instance.
Hahaha I see. As expected of Altina.
W-What is it? Is it weird?
... No, well, instead of strange This is the right answer.
She faced the problem head on and thought hard about how to handle it. Such an attitude was admirable.
Although her knowledge was lacking.
But Regis could give her hints to solve the problems.
Confidence filled his heart like never before. He had been bearing this burden since he beca the strategist after all.
Altina said unhappily.
What is so strange about this?
... Maybe the founding Emperor of Belgaria thought the sa way when he built this Empire. We should use a strategy that matches the current era That is why the battle tonight is most suitable for you.
Thats right! We just need to defeat the supply unit of High Britania! I can fight anyti! Even if my opponent is the rcenary King!
Altina stood up and said grandly.
Regis looked at the clock hung on the carriage.
If the operation proceeds smoothly, we will begin the attack in four hours. Catch up on your sleep before that.
What about you?
I have to consider the things that will happen after this operation ends. Dont worry, I will sleep tomorrow morning.
You are already certain that we will win?
Regis smiled without saying anything.
Altina blinked her big ruby like eyes and jumped off the carriage with a smile.
See you later then, Regis!
Alright. We are in the middle of a war, be careful.
I know!
She turned gracefully and left. Regis looked through the window and saw her figure disappear into the night.
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