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T/N: I just recently found out that Reincarnated Aristocrat’s Light Novel has been in publication since last year so, all of the published chapters will be available public as soon as translated.
~3rd Person Perspective~
Alcantes Castle.
Clan hurriedly gathers all the men in the castle for a military meeting.
Remus, the military commander, Robinson, Clan’s right-hand man, and the nobles who governed the fiefs near Alcantes were assembled.
Since it was an emergency situation, they did not hold a military council with the nobles on the frontier, but only sent a letter in a hurry.
“Well then… this is a tricky situation.” (Remus)
As the war council began, Remus was the first to speak, with a shock painted on his face.
“It was to be expected that our enemies would join forces, but I never expected them to do so quickly. Paradile and Sights did not have a good relationship to begin with. Either Governor Sights was a brilliant man, or Paradise has a deep grudge against Messiaen.” (Clan)
Clan replied.
“Probably both. Governor Ashod of Sights is a man who has clawed himself to power. He is not an incompetent person. Paradise must also feel betrayed by Messiaen. Despite their cooperation in the recent war, we declared independence.” (Remus)
Remus said, his tone veiled with reproach towards Clan, causing him to frown.
Unlike other states, Paradise is deeply loyal to the emperor, so it is not surprising that they would be furious at the actions of Clan declaring independence from Somerforce and proclaimed himself king.
This is especially true since they were allies in the recent past.
“I want to say one thing, I have no regrets about declaring independence. If it was a wrong decision, it is too late now. We have to deal with the situation now. It’s not like we’re in a position where we’re bound to lose, military-wise.” (Clan)
“That’s true, but the situation in Lund County is undoubtedly bad. It’s a county on the border that is least guarded, so their defenses are thin. The castle itself isn’t particularly defensible, and it’s impossible for them to defend alone. I don’t know if we can send reinforcements in time. If it’s the allied Sights and Paradise, there’s no doubt they’ll be sending a large army.” (Remus)
If they face a large army, they will have to prepare a large number of reinforcements, but it will take that much time to move a large army. It was a question of whether they would make it in time before the fall of the city.
“…If they fall, we can just take it back. We’ve already hired new mercenaries to take Sights, and we’ve strengthened our forces sufficiently. Even if it’s the Sights and Paradise Alliance, they won’t lose.” (Clan)
Messiaen’s economy is booming, and as king, Clan is capable of moving large sums of money.
In terms of numbers, if the newly hired soldiers are included, they can match the combined total of the two states of Sights and Paradise’s army.
“How is Ansel doing?” (Clan)
Clan asked Robinson.
“Ansel state is still in disarray, with internal struggles for supremacy. The threat from the bordering province of Lowfile makes it impossible for them to move their forces, even if Paradise asks for reinforcements.” (Robinson)
Robinson is quick to answer the question.
Hearing that Ansel would not be able to move, the nobles who had participated in the military discussions looked relieved.
If they had to fight three states at the same time, they would have little chance of winning.
“They probably won’t send a large army to help, but we should remain vigilant… Because they are not united, each county in Ansel may take action on their own judgment. If our forces are stretched thin, it wouldn’t be surprising if the border counties saw it coming and attacked.” (Remus)
“That’s true. It’s not clear what Ansel’s situation is like from the outside, so it’s best to be cautious.” (Clan)
The emperor of the Somerforce Empire is located in Ansel, but since he is still young and incompetent, he is currently a decoration, and the real power is in the hands of his vassals.
There were many who did not like this situation.
There were those who planned to seize power themselves, loyal subjects who moved to return power to the emperor, and various other groups with their own agendas, and various incidents occurred frequently, including frequent civil wars, assassinations of influential nobles, and the execution of whole families when their rebellion plans were discovered.
It was unlikely that Ansel would suddenly become a monolith and send a large number of reinforcements to the war, but there was a good chance that one of the forces within Ansel would take some kind of military action in order to take advantage of the war.
“Anyway, I will give orders to the county mayor’s that do not govern the provincial border to gather their troops in Alcantes for the time being. If reinforcements for Lund County do not arrive in time, we will have to launch a siege to retake the territory.” (Clan)
“Apart from the state border, does that mean that Canale County will be on the defensive and waiting this time? It seems a bit wasteful…” (Robinson)
After hearing Clan’s words, Robinson gave his opinion.
“It’s true that Canale’s soldiers are extremely skilled, but as they are on the border with Sights, we can’t ignore their defenses.” (Clan)
“How about having Canale pretend to attack Sights? If it goes well, it might be possible to disperse the enemy’s forces. Even if they don’t directly attack the castle, Sights will still be weary of Canale’s soldiers, so I think it will be effective.” (Robinson)
“Pretending to be on the offensive or…?” (Clan)
Clan listens to Robinson’s opinion, then folds his arms and thinks.
“They may be quite the threat, but… sending troops out naturally entails risks… what do you think Remus?” (Clan)
After some deliberation, Clan asked Remus a question.
“I am against a feint attack. Even if we attack using Canale’s military power, I don’t think they will be enough of a threat. At the very least, if a report comes that Canale is attacking, Sight’s side will disperse their troops. If they were that afraid of Canale, they wouldn’t have launched a war to take Messiaen.” (Remus)
“Certainly, Sights isn’t stupid enough to fall for a diversion… right?” (Clan)
“However, it is true that it is a waste to leave Canale’s strong soldiers in a place where it is unclear whether a battle will break out. I think it would be better to have them actually attack, rather than just pretending to attack. If we can secure a few castles, Sights will be forced to hastily withdraw their troops.” (Remus)
Clan looked a little surprised upon hearing Remus’ opinion.
“Let them actually attack? But it will be difficult to take down the castle with Canale’s army. If they attack poorly and suffer a heavy defeat, there is a possibility that Canale County will be defeated afterwards. Well, I don’t think Ars and the others will be beaten easily…” (Clan)
To take over a castle, you need many more soldiers than to defend it.
Even among Messiaen, Canale does not have a large population and does not have sufficient military strength.
Even though Canale had many excellent soldiers, ordering a siege of a castle was too risky.
“It would be a good idea to send reinforcements.” (Remus)
“Reinforcements? Considering the number of enemy troops, we don’t have the means to send reinforcements.” (Clan)
“As long as the siege is successful, the enemy will send a large number of troops back to Sights, and then the defense will be successful regardless of the reinforcements we send.” (Remus)
“That’s true… but even if we do send reinforcements out, how many should we send? If we release too many, our defenses may not be able to hold out, and if we release too few, there’s a chance that Canale’s invasion will fail.” (Clan)
“Maybe send about fifteen thousand?” (Robinson)
“Fifteen thousand, huh… will that be enough to capture multiple castles…?” (Clan)
Robinson’s proposal leaves Clan agonizing.
“Also, how about sending the Metro Mercenary Corps as reinforcements again? They’re a group of high-quality soldiers, so they should be of great help. I’ve heard that they’ve recently used rewards to increase the number of members in their corps.” (Robinson)
Robinson further suggested:
“The Metro Mercenaries, huh… What do you think Remus?” Clan)
“I also think that about 15,000 would be appropriate. You should also send the Metro Mercenary Corps. The last time they had sent them as reinforcements they were entrusted with the defense of Canale, but they are a mercenary group whose soldiers are more suited to offense than defense. They have fought alongside Canale on several occasions, so they work well together. Even if they don’t have many, if they are highly trained, they will have a better chance of taking castles.” (Remus)
“Hmm… That’s true…” (Clan)
Clan thought deeply.
Although they were effective as reinforcements, Clan pondered whether they should be left behind as a defensive force.
(If we send out good reinforcements, it will speed up the capture of the castle. It would be better not to send them than to send half-baked troops and prolong the war…) (Clan)
Clan pondered deeply,
“Okay, I’ll instruct the Louvent family to invade Sights and send 15,000 soldiers, including the Metro mercenary corps, as reinforcements.” (Clan)
That’s the conclusion they came to.
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