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These crazy bastards. Are they really going to abandon 30,000 soldiers?

Staying in the rear and only hearing the situation through reports made me shudder at the thought of the Dedorant forces.

A bait for drawing them in. However, what was skewered on the hook wasn’t some shabby conscript.

To avoid our Empire catching on, they had decided to mobilize what could be called the 2nd army.

With Atria’s forces, I thought it made sense since the two nations had merged.

The elite troops were hastily mobilized for defending the royal capital, so it all seemed plausible.

Then there was Ross Tanika. The news that it was under fierce attack from Dedorant.

The thought that a two-front war could collapse prompted the staff to plan a more powerful counterattack.

The Emperor himself promised to assist and protect, and if he couldn’t follow through, it would mean the collapse of the Empire’s authority.

Thanks to that, the front line had unwittingly penetrated far too deeply into Dedorant territory.

Though the staff investigated the possibility of a trap, they missed it due to gaps in information.

By the time they grasped it belatedly, it was already the moment Dedorant’s siege was closing in.

“If only we had known just a little earlier, we might have been able to retreat.”

It was particularly the battlefield of Dedorant. An area they were more familiar with than the Empire.

It was exactly the West Legion, the staff, and the Empire itself. They had become too immersed in a positive atmosphere.

Everything had aligned too perfectly, leading to the situation we faced now.

“Imperial Chief of Staff!”

In the midst of it all, perhaps having heard of my arrival, familiar faces sought me out.

From the 7th and 12th Legions, which were relatively close to the gate, the Legion Commander and commanders were present.

Their expressions were a mix of sorrowful feelings and relief.

“I can’t express how fortunate we are to see you here. Did you honestly foresee this happening?”

“Huh? No, what are you talking about?”

“What should we do now? Such a devastating defeat. How could the Empire suffer like this? Please grant us victory this time, just as you did for the South and East, Imperial Chief of Staff.”

“Uh, well, that is…”

It seemed there was some misunderstanding; I had simply arrived early after finishing my tasks.

I left sooner than expected because the issue of command for reinforcements was resolved ahead of time.

While waiting for the Eastern Allied Forces near the gate, who could have predicted it would turn out like this?

But even if I said that, I didn’t think they would believe me so easily.

Instead, they’d probably respond with, “Oh, I see. So, when did you start seeing this coming?”

That being the case, it would be ten times better to just brush it off and quickly ask about the situation.

“What is the current situation?”

“Though the Western First Legion and the 5th Legion have escaped from the siege, reports say the damage is quite significant. It’s not just about the troop losses; they had to leave behind almost all their supplies in a hurry.”

“That’s terrible. The supplies that went into the Western Legion were considerable.”

If only they had incinerated all the supplies before retreating, it would’ve been great.

But the speed at which the siege closed in was so quick that there wasn’t even time for that.

It seems it was almost a miracle that they managed to extract that many troops.

What that means is all those supplies have fallen directly into Dedorant’s hands.

Weapons and armor of the highest caliber to arm the soldiers. Rations for them to eat.

Not to mention various essential consumables, horses, hay, and all sorts of equipment.

Simply leaving all that behind now benefits the enemy, even if they just walked out on it.

I can’t even begin to imagine how much the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Finance are going to be gnashing their teeth over this news.

“Does that mean the Imperial Chief of Staff will take charge of the 1st Army now?”

“Well, the commander of the 1st Army is in good health, and as for me, I haven’t received any other orders. I came here only to resolve the command issue of the reinforcements, so I don’t have any authority.”

“That may be the case for now, but it seems to us that will soon change.”

“Well, we need to observe a bit longer. By now, this news must have reached the capital as well.”

At my words, the Legion Commanders all appeared despondent, lowering their heads.

I could understand why. They each had some stake in this tremendous defeat.

They were those who were there when Dedorant built their siege line.

If they had fought just a little better, they might have been able to stop the encirclement.

Had that been the case, it would have painted a picture of the Empire annihilating the Dedorant army instead.

In reality, there might be someone out there discussing the issues relating to the Eastern Legion and Southern Legion.

If they had somehow held out and safeguarded the area, the 9th Legion and 14th Legion could retreat.

There were so many awkward portions to avoid being responsible.

“Why are you all like this? As if you were criminals.”

But I absolutely do not think that way.

These people are not criminals; they are simply soldiers of the Empire who fought hard.

They fought tooth and nail to save even one more comrade by risking their own lives.

“Imperial Chief of Staff.”

“Raise your heads. What is this? Aren’t you ashamed of your efforts in battle and what it means to your legion’s soldiers?”

“But…”

“If the Legion Commanders and respective commanders view themselves as criminals, then they too become criminals. Would you allow such a stigma to be placed upon them? If that is the case, I will not stop you.”

The saying goes, ‘Victories and defeats are simply part of military affairs.’ Whether it’s major victories or catastrophic defeats, such things are always present in war.

It’s not like the Empire has collapsed, so there’s no reason to gloom like the country has fallen.

If we lost, we must learn from that defeat and ensure we won’t repeat the same mistakes again.

That is the utmost respect we can show to those who have honorably fallen in battle.

“I’ll say it again. Lift your heads. You are not criminals. And you shouldn’t be.”

“…I’m sorry, Imperial Chief of Staff.”

At my words, those gathered finally shook off their gloomy expressions.

How pitiful. After fighting so hard, they have to worry about being called criminals.

The ones who should be taking the greatest responsibility are those sitting at desks and drawing up plans.

“Imperial Chief of Staff! Imperial Chief of Staff! Where are you?!”

Somewhere, a distressed voice was calling for me.

So I raised my hand and replied that I was here when the messenger nearly threw himself towards me.

“Imperial Chief of Staff! You must immediately move to the 1st Army command!”

“Is the Commander looking for me?”

“No, we just received news that an envoy bearing the Imperial Decree is heading towards the 1st Army Headquarters. There was also a note saying that the Imperial Chief of Staff must attend.”

At that moment, all the Legion Commanders’ eyes turned to me.

They surely all shared the same thought.

‘So, the moment we’ve been waiting for has come.’

The Ministry of War and the staff. Particularly the staff were bound to undergo dismissals.

Those responsible for this situation wouldn’t escape unscathed.

It’d make no sense if nothing happened to them, so they probably cleaned up the bare minimum and likely faced dismissal.

If that happens, the key positions in the staff will be left empty.

While middle-ranking individuals may stick around, there shouldn’t be anyone who can be considered responsible.

And in that process, the envoy delivering the decree demands my presence.

“Imperial Chief of Staff.”

“This can’t be good…”

“Yes. It likely is.”

During this campaign, I had intended to sit back and watch the show.

But if that is the case, it means I will have to put on an emotional performance yet again without tears.

As the situation keeps evolving like this, the misunderstanding of me being a genius strategist only deepens. Damn it.

“The responsibility for this defeat lies not with the commanders and soldiers of each legion, but with those who failed to nuance the situation from behind, for this lamentable state of affairs, how could I have words to say?”

At those words, the 1st Army Commander, Legion Commanders, and staff kneel.

It is utterly dreadful. It is both overwhelming and humbling.

What could that mean? The Emperor himself admitted his responsibility.

Not just anyone, but the very sovereign of the Empire. An absolute being who must not be wrong.

I am almost brought to tears by his consideration for the morale of the front lines, even while relinquishing his authority.

“But do not forget, you all. Long ago, even the Great Emperor faced numerous defeats. Yet the Great Emperor used those defeats as a stepping stone towards even greater and more glorious victories.”

“You are to lift your heads. Stand tall and face the enemy again. Defeat is not a source of shame. It is a shame to fail to learn from defeat. Isn’t the greatest victory born in the harshest moments?”

The Emperor himself turned the responsibility for the defeat towards himself and the high command.

While this won’t erase the shadow of defeat, it will have some effect.

And the Emperor’s arrangements were not over yet.

“There will be a minor restructuring of the command in accordance with the Imperial Decree.”

First, the dismissal of Commander Mesok and other staff members from the staff who were closely involved in this operation was expected.

Their influence during this operation was very strong, so this was a natural result.

While the core staff had been pushed back, those in intermediate positions stayed.

And the Empire has plenty of staff members who can be appointed to handle them.

While the Marquis of Consloker and his faction might be disappointed, that can’t be helped.

Punishment corresponding to those who provided the spark for this defeat is an absolute necessity.

“Imperial Chief of Staff, Kael Clausewitz, receive the Imperial Decree.”

And in that vacant spot, the Empire gathered its best card.

“Hereby grant the position of 1st Army Staff Officer to the Imperial Chief of Staff. From now on, handle all matters occurring in the Western theater after appropriate discussions with the 1st Army Commander.”

Simultaneously, the official seal of the 1st Army Chief of Staff was established right in the headquarters.

Kael, receiving it, expressed confidence that he would do his utmost to contribute to the Empire’s victory.

Seeing that, those of the Imperial Army felt a sense of discomfort.

After suffering such a dreadful defeat, each day turned into bitter days for them.

Who could have imagined that such a humiliating event would occur at the hands of Dedorant?

As their confidence and assurance in the Empire’s victory dwindled, a person came to support them.

‘The genius strategist who led the Empire to monumental victories in the Eastern and Southern theaters.’

‘Let’s trust that person. Just as always, this time too, they will bring us the most glorious victory.’

Ironically, the recent defeat became a catalyst to bolster their faith in Kael.

 

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