kscans

CHAPTER 5 WARS OF NATIONS – Episode 9 Mountain Battle (Part 2)

t/n: it seems like NU will no longer accept my submission for Bard Roen, so just bookmark this blog.

4

After roughly consolidating the tactical considerations, a council meeting for strategic decisions was held in front of the Royal Palace on May 39th. First, inquiries were made about the appointments of the generals.

This was a matter beyond Bard’s discretion and should be decided by the King after deliberation by the Privy Council and the Council of Elders. Who should be appointed as the new General of the Middle Army following Seifert’s death? Also, Julelan had been serving as the General of the Upper Army, but what should be done about his successor? The Privy Council had not reached a conclusion. Some voices suggested Chantillion as the new General of the Upper Army, but Duke Argolide was reluctant. While Chantillion excelled as a swordsman, he lacked experience as a general. It was deemed impossible for him to assume the position of General in the current situation. There were also voices in favor of Bard, but it was customary to appoint a knight with royal blood as the General of the Upper Army. Moreover, it was desirable to avoid dual roles in this crisis.

In the midst of the deadlock, Julelan mentioned an extraordinary individual. Cedermont Expengler. Cedermont was a knight whom Julelan and Bard had raised together. Why could this person become the new General of the Upper Army? The Expengler family was famous as one of the “First People” on the frontier, but in Parzam, they were known for a different reason. It was said that the first king had branched off from the Expengler family and established his own lineage, meaning their ancestors were the same. Furthermore, by coincidence, Chantillion had also mentioned Cedermont as a strong candidate when considering recruiting commanders from outside. While Chantillion probably did not intend for Cedermont to become the General of the Upper Army, the recommendation from the Argolide family carried weight. In fact, it was Bard’s fault that Chantillion knew about Cedermont. Bard deeply regretted saying unnecessary things.

With this background, Cedermont arrived in the capital shortly after Bard assumed the position of Alliance Marshal. A knight holding a certain rank had to register their seal. The herald who took Cedermont’s seal was astonished. It was a seal that closely resembled that of the first king. Come to think of it, Cedermont and Julelan even shared similar hair, eye color, and facial features. Many joked that they were related by blood, but it turned out to be true. This revelation changed the minds of those who had expressed opposition. Thus, Cedermont Expengler became the new General of the Upper Army. Bard was surprised to learn this just before the council meeting. Cedermont must have been equally astonished to learn about Bard’s new position as Alliance Marshal. It was an outrageous act to poach him, the leading knight of the Tercia family, but Julelan unabashedly stated that he had sent two other excellent knights in exchange. (t/n: shorten ‘Marshal of the Alliance’ -> Alliance Marshal)

Chantillion was appointed as the new Middle Army General, and the other generals were all veteran knights of the royal army. Finally, the appointments of the army generals were settled.

5

Bard inquired about the reorganization status of the royal army from Cedermont. The Royal Direct Army originally consisted of six units. Cavalry, archers, spearmen, armored infantry, each with a hundred soldiers, totaling 2400 troops. However, they had lost many soldiers at the Casse Plains, and despite efforts to replenish and train, they had only just reached 1800 troops. Since specialized training was required, merely increasing the numbers was not very meaningful. Decreasing the number of troops in each unit would compromise both defensive strength and offensive penetration. Therefore, they temporarily abolished the Lower Army and reorganized the Upper Army and Middle Army into the main and auxiliary forces, respectively. Bard listened and nodded to Cedermont’s report.

Next, Bard asked the senior minister in charge for a report on the reinforcements from the Goriora Empire. On the day after Bard became Alliance Marshal, that is, on May 35th, the Goriora Empire was requested to send reinforcements. However, this was under the assumption that the conditions would be discussed later. In the best-case scenario, if the procedures for sending reinforcements were immediately initiated and all conditions were optimal, they would arrive in early July, possibly around the middle or end of July in reality. It was uncertain whether they would arrive in time for the defense of the capital.

Bard then requested a report on the current situation in Thula and Seion. The senior minister responsible signaled for an official to explain. Both Thula and Seion had been intermittently requested to provide provisions to the Shinkai army. While it was not entirely free, the reserves of each royal palace were depleting, and the dissatisfaction of the subjects was growing. In response, the kings of both countries sought cooperation from powerful vassals. The vassals who responded were all people in large black carriages. The provision of food also caused dissatisfaction, and each powerful city was in a state of unrest.

After that, Bard asked for a report on the battle between Goriora and Shinkai. Shinkai had swiftly captured the city of Cobushi in the southern part of Goriora. This city controlled the most direct and shortest road connecting the Goriora capital and the Central Plains countries. Initially, Goriora had ceased its direct assault and attempted to cut off supplies and reinforcements to dry up Cobushi. However, Shinkai’s General Bakou, who defended Cobushi, was a remarkable tactician and skillfully interfered with Goriora’s movements. Goriora’s veteran knights were being toyed with, and the cumulative losses were so significant that they had to temporarily halt military activities in the southern region. Therefore, it was certain that Parzam would be asked to cover the transportation costs, maintenance costs, and rewards for the 150 reinforcements sent to Parzam.

This was the problem. What would Parzam pay for Goriora’s reinforcements? Money or territory? The content of this agreement could potentially affect the strategy directly. Despite numerous discussions in the Council of Elders, an agreement had not been reached with the envoys of that country. It was at this point that King Julelan proposed an outrageous idea.

To cede the Lordvan Castle to the Goriora Empire.

The members of the Privy Council and the Council of Elders attending the council meeting were all taken aback. No, only the Marquis of Gadusha and the Senior Priest Barry Toad remained composed. Lordvan Castle was not only a key to the management of Parzam’s frontier but also a symbol of the vastness of its territory and the strength of its nation. Ceding it to Goriora would be seen as a gesture of surrendering the entire frontier. At least the Central Plains nations have come to accept that the hegemony of the eastern frontier has shifted from Parzam to Goriora.

At this point, the minister in charge of trade began to explain. Lordvan Castle is not only a military stronghold but also a town, capable of self-sustaining with water and food, making it the largest frontier base that can be maintained semi-permanently. Acquiring this from our country would be a huge achievement for Emperor Goriora. In other words, there is no choice but to accept it, and once received, it will be necessary to manage the town with troops and people, and patrol the surrounding area to maintain security. In fact, this time, an agreement has been reached between Parzam and Goriora to promote commercial exchange, and the specific trade items have already been decided. If they were to avoid Thula and Seion, there would be no other intermediate point besides Lordvan Castle. This means that even if Lordvan Castle is handed over to Goriora, it can still be used as a trading post. The maintenance costs can be pushed onto Goriora. The repair of the collapsed north gate due to the attack of demonic beasts will require considerable effort, time, and cost, but naturally, it will be Goriora’s burden. In recent years, Gaineria has been expanding its sphere of influence in the nearby areas, making it increasingly difficult to travel between Lordvan Castle and the capital. At this time, it would be beneficial to also enter into a trade agreement with Gaineria, paying a toll in exchange for protecting the safety along the way. This is not like the previous trade between small towns. it is the beginning of trade between nations, so the toll taxes will also be a substantial amount. At the same time, it will be officially recognized that the southern side of Lordvan is within Gaineria’s sphere of influence. This would also be greatly advantageous for Gaineria. Parzam would no longer need to station a large military force in the eastern frontier. Furthermore, even if Goriora were to try to establish a forward base to the south, Gaineria would not allow it. Besides Lordvan Castle, there is no place in that area where humans can build a large city. The funds poured into that area should be used in a more effective place.

After hearing this explanation, everyone was impressed by the cunningness of this plan. It was a way of achieving results while sacrificing one’s name. However, even though they must have consulted beforehand, what did they use to convince the Marquis of Gadusha to agree? After staring at the map for a while, Bard understood. Fargo and Ezite. If they were to win this battle, these two powerful cities would completely belong to Parzam. It must be done. And these two cities would become crucial points for controlling the west, so it was necessary to place a knight with exceptional trust and great power there. The Marquis of Gadusha, who had been protecting the unprofitable eastern frontier for many years, was indeed the right person for the job. Indeed. If they were to hand over Lordvan, it would not only justify it to their ancestors, but it would also be a splendid honor. Bard was impressed by how much Julelan had grown into a great king. No, it was not that he had become one, but rather, this crisis was currently shaping Julelan into one.

Finally, a report was requested on the movements of the Shinkai army. Currently, there was still no news about the Shinkai army taking Casse. General Lugurgoa had been watching plays, appreciating paintings and music, admiring rare scenery, visiting workshops, and hosting evening parties with nobles every day, as if he were a royal. The people of the city had become accustomed to and fond of this unusual conqueror with his appearance, and they were speculating that he might be a descendant of giants or gods. In short, the General of Greed was seriously trying to steal this country. Once the military reorganization and resupply were completed, and the city was settled, and its functions as a base were fully adjusted, the Shinkai army would begin its advance towards the capital. It was only a matter of time.

6

Bard, taking into account these various conditions, spoke about the main points of the strategy. However, in reality, it was once again Knight Natz Cajnel, borrowed from the Argolide family, who explained it. It was inconceivable to think of anyone else as his deputy.

First, he ordered several influential cities between Casse and the capital to delay the Shinkai army. However, the purpose was to slow down their advance, and they were to retreat as needed to defend the cities without suffering significant losses. Now that they had gained the useful base of Casse, it was unlikely that they would conquer the influential cities along the way to the capital. However, if they left the influential cities unharmed and reached the capital, their retreat and supply routes would be cut off. This was something they absolutely wanted to avoid. Therefore, they were to capture several uninhabited forts and castles. This would reassure the Shinkai army and allow them to advance to the capital without causing significant damage to the influential cities. The distance from Casse to the capital was about 120 koku-ri. A carriage could cover this distance in twelve days. If they were to march on foot, it would take thirty days. Adding the days they could buy with delaying tactics, if they departed from Casse on May 39th, the Shinkai army’s arrival would be as early as July 1st and as late as July 20th. They would make adjustments as information came in.

Next, they set the strategic objectives. The enemy’s victory condition was undoubtedly the capture or killing of King Julelan. Even if they annihilated the royal army and took control of the capital, as long as Julelan was alive, the Parzam Kingdom would remain intact, and they could regroup with the support of powerful vassals. Conversely, if they captured Julelan, they could negotiate on favorable terms. Moreover, if the rumors about the black large carriage being able to control people’s minds were true, they might even be able to transfer the royal authority. Indeed, the lords of Thula and Seion were behaving in a way that seemed as if their minds were being controlled. So, what were the victory conditions for Parzam? It was to defeat the Shinkai army, recapture Casse, and fully control Fargo and Ezite. The necessary condition for this was to capture or kill General Lugurgoa. Bard was convinced of this from his conversation with General Buntai. No matter how many Shinkai soldiers and generals they defeated, as long as General Lugurgoa was alive, they could always regroup. Conversely, if they could defeat General Lugurgoa, Shinkai would lose the power and reason to continue the war. In short, this war aimed to protect Julelan and defeat General Lugurgoa.

The decisive factor in the operation was whether General Lugurgoa would lead the vanguard in the attack or stay in Casse and leave the initial battle to his subordinates. This was something they would not know until the time came. If they both came, they would separate the army and the general, and if they did not, they would defeat the vanguard generals and lure him out. They would proceed with both strategies and keep the tactics for dealing with General Lugurgoa secret until he set out.

As for the military organization, they decided to leave the royal direct army as it was and entrust it to Cedermont and Chantillion. The Royal Direct Army would only demonstrate its true value when used together and was at its best in collective battles on flat ground. Bard would lead a separate unit this time. They would organize a separate unit led by Bard from the troops of the vassals. The main force of the separate unit would not be cavalry. They wanted sturdy and brave men who could run through the mountains, even if they were commoners.

When Bard explained the tactics he had devised, everyone was very surprised. There were many objections, but Cedermont, Chantillion, the Marquis of Gadusha, and Barry Toad agreed, and it was decided by the king’s decision. The success rate of this operation had greatly increased due to Cedermont’s unexpected arrival.

After that, they went into detailed adjustments. Specific unit organization and methods of command and communication. Training schedules and deployment arrangements. The selection of castles and forts to hand over. Consideration of a natural way to hand them over. Once these adjustments were made, each department would come up with a plan to implement them.

The meeting ended close to dawn, having gone on past midnight. Everyone must have been tired, but their expressions were bright. Bard concluded by saying, “Defeat the General of Greed. Everything is focused on this point. This general is said to be a monster with twice the height of a man, and with one swing of his great sword, he can mow down knights thirty paces away. The more you hear about it, the more unbelievable it seems. However, it is undeniable that he has a beating heart and flowing blood. If you inflict unbearable wounds, he will fall and die. It is terrifying because we think of him as human. We are mistaken to think of it as a battle between knights. Think of him as a demonic beast. Consider that a giant creature with a human-like form is possessed by a demon. Surround and kill it like a you would kill a beast.”

Then Bard looked at Julelan. The closing remarks should be made by the king.

“Everyone, you have worked hard for a long time. It seems that even General Lugurgoa is no different from a beast when it comes to Marshal Bard. Isn’t that amusing? Now, everyone, shall we go hunting?”