Chapter 63: Like Military Boots 1 (4)

Chapter 63: Like Military Boots 1 (4)

As Meahbahn collected his thoughts, a concerned voice called out..

"What is the matter, Count Mearbahn? You seem a bit distracted, arent you?"

Behind the friendly tone of his voice, he could see that he was looking down on those who were older than he was. Its no good since he was like an open book. He resisted the urge to say so and laughed it off.

"Ha ha. No, no, a battle is a valuable experience, even if it is a calamity. I was thinking of letting my son help me with something this time."

"Wow! I really admire your parental love. I know that I have much to learn from you."

(If Langogne was that admirable, my troubles would be of no consequence.)

In the face of a problem that, if not solved, would be more serious than a war, the noble, who was soon approaching the edge of ageing, tried his best to stifle his sigh.

"Well, it seems that Count Langogne in the royal capital is like this in every single way."

"Wow......"

While making preparations to go into battle, I covered my eyes when I heard what Laubert had received from the agents in the capital. It's no wonder Victor had been so critical of the Count. We had done everything we could to put him in a position to lead the centralist faction though he himself was unaware but he was already trying to show his true colours. If he continued on his path, he would soon lose allies in the faction. No, it seems that even if he gained allies, he still couldn't control the opposition within the faction...... It's getting harder and harder to save him.

"Still, I wonder why the head of the centralist faction, even if just a provisional one, is busy with gathering soldiers...... Normally, we would accommodate the prepared generals to recruit them and later, convince the rest that the main factor for victory was us."

At the very least, it would be a much better strategy than a court noble leading troops to the frontlines. Could a beginner at war command troops, or even mercenaries who were more like hoodlums? Were mercenaries even commendable? If not careful, a situation where both armies, taking advantage of the chaos, end up looting Volden.

"That's the thing, though. The Marquis Lavallee ousting seemed to have cut off the military people who were connected to the faction through him. That old man was a great benefactor of the expansion of the Imperial Guards, so the knights from the Imperial Guards in particular must be distrustful of Count Langogne."

The answer to my casual question was even more serious. Even though they were a centralist faction, the chain keeping control of the most important centre holding military power was cut. Their collapse could basically be appreciated as art at this point. It was so artistic that I wanted it to just explode.

"Doesn't matter either way, not to that old man."

Yes, it's easy to understand after putting more thought on it.

"The Duke of Allemande might have royal blood, but he's still a noble with a large feudal domain in the provinces, after all. He'll be an eyesore for the centralists. It would be a blessing if his strength and our strength was wasted. In fact, it's easier to win the war if we could force them to attack us because our defences were so heavy to begin with. As for my brother, he was a non-factor. If he remains the head of the family, I would be fighting St. Gallen under his command. He could rely on the strategy of sending me to my death with a reckless order."

No matter how it turns out, it would all be to Lavallee's benefit, or rather, it would be to the detriment of Lavallee's enemies. He's really an old man who comes up with disgusting plans.

The only obstacle was whether the Kingdom could beat St. Gallen while embroiled in a messy political situation...... And Lavallee thinks the Kingdom would come out on top.

After all, St. Gallen were like locusts attacking us because they didn't have enough food. It was clearer than day that they were aiming for a short battle. In contrast, the Kingdoms side, or rather Lavallee, has stockpiled plenty of food and could fight for as long as he wanted. The most solid plan would be to fortify the defences near the Allemande area to suppress the enemy reinforcements in the northbound direction, and when the offensive of the other side reaches its limit, launch a counterattack and annihilate them. This way, the chances of victory for the Kingdom of Arquell were high.

The strategy on St. Gallen's side was based on the assumption that the Arquell Kingdom had not prepared for war or at least, it would take some time to prepare. Lavallee has read through this and was determined to turn that assumption on its head. When the shock of the surprise attack stirs Arquell up, Arquell's side will have the advantage of being fully prepared and able to hit back.

If only the Kingdom didnt act foolishly fifty years ago, where they messed up in a battle that they were supposed to win and got caught by surprise.

"So we were sacrificed to fulfil that old foxs wish? Its hopeless."

Victor was right, Lavallee's war plans did not take into account our safety. No, it will be a matter of celebration for him if worries were to be crushed to the ground while fighting against external threats. If I were to survive this war, I could still be punished for failing to protect the land entrusted by the king despite my position as a count. If I chose to defy orders, he could send the army that defeated the St. Gallen army in our direction. It truly was a hopeless future.

"Exactly. So I'm going to have to work hard to make sure that doesn't happen."

Victor and I both nodded and then looked towards Laubert.

"Do you understand now? That old fox is still alive and kicking."

"Yes. Sorry, I guess I was in a little disbelief."

Now didnt seem to be the time to be caught in disbelief, but whatever. If he has already understood the situation and calmed down, then from now he can continue working calmly and carefully as he has, as the best bureaucrat among my vassalage.