Chapter 183
Chapter 183
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 183
Chapter Title: Preparation for the Ostrica Invasion (3)
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“To begin with, the first fact I must tell you is that His Majesty has been preparing for this war for the past fourteen months. We've already dispatched about five spies into enemy territory. These are the five who were dishonorably discharged from the previous Switchiland expedition, and Major Venner is currently attempting direct contact with Ostrica's military headquarters through them. And with His Majesty's permission, we've already leaked one piece of Class 1 top-secret intelligence.”
Exaggerating a bit, even Class 2 secret intelligence contains the operational details and structure of an entire battalion.
Analyzing it properly would reveal the approximate organization of the units under the Imperial Army. It's useful enough for devising tactics against us, but that's about it.
Class 1 top-secret intelligence, on the other hand, is like a blueprint of how one of the Imperial Army's corps fights—what tactics it uses, and its vulnerabilities.
Just obtaining one piece would allow them to research and design ways to effectively dismantle the entire Imperial Army.
“Leaking Class 1 intelligence just to bait the enemy? What is this? Isn't it like handing the Grand Duke of Ostrica a clear view of our Imperial Army in the palm of his hand?”
“That's going too far. Even if His Majesty approved it, isn't that just excessive?”
“Let's hear the full story first. If it's nonsense, we impeach the guy to His Majesty. If not, we applaud him.”
The military training methods, combat power, and doctrines corresponding to the Class 1 intelligence I leaked are still valid information for now.
But after this briefing, within a few months, they'll become obsolete and slated for destruction, so no real issue there.
If we can perfectly bait the Grand Duke of Ostrica with something as disposable as Class 1 secrets, how cost-effective a backstab would that be?
I quickly placed documents on the desk—materials related to the upcoming revised training methods, combat power assessments, and military doctrines, already tested with the 7th Guard Division—and spoke up.
“These are the training methods that powered my success on the Checobia front, statistical data on the resulting combat power increases, and a summary of the new military doctrines penned at the Staff College. These documents have been pre-reviewed by Marshal Venner and Chief of Staff Bismarck, both of whom agree they are far superior to our current Imperial military doctrines and unit training methods.”
As I spoke confidently, the other generals turned to look at the Chief of Staff and my father-in-law.
The two nodded silently, eyes closed, affirming that my words were true.
“These documents are ultra-classified, accessible only to His Majesty, the Marshal, and the generals present. And their effectiveness has already been proven with my 7th Guard Division.”
The capabilities of the officers, NCOs, and soldiers in the 7th Guard Division, applying my materials, had improved dramatically.
Even fresh recruits reached the combat level of two- or three-year veterans from other units after just half a year.
Once, to test their skills, I disguised a few of our sergeants as corporals and sent them to a nearby unit.
The division commander there envied me, praising them as highly competent NCOs.
Keep in mind, NCOs are elite selected from full-term sergeants...
Our division's sergeants could probably handle platoon leader duties in units with different doctrines, right?
As I mentioned the 7th Guard Division and moved on, the generals in front erupted into lively chatter.
“My nephew commands the 12th Division, and he got thoroughly trounced in a mock battle against the 7th Guard Division. From what he said, it wasn't even close—they couldn't touch them.”
“Heard that one squad of eight took on fifteen in a skirmish. Oh, the fifteen lost.”
“When they looked into the secret, the soldiers moved with razor precision and rock-solid stability. My stomach hurt hearing it. If I could shape my unit like that, victory in the next expedition would be a given, and we'd snag an extra fief to boot.”
If I'd just brought theory, it would've devolved into arguments over verification.
But with solid results, they not only accepted it gladly but actively agreed and endorsed it.
What a pleasing, beautiful sight.
As everyone skimmed the training doctrines with satisfied expressions,
My father-in-law grinned playfully and prodded me to come clean.
“Major General Jaeger, putting that aside. These records show you blatantly leaked supply plans. What is this? It's like openly announcing, 'The Imperial Army's coming this way, so if you want to block us, pack your forts with troops.' Supply depots, provisions stockpiles and all. Explain yourself. A trick, right?”
I felt the generals' gazes lock onto me.
Their eyes said, 'Go on, spill it. This has to be a lie,' but disappointingly, everything in that plan was true.
“The Imperial Army will build depots in the Empire's east, between Ostrica and the Grand Duchy of Checobia, stocking provisions exactly as planned without deviation. All of it is fact.”
“As you know, the Imperial Academy's basic military studies text says, 'Armies always pass through places with supply depots and provision stockpiles.' So, unless they're idiots, they'll mass troops nearby.”
“Exactly. Hell, it's practically handing them the route. Not deploying there would make them morons.”
So, as my father-in-law and I discussed, the Ostricans would definitely concentrate forces on their western border plains.
“That's why we'll prepare to advance into the Duchy of Checobia, not Ostrica. All officers from colonel down will know and prepare accordingly. But once everyone is ready to head to the northern Linz plains, we announce a route change.”
I pointed my baton at northern Ostrica.
“The enemy will mass troops at Linz maximally, while our forces invade the Grand Duchy of Ostrica via Innsbruck. We'll keep pushing east, occupying Ostrica territory step by step.”
“So, with them piling troops at Linz and stripping their west bare, we raid it like an empty house?”
“Yes. If all goes well, we'll seize Gmunden Castle with minimal resistance. Then the expeditionary force clashes head-on with the Ostrica army on the Mond Plains.”
By then, basing judgments on the intelligence they acquired, they'll underestimate our army—now vastly stronger with new doctrines and training.
They'll eagerly come out to the plains to face us.
“With our victory, we'll claim parts of Ostrica's vast western and northern plains. Ostrica loses key economic heartlands in the west and north, making army reconstitution tough. This resolves the Empire's eastern threat.”
With that, I wrapped up the additional operational plans.
Outside, the sun was setting, time to head out,
“Haha, son-in-law. Laura's in Hamburg, so she can't join, but you and I should share a drink.”
“Yes, I took the day off expecting this.”
“Good attitude. But you're mistaken about one thing.”
I thought he'd be thrilled to hear about the leave.
“The Imperial Marshal and a major general like you are set to discuss business until tomorrow afternoon. What kind of leave is that? I'll reject your leave request, so consider it done. If it bothers you, use the rejected leave for Laura.”
“Understood, thank you. On second thought, it wasn't leave-worthy anyway. I'll use the rejected leave for Laura and Friedrich.”
“That's the spirit. By the way, you've been meeting Her Highness the 4th Imperial Princess every time you come to the capital lately. Anything special?”
There is something special, sure.
“Yes. Every time Her Highness the 4th Princess visits the capital, she asks me to stop by and tell her in detail about the 7th Guard Division, which bears her name. Unless I'm swamped, I always do. Last time, I told her about a battalion training hard lately, and she personally wrote them an encouraging letter and bestowed meat and liquor. The whole division was thrilled.”
Her Highness doting on the 7th Guard Division like this could raise issues.
But His Majesty and Crown Prince have tacitly approved it, so no problem.
'The girl has no political ambitions, so let her do that much. Just don't let her interfere in personnel or training.'
“Isn't it wonderful? Even Guard Divisions bearing other princesses' names don't get this care—only from the 4th. It motivates everyone to train harder.”
At my words, my father-in-law sighed.
“I see. Yeah. You're truly blessed with superiors, son. His Majesty, the Crown Prince, the Princess—all good people. But don't live just for work. When you return to your unit the day after tomorrow, write that leave slip and spend time with Laura. No questions asked.”