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Chapter 570
Chapter 570
Chapter 570
Chapter 570: Invisible Reinforcements
Both armies have marched forth.
When the news reached us at the port, the Maritime Minister Gillesberger was utterly panicked.
"It's, it's disastrous! We're not nearly ready enough to sortie yet...!"
"Calm down. Our turn isn't for a while."
The Empire's basic strategy is to force the enemy into the impregnable fortress of Louvill.
Only then will our fleet have its role, until then we are idle.
Even if we arrive early, a fleet alone cannot capture a fortress. Considering it is enemy territory, our supplies are also limited.
Unless there is certainty that we can push through, we are unable to march, that is the current situation.
"But, Prince Leonard's main force is 150,000, while the Royal Army is 100,000. If there's a difference of 50,000 troops, it's possible to quickly break them down!"
"Only if the Royal Army foolishly rushes into battle. They're well aware of the difference in military power. The kingdom isn't so foolish as to challenge a decisive battle under equal conditions."
"So... what do you think will happen?"
In response to Gillesberg's question, I spread out a map of the kingdom that was sent with the report.
The Empire's goal is to subdue the kingdom. The crown prince must renounce his position, that's the essential condition. For that, we need to corner the kingdom.
On the other hand, the kingdom just needs to make the Empire give up their invasion as the defending party.
In most cases, the defense has an advantage over the offense. This invasion will also likely favor the Royal Army.
They have the geographical advantage, and usable strongholds. Moreover, they're in a better position in terms of supplies.
Anthem wouldn't ignore this advantage.
The Empire's invasion route is filled with numerous cities and forts.
At first glance, it may seem confusing, but they are interconnected.
"If they don't come out for a decisive battle, the Imperial Army will want to drag out the Royal Army's main force. Hence, they will engage in capturing each city. However, the cities are linked by forts, enabling detailed coordination. The Empire doesn't have the luxury to capture each fort with a large army of 150,000. It takes too much time. Therefore, they'll probably disperse, but capturing a city receiving reinforcements from all over isn't easy. They'll inevitably suffer substantial losses."
"But even when dispersed, they're armies of tens of thousands. Can they be resisted by small-scale cities?"
"They don't intend to hold out forever. They can resist moderately, then retreat or surrender. Such instructions should have been given. The role of this defensive network isn't a wall. Not to prevent intrusion, but to take away the mobility of those who intrude, like a spider's web. The more the Imperial Army advances, the less they'll be able to move."
"Then, we must notify them immediately!"
"It's too late now. Besides, Leonard isn't the type not to notice. He's aware of it but has no choice but to go, that's the downside of such a large army of 150,000. They're always dealing with supply issues, and after gathering 150,000, they can't just say, 'Actually, we'll stop.' They have to attack even at a disadvantage."
Still, I can't imagine Leonard marching while being swayed by the situation without a chance of winning. He must have some plan.
I can think of a few ways, but considering that the opponent is Anthem, an average scheme might only give him an opportunity to exploit.
"So, there's a chance we won't even have a role...?"
"Quite possibly. The Empire's basic strategy depends on the premise of being able to push through. If that falls apart, there's almost nothing our combined fleet can do."
"No, no way..." "Don't whine, Maritime Minister."
"I, I apologize... But if the odds of winning are slim, what will you do? Will you lead the reinforcements to rescue them?"
"If 150,000 isn't enough, what can a few tens of thousands of reinforcements do? And there's no way the Emperor and the Chancellor in the capital haven't foreseen this situation. They've decided to move with this strategy because they believe they can push through even if it's tough. The reinforcements should already be prepared."
"Eh, reinforcements...? Do you mean Princess Liselotte?"
"Princess Lise won't move, and can't move. She can't abandon the eastern defense."
"Then, who will be the reinforcements? Will they gather the noble armies?"
"I don't know. We do what we can do. The messengers sent to the Albatro and Rondine duchies should be arriving soon. Gather the fleet and prepare to sortie at any time. Just focus on that."
"That's unreasonable..."
This is a crucial war for the Empire, but it's even more important for the Imperial Navy.
Finally, a stage has appeared for us to shine.
It would be worrisome to be told that there might not be an opportunity to sortie.
However, there is a limit to what can be done from here.
Right now, the urgent task is to organize the fleet.
Originally, I was supposed to go to both duchies and take over the fleets of each country, but due to the problem with the accompanying ships, I cannot leave here.
I can't go to help Leo.
However, reinforcements do exist. I can pretty much imagine what my father and the chancellor would likely do.
"No matter how capable Ansem is, he's going to have a hard time dealing with both Leo and the other one," I muttered under my breath.
Looking up at the northern sky, I was lost in thought.
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