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Right after declaring war on Dedorant. Honestly, the atmosphere wasn’t great.

There is definitely a belief that the Empire will prevail. Nobody doubts that.

The problem, however, is just how much blood and injury will be required for that victory.

Dedorant is a military powerhouse in the West. It has always been known for its formidable army.

Several decades ago, they suffered an unexpected defeat against DeGale, but now they have successfully avenged that loss.

Having gone through countless battles, they have awakened into a war machine, similar to the Empire’s legions.

To make matters worse, they have obtained the excellent resource of Atria.

It will be a challenging fight. There might even be several defeats along the way.

Under such worries, we have assembled as many as 11 legions to form the First Army.

Still, with ongoing concerns, there were those who agreed with my opinion.

Yet, barely a month has passed since the Empire’s declaration of war.

In that short span, Dedorant has already given up part of their territory.

They were continuing to crumble and retreat under the Empire’s storm-like assault.

“…Could it be that we exaggerated about the Dedorant Army?”

Today, the princess who visited me opened her mouth, clearly convinced of that.

Everyone had worried and worried again about facing Dedorant.

Even the Emperor and Crown Princess were anxious about how many people would die and be injured.

The atmosphere feels that in just a month, we might soon push into Dedorant’s royal capital.

It’s only natural that I felt a bit…no, a lot, deflated.

“Otherwise, how could this happen? How can we suffer losses of up to 20,000 and lose territory in just a month?”

“There are times when the underestimated still manage to surprise us.”

For a moment, I considered it might be a characteristic of the West. After all, look at DeGale.

They strutted around like they were something else and ended up getting their souls stripped by Dedorant.

The royal family fled to Ross Tanika, and most of the remaining nobles surrendered outright.

In that sense, Dedorant could be similar to them.

They might just not have encountered a real opponent. Not yet met their master.

So, they might think they’re the strongest and let their guard down, only to be thoroughly beaten down.

‘But….’

As I thought for a moment, I shook my head.

It’s only been a month. The war has just started.

While it’s true we’ve won, we can’t relax or let our guard down.

What if Dedorant is really a bunch of fools below our imagination?

“Nothing is certain. After all, it’s not up to the likes of us, the princess or me, to judge the situation there. For now, it’s best to focus on the tasks at hand.”

“…That’s true. We’ve certainly been very busy now.”

The Emperor’s orders for the princess and me. Negotiating the command of reinforcements from other countries.

Even just hearing about it makes my head ache. It’s bound to be of extreme difficulty.

But if we succeed, both the princess and I would achieve undeniable merit.

“For now, we have officially received command over the southern kingdoms. What’s left are the three eastern kingdoms and Nobogord, right?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

The transfer of command over the southern kingdoms was something I wouldn’t even call a negotiation.

I merely stepped in and coughed once, and they immediately agreed to hand it over.

It seems the decisive factor was undoubtedly the thrashing of Benito.

Now, what remains are the combined forces of 30,000 men from Burgai, Kaden, and Polrand.

And the 30,000 heavily armed Demon Tribe infantry that just set out from Nobogord.

I had a difficult mission waiting to take command over them.

“Kael. I have a good idea. Do you want to hear it?”

“I’ll listen.”

“Although the situation in the east has improved somewhat compared to before, it’s still just as tough, right?”

“Indeed. While the Empire provided support, it was only sufficient to avert the worst.”

Support needs to be balanced. If we offer too much, they might start thinking weird thoughts.

Adequate logistical support needs to be maintained not too excessive, nor too little.

This is why the Empire could grip the lives of the three eastern kingdoms.

If we do that, we can ensure the public sentiment remains firmly on the Empire’s side.

“It’s a bit embarrassing, but what do you think about using that again this time?”

“Are you suggesting logistical support?”

“I’m saying that all provisions for the reinforcements will be covered by our Empire. In return, we gain command over them. Wouldn’t it be acceptable to merely grant them supplies for fifteen days?”

It’s not entirely incorrect. But there are also shortcomings.

“Princess, the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Finance have already decided to provide logistical support to the reinforcements from the eastern kingdoms. It will be difficult to conduct negotiations if they are already aware of it.”

“I know that too. That’s why I want to attach another condition.”

“Another condition? I listened quietly to the princess’s next words.”

“The Ministry of War and the Foreign Ministry promised that the Empire would bear the costs for the supplies for the reinforcements.”

“That’s correct.”

“Of course, those supplies won’t be provided directly to the frontline Empire legions but rather to the auxiliary units.”

“…That probability is indeed high.”

It’s only natural that high-quality weapons, sturdy armor, and delicious food will all be distributed among the Empire’s legions—the stuff that directly affects morale and combat effectiveness.

The reinforcements from other countries will receive supplies that are of slightly lesser quality.

While one might argue this is a bit rude towards the reinforcements who came to serve the Empire, it’s actually a way of repaying the debt that the Empire owes them.

Especially the eastern kingdoms have been indebted for so long that simply providing them with supplies would be seen as a blessing.

If there are complaints, they could just bring their own supplies like Nobogord did from the start.

The east, finding their situation quite dire, doesn’t harbor much dissatisfaction towards the Empire’s decision.

Perhaps they’d think of this as a gain, having both their fighting capabilities preserved and received aid at the same time.

“We’ll say they’ll receive the same supplies as the Empire legions.”

“Your Highness the Princess?”

“Oh, of course, the weapons and armor are intended to be returned after the war ends. I can’t possibly hand over everything. Everything else will be borne by the Empire. How does that sound?”

“…For now, it’s not an absurd proposition. However, there are many factors to consider. First of all, I’m worried about how the eastern kingdoms will react, and above all—”

“We must also hear the opinions of the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Finance.”

Right. The most important opinions are those of the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Finance.

The materials that the Empire legions should use, which were provided by taxes paid by the citizens.

To hand them over to troops from countries other than our own? I’m sure both will jump at the chance to declare this nonsense.

‘However, thinking about it from another perspective, it’s not so bad after all.’

The Empire plans to deploy the reinforcements they sent to the frontline.

That would be the undeniable proof that all places except the West have surrendered to the Empire.

It’s too solid a justification to showcase the diplomatic and military achievements thus far.

Yet, this would come to others kingdoms as a source of unease.

Could it be that we’re using their own troops as cannon fodder? Would they instead be used as pack mules and not reinforcements?

Still, they’d want to obtain a title where they could fight on equal footing with the Empire.

That’s vital for stabilizing their future domestic situation.

If they cannot perform at all, their pride will be trampled, and they won’t gain anything.

‘If they were offered something equivalent to the supplies the Empire legions receive, that would alleviate some of those anxieties.’

The idea that they wouldn’t be treated as mere cannon fodder or pack mules, but as equals.

It sends a message that gives them the opportunity to earn credit as fellow soldiers.

With that, there’s a possibility of leading to positive outcomes in the negotiations over command issues.

“…For now, I think that sounds like a reasonable condition.”

“Right?! I’ve actually been thinking about this since yesterday!”

The princess looked at me with eyes that sparkled like a puppy desiring praise.

Those dazzling eyes made me want to offer compliments spontaneously.

“Seems like the month spent together hasn’t gone to waste after all.”

“Of course! You think I only looked at Kael’s face? Naturally, I learned many things, plus…”

She trailed off, and her face suddenly turned red.

What’s wrong? What happened? Why are you acting like this all of a sudden?

“Oh, anyway! It seems like the eastern three kingdoms issue can be handled like that.”

“The combined forces are set to arrive in three days; let’s go together.”

“Sounds good. Oh, and have you heard the news?”

What news are you talking about? As I asked back, the princess scratched her cheek.

“A few days ago, it seems we scored another great victory. The staff devised a strategy that utterly shattered Dedorant’s army.”

“I see. That’s excellent news.”

“…Really? Kael, while you weren’t here, others have been achieving merits. Even in the most crucial area, the West.”

“Your Highness and I are also engaged in tasks of equal importance. Rallying the reinforcements and handing over command isn’t just an ordinary matter.”

“Fair point, but….”

Sighing, the princess soon nodded as if she understood me.

That nonchalant demeanor was surprisingly cool, a thought that was a bonus.

“What about the Nobogord issue then? I’m worried that even the Demon Tribe that somewhat disdains the Empire legions will easily yield command.”

“I’ve pondered a lot as well. And like you, Your Highness, just last night, I found the most pragmatic approach.”

“A plan to win the hearts of the Demon Tribe?”

A method to win their hearts, huh. Well, it’s similar but not entirely confined to that.

I don’t think it’s necessary for them to follow me.

After all, I’m not a frontline commander who needs to direct soldiers myself.

As long as I hold onto one certainty. If that one thing can grip the rest…

“Your Highness the Princess, do you perhaps remember my sister, Kaya Clausewitz?”

 

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