Chapter 105
Chapter 105
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 105
Chapter Title: Franco Eastern Expedition (2)
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Our Franco expeditionary force of 80,000 men managed to push through Houlan Fortress all the way to Poitiers, the gateway to the eastern granary region, without a single clash.
The reason, according to reports from our advance scouts and spies embedded in enemy lines, was that the enemy still believed we were stuck near Sargminne Fortress due to supply issues.
They had even stationed their 120,000-strong army there, waiting for us.
Even if they realized their mistake and marched to our position at standard speed, it would take them about two weeks.
Meanwhile, we were moving in the opposite direction, plundering the eastern granary region, so it would take the Franco army far longer to catch up with the Imperial forces.
The Franco bastards had indeed given the Papacy a pretext with that excommunication arrow from the Pope, but they weren't complete idiots, so I figured they wouldn't fall for it so easily.
We had dug a few traps anyway... and thankfully, they walked right into them.
"As expected from the prodigy. A talent who broke Imperial tradition to rise to brigadier general at such a young age is on another level. Charging this boldly into enemy territory without a single engagement. Ha ha ha."
Saying that, General Patton patted my shoulder heartily, looking at me with the eyes of a grandfather proud of his grandson for winning some prize.
It had been nearly three months since the expeditionary force was formed and the general and I started working together.
At some point, he began treating me this way because he was thrilled with how I'd fooled the enemy using the 'Dark Progress' strategy I proposed and plunged deep into their territory.
"A month before launching the main assault, you prepared to requisition food from every village up to the gates of Sargminne Fortress, making the enemy believe that's where we'd go. But the actual advance was through Houlan Fortress!"
To maximize the shock assault's effect, it was crucial to strike at a blind spot the enemy never imagined.
It was an unprecedented bait-and-switch operation that deceived the Franco Republic not just tactically, but strategically.
He was the kind of man who always pushed for assaults from every angle, then struck the perfect timing for victory on a battlefield where a direct hit was impossible.
I could understand why he loved it so much... but did that mean he had to stick right by my side during the march?
Save me. Even with one star on my shoulder, I'm a nobody in front of a four-star general.
"Major Mingo! What do you think? Isn't this operation brilliant? In my view, this war is already as good as won!"
Mingo, standing right beside him, nodded at the words.
"If you think so, sir, then it must be true."
The major's skin was a dark black, different from us Reich Imperials.
Could the Empire already have officers from slave stock who crossed over from the Niger Continent?
Not that I was thinking in racist terms, but even though the Reich Empire frequently granted titles and elevated status for military merit, making one an upper noble.
Blacks from the Niger Continent were considered justly enslavable even if they followed the Deus faith, so no matter how much merit they earned, becoming an officer would be tough...
As I eyed him suspiciously, General Patton grinned and spoke.
"Brigadier General Jaeger, surprised by Major Mingo's dark skin?"
"Well, isn't an officer from such a rare background uncommon in the Empire?"
"You're right. But listen well. I'll teach you one of my ironclad rules for commanding an army."
Hearing that, I focused on the general, who gave off the same vibe as that Patton general from World War II.
"Who cares about skin color or status? Right now, all we need are guys who can kill those Franco Republic morons effectively. And Major Mingo here is highly competent, almost as much as you!"
It was a motto befitting a simple results-above-all man whose life's creed was assault, the driving force behind his rise to general.
The general spent about an hour chatting with me about the greatness of assaults.
"Report. We will arrive at the agreed dispersal point for brigade units in 20 minutes. Brigadier General Jaeger, please hurry your 12th Brigade's preparations."
The general, who loved assaults more than anyone, turned his horse upon hearing this, riding off with Major Mingo as he said,
"As expected from the guy who routed an enemy division with a single regiment. He has the makings of a great general. If that damn Venner commander hadn't greased the wheels, I'd have married my granddaughter off to you. Ha ha."
Considering he spoke that way about Count Venner, absent here but the top candidate for field marshal.
This guy really was that Patton from the parallel world.
And a week later.
"Report to the brigade commander. We have arrived at Gedison Village in the Franco Republic."
"Are the villagers still there?"
The scout who returned answered.
"Yes, sir. With grain sacks and all sorts of food piled up in the village square, it looks like they're seeking protection from us instead of fleeing."
"Got it. Then I'll go myself."
"Does the brigade commander really need to go personally for plundering a single village?"
Admittedly, I didn't have to step in myself. But by now, other high-ranking officers were probably showing up before villagers to establish justification before plundering.
Our justification was simple.
'This battle is not merely between nations, but a holy war recognized by His Holiness the Pope.'
To proclaim that justification, I ordered Major Anya, Laura, and other officers to follow me as I headed to the village square.
There, as the scout reported, the village chief and many villagers had gathered. They began pleading for mercy upon seeing us.
"I am Peter Jaeger, brigade commander of the Reich Empire's 12th Brigade, come to subdue the Franco Republic that plundered our Empire's people in violation of His Holiness the Pope's decree, on His behalf."
As I began speaking, all eyes focused on me, murmurs fading into silence.
"First, for those ignorant of canon law: To minimize unnecessary casualties between nations of the Deus faith, His Holiness strictly forbade plundering enemy villages without a declaration of war. Yet the Franco Republic's assembly plundered Reich Empire villages without declaration, defying Deus's command, and showed no remorse."
Murmurs rose among the villagers.
"Is the assembly insane? Defying His Holiness..."
"No, ignoring Deus's will."
"Those hellbound bastards. That's why we're..."
Seeing the serfs grow resentful toward the Franco Republic as intended, I smiled inwardly.
Because even after we ruined their fields and took their food.
Their resentment wouldn't solely target our Imperial army—no, it would focus more on the Franco Republic government, the direct cause, over the Reich Empire.
After all, our Empire was upholding Deus's command in a just war.
Even stripped of livelihood, food, and homes, they'd think deep down it was unavoidable.
"Thus, His Holiness excommunicated the Franco Republic to uphold Deus's justice. And we will plunder this village to execute His command."
Despair washed over the villagers' faces, who had hoped we'd take only the food and leave.
"However, His Holiness surely knows you serfs had no intent to defy Him. Normally, residents of an excommunicated nation would be severely punished and enslaved."
For reference, slaves lose all human rights.
They become voiceless livestock, raped or abused by owners with no one to protect them.
"Would His Holiness wish us to harshly punish you, forced to serve the wicked Franco Republic? Thus, I permit you to load a week's food onto five donkey carts and depart together to other Franco lands."
Relief showed on their faces—they'd lose everything but avoid enslavement, becoming playthings for the plundering army, or cruel death.
"And His Holiness said that if the Franco Republic's leadership repents after this war ends, He will lift the excommunication. Remember this and spread it to other villages."
With the speech done, I ordered the surrounding officers.
"Leave minimal food for a week's travel and carts to carry it, then plunder everything. Spare the church, but burn the fields and demolish the houses."
My troops moved as ordered.
As expected, the villagers burned with more hatred toward the Franco Republic that nearly damned their souls than toward us alone.
I also strictly commanded the soldiers.
"Touching these departing serfs defies Deus's will. No rape, murder, or abduction. Regardless of rank, violators will be beheaded under military law."
Thus, I plundered their wealth and village but showed maximum consideration to the conquered territory's residents within reason. Yet...
"Provost Major Mark von Schmidt reporting. A moronic noble got drunk on the plundering mood and broke military law. What should we do?"
"Just behead him under military law."
The major, sweating profusely, replied,
"He holds a baronetcy and is married to Count Guderian's third daughter, making him the count's son-in-law."
Ah, one his authority can't touch.
"Bring him here now."
Since he has a title, perfect.
Brother here will recycle him usefully.