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The Kingdom of Gori. It is the kingdom closest to Benito and there is nothing particularly special about it.

The relationship with the Empire is just okay. They can’t trade since they are not adjacent to the sea.

Thus, I heard they are overly dependent on Benito, and it seems they have gotten themselves into quite a debt this time.

“Are you saying their forces are close to 20,000?”

“Yes, Prince Kael.”

“…Doesn’t that mean they’ve come without even leaving a defense force for their own country?”

Gori’s strength is on par with Polrand in the East.

The situation is… well. If I had to compare, Gori is slightly better.

It’s not like they are being tossed around between two neighboring countries like Polrand.

Anyway, no matter how hard they squeeze, their forces barely surpass 20,000.

And all of them are now standing right in front of our Empire’s Legion.

“Legion Commander. I’m sorry to bring this up, but how does our 6th Legion compare to Gori’s forces?”

“If we engage in an all-out battle on the plains, our side will win 100%. However, if they fight defensively as they are now, that probability will decrease.”

“So you mean we will still win, regardless?”

That was good enough. Gori will surely be aware of this fact.

They can never defeat the Imperial Legion. But if they hold their ground firmly, they might withstand us.

They must not give up this advantageous position under any circumstances.

With that resolve, I stepped forward with my heart racing.

“You just need to do as I say, Legion Commander.”

“Yes, Prince. But…”

The 6th Legion Commander, who had been cautiously observing, scratched his cheek and continued.

“Is it really necessary? While it’s true they are holding a favorable position, I’m sure our 6th Legion can push them back frontally.”

“I know. They are far inferior compared to us in relation to the Empire. In contrast, our 6th Legion is among the best in the South. How could I not know that?”

Their pride is perfectly justified. It’s not baseless confidence.

All 20,000 of them are here gathered from scraps they could pull together.

In contrast, this side consists of an elite 20,000. Naturally, we hold overwhelming advantages.

However. No matter how elite, in the end, someone dies and someone gets hurt when fighting.

The Empire is already dealing with immense expenses for military costs.

If we suffer additional human losses on top of that, a victory wouldn’t feel like a victory.

“Either way, there are plenty of places to fight in the future. I don’t want to lose our proud Imperial Legion soldiers so frivolously against Gori.”

“…I understand. I apologize, Prince.”

“No. I can only thank you for following my wishes.”

While I may be positioned as the commander, my authority is limited to offering opinions.

The decision on what to do based on that opinion lies solely with the Legion Commander.

Thus, it was incredibly generous of the Commander to listen to my opinion.

“Then, I’ll head out to check on the preparations.”

The Legion Commander left first, and I crossed my arms, looking ahead.

The Kingdom of Gori. 20,000 troops. We must break through there to pressure the South.

This will correspond to what I previously referred to as a club.

Of course, I intend to avoid actually swinging that club and spilling blood.

If I were to nick that hard-earned club, that would be quite unfortunate.

That club has the duty of smashing some crazy fool.

“You don’t realize that you must be hit to feel pain.”

Even waving it in the air, one can think, “Ah, if that hits, my head would crack.”

If that act is repeated day and night, I wonder how it feels from the perspective of those watching.

“Prince Kael.”

“What is it, Legion Commander?”

“Preparations are complete.”

“The Gori forces are surely led directly by their King.”

“Yes. I’ve heard he’s there in the capacity of overall commander.”

“Perfect.”

Since he brought almost all the military of the country, it is only natural for the King to participate.

However, because of that, it paradoxically made things a bit easier from our Empire’s perspective.

The King is, after all, the master of the nation. While not all of them are military experts, most aren’t.

It is because of that King’s existence that the true experts cannot speak freely.

“Then let’s ensure that the soldiers assigned to ‘that task’ get plenty of rest.”

They will have to work hard from this early morning.

*

In the southern continent. The 1st Army belonging to the Kingdom of Gori.

While it’s called the 1st Army, it could easily just be called the entire army.

They have gathered nearly all the forces they need for defense.

Then who will defend their own country? It seems Benito has taken that role.

It’s worrying, but what can be done? They’ve already eaten too much from them.

At this point, saying “Oh, that’s a bit hard” doesn’t really work anymore.

If they were to do that, they’d have to vomit back out what they’ve consumed.

“Your Majesty. The Imperial Army has arrived.”

Since all military forces are being gathered, it is only fitting that the overall commander is the King.

Originally, it should have been appropriate to hold that position while delegating authority to a military professional.

However, the King of Gori felt he must hold the reins himself.

“I cannot show weakness. For our unremarkable Gori to make a name for itself, I must stand together with Gori’s forces to repel the Imperial Legion.”

The opponent is the Legion boasted of by the Empire. Among them, the 6th Legion.

Moreover, there is said to be a strategist within who has worked in the Eastern region.

It would be a lie to say I’m not scared. It would also be a lie to say I’m not tense.

But it is precisely for that reason that the King himself must stand boldly here.

That way, the morale aspect and Gori’s stake in the upcoming order in the South will rise as well.

“There’s nothing to worry about. The Imperial Legion must pass through here no matter what.”

“Indeed, Your Majesty.”

“There are other routes, but they all take several days to detour. In the end, they must pass through here, and there isn’t any part they can use.”

This is why Gori can stand somewhat confidently against the Imperial Army.

They see themselves as the defenders. The Empire as the attackers. History already tells who is more advantageous.

Of course, victories by attackers can also frequently be found in history.

But that usually points to a weakness in the defenders or carelessness. It’s usually along those lines.

In that regard, Gori has none of those issues.

Since the King is personally leading the charge, there wouldn’t be any lunatic daring to scheme surrender.

There can’t possibly be any traitors either. The timeline is simply too tight for that.

“And the decisive factor. Our Gori never lets down its guard.”

The fear of the Imperial Legion is certainly there. And that strategist lurking behind them.

I can’t quite remember his name, but I do know he’s a young, blue-blooded genius.

It is said that his schemes made the neighboring Eastern kingdoms tear each other apart and betray one another.

Everything was due to ignorance. It stemmed from not knowing about that strategist’s existence.

Gori is different. They know everything. They will not sway no matter what.

They just need to hold their ground firmly. After that, the other kingdoms will handle it.

“Your Majesty.”

The King of Gori decided he would do everything within his capability.

For instance, like listening to every single report as he is now.

“Yes. What is the status of the Imperial Legion?”

“At first, there didn’t seem to be anything peculiar. But something has changed just a moment ago.”

“Changed?”

“Yes. To my eyes, it seems they are preparing for a night raid.”

A night raid. Yes, that’s a possibility.

They too will want to minimize damage and push through somehow.

From the perspective of training and actual combat, that’s a reasonable judgment.

—The King of Gori concluded and immediately issued orders.

“Prepare for a night raid. Especially tonight, ensure no one casually falls asleep.”

The military commanders decided to follow the King’s decision without further comment.

It’s a reasonable matter. There had been intelligence reports, so it makes sense to act accordingly.

However, I can’t help but worry about the crucial issue of the soldiers’ rest being disrupted.

And that night.

—Boom! Boom! Boom!

—Boooom!!

“Enemies! The enemy is here!”

“It’s a night raid! Quickly prepare for battle!”

“Just do as you’ve heard beforehand! Then you’ll survive!”

Lighting torches like it was waiting, the Gori forces prepared for combat.

Some soldiers appeared to be tired, but the prevailing sentiment was more one of tension.

—Boom! Boom! Boom!!

—Boooom! Boooom!!

The sounds of the Imperial Legion’s drums and trumpets echo madly.

Thus, from the King of Gori down to the lowliest soldier, everyone was wide-eyed.

“…?”

“What? The Imperial Army isn’t coming?”

“So that just now was….”

Was it a trick? Did they toy with them using a night raid as bait?

The commanders swore and conveyed this news to their King.

Just as the King was about to tell the soldiers to allow them to rest while cursing the Imperial Army…

—Boooom!!

—Boom! Boom! Boom!!

The trumpets and drum sounds signaling the advance of the Imperial Legion return.

The startled King and commanders rushed back to their positions.

What met them was merely the distant clamor from afar.

“Your Majesty, it appears we might be caught in this.”

“The general’s thoughts are the same. For now, letting the soldiers rest would be….”

“No.”

The King shook his head.

“Your Majesty?”

“Did you not hear? There isn’t only the Imperial Legion over there. That strategist, who is said to be a genius in the Empire, is also present. This could very well be his scheme. By doing this, they may weaken our Gori forces’ vigilance. If they truly initiate a night raid, it could be fatal.”

“Well…”

The first thing that comes to mind from the King’s words is, after all, the opposite possibility.

This could also be an action aimed at depleting the stamina and morale of our troops.

However, for now, at least in this moment, the King’s opinion is slightly more rational.

Yes. Just as he said. That strategist has used outrageous tactics multiple times.

They cannot let their guard down. Even if this is just a part of what he wants, we must prepare for the worst.

“Then I will double the existing guard soldiers.”

“Triple it. Make it three times. This is too troubling.”

“…Yes, Your Majesty. I will do so.”

And from then on, exactly three days of such events repeated.

No matter how much they took turns letting the soldiers rest and doubled the guard forces,

with attack signals coming in the night and dawn, who would be able to hold up?

The opponent is the Imperial Legion. No matter how advantageous the position is, they can’t let their guard down.

At any moment, a real battle could break out. No one wants to die. It’s terrifying.

The soldiers of Gori also know this. They can absolutely not win a head-on fight against the Imperial Legion.

In that situation, whether it’s a trick or not, the very noise alone prevented them from sleeping or even resting properly.

Even without a single battle, the fatigue within Gori’s army accumulated naturally.

*

They aren’t utilizing ignorance or lack of awareness.

They are employing fear and dread.

 

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