Chapter 65: Burn, Volden 1 (3)

Chapter 65: Burn, Volden 1 (3)

However, this meant that the entire St. Gallen territory became involved in the invasion of Volden. In other words, it was a huge mess. Each and every one of them gave priority to their own interests, and clashes with those of other origins were frequent. Although General Bauer, the commander of the army in this area, had been able to keep a lid on it, he was often underestimated by people from other territories because of his status as a commoner. This was despite the fact that he was the one who came up with the entire operation. It was incredibly difficult to handle the soldiers and the army.

While fretting over the perilous inner workings of his own army, Bauer turned to his staff officers.

"So, any reports on the food supplies?"

"Yes, sir. Most of the areas that our forces are currently controlling are in the mountainous eastern part of the province near the mountain range. Therefore, the progress on securing food is lower than expected."

"So you're saying we are not in the clear until we occupy the plains further to the west?"

"No, general. At present, I estimate we have enough for our army to be self-sufficient for about a month. After some rest, I think we will be ready to take down the western part of Volden, where most of the major bases are distributed, in another offensive."

"How soon can we resume the offensive?"

"As you said, considering the fatigue of the troops, roughly a week from now. "

"A week, huh. Considering the distance from Broussonne, the royal capital of Arquell, where reinforcements are probably being organised, that's plenty of time."

It would take a week or two to travel from Broussonne to the province of Volden by carriage. However, the army cannot move as quickly as a horse-drawn carriage. They have to keep pace with the supply lines and logistics, which will slow them down.

"......General, do you think it's possible that reinforcements could arrive before winter?"

"8 or 9 out of ten I suppose."

The staff officer blinked at him in surprise.

"Since last year, the reluctance on the part of Arquell in terms of trade had been unusual. It was not necessary to tighten exports to such an extent, even though there was the disaster of the Great Fire. It felt as if they were trying to cause us to spiral out of control and incite us to invade themDont you think so?"

"But originally, our friendship of fifty years"

And in the unlikely event

"Can you hear me? It's me."

From his pocket, he took out a device that contained communication magic that allowed communication with people far away. The reply came immediately.

"This is the General. What can I do for you?"

The voice was muffled, gloomy, and lacking in energy. Bauer couldn't help but dislike this person. But when he thought of the arrangements he needed to make for the upcoming battles, he had to curb his urges.

"How's the adjustments on the thing we have discussed?"

"It is proving to be a bit of a challenge. It's a delicate thing, after all. I never thought we would have to carry it over the mountains."

"When are you planning on finishing it?"

Hmm. Probably another 10 days or so

"One week. You'll have to do something to make it in time for the attack."

He held his tongue. The person on the other end of the call may have found the request absurd, but he had also conveyed a sense of urgency.

"As you wish. Let's get this done as quickly as we can. I'll get to work on it, then."

He grudgingly agreed, and before he could stop him, he cut off the communications.

Bauer rubbed his brow as if trying to hold in a headache. The way he abruptly cut off communication made it difficult to think he was even being treated as a superior officer, or even a general. However, such people have to be appeased at times or reprimanded at other times to produce results.

"...... I don't know how much use those guys' toys are going to be, but if they can be used, then we have to use them."

This was a trump card that was forced on them by the people of Gallerin at the last moment before they left. Even now, when the war has already started, they can't make decisions as they wish. To be honest, its usefulness was questionable, but if what the sender was claiming about its ability was even half true, it could be a useful trick up their sleeve.