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Chapter 575
Chapter 575
Chapter 575
Chapter 575: Rumors
"If Lady Leticia takes control of the northern cities, we might expect reinforcements from the United Kingdom,"
Theodore, serving as Leonard's guard in the Imperial Army's main camp, suggested this to him. However, Leonard shook his head.
"Even if we control the northern part of the kingdom, no reinforcements will come from the United Kingdom."
"What?"
Before the march, there was information that the Emperor had requested reinforcements from the United Kingdom. Therefore, Theodore tilted his head in confusion.
"To be more precise, they can't come. Even if the United Kingdom wants to respond to the Empire's request, they currently have no cards to play."
"What do you mean?"
"The Kingdom has two fleets, the Northern Fleet and the Southern Fleet. The Northern Fleet was established after the invasion from the United Kingdom. In other words, when the United Kingdom attacked the Kingdom. The Kingdom didn't anticipate an invasion from the north, so they didn't deploy a fleet and their defenses were weak."
"So now that the fleet is deployed and defenses are set up, the United Kingdom can't land?"
"That's right. The United Kingdom is using the Holy Dragon to defend their country. Therefore, merchant ships passing near the United Kingdom need their permission. Naturally, it's a more expensive sea route, so it's only used when absolutely necessary. For this reason, the northern side of the Kingdom didn't have much maritime trade, which was a prime target for the United Kingdom."
Because there were few ships, it took longer to notice an invasion from the sea.
Because the defense was thin, they couldn't put up much resistance.
For these reasons, the Kingdom was surprised by the United Kingdom's invasion and was put at a disadvantage for a while.
But, that's an old story.
Now, they have a fleet and defenses in place.
If the United Kingdom wants to send reinforcements to the Empire, they need to break through the Northern Fleet at sea.
Because they need to secure an advance route.
It would take a huge amount of military power and time.
"The Kingdom is not stupid. They always keep the north well guarded. They've always anticipated attacks from the United Kingdom. On the other hand, the United Kingdom has lost its Holy Dragon in the fight with Silver. When they had three heads, they could have left all the defense to the Holy Dragon and mobilized the navy, but now they only have one. There are gaps in their defenses everywhere. They can't afford to gamble. That's why the United Kingdom can't send reinforcements."
Certainly, a request for reinforcements might have been made.
But, just because you ask, doesn't mean they will come.
Even if Leticia controls the northern cities, the northern ports probably won't budge.
It can put pressure on the Kingdom's forces, but it won't change the tide of war.
That was Leonard's judgment.
"So, how do you intend to deal with this stalemate?"
The stalemate is what the enemy wants.
Even if we break through as is, our forces will be worn down.
And the enemy believes they can win against a depleted Imperial Army.
It's going according to their plans.
"Of course, we can't just stand still. But for a while, we'll continue the siege of the city. We'll see how much Leticia can control the northern cities and how the enemy reacts to it. We'll move after observing that."
"But wouldn't they be prepared for us? If we move as soon as Lady Leticia controls the northern cities..."
"No matter how much we move, the enemy will have countermeasures. There's no point in rushing."
Leo calmly declared. He was prepared for the worst. No matter how hard they tried, they would likely be at a disadvantage. Everyone might have thought they would win when they arrived at the front lines, but Leo thought differently. He thought they had a slim chance of winning from the moment Al showed caution.
He couldn't defeat Al. But that didn't mean he was ready to accept defeat. He couldn't afford to lose.
"Sire! There's a strange rumor circulating within the army!"
"A strange rumor?"
One of Theodore's subordinates, a palace guard, entered the tent. Theodore glanced at Leo, who gave a small nod.
"What kind of rumor is it?"
"Sir, it's a rumor that someone within the Royal Army is plotting against Lady Leticia. It seems plausible, so it's spreading fast. If this continues, it might affect morale."
"That rumor"
Theodore crossed his arms and sank into deep thought. It wasn't impossible. The Royal Army had a motive, and currently, Leticia was away from the headquarters. The situation was ripe for such rumors. But still
"Prepare the amplification magic tool. I want my voice to reach the entire army."
"Y-yes sir!"
"What do you intend to do?"
"I'm going to stop the rumor from becoming serious."
How exactly he planned to do that, Leo didn't say. In front of the main headquarters tent, an amplification magic tool was prepared. Taking it into his hands, Leo began to address the entire army.
"I want you all to listen while you continue your duties. I am Leonard Lakes Adler, and I command this army. I just heard a strange rumor, that the Royal Army is targeting Lady Leticia. It's a plausible rumor. I understand your anxiety. That's why I want to state this here and now. Lady Leticia will not fall into the hands of the Royal Army."
He paused, looking around at the soldiers gathered in front of the headquarters.
"Lady Leticia is protected by Elna von Armsberg, the pride of our Empire. No citizen of our Empire would not understand the significance of the Armsberg name. The Armsbergs have always protected our Empire. No one in our Empire would dare question their contributions. I believe in them. Therefore! These rumors are spread by the enemy to shake us! My friends! Do not be disturbed! The enemy fears us! That's why they're spreading these rumors! Anyone who continues to speak of these rumors may return to the Empire right now. If you can't believe in the Armsbergs, then you can't believe in me. I have no intention of entrusting my back to those who can't believe in me, the Armsbergs, or the Empire. If you have pride in being a part of the Imperial Army, then steel your resolve!! Do not be shaken by mere rumors!! You always have the Adler watching over you, and the Armsberg by your side!! Soldiers! Believe in me, and follow me. If you do, we can definitely win this war."
As he finished speaking, Leonard unsheathed his sword, raising it high into the sky.
The soldiers responded with a roaring cheer.
"Well done, Your Highness."
After sheathing his sword and returning to the tent, Theodore praised Leo.
However, Leo grimaced.
"It was mostly bluster."
"It didn't seem like that at all."
"We can't show weakness, or the enemy will take advantage."
"So, should we send guards to protect Lady Leticia?"
"That would be like acknowledging the rumor as true. We won't do anything. While it was mostly bluster, the part about me trusting Elna is true. This is a battlefield. There's no room for anything to hinder Elna. If anyone dares to come, let them. My childhood friend is the strongest, after all."
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