Chapter 97 – Forward Charge I

Translator: Isekai Shousetsu

It’s the sixth month.

It’s about the time the cease-fire agreement between the Rosyth Kingdom and the DeMorgal Kingdom has lapsed.

A huge change has occurred in the DeMorgal Kingdom.

King DeMorgal has died. Cause of death is heart failure. He was forty-five years old.

He had died without naming the next king.

And the first one to make a move was Aldo DeMorgal.

He had Prince Pax and the opposition assassinated at the same time and occupied the capital.

At the same time, the great clansmen of the Aldo Faction began military movements against the Pax and Carlo factions.

That much should have been good.

However, Prince Aldo made one mistake.

He allowed Prince Carlo to escape.

Prince Carlo’s faction secured him and crowned him as the rightful king.

Aldo retaliated by also taking the title by himself.

Half of the Pax faction had joined the Aldo faction which had seized the capital.

The other half joined the Carlo faction to get revenge for their lord.

Thus, the birth of two kings in the country and its division into two is ascertained.

In the superior position is the Aldo faction which had seized the capital and the directly controlled territories of the Royal house.

Thus, in order to resist the Aldo faction, the Carlo faction sought reinforcements from the Rosyth Kingdom with which they had already made contact……

“Henceforth begins the meeting of the Great Clansmen!”

I declared so from the great clansmen I had gathered together from all over the country.

Although a lot of them still haven’t arrived, time is pressing, so I want them to forgive me.

“Now then, I thing everyone here already knows the subject of this meeting. A civil war has occurred in the DeMorgal Kingdom. And Prince Carlo has come to us seeking reinforcements. I want to hear your opinions on the matter. Should we accept his request? Should we wait and watch the developments?”

The first to raise his hand was Raymond.

“My King, this time I think we should wait it out and observe. If our country were to mobilize our army, the surrounding countries might get stimulated. Even under normal circumstances, these countries are already looking at us with hostility. Furthermore, we are currently in a situation where we are undertaking numerous works such as flood control and the construction of the new capital. If we consider our current national power, the number of people we can mobilize is limited to 15,000 men. Furthermore, 3000 of those men are tied up in construction works so the real number we can mobilize is 12,000 men. Then 1000 of those would be the standing army for the protection of the royal palace. Therefore, that brings the number of men we can send to the foreign expedition to 11,000. If we exercise vigilance against both the Belvedere and Eville Kingdoms, then that would bring the number further down to around 8,000 yes? Taking on the large DeMorgal Kingdom with that would be a little unreliable.”

Concrete numbers have appeared.

It’s quite easy to understand. Certainly, in line with my policies up until now, that would be correct. Since it’ll all be over if we were targeted by a coalition.

However……

“My King, I, on the otherhand, think this is our chance.”

The one that declared such was Bartolo. He’s the lord which would probably take the whole brunt of this war.

“At present, Aldo DeMorgal’s army is 20,000 strong. Carlo DeMorgal’s is 10,000 strong. If our country were to add 8,000 men to that then the difference would be no more than 2,000.”

No more than, huh……Such splendid way of talking huh Bartolo……

“Are you confident in your assessment, Bartolo? We can’t say that we’d be able to cooperate with our friendlies, right?”

“Won’t that be the same for the enemy? My King, this civil war in the DeMorgal Kingdom will break out in each and every one of their territories. In otherwords, it would be fine if we just crush each and every one of them. Besides, the only one who has an army in order is our country, yes?”

Even I know that Bartolo’s military abilities are beyond excellent.

This person has said that we can do this war. Therefore, we can. Nevertheless…

“As expected, won’t the presence of the Eville and Belvedere Kingdoms be dangerous?”

“My King, please give us the chance to regain our honor!”

Those who shouted were the great clansmen from the former DeBell Faction.

I can also see that the other nobles too are full of enthusiasm. It would appear that the only people unmotivated are me and Raymond.

“Above all, it won’t only be us who would be going. The Equus tribe would also come with us. With their mobility and the power of our hoplites, victory is ripe for the picking.

Bartolo declares so.

There’s nothing else better than that if the DeMorgal Kingdom if were to collapse.

One way to achieve that is military action while holding themselves back from excess so they won’t get isolated, but another is to act defiantly and crush the coalition even before it forms.

Although there is a sufficiently high chance of failure should we lack a suitable force for such strategies……

In the one year I’ve been enthroned as king, the country had become several times stronger.

We’ve also managed to change almost all of our equipments into iron.

Isn’t riding the momentum also one way to go about it?

Besides, if I let this pass, I’ll be branded as a timid king which will be a cancer politically.

Son of the God fo War – Mares……I’m selling myself as that so it’s necessary that I attack with resolution.

I can’t let my image get ruined.

“There’s something that worries me. It’s the Rozel Kingdom. Won’t that country also invade? If we were to butt heads with that huge country, then without fail, we’d be the ones who’ll lose. Besides, won’t it be bad if we were to get a direct border with them?”

“I heard that the Rozel Kingdom is currently out to subjugate other Gallic tribes. As for the border, we can just establish a kingdom under Carlo DeMorgal as a buffer state.”

Come to think of it, there was indeed information like that, huh.

Right now, the Rozel Kingdom has already mobilized a force 30,000 strong.

It’s quite terrifying of them to be able to send out 30,000 men just like that, but then again, the other Gallic tribes they couldn’t conquer even after sending such a force are also quite a terrifying people.

The continent is scary, huh. Jeez.

“Alright, I’m in agreement with those in favor. Now then, let’s hurry and come to a decision. Those also in favor of this campaign, raise your hand.”

Everyone raised their hand.

“King Rosyth, it has been a while. I’m the present lord of the Blouse Clan, Lethys Blouse.”

“It’s been a while, Lord Lethys, since the peace talks.”

Half of the reason this guy’s parents got killed is my fault so……I wonder if he blames me for their deaths.

I’ll just be troubled if I got hated even if it where the outcome of war.

As if feeling such thoughts from me, Lethys begins to speak.

“The reason my father died is the result of taking responsibility for last year’s failure but……that was father’s intention. General Tonino and Prince Carlo are important existences for our country. They are irreplaceable people. Therefore, my father, of his own volition, carried the sin of the war’s failure, and got executed. Thanks to him, lots of lives were spared. Although I am indeed saddened, I hold no grudge whatsoever.”

I see…Such a thing happened to the head of the Blouse clan. Furthermore, General Tonino lives.

If I recall correctly, he was an able general that also seemed to have hated the idea of attacking our fort.

The reason we won after all was the Romano forest.

That said, General Tonino……you just won’t go down and even went to the Blouse Clan’s Territory, huh.

“Now then, Lord Lethys. Let us hear your proposals.”

It’s not like I’ve already forgotten them.

It’s just that if we started in high spirits, then we won’t be able to secure favorable terms.

It’s necessary to conduct negotiations in a manner where we will feign consideration depending on conditions while bringing about a little disinterested atmosphere

As such, this kind of introduction is necessary.

“It’s as what was written in our King’s (Carlo) handwritten letter. We wish for your assistance in suppressing a rebellious element in the country.”

“Rebellious element……Really? Who is this rebellious element you speak of? We couldn’t quite figure it out from our standpoint.”

“It’s Prince Aldo. He has willfully taken up the title of king which allowed the division of our country.

“Prince Aldo is a rebellious element? I heard he’s the one in control of the capital and is sitting in the royal throne, however?”

Just in case, we’ve considered both as still just princes.

Therefore, by no means would we call anyone king.

“The reason Aldo is in possession of the throne and the royal capital is through usurpation by cowardly means such as assassinations and nocturnal assaults. The rightful king is King Carlo.”

“I see. I understand the reasoning behind why Prince Aldo is not the rightful King. Now then, what evidence is there that Prince Carlos is the rightful King?”

When I asked so, Lethys first corrected me with “It’s not Prince but rather King Carlo” before answering.

“King Carlo is the eldest son. Since the previous king has not designated a successor, it’s only natural that the eldest son becomes king.”

“Oh? Is that really so? Isn’t actual power also an important consideration? Under these circumstances, I don’t think it’s not that difficult to answer who has more power between the one who holds the capital and the throne and the one who is asking other countries for help.”

I make Lethys speechless from my mean-spirited words.

In this kind of exchanges, the first person to talk the other person down wins. This is not the area of reason.

In order to make use of my victory, I press Lethys further on.

“If we were to help someone, it’d be better if it’s the one with the higher actual power. It’ll lessen the damage on our country after all. Furthermore, the great clansmen of Prince Aldo’s faction are gathered and hold territory in the northern part of the country while Prince Carlo’s faction are gathered and hold territory in the south. Geographically speaking, it’s much more easier if we were to conduct a pincer movement from the north and the south on a target, huh.”

I told nothing but the truth. By no means did I tell them that an appeal for assistance had come from Prince Aldo.

I’m just reaffirming the natural truth that “that way” is much easier.

……Well, we’re probably being deceived anyway. Prince Aldo has superior power. Asking help from other countries is unnecessary.

Or rather, asking other countries for help during a civil war is the worst plan possible. It’s a strategy the should only be done when one has exhauster all other options.

In other words, the Carlo faction has been driven to a considerably ugly situation.

It’ll only leave them prone to being taken advantage of.

“There are high risks in taking the side of Prince Carlo. Furthermore, would you be suggesting a merit that would just counterbalance such a thing? Please tell me Prince Carlo’s sincere thoughts for me.”

Lethys’ face warps at my words.

He answers with a tone as if chewing up a hundred bitter bugs.

“………How about the territory south of Harrison River (a fourth of the DeMorgal Kingdom)?”

Oh?……Such a splendid feast, huh. I had thought they’d be giving up only a fifth of their territory.

I wonder if the clansmen of that territory are any good?

Are they perhaps overoptimistically calculating the territory they’d seize from the clansmen of the Prince Aldo faction?

“Territory south of the Romus River (a third of the De Morgal Kingdom). If you give us that, then we’ll give you our support.”

“Wha!! There’s no way we could accept such conditions!!”

Right? Even the first offer of the territories south of the Harrison river is quite overdoing it after all.”

“Then let’s do this. Our country would gain the territories south of the Harrison river from your country. Also, your country and our country would enter an alliance and together fight other races (Gauls). When a proper coronation ceremony happens, the one which would put the crown on Prince Carlo’s head would be me, King Rosyth. Furthermore, Prince Carlo’s eldest son would come to our country to study.”

I don’t want to have a border with the Rozel Kingdom. Gauls are scary.

I want to use the DeMorgal Kingdom as a buffer state.

In order to achieve that, it’ll be troublesome to make the DeMorgal Kingdom too weak. A third is already so much.

“………Are you asking our country to become your country’s vassal?”

“Vassal? No. You’re wrong. I’m proposing that we become friendly and allied countries. If we’ll be fighting together, wouldn’t it be natural that we become friendly?”

Now then, what will be your terms? As for me, I won’t mind taking territory below a third of theirs. What’s important is we become allied with the DeMorgal Kingdom. It’ll diffuse worries of a coalition after all.

Lethys silently pondered the offer for a while. It looks like he’s quite troubled.

“……Personally speaking, we’ve already made several concessions to your country. Essentially speaking, territories south of the Romus river is suitable. Thus, if you are still unable to accept this offer……”

“I understand. However, I cannot decide with just my authority. I want you to please let me contact my king once.”

“That’s fine. We’ll wait for your response within 7 days. In the first place, I think it’s wise for you to hurry up with the response before the situation deteriorates, yes?”

Whether he heard my warning, or whether the situation is really strained…

We found out in three days when the reply arrived.

Amongst the provisions is a provision which states that “King Rosyth will demonstrate domestically and internationally recognition and treatment of Carlo DeMorgal as King of the DeMorgal Kingdom. After that is a provision which accepts the conditions I had presented as is.

For now, it seems like a diplomatic victory so this much is enough.

Since a part of the nobility thought we should have been able to gain a little more territory so I might have fomented some discontent but……winning too bigly on diploimacy should be avoided.

If we were to win here too much, it’ll be bad.

“Now then, for the assignments……Bartolo. I appoint you absolute command authority (imperium) and an army of 8,000.”

“Ha! ……I’ll definitely bring our country and King DeMorgal victory!”

By the way, imperium is a carte-blanche or blank check in times of war.

In other words, it’s fine to do anything you deem necessary in order to achieve victory. It’s authority to do as you wish.”

This authority also involves power on the peace and post-war proceedings.

Since I need to be on the look out for the Eville and Belvedere Kingdoms, I can’t go to the battlefield.

Although I need to dispatch someone……this time is not your usual war but a different civil war…

I don’t know what and how things would come rolling our way. Because of that, it’s illogical for the army to purposely ask instruction from me.

Therefore, I gave Bartolo complete authority.

“I’ll be counting on you.”

“I’ll be sure to meet your expectations. ……Please prepare liquor in advance as you wait for me, our King!”

Bartolo grinningly laughs as he leaves with his red mantle fluttering.

A handwritten letter from King Rosyth arrives in the Equus tribe.

The contents are simple. They again want to employ their cavalry.

“I see……This time wont be a defensive war but……well, isn’t this fine?”

The Equus tribe are not a people that seeks just cause in war.

It’s the loser’s fault if he loses. It’s just that.

This time, the Rosyth Kingdom wants a hundred more cavalry from the previous year’s war for a total fo 400 cavalry men. And as for the compensation, they’d give three times the wheat they had given in the last war.

It’s good business

“Now then, who should we dispatch?………Muzio would be an excellent commander but………”

The supreme commander this time is just nobility.

It’s not good for one’s country’s prince to be a subordinate to another’s nobility. The Rosyth Kingdom and the Equus tribe are in an equivalent alliance after all.

Furthermore, Muzio had just gotten married. It’s quite pitiful for the couple to get torn from each other even though they still hadn’t gotten a child.

After much consideration, Lord Equus sent one of his generals.

He’s middle aged so he’s at the prime age of a general. He’d be more than enough.

Just like this, an 8400-strong combined army of an 8000-strong Rosyth army and a 400-strong Equus army was dispatched to the DeMorgal Kingdom.

Thus, as if ridiculing the previous year’s peace, the flames of war are ignited.

This war is the first war where Emperor Almis……who at that time was just King Almis, had dispatched his army with the intention of invading another country.

As such, all the wars that had occurred after this war in the Adernia (Romano) Peninsula had taken the name “the Adernia (Romano) Peninsula Unification Wars.”

Author’s notes:

*Just thought I’d also translate the author’s notes even though they don’t really mean anything anymore. Haha.

I apologize since things are starting to get hot but my stock is getting to dangerously low levels so I’ll be updating once every other day or once every three days.

Well, the cut-off(?) was at a good part anyway so……

Anyways, tomorrow will be a break.

I’ll do my best to write some drafts.

It’s quite strange to cut-off the story in the middle of a war so I might wait for two or three chapters to pile up and post them at once.