Chapter 100
Chapter 100
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 100
Chapter Title: Formulating the Franco Invasion Plan (3)
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"War is, after all, a transaction laced with threats—striking the enemy as hard as possible with limited forces and resources, then taking what you want. That's why I'd like to propose this strategy."
With that, I unrolled the map I'd brought and began my explanation.
"In a typical war, once we issue our declaration, the enemy mobilizes their forces in response, we clash in one big battle to decide the victor, and that's that. But this time, we have the justification on our side, and we need to exact thorough revenge on the Franco Republic."
I traced my finger along the line drawn in red.
"We plunge deep into enemy territory and repay them in kind for what they did to the Reich Empire's farmlands, villages, and castles—making them unusable—but on a far grander scale. We ravage the Franco Republic's eastern core granary region."
"...That could allow the enemy to push into Reich Empire territory."
Indeed, if our forces and theirs cross paths without engaging, while we're inside Franco lands, they could slip into ours.
The key is to ensure the Franco Republic's army can never enter Reich Empire territory. And the countermeasure for that is surprisingly simple.
"The Empire maintains a total force of 300,000. With Ludwig dead and the northern threat neutralized, we can pull 50,000 from there and station them as reserves on the eastern border as a precaution. Even if they invade, we can minimize damage and buy time."
"Impressive. So while those 50,000 northern troops pin down the Franco forces, our expeditionary army wheels back to encircle them from both sides? Even if they notice and flee from the north, our pursuing forces will catch them from behind."
By using those 50,000 as reserves, we avoid a major clash with them. If the expeditionary army relentlessly plunders, the Empire suffers no significant losses, while the Franco east is left in ruins.
"Moreover, when we strike the Franco east, we've historically moved along routes from Sargminne Fortress to Valon, stopping at spots convenient for requisitioning supplies. But with the supply depots and logistics units I propose, we can go straight from Hullan Fortress to Poitiers. The enemy won't expect our path, so even if they rush defenses, it'll take them time to catch us."
In the meantime, if we split our forces into battalions or regiments and thoroughly plunder every village across the widest possible area before the Franco forces arrive?
Even if we lose the war, they'll suffer economic and social blows so severe they'll need over a decade to recover.
"That'll force the already excommunicated Franco nobles—who are in dire straits—to move their armies at maximum speed, lest they face nationwide peasant uprisings if they show any more weakness to the populace."
Minister of Military Affairs Moritz seemed to already envision the Franco nobles scrambling to prevent the worst-case peasant revolts.
He smiled so brightly, it was almost innocently pure.
True to his reputation as a duke of the Empire and a legend of the Imperial Army for decades, he must have harbored deep resentment toward the Franco Republic for threatening the Empire.
"Normally, an invading enemy would advance cautiously, using scouts to check for ambushes and adjusting speed accordingly. But nobles on the brink of excommunication can't afford such common sense—they're driven by political pressures."
"You're truly devious. From here, let me guess: you deploy company- or battalion-sized raiders along the way to block paths, launch hit-and-runs, thin their ranks, and maximize their fatigue?"
I nodded slightly in affirmation, and the Minister smiled brightly.
"Knew it. By then, our forces have advanced far enough for the two armies to meet in a major battle. Do you have plans for that too?"
If I couldn't answer here, I'd be thrown back into the overtime pit, forced to submit reports on at least five contingency battle plans.
Of course, I'd prepared.
"Strategy follows the plan to a degree, but as the Academy teaches, tactics often become useless within three minutes of combat starting. I can't call these 'definitive' since real fighting hasn't begun, but I've outlined rough plans for various scenarios."
"If the other General Staff officers followed even half your lead, I'd have no complaints."
From that, I gathered that tomorrow, if His Excellency the Minister spotted even a minor mistake among the staff officers, he'd personally express his displeasure to those with four or five stars.
I silently prayed no staff officer would err tomorrow.
A dressing-down starting from battalion commanders was draining enough; one from the six-star Minister of Military Affairs?
That would be utterly horrific.
"An honor. We'll use our scattered raiders to quickly pinpoint enemy positions. As the distance closes, we'll recall the farthest plunder units first to rest and prepare for battle."
"Excellent."
"We'll also exploit their need for a swift victory by fortifying with wagons and terrain, fighting defensively. There's more if you'd like to hear it?"
This was half bluff.
I had plenty more prepared, but anything beyond involved too many variables to predict reliably.
Improvisation would be key, and against the Empire's guardian deity, it might not work.
Fortunately, our Minister looked satisfied and nodded.
"Further plans are for all staff to brainstorm together—too many variables. Still, you somehow mapped out everything this thoroughly."
"Just building on what I learned at the Imperial Academy."
At my humble reply, he gave a knowing look.
"It's just that you're capable. Order any other staffer to draft this alone in a month and a half, and none could. Breaking convention to reach major general at your age—true genius."
"An honor, Your Excellency."
"That aside, good news for you."
I've already received promotions and titles aplenty, so probably not a direct gift.
What kind of good news, then?
"His Imperial Majesty has formally inducted the warriors from those barbarian tribes who surrendered their lands into the Imperial Army. Their families are dispersed across the Empire, taking up work suited to their former status. In short, parts of the northern tribes are now official Imperial citizens."
How is that good news for me?
Sure, more fully assimilated northerners benefit the Empire...
Ah—the northerners naturalizing now all despise Ludwig; just the 'Lu' in his name makes them tremble with rage.
And they view me, the one who slew that vile khan, very favorably?
With them scattering in groups...
"The serfs' second and third sons, and daughters, who couldn't farm or marry because of lack of land, have gone north too."
"I see. His Imperial Majesty must be pleased."
"No need to be coy. You're 25 now—no need to blush like a boy seeing a beauty. Be honest."
I could tell without asking.
Yes—my fame, until now just rumors among nobles and big cities, will spread across the Reich Empire.
A noble's most vital asset: reputation, gained effortlessly.
This truly was great news.
"The surrendered tribal chiefs gave up their old lands for suitable vacant ones, received knight titles, and became official Imperial nobles. Incidentally, Anastasia Kerzhit, who surrendered through you, got the largest reward and treatment among them."
I put on an inwardly touched expression and was about to thank him for telling me when...
The Minister rose from his desk, approached, and whispered quietly.
"Don't just be happy. Face reality. You're too flawless, no blemishes. From now on, vermin plotting to slander Peter Jaeger to His Highness the Crown Prince will swarm in earnest."
"..."
"I'm saying this because you feel like my own son: show some ambition, flaunt your loyalty openly. Otherwise, your jealous rivals will tear into you for having no weaknesses. But give them a moderate one, and they can only target that—easy to counter."
I nodded and turned to leave, but he smiled and added,
"The girl you just saw? His Imperial Majesty assigned her as my maid so I wouldn't be inconvenienced. You've been promoted to general—take her with you."
Putting the context together, his message was clear.
'Eyes are everywhere now—watch your conduct.'