Chapter 52

In war, the importance of seizing the initiative is something everyone knows without needing an explanation. Whether through diplomacy or combat, defeating and subduing the enemy first has a massive impact on the future of the conflict. This affects not only physical damage but also intangible aspects like loss of prestige and morale. Even if a nation is at a disadvantage in terms of power or position, successfully seizing the initiative can bring enormous benefits. A prime example is the Mongol victory at the Kalka River and the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. Both achieved significant military success. Subutai’s Mongols crushed the united forces of Russian principalities early in their campaign, while Japan destroyed much of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. These victories allowed both nations to fight from a position of strategic superiority for years. However, the outcomes for the two nations were polar opposites. The Mongols, having completely annihilated the Russian field armies, faced little resistance and conquered Russia. Japan, on the other hand, failed to destroy the entire Pacific Fleet and left infrastructure intact, leading to a brutal counterattack by the U.S. We must aim to be like the Mongols, not Japan. From this perspective, I carefully devised a strategy. What we need now is a clear example—a sacrificial lamb to deter other lords from opposing us. Ideally, a weak and easy target would be convenient, but such a target lacks impact. We need to face a well-known and powerful opponent to secure a decisive victory. The message must be clear: “We are this strong! Even if you unite your forces, we can crush you in one blow!” At least we have overwhelming military power prepared, which is fortunate. Despite the terrible conditions, we have laid the groundwork. Our elite troops, honed in the northern campaigns, advanced line infantry tactics, seasoned officers, and overflowing budgets—all are in place. The central army boasts all these elements, and with the recent introduction of the new weapon, our single-unit combat strength is arguably the strongest on the continent. Mobilizing 40,000 such troops would make any lord’s private army no match. Victory is almost certain; the only concern is minimizing casualties. “Who should we target to make the news spread? Anyone have suggestions?” The answer to this question was quickly determined. “The Barellmont family seems suitable. They’re close enough to the royal capital.” “Count Kirchiais next to them would also be appropriate.” “What about Duke Loengram? The new head of the family is notorious for his terrible personality.” Duke Barellmont, Duke Loengram, and Count Kirchiais—each capable of mobilizing tens of thousands of troops and located within a week’s march from the capital. They are perfect targets to make an example of. “Don’t just pick one place.” “No, we’ll take them all.” I shook my head at my subordinates’ suggestions. We must face them all. “Our forces are at the legion level. Attacking just one territory won’t save face. We need to show we can fight multiple fronts at once.” What I want is a scenario where we overwhelmingly crush a powerful enemy. A situation where, despite the odds, one side dominates. To achieve this, the visible scale of forces must appear equal. Targeting just one duchy or county? It’s obvious we’d win, so what’s the point? The nobles wouldn’t even flinch. “Let’s see, the specific locations… Loengram is to the south, and the other two territories are to the west?” “Yes. In terms of distance, the Duchy of Barellmont and the County of Kirchiais are closer.” “Then we’ll target the farthest first and hit the closer ones later. We’ll send a royal decree in the king’s name. The content will be something like, ‘Your father has been arrested for treason, so come to the capital and submit to investigation.'” The basics of military strategy dictate taking out the weak first. After studying the map, I decided to target the isolated duchy first. Not just for military reasons, but because its proximity to my hometown meant we had to act quickly. If my parents were taken hostage, it would be a disaster. If my precious family were threatened, how would Brother Julius react? He might go berserk, blaming me for the situation. Normally timid, he becomes furious when our parents are involved. To prevent such a political mess, we must preemptively handle the situation. “When should we send it?” “Not immediately. How long will it take to prepare supplies and for the troops to get ready?” “It’s hard to say exactly, but… roughly two weeks should suffice. We can quickly procure provisions from the market.” “Then send it in five days. Let’s time it right.” * * * * * Summoning professional scribes and diplomatic staff, the royal decree was quickly completed. A perfect document, adhering to royal etiquette and style. With Karl VII’s royal seal stamped on it, it was indistinguishable from the king’s own letter. We sent the letter south at the appointed time and received a reply filled with colorful and violent curses. “Appear in the capital? What a joke! Tell them to get lost!!” Well, it was the expected response. With news of the capital’s situation spreading, it’s natural they’d refuse. “Good, let’s mobilize the central army.” Their fate remains unchanged. The decree was merely a means to build justification. By receiving it, the duke had effectively invited us into his territory. Upon receiving the reply, we dispatched 25,000 troops and, within 12 days and 22 hours, successfully captured the Duchy of Loengram and the duke’s family. * * * * * News of this quickly spread to the west. “Karolus attacked Duke Loengram? That fat, insensitive guy?” “No, sir. The new head of the family.” “That damn traitor is trying to wipe out noble bloodlines…” Duke Barellmont was shocked by the sudden news. Originally a member of the royal parliament, he had returned home due to family matters and thus avoided the capital’s catastrophe. Hearing of his comrades and relatives’ fates, he was stunned. The traitors were now extending their reach beyond the capital. “This is no time to hesitate. If Loengram fell, we could be next. Karolus won’t be satisfied with just one victory.” A seasoned political veteran, Duke Barellmont quickly grasped Karolus’s intent. He realized Karolus aimed to purge the nobility and overhaul the kingdom’s system and order. Why he chose such extreme methods was unclear, but if left unchecked, the concept of “blue blood” might vanish from the kingdom. There was no choice but to respond with force. “Mobilize the territorial army! Recruit and prepare for battle!” “Yes!” “Send requests for support to neighboring territories. Especially persuade Count Kirchiais. Our family alone isn’t enough; we must unite to face this.” Just a month ago, this would have branded him a traitor. Despite seizing power through a coup, Karolus’s rule had been non-violent. Refusing to normalize the country, he might have been labeled a corrupt reactionary and stripped of power. But now, it didn’t matter. The other side had crossed the line first; why shouldn’t we? “A reply from the count! He’s issuing mobilization orders and gathering troops!” “Five families, including Baron Filheim and Baron Niven, have declared their participation!” “Good, hurry! We must prepare before they arrive!” Through desperate efforts, the troops were quickly assembled. With support from neighboring nobles, Duke Barellmont and Count Kirchiais amassed a force of 46,000. An astonishing result given the short preparation time. With so many, we could bolster the front lines. “Sir, reports from scouts! The central army is approaching, two days away!” Soon, Karolus’s forces marched toward their territory, and the kingdom’s civil war began. * * * * * …At the time, we didn’t know. Soon, they’d be cursing how much war sucks.