Late Night Coffee
Regis reached for the bread. Even though the bread baked at the battlefield was very hard, there was butter on it so it was tasty. What a luxury to eat butter on the battlefield.
Ms Fanrine wont tell to sleep early though. Everyone ask to do that when they see reading through the night.
Fanrine smiled under the faint light of the lamp.
The wavering shadows emphasized the contours of her body, which made her more charming than in the day.
Because everyone is worried about Sir Regis health.
Yes, I understand that. Thank you.
I hope Sir Regis can stay in good health too, but there are so things that have to be done which I cant do in your stead. I dont want to get in your way.
... I see.
Thats a different way of thinking about this, Regis thought.
She wasnt just a gentle woman, Fanrine had given it much thought.
The tangerine was deliciously sweet and sour.
Arent you eating, Ms Fanrine?
I will be turning in soon. Sir Regis, have you gotten acquainted with everyone from the First Army?
Well, I think my relationship with them isnt bad On the surface.
Thats good enough. I was worried during the conversation earlier.
... The n from the White Wolves Knights are probably not too happy.
That skirmish near the Imperial Capital is quite well known, there are sons from noble Houses amongst the knights of the First Army.
The commander and his deputy both died during that incident.
Regis didnt want anyone to die, but Jeros five hundred Black Knights were facing off against the thousand strong White Wolves Knights, any wrong move and they would have been wiped out. So Regis couldnt hold back.
Right now, the Knight Commander of the White Wolves was newly promoted, and didnt bear any grudge against Regis.
But there were definitely people who still did because of that battle, so Regis couldnt let his guard down.
For now, I am here as a staff officer on Prince Latreilles invitation Compared to their hatred towards , their loyalty is probably stronger.
Regis didnt know any commander who was held in a higher regard by their subordinates than Latreille.
Prince Latreille is going to be the Emperor right?
Probably. When the war with High Britannia ends Well, I think this battle will end this war. Thats why we are going to lay siege on the fort city.
... Why are you doing that?
Fanrine was capable and excellent in politics, but was lacking in military affairs.
Regis explained as he chewed on his bread.
When attacking a fort, the battle will end when our soldiers break into their fort. There wont be many soldiers escaping from inside. Without sufficient numbers, they would be like bandits, no matter who was in command. There wouldnt be a problem in declaring the war has ended then.
I see, so we will definitely win?
Well For the defenders of a fort, they would win when they drastically reduce the attackers numbers, and pursue after them during their retreat.
Or to hold out until reinforcent arrives.
There wont be reinforcent from High Britannia coming, but if the war becos a stalemate, the neighbouring nations would attack the Belgarian Empire.
I heard that the fort city is really well built.
Yes, Grebauvar city has an excellent fort. It is hard to imagine how it fell into the hands of the enemy.
So they havent found out yet.
No Theyve already learned the situation from those who escaped But they are treating like an outsider and havent told the details.
Thats rude.
I have no choice but to ask about it during tomorrows war conference. This is the first ti I am in the position of receiving report that had already been organized, but as a newcor, I have to be used to the new way of doing things.
Regis didnt want them to accommodate him so much that they get into conflicts.
He was just feeling uneasy.
Fanrine asked other things.
... Sir Regis supports Princess Argentina to be the Empress right? Is it fine to help Prince Latreille like this?
Well, saving the citizens of Grebauvar City is the priority, and we need to end the war with High Britannia as soon as possible. If we stand idly by, our neighbouring nations would invade. These facts must be considered separately from politics.
Thats true.
And I am wondering whether Prince Latreille and Princess Argentinas policy are really too irreconcilable -- I need to know the answer to this. The goal isnt to obtain authority, but to change the governance policies of the Belgarian Empire. It would be great if we can shift from Hegemonism to Pacifism.
Isnt it obvious that Prince Latreille is hegemonic?
He was in the past. But with the Empire suffering heavy losses in the war with High Britannia, and the war changing with the debut of rifles, it would be a different era. The Princes thinking might change. I have so hope for that
If nothing changes, then what would you do?
Hmm Thats a difficult question. If Prince Latreille insists on hegemonism to expand his territory, I would need to take counterasures. However, he would be Emperor then.
If the campaign to recapture Grebauvar City was successful, Prince Latreille would probably beco Emperor.
Regis sighed.
If he takes the throne, it will be difficult no matter what I do
Fanrine tilted her head in surprise.
Speaking of which, Princess Argentina would lose her succession rights if Prince Latreille takes the throne right?
Thats right, there isnt any law regarding the succession of the throne, but it had always followed tradition. The most influential person with regards to this is the Chamberlain. He is of noble birth, and was the Minister of Military Affairs as well as the Ceremonial Ministry in the past. He seed to have strong ties to the current Ministers. If the Chamberlain doesnt acknowledge him, the powerful grand nobles wouldnt either. This ans there is a form of senate in the Empire, even though it is not recognized by law.
It feels strange that the succession of the Emperor, the one with absolute authority in the Empire, is decided by the Chamberlain.
Fanrine lowered her voice. She was already speaking softly, and was even more guarded now.
She was baffled by it, and Regis felt the sa.
Its because the previous Emperor granted him a lot of authority, but the problem is the sudden empowernt. Well, no matter what If the second son succeeds the throne, the fourth daughter losing her succession right is the tradition
Thats right.
The Belgarian Empire is special, but in nations like High Britannia, Hispania and Germania, siblings would have succession rights if the Emperor has no scion, sothing like this
Regis wrote on a piece of scrap paper.
Emperors descendants Emperors younger brother Brothers descendant Even younger brother His descendants
However, the Belgarian Empire doesnt recognize the succession rights of the Emperors siblings.
Emperors descendants Emperors younger siblings descendants Even younger siblings descendants
The reason for this is probably an assassination plot that almost destroyed the Empire. In summary, it solves the problem of royal fratricide.
Is this problem because of the royals personality?
Yes. Not all of them are like this, but the royals have the prowess to fight a thousand n, and formidable ntal fortitude. But this might lead to events developing in a terrible way.
Regis recounted a tale that happened not too long ago.
The records were vague, and historians all held different opinions on this story
About 500 years ago, when the Empire was still in the west, the land to the central, south and east still belonged to other nations.
There were three princes about the sa age.
They all had crimson eyes, vermillion hair and a well built body, and all three were said to be just like the founding Emperor.
It was hard to determine who did better on the battlefield as they all perford outstandingly, contributing greatly to expanding the territory of the Empire.
They were the ones who chased the people of a different tribe that were near the current Imperial Capital towards the east. Everyone thought that no matter who beca Emperor, the Belgarian Empire would be as sturdy as bedrock.
When the Emperor at that ti passed away due to illness, the eldest brother rightfully took the throne, and was in the position to command his brothers.
However, when there were problems, there would be different opinions.
Regarding the counter attack of the foreign tribe they chased away and famine brought about by natural disaster, the Emperor had a clash of views with his brothers.
And then, the assassination happened.
The Second Prince assassinated the Emperor that was one of the rumours, but there wasnt any evidence. Despite the doubts surrounding his death, the Second Prince took the throne in accordance to the line of succession. It had just been half a year since his brother ascended the throne.
And of course, the Empire was stable since the Second Prince was an exemplary talent.
Half a year later
The Third Prince unveiled the treasonous plot of the Second Prince.
The details werent clear. The common belief was that soone related to the assassination was captured.
There wasnt any law to incriminate a royal.
The court of law could step in, but at this point, it was too late for anyone to stop him. And so, the Third Prince executed the Second Prince.
It wouldnt be too bad if the story ended here.
However, so of the noble pointed out that instead of the Third Prince, the children of the Second Prince were more suitable for the throne.
When the Second Prince died, his children had priority in the line of succession.
But the coronation of the Second Prince who killed the Emperor was invalid There was such a tradition too. The Third Prince insisted that he should have the succession right as the one who unveiled the assassination plot of the First Prince.
But the influence of the Third Prince was too limited, and couldnt shut the mouths of the Second Prince faction.
The result was a civil war that splitted the nation in two.
According to present day research, the Third Princes position was correct in accordance to custom. But unfortunately, the Second Prince faction obtained victory in the end.
There were many stories about what happened to the Third Prince, such as dying on the battlefield, or founding his own nation and passing of old age after escaping from the Empire.
In conclusion, the Belgarian Empire lost three excellent leaders.
During the large scale war, many problems were ignored. Many citizens died from the foreign tribes counter attack and famine.
Luckily, the new Emperor was young but talented, and the Empire recovered its national strength But there was no doubt that the Empire was on the verge of destruction.
And so, the eldest son of the Second Prince who assassinated the First Prince beca the new Emperor.
And the descendants of the royal family also inherited this personality.
So to avoid such a failure from happening again, there was a custom that the siblings must support the new Emperor this was written in many books.
Regis finished the coffee that had gone slightly cold.
... I dont think bloodline can decide everything. But after talking about this story of brothers killing brothers, I suspect that this is the reason behind the succession system in place.
So thats where the custom ca from.
Well, the children of the Emperor would have priority in the line of succession over his brothers. This is the sa for other countries.
Ah, this might be rude But if Prince Latreille beca Emperor and doesnt have any children after ascending the throne, than what will happen if he passes away? Will Princess Argentinas child take the throne?
Hmmm If Prince Auguste has a child, that child would be next in the line of succession. If the throne is vacant for a ti, there would be tis when the mother of the Emperor would perform his duty as a stand in. Right now, that would be Prince Latreilles mother Her Majesty, the Empress.
His mother!?
Not taking the throne, but standing in for him.
So there is such a thing
The Empire right now is a huge nation with over a million people, but the population was smaller three hundred years ago. As we are constantly at war, the princes and emperors might lose their live if they are not careful. When a child related to the royal family by blood was born, he would beco the Emperor.
The bloodline actually continued.
Yes If the children have red eyes and hair, they must be a descendant of the Founding Emperor.
Hmm Fanrine pondered.
Ah Then for High Britannia, if Queen Margaret loses this war, her sister will beco queen?
Eh, that kingdom is governed by a parliant, so the succession rights are listed out plainly. According to your logic, wouldnt her cousin Elizabeth be next in line? She doesnt have any sisters after all No, High Britannias parliant has the authority to dispose of the monarch. Considering their relations with Belgaria from now on, there is a chance that Queen Margaret would be disposed, even if she survives.
There will be changes. What kind of person is Princess Elizabeth? It would be great if she hates war
She had never appeared in a public setting before. As she is just 16, she is not considered an adult in High Britannia.
Is that so?
No matter who becos the queen, that country will be in trouble. Belgaria would ask for war reparations. To satisfy the terms of a peace treaty, would they pay with money, or supply advanced technology? If they refuse, will it be war? I am against an invasion But I dont know what Prince Latreilles plans are.
Fanrine nodded.
Sir Regis, you are concerned about what His Highness decision would be?
Ah Thats right I hope that Prince Latreille would seek out peaceful diplomatic relations, but
If Prince Latreille implents a hegemonic policy after taking the throne, what would your plans be?
The orange flas danced in the reflection of her eyes.
Regis could only sit idly by and wait for this situation to co.
He couldnt prevent Latreille from taking the throne.
If Latreille beca the new Emperor, and expanded the frontlines?
If it cos to that, I will do all I can. I wont stand by idly anymore. My apologies, but I cant explain the specifics.
... No, pardon , a re woman enquiring on politics.
After talking to you, my thoughts are more organized, Ms Fanrine. Thank you.
Fufu sorry to disturb your reading. I will be retiring for the night. See you tomorrow, Sir Regis.
Ahhh, good night.
Fanrine bowed deeply and exited the tent.
Regis sighed.
Maybe I will be recreating the struggles between siblings 500 years ago.
This would be a brutal incident in the history of Belgaria.
500 years later, maybe the history books would portray him as a big sinner.
... I hope It wont co to war.
He didnt want to see a fight between siblings.
It would be great if he doesnt have to be a strategist again. He wanted to read his books while being lectured as a useless bum. Thats what Regis thought.
Imperial Year 851, July 5th
Noon.
The First Imperial Army of the Belgarian Empire advanced to a position 60 Ar (4287m) away from Grebauvar City, which was being occupied by the allied army of High Britannia and Langobalt Kingdom.
They were not in artillery range, but they could already look over the hill at the grey fortress walls on top of the green plains
If one possessed extraordinary eyesight, they might be able to see the flags of High Britannia and Langobalt clearly.
Just like the intel report stated, the fortress had been seized.
After eating lunch, Regis walked towards the headquarters.
All the soldiers of the First Army were well trained, and weren't uncouth in any way. They maintained their discipline, and didnt look like they had marched for several days. There wasnt anyone wandering around half naked, gambling or fighting.
There were those doing weapon maintenance, training and resting
Their morale was high.
When Regis clashed with them at the Imperial Capital, he felt they were aloof and careless.
However, they suffered heavy losses in the battle with High Britannia several days ago, he could feel they were tense in a good sense.
He entered the war conference room. It was a round tent with a roof, with a round table inside.
But no chairs.
It seed that everyone will stand during the conference.
Regis wanted to enter during the appointed ti
But only found one person in there.
It was Latreille who was wearing light armour.
Regis took out his pocket watch panickingly.
S-Sorry, did I mix up the ti?!
No, the ti now is 5 minutes before 1300 hours Theres no problem at all.
The others arent here yet?
Yes, I told the others that the conference will start at 1400 hours.
This wasnt the sa as usual.
Regis felt uneasy, being in the sa tent as Latreille alone.
Maybe he offended him sohow, and would be executed?
No, considering how he had been since he started working here, he might be chased back to the capital because of how useless he was.
Thinking back, Regis noted that he had just been reading books.
Would it be execution or being expelled from the Staff Officers?
Latreille placed a hand on the table.
Sir Regis, you are not gelling well with the unit.
So Im fired?
Hmm?
Ah, no, ehh Did my work performance not et your expectations?
To be honest, yes. On Le Luc hill, you advised to not dwell there. But you are not participating in the recent etings.
... Well I dont have any special opinions to raise, and didnt want to drag the process.
I think you are concerned about troubling the people around you.
My apologies for making you worry.
And so, before the conference begins, I would like to hear your views.
... Yes.
Look at this first.
A map was laid out on the table.
The sll of ink was still fresh.
It was probably updated with the latest intel.
The fortress city Grebauvar was situated in front of a steep mountain, and built at its valley. Even though it was called a valley, but the land to its side wasnt steep, although there were slopes not easily traversable by carriages. The city was situated in a basin between mountains.
Thanks to the location, the windmills and watermills were always turning.
The wind would blow from the south west towards north east.
It was the sa for the river flow. The river was almost wide enough for warships, and was very deep. The river flows across the Germanian Federation all the way to the western sea.
Because the flow was rapid, only those who excel in swimming could make it to the other side.
It seldom rains in Belgaria, so the quantity of water was precious.
It wasnt just a fortress which defends against Langobalt Kingdom of the Germanian Federation, the industries that made full use of the water supply was also a feature of this city.
Along with Mauldre City on the other side of the southern mountain, it was one of the few paper and steel mass production cities within the Empire. It also produced top grade wine.
This was the hub of the northern frontlines, where Lieutenant General Buxlow and his Third Army were garrisoned.
But Lieutenant General Buxlow died in the war with High Britannia.
The Third Army also lost more than half of their forces.
Despite that, there should be more than 10,000 n who have been guarding the city. They were either captured or killed with the fall of the city, and couldnt be counted on to fight.
Hmm Regis stared at the map.
Latreille pointed to the map, and explained the deploynt of the enemy.
According to scouts report, the allied forces of High Britannia and Langobalt Kingdom are inside the fortress, their estimated numbers are between 30,000 to 40,000.
Attacking the fortress with inferior numbers, this is a harsh situation.
We wont be fighting them head on. Thats why I requested for your presence.
No... thats
I dont really like it, so I threw it away.
I see. Its a boring thing, so throwing it away is the right decision.
Neh, the Belgarian Empire isnt attacking yet? We even occupied a base, it would be boring if there isnt any battle.
Paul fell into deep thought.
Even though he was enamoured by Margaret, and would occasionally glance at Margarets revealed thigh despite keeping his back straight, his military capability wasnt shoddy.
Once sumr is over, the other nations of the Germanian Federation will finish their war preparation. There are rumours that Estaburg Kingdom to the east is intending to declare war. Hispania might be half hearted, but when the northern and eastern frontlines start to heat up, they will join the fray too. As expected of these piranhas, snapping at the bait.
Paul usually spoke in a sure tone. He was very confident that he was right. He wouldnt say anything he was not certain about. Instead of making idle guesses, he would rather gather information and research That was the Germanian way of thinking.
Pauls analysis was similar to how Oswald saw it.
As expected, this guy wasnt incompetent.
Margaret looked at him reproachingly.
I dont care about the other countries. When will a bunch of people die? When will there be a mountain of corpses?
The Belgarian Empire has 50,000 pioneers
I already heard that from Oswald.
Hmm.
Paul looked displeased, and turned his eyes to Oswald.
Oswald lowered his head respectfully.
... I apologize for overstepping my bounds, I already analyzed the situation on the Queens orders.
Its fine, you are the strategist for High Britannia after all. There is no problem for you to report such matters to your commander-in-chief. But there is still no telling when the Belgarian Empire will strike.
A concise answer.
Margaret shrugged.
Im bored to death.
It would be troubleso if you dont beco my queen.
Ara, but you see Becoming the queen consort of a small nation is much duller than being a queen regent.
Saying the term small nation to an allied state all of a sudden made Oswald break out in cold sweat.
But Paul didnt seem to mind.
I dont plan on being the king of a small nation forever. Recently St.Prussia is subjugating other countries under its control. They would definitely not leave us alone. I will use Grebauvar as the starting point to seize Belgarias territory. I will then conquer the neighbouring nations and destroy St.Prussia!
If you beco king of the Germanian Federation, I will consider it.
Yes!
Paul nodded confidently.
For the sake of my marriage with Margaret, first, I will make the Belgarian Army fall on their face. In that case, we should attack pre-emptively. The enemy numbers 20,000, we have 30,000, there is no reason we will lose.
He was not speaking in jest.
For Langobalt, this was just a small part of his total forces. However, the 10,000 troops in Grebauvar were all the High Britannians had left.
They lost 20,000 n and the main battle fleet in this war.
And letting him use the High Britannian soldiers as if they were his was unacceptable.
Pardon for being blunt, but I must protest. The High Britannian forces are exhausted after the long campaign, and couldnt match the pace of your Kingdoms elite forces.
Which an that if Paul wanted to attack, he could only bring his own forces.
Paul pondered over it.
Hmmm You still need so ti to recover huh.
The Imperial First Army here is flying the flag of Prince Latreille. The most elite group of the Empire. They have large cavalry forces, it would be disadvantageous to fight them on the plain.
An atmosphere of being tired of battle hung over the soldiers. It was difficult to keep morale up.
Even though Paul look displeased that his proposal was rejected, he was no fool.
He changed the topic:
Speaking of which, intel reported that a certain strategist joined the First Army Do you know who he is? Soone by the na of Auric.
That is
My agent emphasized that the strategist is renowned in the Empire. However, I have never heard of his na.
He is the strategist who took down Fort Volks.
Paul opened his eyes with intrigue.
Hoh. The report I received was that the Fourth Princess of Belgaria seized that impregnable fortress. Am I mistaken?
As the strategist of the Fourth Princess Marie Quatre Argentina de Belgaria, he proposed many strategies. From taking down Fort Volks to cutting off our supply lines a very dangerous character.
Yes. Cutting off the supplies of an army is a rather common strategy.
It is as you say.
Destroying a fleet of battleships with just sail ships, and creating fog It made one wonder if he made a deal with the devil in exchange for his prowess.
But no matter what the explanation was, it was just a aningless excuse after the battle was lost.
If only Prince Latreille was here, it was possible to do sothing by targeting his weak points. However, normal sches wont work against this strategist.
Since there is a famous strategist, then giving them more ti would be unwise.
If I may I think that letting exhausted soldiers fight outside the fortress would be even worse. The structure of Grebauvar is a little unique, the defences of the city side is weaker. If they use siege weapons operated by the pioneers, they would probably target the southern city walls.
Even if they take down the city, there is still a wall as sturdy as the outside between the city and the fortress.
That might be so, but their priority would be saving the citizens. I heard that is the kind of person Sir Auric is.
Hmmm Then what kind of man is that Second Prince?
... If he does not value the words of Sir Auric, he wouldnt recruit him as a strategist in the first place. He must have acknowledged Sir Aurics talent in earlier battles before recruiting him.
Regis dAuric was Argentinas strategist and because Altina was an amateur in military affairs, she delegated command to him.
To loan out such an important strategist, did that an she had no intention on fighting Prince Latreille anymore?
Or she realized that this battle would decide the fate of the Empire, and sent her strategist to aid?
There was intel that the Strategist Auric was in the First Army, but no report on the whereabouts of the Fourth Princess. It was unlikely since their banners werent seen But maybe the Fourth Army was here as well.
If the Black Knight ca as well, then fighting outside the fortress would be a terrible idea.
There was no way that Oswald would know the truth.
No matter how capable he was it would be hard to imagine that the reason was that In order to be exempted from the practical test, Regis is using this expedition as the replacent.
Even the dogs raised by Belgaria were strong That was the belief of the neighbouring states.
If the city side gets taken, it would be easy to approach the wall from a blind spot, making defending difficult. In my opinion, the southern part of the steel production street which is the weakest part of Grebauvar Citys defence is the enemys target.
Are you certain?
This is just a speculation of the enemys plan, I cant say for sure
If that is so, I wont dispatch my troops. Unlike going out to attack the enemy, how could I send them to a place that the enemy might not even attack!?
Understood. I will deploy High Britannias riflen.
Leave the cannons in the fortress. If this place doesnt fall, we will not lose.
... Understood.
Why should he listen to the orders of King Langobalt with regards to the placent of High Britannias cannons?
Oswald wasnt Pauls subordinate.
He probably thought that Margaret would wed him, and was treating the High Britannia Army as his own things.
Despite that, it was just a problem of wording it.
Oswalds original intention was to place the cannons on the fortress side, and he didnt plan to keep all the High Britannia troops around Margaret.
No matter what kind of strategy it was, with the new model of rifles, they could handle any kind of siege weapons.
Or rather, the enemy prepared 50,000 pioneers, and probably wont just use them on siege weapons.
He heard that Fort Volks fell because of a tunnel they dug.
But this place was near a river, so water would seep in if they tried digging one, so that was not feasible.
Another possible thod was to build a fort to the south of Grebauvar.
For the Imperial army, they could withdraw the First Army after securing the frontlines.
Compared to taking down the fort, this thod wouldnt intimidate the other nations. But on the grand scale, this was enough to stop the other nations from thinking about invading Belgaria.
If the enemy used this strategy, then they would have to leave the fortress and attack them, just like what Paul said. If they didnt fight they would lose the strategic value of the fort, which would be the sa as defeat.
Depending on what the enemy did, they might have to resort to fighting on the open plains
However, the enemy numbered just 20,000. No matter how highly the Imperial First Armys soldiers evaluate themselves, this fact still remains.
Did the Empire have more reinforcents?
If that was so, it would be a race to see whether the nations of the Germanian Federation invaded first, or the Empires reinforcent reached earlier.
No matter what, now was the ti to endure.
Uwah~ Margaret yawned.
Oswald felt his heart pound. If she orders an attack, the whole strategical plan would be moot.
However, she seed to be tired of all these talks about military tactics, and made a shooing gesture.
I sweated a lot. I want to take a bath, prepare one for .
Oswald sighed in relief.
He then chased Paul out respectfully, and let the maids prepare the bath.
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