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“To bring in the remaining legions and even issue a mobilization order, is it?”

Not everyone present opposed my suggestion.

“The Imperial Chief of Staff’s opinion does hold some weight. Where’s the downside to having a clear advantage?”

“If we mobilize the reserve and transportation units, we’ll have more combat troops available. We mustn’t forget the significant number of troops that would immediately contribute.”

“The Special Forces agrees that the combat capabilities of the southern and eastern nations are only at the level of one imperial legion. Clearly, we have some leeway.”

Some did so because of my title as Imperial Chief of Staff.

Others cast glances at the Emperor, whose presence was close by.

And yet others validated their logic as they checked with the rationale on this side.

Everyone voiced their opinions to the Ministry of War and the General Staff for different reasons.

“But everyone, the current situation isn’t exactly relaxed. It took us at least a month, and at most two, just to bring two legions from the border.”

“Let’s not forget, Dedorant has not yet unified the western continent. DeGale’s territory still remains, and although the Royal Family is in exile, they are still resisting. Most importantly, Ross Tanika is still intact. This means they are being forced to fight on two fronts.”

“We’ve already told Ross Tanika to hang on just a little longer. The Empire’s great wrath will soon sweep through Dedorant. But if we ask them to wait several months now, I wonder how they will respond?”

“If Ross Tanika falls, Dedorant will direct all its forces entirely toward the Empire. Then, the advantage we barely gained will be of no use at all.”

Opposing opinions were just as significant, and they were logical.

Especially regarding the two-front aspect. When discussing the existence of Ross Tanika, even those who initially supported my opinion took a step back with silence.

There was the issue of imperial pride, intertwined with the matter of the two-front war.

Why did Dedorant seek to destabilize Nobogord? To impose a two-front war upon the Empire.

One of the factors that determines victory or defeat in a war between nations: concentrating all forces in one direction.

They are currently shouldering that two-front war. The Empire and Ross Tanika are exactly that.

Thus, they attempted and failed to inflict that nightmare upon the Empire as well.

By doing so, the Empire itself could readily abandon that high ground.

If Ross Tanika crumbles, Dedorant will naturally throw all its forces toward the Empire.

If that happens, the preparation to gain an upper hand will become utterly useless.

“The General Staff’s stance remains the same as before. The current gathered forces are sufficient as is. The pure combat troops alone exceed 200,000. Adding in the reserve and transportation units could double that figure.”

“Your Majesty, I believe it’s time for swift and decisive action. Our Empire has had ample rest and preparation these past six months. However, Dedorant has not. They attacked the remaining territory of DeGale just yesterday while simultaneously pressuring Ross Tanika.”

The two opinions, though not outright conflicting, stood in opposition.

Ultimately, the one and only person to decide here is the Emperor.

Everyone, including myself, looked to the Emperor, waiting for the next words.

“I have heard both opinions well. Each one possesses reasonable logic, making it quite troublesome for me to make a decision.”

“My apologies, Your Majesty.”

“However, as you all said, the current circumstances are extremely urgent. A moment of hesitation in a time-sensitive situation can turn into a fatal flaw.”

The Emperor’s statement hinted that he was leaning toward mobilizing the First Legion immediately.

Indeed, perhaps the focus was to impose a two-front war on Dedorant without delay.

Though disappointing, it seemed he would lean toward accepting the opinions of the General Staff…

“However, as the Imperial Chief of Staff suggested, it would be foolish to limit ourselves when we have the means to deploy many. Minister of War.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“As per the Imperial Chief of Staff’s words, summon the legions we’ve left at the borders. Additionally, declare a mobilization to reinforce the reserve and transportation units, and integrate the troops intended for deployment there into the First Legion as pure combat personnel.”

Our Empire holds many cards in hand. So, let’s play them all.

It seemed as if the Emperor spoke to us, saying there was no reason for concern.

With the Empire being capable of accepting both opinions at this moment, it was entirely feasible.

“Chief of Staff.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Relay orders to the Commander of the First Legion. Instruct them to advance sequentially with the prepared legions.”

“I will carry out the orders.”

Finally, the Empire’s military commenced its advancement over the border.

This was the moment when a massive war, unlike any faced before, was about to begin.

*

“Then, I leave it in your capable hands, Chief of Staff.”

“Is there any doubt about that, Minister?”

The Ministry of War and the General Staff, akin but distinct, competing yet cooperating.

The fortunate aspect was that the leaders of both sides had no notable conflicts with each other.

On the contrary, there were many points of agreement between them that would benefit both sides.

“Let’s go.”

After exchanging greetings with the Minister of War and his staff,

the Chief of Staff led the General Staff members as they hurriedly made their way forward.

The commonality among them was that, big or small, they were all linked to the Marquis of Consloker’s faction.

“It seems the Emperor truly cherishes the Imperial Chief of Staff.”

“One can hardly blame him. At such a young age, he has had active roles on three borders. Not to mention, he’s achieved victories in two theaters. How could one not value such talent?”

Although affiliated with the General Staff, the position was practically independent. The Imperial Chief of Staff.

The individual who received this appointment was Kael Clausewitz, the eldest son of the Duke of Bertier Empire.

Until now, he had been mainly active in the military, particularly as a frontline commander.

Yet, now the heir and future Duke had unexpectedly claimed the position of Chief of Staff.

Given this situation, the Marquis of Consloker’s faction, which tightly held control over the General Staff, had no choice but to feel tense.

Really, the chance remained. If the Royal Family indeed sought to eliminate the internal ranks in this war,

the only way to escape that would be to achieve undeniable, great merit.

Thus, fostering an atmosphere in which the Royal Family would somewhat acknowledge their monopoly was crucial.

“Commander Mesok showcased remarkable initiative.”

“Indeed. Only someone of the Military Commander’s caliber could directly counter the Imperial Chief of Staff’s opinion.”

The son of the Marquis of Consloker, he had also made a name for himself in the Western Legion.

Thanks to these attributes, the General Staff was rallying around Commander Mesok.

The Chief of Staff was even slightly mindful of him.

“I only stated what would be more beneficial for the Empire. I have no intention of dismissing the Imperial Chief of Staff’s opinion at all.”

“Of course, of course. Surely, the Military Commander wouldn’t think of doing such a thing.”

The staff members of the General Staff weren’t foolish enough to treat Kael as some young, inexperienced brat.

Given his established merits, it would be madness to suggest otherwise.

Yet, concerns lingered regarding how Kael’s rise could diminish their own positions.

The more powerful the Dukes became, the more worried the Marquises would lose their standing.

Above all, they harbored ambitions for the same recognition and treatment that Kael received.

All of these intertwined concerns led to the peculiar positioning of opposition that we see now.

“What we need to focus on now is how overwhelmingly the newly established First Imperial Legion can crush those arrogant Dedorant forces. That is our mission.”

Just as Kael had done in the East and South.

If they could also achieve similar feats in the Western Theater,

the Empire and Emperor would surely look at them with favorable eyes.

They just needed to win. It was destined to be achievable.

With such a vast army assembled, how could Dedorant pose a challenge?

Still, just in case, they should assist the commanders and legion leaders.

The goal of the staff members of the General Staff was singular.

To present the Emperor with Dedorant’s surrender at the New Year’s Festival.

In other words, they intended to settle the matter within six months.

*

“…”

“Your Highness the Princess.”

“…”

“Your Highness the Princess?”

“…”

This is bad. It seems our General Staff people have displeased our princess.

No matter how much they insist it’s all fine. Even if they don’t harbor ill intentions.

In our Princess’s eyes, the staff members appear to be ‘bad fellows seeking to undermine the young genius adviser out of jealousy and envy’.

“I truly am fine. In fact, didn’t His Majesty the Emperor listen to my opinions as well?”

“Even so, up until now, what Kael has accomplished is quite remarkable, and yet they chose to oppose him outright instead of supporting him. That’s just too blatant!”

“Wasn’t it warranted to oppose him?”

“They might say that! But their true thoughts could be different!”

Even I, the party in question, say it’s fine, yet the Princess is this angry.

It’s somewhat awkward, but strangely, I feel pleased.

“Just wait. If even a small issue arises, I won’t just stand by.”

“I beg you to bear with it, Your Highness.”

To conclude, nothing of the sort occurred.

[ Allied Great Victory. Dedorant’s Crushing Defeat ]

It had been a month since the Empire’s First Legion advanced and the General Staff supported them.

The so-called western powerhouse, Dedorant, was utterly demolished.

 

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