Chapter 154
Chapter 154
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 154
Chapter Title: Tactical Victory & Strategic Defeat (1)
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Reich Empire 7th Division command barracks.
"So, back then, when those Switchland rat bastards suddenly popped out of that dense forest on the right... I thought, 'This is it, we're all dead meat!' "
"You idiot, do you know who our division commander is? Major General Jaeger knew everything from the start. I could tell by instinct that he had something up his sleeve."
"Cut the bullshit, Sergeant Mark. You think I didn't notice? Sure, all our platoon members were shaking in their boots, but you were the only one who pissed himself. I was gonna let it slide if you just kept your mouth shut."
Outside the command barracks, a banquet had been laid on for the captains and below—junior officers, NCOs, and enlisted men—to celebrate the victory and shake off the weariness of war.
I'd given the order to break out all the booze we had on hand and let them drink their fill.
But the officers from major and up in our division had already grasped the gravity of our situation. Not a single one of them could muster a smile, even with the victory report right in front of them.
In a typical trap like this, the priority would be to get as many soldiers back to the Empire safely as possible.
They'd consider exercising the division commander's authority under military law to order a unilateral retreat.
In my case, I'd still be recognized for the victory at the Yungfrau battle and for making the best possible call on a unilateral retreat. I might not get a promotion or a fief, but...
I could've even been awarded the Golden Laurel Wreath Medal—one of the Empire's most prestigious honors—to cap off my career.
Because in the wake of a massive defeat like this, they need a hero to paper over the sense of loss and despair. And pulling the unit back on your own is never the wrong choice.
But things are different now. A unilateral retreat would mean abandoning His Highness the Crown Prince, changing the whole equation.
"Gentlemen. Before I dive into the full briefing and my thoughts, let me say one thing first. I, Peter Jaeger, am facing the worst crisis since I started my military career. The situation is utterly hopeless. By the book, we should ditch all our heavy gear right now and head back to the Empire's heartland. But we can't fall back. You all know why."
At those words, every officer—including Anya—stayed silent.
They just clenched their teeth, slammed their fists on innocent desks in frustration, and nodded in response.
"Therefore, the 7th Division of the Imperial Army will rest thoroughly today and tomorrow, then move out to rejoin His Highness at Lichtenstein Castle."
His Highness had shown me tremendous favor up to now, but as supreme commander, he'd committed a colossal blunder.
To share the cost of that blunder, it pained me, but I had to drag not just myself, but all these officers and the entire division into the meat grinder.
If I chose to run to save them or acted passively, that sin would extend to their families.
Unjust and absurd as it was, that was the Empire's military law—and our duty as imperial subjects.
Socrates spouted that even bad laws must be obeyed, and it pissed me off that it was being forced on me and my men.
As I finished speaking, one officer spoke up.
"Since Count Bern betrayed us, there's a high chance His Highness and the other units have already faced unexpected attacks. That means His Highness and the other division commanders must realize things have gone south. And no matter what, His Highness has to survive, so... he might have already pulled out. In that case, doesn't the 7th Division need to head to Lichtenstein?"
It was a perfectly logical question.
In a nation like the Franco Republic or the Checobia Principality, capable of mobilizing large forces easily...
They'd likely pull the same stunt on the other six divisions, not just hit our 7th with a surprise mass assault.
But Switchland was a mountainous country with a small population and limited troops to deploy.
To achieve their goal—after years of preparation—of killing or capturing His Highness the Crown Prince, they'd want to lure him as deep into the principality as possible.
Until they eliminated what they saw as the biggest obstacle: Major General Peter Jaeger, and crushed the morale of the 50,000-strong imperial army come to conquer Switchland...
His Highness and the other divisions wouldn't suffer major harm.
"The Switchland Principality targeted our division to claim the head of the Empire's youngest general, me, Peter Jaeger, and to shatter the morale and strength of the 50,000 imperial troops. But what they really want is to capture His Highness alive and demand vast territories from the Empire. Strategically, they have to lure His Highness and the other five divisions deep into the principality to achieve that."
By the original plan, the 7th Division should've been wiped out, and I captured or killed here.
But Major General Peter Jaeger—who they had to deal with first—was alive and well, and the 7th Division had crushed Count Ticino's 9,000 troops with minimal losses.
So now was the time for some morale-boosting encouragement.
If I couldn't turn this atmosphere around and lift spirits here, the division would be in danger—and in the worst case, the entire expeditionary force, His Highness and me included, could be annihilated.
In a cornered position, intact morale could find a way out, but if it hit rock bottom, you'd lose even winnable battles.
"Yet thanks to your valor, Count Ticino—who was supposed to annihilate us here per their plan—fled with his tail between his legs, leading his routed forces. The 7th Division, myself included, is virtually unscathed with negligible losses in combat power. Their entire operation has collapsed from the premise onward."
The tense mood hanging in the room eased considerably at my words.
"It might sound like I'm bragging, and it's a bit embarrassing... but who am I, the one commanding you all? Anyone who knows, speak up."
Anya stood from her seat and declared proudly.
"The Savior of the Rhineland Front. The hero who ended the Checobia campaign with a split-second decision. You personally took the head of Khan, saving Anastasia Kergit and the northerners. You turned a crisis threatening the Empire's borders into an opportunity to expand its territory. In recognition of those feats, you became the first in imperial history to command a division before turning thirty."
Embarrassing as it was, any one of those achievements would let a typical academy grad coast to major general.
Having a string of them might seem like boasting about my genius...
But anyone could call me one of the Reich Empire's great captains.
And armies led by great captains had turned the impossible to possible, regardless of era or place.
Was that why? Hearing my deeds recounted, the officers regained their courage amid the despair, their faces showing resolve.
"Long live the division commander! Hell, we're all gonna die someday anyway. I'll stake my life on it!"
"As a noble of the Empire and a man, I've always been prepared to give this one life for the Empire! Now I'll prove it in action."
"I'll give this life for the Empire."
As the officers' morale surged, I pondered rewards I could promise them upon success.
If we pulled off rescuing His Highness from this peril, we'd get all sorts of prize money and promotions. For these officers, maybe even knightly titles and fiefs if things went well?
But even if we saved him, I doubted I'd get a promotion—maybe a fief and medals, but not that.
I was one of the top brass in this expeditionary force, so I'd share the blame for its failure.
Major generals command around 8,000; lieutenant generals lead corps of 20-30,000 or serve as deputy to armies over 50,000—massive influence.
And I was only 26. No way it'd be easy.
With my thoughts sorted, I slammed the desk and declared.
"Good. Then I swear before you all: If we rescue His Highness safely and return, I'll personally petition His Imperial Majesty the Emperor for promotions, Knight's Sword Cross Medals, titles, and fiefs for every one of you. Major generals get private audiences, so if I push hard enough, he'll grant it. From now until His Highness escapes Switchland unscathed... entrust your lives to me!"