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Chapter 459
Chapter 459
Chapter 459
The sudden appearance of Duke Reinfeld.
Normally, this would cause confusion, but the phrase about having a personal letter from my sister Lize gives legitimacy to everything.
The current topic is about war.
And in war, no one is more knowledgeable than my elder sister Lize.
"Is it a personal letter from Lize? Show me."
"Yes."
Duke Reinfeld handed the letter to a knight nearby.
Then it was handed over to my father.
After reading the letter with an interested look, my father showed it to Franz with a laugh.
"Fascinating, isn't it? Franz."
"Interesting or not, it's certainly unusual."
"What does Lize-anieue say?"
At Leo's question, Franz responded with a bitter smile.
"She insists on being involved in the conquest of the Kingdom."
"What's her plan for the defense of the eastern border, then?"
I thought that's what it would be, but the confirmation is somewhat draining.
However, the fact remains that the situation has changed.
"Duke Reinfeld, can we ask you for the details?"
"Yes, I can explain. Marshal Lizelotte believes that it is necessary to reshuffle the positions. In recent years, the threat of the Sokal Empire has decreased, and the threat of the Perlan Kingdom has increased. Therefore, she suggests moving the main force of the Eastern Border Defense Army to the Western Border."
"That sounds easy to say, but moving an army, especially a border army, is an extremely difficult task. From east to west, and from west to east. How many months do you think just the movement will take?"
Eric frowned and protested.
It's a natural opinion. So natural, in fact, that it's too common sense to even argue about.
"In that regard, she says to leave it all to you, Prince Eric. In her exact words, 'I'm giving you the opportunity to make a name for yourself, so do something about it'."
"That woman..."
Eric was left speechless.
I would be too if I were in Eric's shoes. I bet his head is aching like crazy.
"It's just like Lizelotte. Franz, what do you think of this proposal?"
"It's the worst, if I may say so from a civil servant's point of view."
It seems that Franz also agrees with Eric.
An unreasonable demand from a general on the ground.
It's a proposal that would make a civil servant want to blow a gasket.
"However, what she's saying is reasonable. There's no doubt that Lizelotte and the Eastern Border Defense Army are in limbo."
"The reason the threat of the Empire has diminished is precisely because Lizelotte is in the East. As Minister of Foreign Affairs, I can keep the Empire at bay because I have the absolute shield that is Lizelotte. If she moves, the Sokal Empire may take a serious stance against the Empire. As the Minister of Foreign Affairs and a member of the royal family, I can't allow this."
Eric rejected Lize's demand.
Franz nodded at Eric's words.
Of course he would.
It's clear that this is how it would go.
Lize can't be blind to that.
She must have made this request deliberately.
I glanced at Duke Reinfeld.
The duke also seemed to agree with Eric's opinion. He understood that it was an outrageous request.
"Duke Reinfeld, did Lize only say that much?"
"No, she had a contingency plan in case her proposal was rejected. If it's not possible to reposition the army, she suggested using other pieces that are floating around."
"Other floating pieces besides Lizelotte? Who are they?"
Duke Reinfeld's gaze turned to Eric.
Eric accepted the gaze without changing his expression.
"She thinks that the late Crown Prince's strategist, Prince Eric, should return to the front line. She believes that there would be no problem as she can hold back the Sokal Empire."
"Me, return to the front line?"
"Prince Leonard and Prince Eric. Marshal Lizelotte believes that if the two of you take on the conquest of the Perlan Kingdom, there's almost no chance of losing. Why not use your wisdom that once supported the Crown Prince on the front lines again?"
There was a moment of silence.
Certainly, it is a perfect formation.
However, there is one problem.
"Does that mean... I should assist Leonard?"
"I've just conveyed Marshal Lizelotte's thoughts."
Duke Reinfeld takes a step back.
This was due to the overwhelming pressure exuded by Erik.
Eric isn't the type to take the front lines. He is, in essence, a staff officer, a strategist.
Hence, he thrives when someone else holds the front line.
It means he is of a supportive type.
If he pairs up with Leo, he will inevitably end up supporting Leo.
Just like when he had once partnered with the crown prince.
"The only one I will assist is... Wilhelm. No one else could take his place."
Quietly, Eric declared so.
It implied his refusal to march out in a duo.
Though this would revert the conversation back to square one, not everything can be turned back.
The matter now is how to fight against the kingdom.
There was a shared understanding that the Duchy of Albatro needed to be subdued, and the real issue was how to directly confront the kingdom's military. Eric had two intentions for steering this course.
He wanted to distance himself from Leo.
And the other was to secure an important position in the war against the kingdom.
However, he had just declared that he wouldn't take the front line.
This would certainly pose a problem for Eric.
"I understand Eric's feelings. I can't force him."
"If that's the case, the only candidate we have is Prince Leonard. We're up against the powerful kingdom's army. An average general won't stand a chance."
At my father and Franz's words, Eric faintly furrowed his brows. Perhaps, he originally planned to go to the front lines with his loyal generals. Knowing Erik from the times when he rampaged with the crown prince, this proposal wouldn't seem bad.
However, things fell through when Leo got involved. It seems he just couldn't accept it. Supporting is still considered as supporting, no matter how you look at it. Eric's military fame has not been recognized because he was simply the crown prince's aide.
The same will happen this time. Once he accepts, with no benefit to himself, it's over.
Well, he could have refused with a little more diplomacy. What just occurred was unlike Eric. His words were emotional.
Perhaps it's because it's Lize, my anieue, who knows Erik well.
"Then, we'll consider Leonard as the main player in the war against the kingdom. Is that okay?"
"No objections."
Faster than anyone, Eric said so.
He must have judged that overturning the situation from here was impossible. It's a very Eric-like judgment.
But...
"Your Majesty... If by any chance Leonard fails... I will take the front line."
"I thought you wouldn't assist anyone but Wilhelm?"
"Protecting the Empire takes precedence. If Leonard alone can win, nothing could be better. I could then concentrate on diplomacy."
"I see. Then, I'm counting on you in case of any unexpected events."
"Understood."
He has secured a guarantee for the next step in exchange for ceding to Leo.
Has he deduced that there is still a significant chance of victory?
Well, the opponents are generals who have fought battle after battle alongside the Saint.
It's entirely possible they could cause some difficulties.
What constitutes a failure varies from person to person. If I'm not careful, the best opportunities could be snatched away.
"So it seems Arnold will be the one going to the Duchy of Albatro?"
"There's no helping it."
"Hmm, take a little rest in the imperial city before you leave. The kingdom is probably watching your movements. If you head to the Duchy immediately, they will detect our movements."
"Understood."
And thus, the basic policy for the war against the kingdom was decided.
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