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Send Kaya and Charlua to cause trouble in Atria.

Make an invisible threat towards Benito with the Princess leading the Ghost Army.

The reason for the excessive expansion of the frontline, as well as various insane actions, is solely one.

To absolutely prevent the enemies from having the luxury of rational judgment or time.

Let’s remember this: Dedorant is definitely not to be underestimated.

We threw in the reserve forces and wiped out two legions that are the backbone and core of the Imperial Army.

It’s almost the first time in Imperial history that two legions have just melted away.

While they’re shaken now, they could come crashing down like angry waves at any moment.

If they somehow manage to reorganize, prepare an attack, and charge head-on at our 1st Legion, what would happen?

We can’t predict whose head would crack first. We just have to bump heads and see.

One thing is certain: even if we win, it won’t be smooth sailing.

There are cases where a country wins a war but still stumbles.

Eventually, due to internal issues or being stabbed in the back by other nations.

Whatever the reason, there are often places that crumble down pathetically.

How unfair is that? Winning somehow leads to the downfall of the country.

You think the Empire wouldn’t suffer such a fate just because it’s large? Not a chance! It’s unpredictable.

Rather, because of its size and vast territory, facing other nations at all borders.

Our Empire has already suffered a major defeat. Two legions have vanished.

The authority and reputation of the Empire have been tarnished. This news has spread across the continent.

If another defeat were to be heard from here, who knows what would happen.

So, we must win. We must crush them down, even if it costs a fortune.

Ultimately, we have to showcase overwhelming victory, capability, and strength of the Empire.

The internal situation of the Empire might not be good for a while, but the joy of victory can cover some of that.

Honestly, I think it’s better to embrace that than to be writhing at the news of defeat.

“Chief of Staff. The Ministry of Finance continues to express concern. It’s been less than three months since the Magical Corps was mobilized, and a year’s worth of Ministry budget has vanished…”

“Hold on. I was going to contact them myself.”

I can fully understand why the Ministry of Finance is acting like this. They’re just fulfilling their obligations.

These are the taxes that the citizens of the Empire sweat and bleed for. It’s not like fireworks that disappear into thin air.

If the Ministry sees this and thinks, ‘Hmm. Nice.’, then all their heads should roll for treason.

And I, the Chief of Staff, am observing this war from the front, most meticulously.

Even if there are conflicts of opinion, I must persuade and make them understand to follow along.

We’re each doing our respective jobs. There’s no ill will behind it.

[ I’m not opposed to operating the Magical Corps, Your Excellency. I just want to ask that we hold back on deploying them just because something happens, like now. ]

“Minister of Finance, Your Excellency. Would I not realize your intentions? I also feel guilty about the taxes of the Empire being consumed this way. However, paradoxically, doing all this is meant to ease the burden on the citizens and the internal affairs of this Empire, including the Ministry of Finance.”

[ Ease? ]

I immediately began to quickly recite the excuses I had been thinking about before.

“If we keep deploying the Magical Corps, Dedorant will find it increasingly difficult to conduct reconnaissance, whether it’s power reconnaissance or whatever. At the same time, they will also suffer from the pressure to deploy their Magical Corps. In this way, they will be stuck in the central region instead of being sent to other frontlines.”

[ Preventing Dedorant’s Magical Corps from moving north and south. ]

“Yes, Your Excellency. And what armies are stationed in the north and south?”

The Minister of Finance seemed to ponder something for a moment and then exclaimed, “Ah!”

[ The Nobogord Army and the Southern Kingdom forces. Let’s ensure they don’t suffer unnecessary losses, so that we don’t end up owing them later. Is that right? ]

“The Eastern Allied Forces have already received so much from our Empire. Thus, discussing additional compensation for their contributions is difficult. But those two armies are different.”

[ The Chief of Staff is right. Formally, our Empire should give them gifts. However, if they suffer significant losses, we might need to give them many more… ]

It’s still spending the country’s taxes, but it all feels different.

One is for beating down the cocky Dedorant bastards.

The other is more like depositing friendship money to those we’ve given a slight help.

“Above all, we must make our Empire’s sincerity in this war palpably felt. Only then will those crazy folks think twice before daring to challenge the Empire.”

[ Hmm. ]

Simply saying, “Oh, the victory of our Imperial Army is important!” will only elicit a negative response.

From the perspective of the Ministry of Finance, they might think, “Do they think we oppose the Empire’s victory?”

Instead, let’s approach from the Ministry’s standpoint. If we think from their viewpoint—that taxes must be spent more efficiently and sturdily—then it’ll be much better for everyone.

[ Certainly, listening to the Chief of Staff makes it sound quite plausible. ]

“Yes. And if the losses increase, it will eventually return as a burden on the Ministry of Finance.”

[ You’re talking about compensations for future casualties and injured soldiers, right? I’ve actually checked the situation with the Minister of Welfare not long ago. ]

It seems the Ministry of Finance already had a relatively detailed check on that area.

The money spent now and the compensations for casualties and injuries after the war, the amount for future welfare.

Adjusting this part will reveal which side ends up costing less.

[ …But still, the unlimited use of the Magical Corps is a little… ]

“Oh, why are you doing this? If our forces are to be divided again, someone might say in the council, ‘It’s the Ministry of Finance’s fault for trying to save money!’”

I never said it was me. So it’s all good. I’m just saying that someone could say that.

Mentioning the Imperial Council made the Minister of Finance fall silent for a moment, but then he nodded.

Of course, he didn’t back down because he was really afraid of the council.

They probably calculated which direction would ultimately lead to less tax spending.

[ To be honest, Chief of Staff, the Minister of Magic keeps requesting extra budget allocation for the operation of the Magical Corps. ]

“Ah.”

[ I would appreciate it if you could keep that in mind. ]

Ah, Minister! Please tell me such important matters sooner!

Even the Ministry of Magic is bothering our Ministry, so I’m begging for mercy.

If you say that, I might be able to slightly reduce the expenses.

Having wrapped up the bittersweet conversation with the Minister of Finance.

“Chief of Staff is coming in.”

I attended the staff meeting of each legion and the 1st Legion to receive progress reports.

“I will report. First, the Nobogord Army that moved northward to Atria has temporarily halted their advance and is on standby.”

“It seems they’re taking a moment’s rest before the Dedorant forces come up. Was there any report specifically from Miss Charlua?”

“Yes, Chief of Staff. Here it is.”

I received the note handed to me and checked the contents.

As expected, it was a message regarding Dedorant’s movements, indicating they would halt for a bit before engaging in battle.

Moreover, there was a part questioning if Kaya was even human at all.

Don’t turn my sister into a monster, you woman.

…Well, to be honest, she is a little bit monster-like.

‘Our Kaya. Just how many legions does she drink dry on her own?’

I hear that the Nobogord Army is fiercely loyal to Kaya.

Those proud members of the Demon Tribe, who are convinced they are stronger than humans.

When Kaya appears on the battlefield, they go wild like soldiers meeting an idol.

The only difference is that this idol is covered in blood instead of makeup.

“Next, in the Southern region, everything is being executed faithfully as you instructed, Chief of Staff. The Ghost Army is doing well. If Her Highness the Princess arrives, Dedorant won’t even be able to imagine the Southern region being a trick.”

“Make sure to say clearly that the 4th Legion and the Southern Kingdom forces should put up a decent fight. It’s not necessary to start an all-out war, but they must never show signs of retreat.”

“Is there any doubt about that?”

Recently, it was reported that some Dedorant forces headed towards their southern border.

They seem to be preparing for something, anticipating that Benito might be breached.

But what can they do? It’s just frighteningly disguised folks threatening them.

“Finally.”

Here’s the highlight. In fact, this was the report I was most looking forward to.

“The Setongrad operation is proceeding as planned. We’re turning a place that was already difficult to drop into an impregnable fortress with the help of our Imperial Engineers.”

“Just saying it’s impregnable isn’t enough; it must actually be so.”

To erase any rational judgment from Dedorant.

To let them lose their minds and be governed by emotions.

Even if there’s an outstanding commander above them.

To stuff into their heads the ‘logic of pride’ that they can never win.

‘Through studying the history of the Empire in the west, I discovered there was a great general named Seton who embarrassed them in the past.’

Thanks to that, the Empire was able to expand vast territories to the west.

In contrast, the western kingdoms—especially the kingdoms that would become Dedorant and Atria—were devastated.

Because of this, the Deo Ethnicity lamented their subjugation by calling it Seton’s yoke.

I focused on that point. They would lose their rationality and go berserk.

I immediately searched for places among the cities and fortresses we had occupied that Dedorant deeply wished they still held.

A place steeped in their history that they would long for.

And I found the perfect place right in front of my eyes.

“This is the location of the capital of the kingdom that was once Dedorant. Its former glory has faded, yet it remains an important city and fortress.”

With the help of local inhabitants and Imperial historians, I located the best spot.

Since it’s a fortress, even if the enemy comes, it would be ideal for stalling time.

Simultaneously, from Dedorant’s viewpoint, it was originally their precious land.

Whether it be a large-scale counteroffensive or a surprise attack, they would desperately want to reclaim it.

After all, didn’t they rise up lamenting their glorious Deo Ethnicity?

Ignoring that? Convince them it’s a trap? Would our magnificent Deo Ethnicity listen to such a thing?

“Let’s rename it. To ‘Setongrad.’”

Alright! What are you waiting for, Dedorant? Come rushing in like mad dogs!

No matter what you throw at it, even if heads crack, come on in!

 

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