Chapter 25
Chapter 25
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 25
Chapter Title: Being Misunderstood as a Genius Strategist
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The situation around Pavilion Pass had unfolded in a direction extremely favorable to our 12th Legion.
In the initial stage, the Eastern 3 Kingdoms' alliance army had forces roughly equal to ours.
They even harbored hostility toward the Empire, so their morale was no small matter.
But after several battles, that momentum had waned considerably.
At first glance, it seemed like they'd suffered heavy losses in combat, but there were other reasons too.
For instance, there appeared to be subtle power struggles within their command structure.
Or they suspected each other and held back in battle to preserve their own troops.
In fact, the attacks on the two mountains had been assigned to the Burkhai and Kaden forces respectively.
And the commanders of our legion who repelled those assaults all voiced the same opinion.
"It was definitely a fierce attack, but somehow it felt like they were probing for something."
"If it looks like their own troops are taking too many casualties, they pull back without hesitation."
They had already calculated that the assault on Pavilion Pass had failed.
So they were clearly watching each other, trying to minimize sacrifices among their own soldiers.
Heavy losses would naturally weaken their kingdom's voice within the alliance.
The reason for persuading the Legion Commander to release only the Porland Kingdom soldiers was simple.
In the current situation, they were the easiest ones to pin the blame on.
Even though the three kingdoms had allied, there could only be one supreme commander leading the army.
They weren't crazy enough to appoint separate commanders from each kingdom.
So the three nations must have reached some compromise, yielding command rights back and forth.
But would that really fly smoothly within their own ranks? My answer is a firm 'no.'
On the contrary, they probably each received private hints from their leaders to seize any opportunity to take control.
And if they could legitimately claim command rights that way, even better.
Even in a game with total strangers on the same team, all sorts of bullshit happens.
How much more so when, until just recently—no, even now—they're subtly checking each other?
If you suddenly tell them, 'You're all one now!' do you think they'd actually unite?
'It's different from a game. There's a massive enemy called the Empire right in front of them—how does that even make sense? Isn't that analogy too much?'
No. No, it's not. It's actually a spot-on analogy.
If someone asks how the Empire as a massive enemy could be the same as a game opponent,
you could point out that you can't negotiate with game opponents, but you can with the Empire.
That's why they keep believing these weird rumors about secret deals and such.
Because it's possible. That's why the suspicions keep bubbling up.
The Empire hasn't purged the Dove Faction, let alone pushed them out of politics.
It looks like they're keeping the door open for dialogue, not withdrawing the outstretched hand.
Anyone with a bit of cunning would definitely pick up on that vibe.
"It's impossible to forgive all of you."
"But still. If you're smart enough to switch sides first, I can save one of you."
"First come, first served. Want to hold your buddy's hand and die together? Or grab ours and live?"
We even planted what could pass for a reasonable motive right there.
Porland Kingdom, the weakest of the Eastern 3 Kingdoms.
Even if they defeated the Empire, it would be hard to overturn the power balance.
On the contrary, they might tear off a piece of the Empire only to get devoured by the two larger kingdoms.
Wouldn't those two prefer a divided east split between them over one torn into three kingdoms by the Empire!
'Porland knows that, so they'll overreact to even slight provocations from the other two. Meanwhile, Burkhai and Kaden will suspect Porland at the slightest odd move.'
From a human psychology standpoint, once suspicion takes root, you can never fully eradicate it.
They might deny it until they don't know, but the moment they realize, it's over.
It's incredibly hard to remove—practically impossible.
If even personal matters are like that, how much more between nations?
"Young Master Kael. The Legion Commander is looking for you."
"Ah, yes. I'll head there right away."
I'd been planning to visit the Legion Commander anyway to express my sincere gratitude.
If not for his excellent command, if there had been even one hole in his subordinates,
my so-called scheme—admittedly a bit sloppy and half-baked—would have fallen apart completely.
Occupying not one but two mountains as defensive positions.
Instilling fear of flanking attacks to prevent them from focusing on the front.
And using prisoners to sow internal division.
All of that would have been impossible from the start without our legion holding firm.
'I got lucky again this time.'
Without memories from my past life, without the situation aligning so perfectly, I wouldn't have even thought of it.
And without the 12th Legion fighting so well, it would have been impossible outright.
The saying that luck is the greatest ability in the world holds true after all.
*
"Come in."
Entering the Legion Commander's tent, he greeted me with a smiling face.
When I first saw him, he had this uneasy expression, but now it was completely gone.
Nothing builds confidence in people quite like being in the midst of victory.
"It looks like we won't lose control of Pavilion Pass."
"Is that so?"
"Didn't you see it today? That initial momentum is gone. Now those guys can't even decide to advance or retreat—they're just bickering among themselves. They're an alliance in name only; in reality, it's just a patchwork of the three kingdoms' forces!"
From the Empire's perspective, releasing prisoners trimmed their numbers, which was a gain.
But to the 3 Kingdoms alliance, it planted the seed of doubt: 'Are these bastards preparing to switch sides?'
Obvious. Burkhai and Kaden would outwardly reassure Porland that there's no way.
Didn't we unite under the alliance banner? Isn't this obvious divide-and-conquer? No reason to suspect you, so let's keep pushing!
Of course, their true feelings would differ. They'd surely investigate discreetly.
Are they really switching sides? Might they stab us in the back?
And if they show signs, can we quickly overrun Porland?
"...Porland will protest their innocence vehemently!"
"At the same time, they'll calculate the real gains from doing so. Nations prioritize survival over trust. Even the mildest get pushed to betrayal under constant suspicion."
Why Porland? Because their commander led the forces at Pavilion Pass?
That's part of it, but the Empire gains something by holding this place too.
"Just got word. Our 7th Legion safely passed through the area and reached their target."
"Then..."
"Exactly. A little more advance, and they'll hit Burkhai territory. Imagine the anxiety knowing their home soil might become a battlefield!"
Burkhai. The largest territory and population among the Eastern 3 Kingdoms.
The biggest stakeholder in the alliance.
Now Burkhai was about to face an Imperial legion—on their own land, no less.
If only they'd broken through Pavilion Pass, this wouldn't have happened.
Why do the other kingdoms get their lands trampled first? Such resentment will naturally lead them to seek causes.
And nine—no, ten out of ten—they'll point to Porland.
"Desperate Burkhai will pressure Porland somehow. Demand a new commander, or more support to take responsibility."
"Cutting out all context and context, of course?"
"To them, the blame always falls squarely on Porland."
The Legion Commander burst into laughter at my words and looked up at me.
"At first, I thought the rumors about you, Young Master Kael, were exaggerated."
"I see. My apologies for not earning greater trust due to my shortcomings."
"No. It was my stubborn head that was wrong. I prejudged you as young and inexperienced. If not for the Crown Princess's orders, I'm not even sure I'd have listened to you."
The fact that he admits this proves he's no old fogey.
A real one would've snatched my achievements and gobbled them up.
Then patted my shoulder with a 'I'll look out for you later~!' or something.
Or straight-up, 'Hey, this has my merits too, so I'll take a share?'
'If he'd done that, I'd have been itching for revolution.'
Of course, the Crown Princess wouldn't overlook that possibility.
Pairing a proven legion with a proven commander was for that reason.
"I think I'll head back to the capital now, Legion Commander."
"Already?"
I have nothing more to do here. I'm no commander or warrior.
The 3 Kingdoms alliance that entered Pavilion Pass can't win, but can't retreat unscathed either.
The burden of returning empty-handed would be too great.
From now on, it's pure combat.
For that, the Legion Commander before me and the field officers are the experts.
Moreover, pushing too hard risks a reversal.
Desperate foes might suddenly unite. That happens more than you'd think.
Then all our careful sabotage goes to waste.
Now's the time to ease off, so they don't rally with 'let's go!' vibes.
Leave them boiling, and they'll explode on their own anyway.
"No need to worry. If Porland defects, great. Even if not, the suspicion we've sown gives the 12th Legion a massive edge."
"Worry? On the contrary, things are easing up now, so I'm just sorry to see the one who earned great merit leave. The field commanders are already lamenting it."
"I'm the one who's sorry. You splendid people executed even the absurd demands of a green rookie like me."
For my family's sake later, I should diligently build these connections.
And building trust isn't hard at all.
Trust sprouts from exchanged pleasantries!
"What are your plans back at the capital? Joining the second wave heading east next? Will we meet again?"
"Hahaha. Who knows. I'll see when I get there."
I hadn't told the Legion Commander, but I actually had prior arrangements.
"When you return, let's have a more serious talk. Young Master Kael."
The private audience with the Crown Princess was the nature of that promise.