Chapter 187
Chapter 187
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Vine
Chapter: 187
Chapter Title: Austrika Invasion (3)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
One month later, at the Reich Empire Army Crown Prince's barracks.
"Jaeger Lieutenant General, seeing you always lifts my spirits. Who else but you could stockpile supplies in the southeastern imperial territories as if gearing up to invade Checobia, only to actually strike western Austrika?"
"That's far too much praise, Your Highness. I merely did my duty."
"You could boast a little more. With you being so humble, most of the Imperial Army's generals end up looking worthless."
His Highness the Crown Prince was in such high spirits right now because the expedition was progressing exceptionally smoothly.
We had pushed past Innsbruck to occupy the Grand Duchy's western territories without facing a single proper resistance.
Yet the land we'd seized was on the scale of 1.5 imperial duchies, so how could anyone not smile?
Moreover, scout reports indicated no major threats until we reached our destination near Linz...
So, I'd permitted the generals—including myself—to summon camp merchants near the imperial border once a week after the day's march and throw a feast.
"Long live His Highness the Crown Prince! Long live His Imperial Majesty the Emperor! Long live the Reich Empire!"
"Booze is going down! Gulp, gulp!"
"You gotta take a leak sometime. All booze and no relief'll wear you out."
To maintain discipline, it was best to ban such rowdiness as much as possible. But even after imposing strict training across the entire army...
Constant control over months of expedition would tank the troops' morale, stamina, and will to fight.
An army like that was bound to weaken. Letting them cut loose occasionally actually proved a huge boon in combat.
"No one would bat an eye if you joined the fun. Drinking with the men even on a night like this—what are you, a monk?"
"That's why I've gone and gotten married and had kids, isn't it?"
"The Holy Knights from four centuries ago were probably more devoted to their desires than you. Incorrigible. Utterly incorrigible. And we've still got a week before facing the enemy."
His Highness's words might sound like a rebuke on the surface, but they brimmed with profound trust and affection.
"The harder I prepare, the better our odds of victory. And more soldiers make it home safe."
"Thanks to you, I'm stuck in forced celibacy. Speaking of which, there's new intel on the Austrika Grand Duchy forces, right? What is it?"
"Yes. We've pinpointed their exact numbers and positions."
At that, His Highness dropped his playful grin and shifted to full seriousness, ready to listen.
I bowed my head, offered an apology first, and spoke.
"The Austrika Grand Duchy army has assembled near Linz City. Roughly 180,000 strong—far more than I'd projected. I apologize for this unforeseen development."
His Highness took in my report, grasped how dire it was for our Imperial Army, and barely held back his rage at the rotten turn of events.
Then, realizing no mere mortal could account for every variable in the enemy army...
He let out a heavy sigh, slammed back the beer in front of him, and asked.
"Damn it all, but what choice do we have? You're only human; you couldn't predict every twist like this. But there's just one thing that matters, isn't there? Can we win, or can't we?"
Reich Empire Army: 110,000 vs. Austrika Army: 180,000.
Numerically, the enemy outnumbered us by about 1.6 to 1. But history's great wars showed such disparities could be overturned by a skilled commander.
Besides, our full Imperial Army force was a legion forged in era-leading standardized training and ironclad discipline.
Even against Austrika's horde—brute numbers fueled by nothing but momentum—we had solid odds.
"Proclaiming certain victory risks softening the troops. Factoring in every variable, our chances stand firm, Your Highness."
Buoyed by the trust we'd built, His Highness broke into a broad, satisfied smile.
To bolster his confidence in our triumph even further, I dredged up an old memory.
"Your Highness, do you recall our first campaign together in Bisocia?"
"Your father-in-law served as deputy commander then, a lieutenant general. You exceeded every expectation."
"Your support gave me the chance to shine. And what let me perform so well? My men—they were unbreakable."
I could have slipped in some brag here.
'A pride of lions led by a sheep fares worse than a flock of sheep led by a lion.'
But the point wasn't ego—it was impressing on His Highness just how mighty his army truly was.
"On the first day of Bisocia, my unit wiped out an enemy infantry battalion and repelled a flanking knight detachment—using infantry alone."
Crushing that battalion? Just chalk it up to a strong unit.
But infantry—routinely mauled by knights—felling even a 40-man knight detachment from the flank? Monumental.
Because our infantry, with a commander who stays sharp, could now beat back enemy knights even from the side.
No need to waste our knights checking theirs—we could unleash every rider on the enemy's infantry masses.
"That was only possible because I'd drilled them relentlessly and enforced unyielding discipline. A commander's talent or veterans' experience? Secondary at best."
My command had mattered plenty, truth be told.
But most under me then were green as grass, virtual rookies.
Training and principled discipline had carried the day, just as I claimed.
"And every one of the 110,000 Imperial troops Your Highness brought this time completed the Jaeger Battalion regimen from back then. Each man here can handle ten foes with ease."
Another general's claim? Mere pep talk.
But from me—the guy who'd flipped hopeless odds time and again? Undeniable fact.
"Our expeditionary force has ample odds of victory. Have faith, Your Highness."
His Highness laughed wildly.
"I fretted for nothing. With you on the field, what couldn't we conquer?"
"Yes. And as 7th Guard Division commander, I'll rack up merits worthy of Princess Louise's name. My men stand ready too."
Mention of the Fourth Imperial Princess drew a knowing look from His Highness.
"Louise—the one swooning over knights and princesses from chivalric tales—would leap for joy at your words. I'm attaching a letter to tomorrow's report. Shall pass this along to her."
Heartwarming, their bond—siblings amid the cutthroat politics of royalty.
"That aside. Anything you need from me? Command's yours, but I must play commander-in-chief to dodge the scandals."
I pondered briefly.
"For the battlefield, to rally morale: a detachment from your guards, Your Highness's armor, and banner."
He chuckled dryly.
"Lose this, and my royal career's toast. Yours too. So I'll lead the guards to the front myself. Fight like we're already dead, and survival follows."
Half a month later, as predicted, we met the enemy on the Linz Plains.
Exactly 180,000, as expected.
Both sides still needed to establish camps before battle.
Our troops wilted at the sight of an enemy 63% our superior in numbers. His Highness, observing, quietly hoisted the banner and advanced.
"Fear not! Victory is ours. They're a motley rabble, numbers aside. Have we not bled and sweated to forge ourselves strong? Our sweat now returns as their blood. I'll scout their camp and convene strategy next."