Chapter 122 – The Decisive Battle That Determines the Fate of the Empire (2)
A decisive battle for the fate of the empire (2)
When the report came in that Henry’s large army had reached the Windrage Territory, Prinz and Juno summoned each commander and staff and held a meeting.
“It is said that the army sent by Heinrich has reached a distance of about 5 days from our territory. Since our army was originally inferior, we planned to fight a defensive battle in the castle, but since we have appointed Juno as the commander-in-chief, I would like to hear your opinion.”
“No. My opinion is that rotation should take place.”
“Why? Can you explain why?”
In response to Prinz’s question, Yuno stood up and pointed to the castle wall visible from the window.
“First, Windrage Castle is not a castle suitable for defensive warfare. There was a lippil fortress supporting the eastern front, so there was no need to build this as a defensive castle. Therefore, the height of the castle walls is low and there are not many defensive facilities, so it has the advantage of a water-based warfare. I can’t say that.”
“Considering the hardships I suffered in the Battle of Streve, I thought that I was definitely inferior to that team. But, no matter what, it would definitely be more advantageous than going out and fighting, right? And when it comes to defense facilities, we have supplemented them a lot.”
Despite Prinz’s protest, Yuno did not bend his opinion.
“For the past two months or so, I have been training my soldiers to be suitable for an all-out war. If I were to engage in a defensive battle with soldiers, most of whom do not know how to shoot an arrow properly, the results would not be that great. And there is no need to fight a defensive battle. If you go out first and occupy an advantageous position for defense, you won’t be pushed back too much in the rotation.”
As Prinz was lost in thought, Yuno continued his speech.
“Crucially, in order for us to receive support from the people of the empire, we must minimize damage to civilians. Currently, the people of the empire are suffering a lot due to the war with Tesseito. If they feel that they are suffering additional damage, they will also resent us. It will come.”
At Yuno’s explanation, the commanders and staff who had already entrusted Yuno with the strategy smiled confidently, and Prinz also nodded, looking at his subordinates.
“Good. Anyway, since you are the commander-in-chief, I will leave everything to you. You have your own thoughts, but it looks like this brother was worried for no reason.”
“No, brother. This is a fight in which the lives of everyone here, the lives of 20,000 troops, and the fate of the empire are at stake, so you are right to be concerned.”
Prinz walked up to Yuno and held out his hand, and Yuno took his brother’s hand, and the brothers shook hands, showing their firm will.
3 days after that. A plain 30 km away from Windrage territory.
Yuno, who divided the 20,000 troops into four 5,000-man units and established a defensive position, stood at the forefront and watched the imperial troops approaching from afar and the dust they raised.
“Whoa, you do a lot of things. You look like you’re almost 40,000?”
“It will probably be about that much. The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd corps will all gather together. If this is going to happen, we should have just attacked the 3rd corps first. It’s truly enormous to see such a large army in reality.”
Haha, our soldiers weren’t even trained at the time. If we attacked the 3rd Corps first, we would have collapsed. Even if we won, we would have suffered huge losses.”
“Now, I think I understand what your Majesty meant when he said our soldiers were unprepared. Even after seeing that great army, I am not afraid, but rather full of confidence.”
“Is that so? It has been said since ancient times that physical strength is the strength of a nation. Soldiers will no longer get tired easily on the battlefield, and as such, they will participate more actively.”
Juno and Baron Leverkin talked about the approaching battle and observed the formation of the imperial army as they set up camp.
“They must have been very tired coming all the way here. How about conducting a night raid today?”
“I heard that the enemy’s commander-in-chief was Derian. When I met him in Streve, he seemed like a pretty useful guy. He probably won’t let his guard down that much even at night. Rather than increasing the fatigue of the soldiers with a clumsy night attack, it’s better to attack them head-on.”〈 Br〉
“Then what about a number like this?”
Baron Leverkin whispered in Juno’s ear and proposed his plan, and Juno said it would be fine and ordered it to be implemented.
“Then I’ll leave that to you. I’ll meet Derian once.”
“Yes? What do you mean?”
“Well… But weren’t we comrades in the last battle? I’d like to see your face before we fight.”
Yuno kicked off his horse and rode out, holding only a white flag.
“Um… Your Majesty!! How can the Commander-in-Chief go personally as a messenger!! Come back immediately!!”
Haha, there’s no law saying I shouldn’t go, right? Then I’ll be back for a while.”
“Your Majesty!! Your Majesty!!!”
Baron Leverkin followed, shouting loudly, but Juno only gestured for him to enter and continued towards the enemy camp.
In the end, when Juno disappeared inside the enemy lines, shouting that he was a messenger to Heinrich’s camp, Baron Leverkin had to return to the camp with a deep sigh.
Imperial army camp at that time. Baron Derian, the commander-in-chief of Henry’s army, who was setting up camp and resting his soldiers, heard that an enemy envoy carrying a white flag was approaching and ordered them to lead him to him.
“Hmm… Are you trying to acknowledge the difference in military strength and surrender? That would be very convenient.”
Derian shook his head at the words of Baron Hassau, commander of the 1st Corps.
“No. That won’t be the case. When I took a quick look, I saw that their discipline was orderly and their eyes were calm, unlike other soldiers. I don’t know why, but it looks like they brought in quite elite soldiers.”
“That makes the difference in the number of soldiers twice. And if they are elite, our legionnaires will be far superior. Aren’t the soldiers who survived the hell of Streve and Zeno the members of our western legion?”
4th Corps Commander Baron Sigwald’s words were clearly true, so Baron Derian nodded.
While the corps commanders were talking among themselves, a report came in that an envoy had arrived in front of the barracks, and he ordered them to come in.
And they frowned for a moment at the sight of the Reaper walking confidently even in the middle of enemy territory, but soon the Reaper’s face was revealed by the lighting, and all the corps commanders froze.
Haha, it’s been a while since I’ve seen you all. So, how have you been? I heard you were given the title of Baron Derian. Congratulations.”
“Sir… Your Highness the Third Prince? Uh… How come you are here…?”
They thought that Yuno, who had a close relationship with Prinz, would join Prinz’s army, and had prepared for that, but they were shocked because it was unthinkable that the prince himself would come as a messenger.
When the corps commanders naturally showed their respect, Yuno stood them up and made them sit back down.
“This time, I have taken over as commander-in-chief of Brother Prinz’s army. Since I will be fighting with my former colleagues, I came here to say hello before the battle begins in earnest.”
“Huh~ Your Majesty, the Commander-in-Chief… I didn’t even know about that because no information came from Windrage Territory.”
They hesitated, not knowing what to do about Yuno, who had led them to victory in the last Battle of Streve.
Haha, take it easy. After all, aren’t you just a traitor to you now?”
“How can you say that… We…”
“I understand. As the legions of the empire, you have no choice but to be loyal to Henry, who sits on the emperor’s throne. It is strictly forbidden for the soldiers of the empire to intervene in politics, so that is the right attitude for a soldier. You should point your sword at me. I understand what happened”
“… Thank you, Your Highness”
“But since this side does not recognize Heinrich as emperor and considers you enemies, they will not tolerate you on the battlefield. That is why I have come here now.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. We will do our best to win.”
Yuno extended his hand to each corps commander and offered to shake his hand, and they smiled as they held Yuno’s outstretched hand.
“Still, I have one thing to suggest to you.”
“What is it? Your Highness. If it is possible, I will accept it.”
“If I win this battle, please surrender cleanly to our army. Don’t even think about committing suicide.”
The corps commanders, including Derian, looked at each other with blank faces at Yuno’s suggestion and were lost in thought.
“Let’s talk about that proposal among ourselves for a moment.”
After pondering for a while, they finally nodded.
“I understand. If we are defeated with twice the number of troops, it is obvious that we will be executed when we return to Adria. Of course, we have no intention of losing on purpose, so you must be prepared.”
The corps commanders accepted Juno’s proposal, thinking of the several nobles whose heads had been cut off by Heinrich in the meeting hall.
“Okay. Of course, if I’m defeated by you, I’ll surrender cleanly. Then, we’ll see you on the battlefield!”
“Yes, Your Majesty. I’ll see you on the battlefield.”
After the meeting, Yuno returned to the camp, taking a quick glance at the imperial army’s camp.
“Wasn’t that just the Third Prince’s Highness?”
“If it’s the Third Prince… Isn’t he the one who single-handedly defeated Streve?”
“Ah~ Do you believe that ridiculous rumor?”
“No, it’s true! When I was in the 5th Corps, I participated in the Battle of Streb. Look, there’s a Streb battlefield on my armor. Did I see it myself? He was holding a huge log and blowing Tesito’s head off. … Ugh, we have to deal with that?”
“… Is that really true? Ugh”
Yuno’s visit had an unexpected and enormous effect.
The soldiers of the 1st and 2nd corps and the survivors of the 5th corps, who had seen Juno’s prowess in person during the previous Battle of Streve, testified to Juno’s prowess and were terrified that they would have to deal with it this time.
And that fear quickly spread throughout the imperial army, and the morale of the imperial army was significantly declining from the start of the battle.
*Yuno illustration
