Chapter 180

A few days after arriving in the village of Sale.

The Duke, two Counts, and I gathered immediately to devise a strategy to repel the enemy soldiers.

Not long after, the Orleans Duke, with a faint smile, lightly patted Count Ilerias and Count Izza on the shoulders and said.

“First of all, before we begin this military meeting, I want to commend Counts Ilerias and Izza on behalf of His Majesty the Emperor as the commander of the Eastern Expeditionary Force. Who would have thought that noble aristocrats of the Empire like you would personally flank the enemy and cut off their headquarters and supply lines? I did not witness it myself, but… according to Baron Delphin and Baron Spru, the two of you fought valiantly like heroes from an epic.”

Unlike in modern times, this kind of praise from aristocrats does not cost money, but it tends to directly translate into political and power benefits for both the giver and receiver.

This is because, in this world, merely having the bloodline and honor of nobility is enough to live comfortably anywhere, making honor extremely important.

In this situation, the Orleans Duke, representing the Emperor, might feel envious, but more than that, he values loyalty to the greater cause, while the two Counts gain a certificate of recognition from the representative of the Emperor.

Moreover, indirectly, it is also a way of undermining me: “If Counts younger and of lower rank than you can fight bravely like this… what’s the Marquis doing other than playing the role of the reserve army?”

If I were to retaliate or raise objections here, I could be labeled petty, and once I achieve victory in the war, those evaluations would quickly reverse.

Having lived as a Baron under Schwabin, I can endure this much.

“No, Your Majesty… we merely acted according to the operation.”

“Indeed, it is an overstatement to call us heroes.”

“I, Orleans, do not speak empty words. Once this expedition is over, I will definitely record everything I felt on your behalf and submit it in an official document to His Majesty. I promise a rightful reward with my honor at stake. Well then, let us commence the official meeting. Croilet Marquis, please start by sharing what you have investigated.”

Even if the Duke seeks to undermine me and mock me before those youngsters, I must do my job properly.

That’s how I can achieve my desired goal of acquiring the Countship of Iris and Architel.

“Yes, the size of the enemy is estimated to be around 108,000. Marquis Simon has 30,000, Counts Louis, Laurent, and Iris have 20,000 each, the reinforcements sent by Marquis Montmartre amount to 10,000, and Count Architel has 8,000. In contrast, our forces, including those who straggled during the rapid march, amount to about 72,000. This is only about 60% of the enemy numbers.”

In battles with fewer than a thousand troops, elite soldiers or knights can quickly overturn a power difference of about 30%.

However, once the numbers surpass 10,000, it becomes difficult to achieve a turnaround victory through individual skill or the performance of elite troops…

In the case of a massive enemy force exceeding 100,000, victory can only be achieved by strategically cornering the enemy.

And the most challenging aspect of war is trapping the opponent using strategy and tactics.

Because, just as we are not fools, the enemy also tends not to fall into traps that are obvious.

Upon hearing my words, the Orleans Duke spoke with a serious expression.

“Then it would be wise to devise a defensive-oriented strategy. In that case, we have no choice. Croilet Marquis, you and I will take charge of the center, no, the forefront. I will take the right of the front, and you will take the left. Also, Counts Ilerias and Izza, you will fulfill the roles of reserves from our rear.”

In the previous battle, we used the central forces as a combat shield to deal damage to the enemy, and the Counts were utilized like small knives for decapitating strikes…

But this time, since we are numerically disadvantaged, it seems we plan to serve as anvils, using our forces to withstand until the enemy reveals their vulnerabilities.

At the same time, the two Counts are intended to be used as small hammers to expand our victories when the enemy reveals their weak points.

If we can decimate the enemy forces in this manner, we could then rush towards the Marquis Simon’s domain…

It’s a much better plan than I expected.

Then, the Orleans Duke placed symbols representing the four of us and the enemy legions on the map.

Looking at our symbols, he placed my symbol slightly ahead of the Orleans legion’s and tilted it, saying.

“Once we are in position, when the enemy leads their infantry to attack us… I want you to use your matchlock rifle to cover my soldiers without deviating from your position and without becoming a target yourself. Can you do that?”

Without proper training on how to use all ranged weapons, they are merely burdens.

Thus, the Orleans Duke has asked for support fire towards the left flank of the enemy targeting the attacking enemy.

And once the enemy falls under the fire of our rifles and there’s a sufficient gap in their ranks, he intends to send in soldiers from the left to take advantage of that opening.

By maintaining consistent attacks, we might create a semi-encirclement and diminish the enemy’s strength.

Then… if 20% to 30% of the matchlock soldiers associated with our command join in for support fire close to the position our troops occupy, our forces could perform remarkably without suffering significant losses.

“Very well. We will provide the necessary support.”

To that, the Orleans Duke smiled contentedly and replied.

“Thank you. And Counts Ilerias and Izza, please pay special attention to the enemy knights, aside from just providing troop support from the rear. Especially since Count Architel’s knights did not participate last time, they will surely try to exploit any vulnerabilities in our formation during this battle. I hope you manage to fend them off well.”

In response to that directive, both Counts answered with confident expressions.

“Yes, Your Majesty. Just leave it to us. We will fulfill the orders in the name of the Ilerias family honor.”

“Indeed. If a Count who limps and cannot even ride a horse attacks us first… we will stop him and his knights and drag them down from the seat of glory.”

Although I had gone out of my way to boost their confidence by saving a beauty and sparing no expense in luxury or encouragement…

Even now, despite the matchlock rifle bombardment that would decimate their cavalry and significantly reduce their numbers and might.

I did not expect them to speak as though they could easily dispatch the renowned Count Architel, the greatest commander, who commands the most powerful knights of the Franche Empire.

However, this is merely a minor deviation that I can overlook since it aligns with the direction of the plans I set.

Also, the Orleans Duke, having lived as a noble, is likely receiving warnings from the experience he has amassed.

Still, he is mistakenly attributing the results of this HQ and supply route assault exclusively to the independent thinking of those two, thus he cannot directly admonish or warn them unless they defy his orders.

Crucially, since he needs to nurture those two to strengthen the forces opposing me…

From a political perspective, the Duke has no choice but to encourage them while praising them as counts.

And indeed, the Duke, appearing contemplative with a serious expression upon hearing their words, provided no caution.

Instead, he spoke in a voice that seemed to encourage them sincerely.

“I will entrust the rear of our forces to you young ones. So, please do not act rashly and move with caution. And Marquis.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“The enemy’s infantry outnumbers us, and it seems Count Architel is participating… Rather than trying to break through with our knights, wouldn’t it be better if we intercept their knights when they attack us?”

It’s an intention to prevent our infantry from being breached by leaving the knights near the infantry.

No, perhaps it’s a tactical maneuver to cause maximum damage to the enemies’ knights if those two attempt to break through…

“Very well. It certainly seems that intercepting their attack will help us defeat more enemies with much less damage than engaging directly.”

Then we continued discussing how far and how we would march if we won this battle and whether we would continue using the conventional wartime merchants for supplies.

Thus, as the Orleans Duke and I theoretically crafted a perfect war plan…

As always, the chaos of battle inevitably incurs ‘deviations’.

And both the Orleans Duke and I… are aware that the chaos in this battle exists not only among the enemy but also within our forces.

If you were to ask who that might be…

It would be the two Counts filled with confidence and hope instead of air in their lungs.

Because, in war, one should not think positively until victory is secured.