Chapter 263: War Council for Liberation of Kurtos*

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The army, composed of the Galilia Union and the combine forces of reinforcements, had evacuated the villagers from a southern village, which was anticipated to be the site of the decisive battle, and had commandeered the local church as their headquarters. The church was equipped with a tall bell tower, making it an ideal observation point.

“According to the reconnaissance reports, the enemy forces are arrayed in this formation.”

Orseus, the Supreme General of the Galilia Union Army, spread out a large piece of paper on the grand table. Around this table were gathered the heads of the armies from various nations.

“First, let’s discuss the terrain in this area.” (Orseus)

“Before that.” (Fritz)

Fritz interjected.

“Before we move on to the war council, allow me to provide an overview of the situation. Some of you here might not be fully acquainted with our nation.” (Fritz)

“Ah, yes, that would be helpful.” (Orseus)

Orseus, who was older than Fritz, replied politely. Despite his seniority, Fritz Ronue, as the Consul of the Galilia Union, was the Supreme Commander. While Fritz was not a soldier and would delegate actual command to higher-ranking military officers, the power to appoint and dismiss these officers rested entirely with the Consul. Thus, Orseus’s use of polite language was appropriate given the power dynamics.

“The city of Kurtos here is one of the larger cities within the Union Cities, being the eighth largest in the country. As you can see, it’s surrounded by a nine-sided wall, with roads extending in three directions. Although it may appear small on the map, that’s because the city’s expansion has been constrained by its walls, leading to a densely packed urban area within.” (Fritz)

Kurtos was not a city that originated from the Shantilla Great Empire but was instead a fortified city built to protect the heart of the nation near Galilianin during the fierce raids of the Khanjar. Initially constructed for defense, its strategic location eventually allowed it to flourish as a trading city. Currently, the city was overcrowded with buildings, and the Kurtos City Council had been saving funds for 13 years to expand the city walls. Although recent events have disrupted those plans, the expansion was scheduled to begin in 3 years. However, such details were irrelevant to the military situation at hand.

“Furthermore, as you may have noticed while traveling here, this area is one of the nation’s most significant granaries. Losing Kurtos would also mean losing the vast, fertile lands surrounding it. Unlike the two border cities we previously ceded to the enemy with minimal reinforcements, Kurtos holds strategic value far beyond the city itself. For the Galilia Union, Kurtos is a city we cannot afford to lose, and we must make our stand here. That concludes the overview. Orseus-dono, please continue.” (Fritz)

Fritz finished speaking and took his seat, allowing Orseus to stand.

“Now, to continue… As Fritz-dono mentioned earlier, the terrain here is mostly open fields. With the harvest recently completed, visibility is excellent. While this map doesn’t detail them, narrow paths run along the borders of the fields, but the fields themselves are large, and there are no fences, so people and horses can easily cross them. These paths won’t hinder military movements. While heavy cavalry in armor might struggle with the soil, which could catch their horses’ hooves, the ground is firm after the harvest. As long as we don’t encounter unseasonable heavy rains, we shouldn’t face any significant issues. In summary, this is an area well-suited for military maneuvers, with few obstacles to our movements, barring rain. As for the roads marked on the map, I don’t think they need much explanation. They’re the same stone-paved roads that you all traveled on and extend in three directions.” (Orseus)

Orseus paused to take a drink of water. He had already been a Supreme General during the last war. So, he remained behind to defend the homeland without participating directly in the conflict. However, he had fought against the Shanti in the previous campaign to seize the Kilghina region two wars ago and another war before that.

“Now, regarding the forested area southwest of Kurtos, which stands out like an island, the land there is slightly elevated, forming a sort of hill. This area is used as common land by the residents of Kurtos. The trees there have grown fairly large, so the term ‘forest’ is quite appropriate. The enemy has stationed a significant number of troops on the hill, and it appears they have constructed a watchtower at the summit. This likely served as a rudimentary defensive post to protect their thin right flank. (Orseus)

The hill was a natural formation and had been covered with vineyards about 30 years ago. At that time, a wildfire in the upstream forests had caused a shortage of firewood for Kurtos. The city relied on upstream regions for its firewood and charcoal, so this shortage had been severe. As a result, the city abandoned its vineyards, which produced less desirable wine, and turned the land into forest for emergency wood supplies. This forested area was not idle land. It could be used for industrial purposes, such as fattening pigs with acorns. However, this area was now being exploited by the enemy, turning into a disadvantage for them.

“The enemy had maneuvered eastward, using cavalry to conduct a surprise encirclement of Kurtos, and had turned their large force south. Kurtos had been attacked suddenly, with only about 2000 troops inside. The civilian population had decreased to about 60 percent due to evacuations, and with limited supplies, a prolonged food blockade could make the situation dire. That was the basic information. Are there any questions?” (Orseus)

After Orseus finished summarizing, Gertrude Evans raised his hand.

“Yes, please.” (Orsues)

Orseus nodded.

“It seemed the enemy was stationed close to the city walls. Were their arrows reaching the city?” (Gertrude)

“Let me explain. The walls of Kurtos were quite high, especially on the southwestern side facing the hill, which was elevated to counter potential attacks from the hill in case the Khanjar cavalry climb it. However, Kurtos is currently out of arrows. The siege had been ongoing for 15 days, and during that time, the defenders had used most of their arrows in repelling several attacks with covered siege rams. There were still plenty of bullets, but as you know, guns were ineffective at long range. By the time the bullets reached their target, their velocity decreased, and they lost their lethality. They were currently using iron collected from residents to create arrowheads, but long-range attacks from the walls were unlikely to be effective. Of course, it’s possible to open the walls and attack from behind. I have the code to request that.” (Orseus)

“Thank you. I have a few more questions.” (Gertrude)

Gertrude continued with his questions.

“Had Kurtos faced any substantial attacks since the siege began? For instance, had there been a large-scale battle where they managed to repel the enemy?” (Gertrude)

“No, there hadn’t been any major engagements. The enemy seemed to be using intermittent attacks with siege weapons like battering rams to harass the defenders.” (Orseus)

“What about aerial assaults? In previous sieges, bombings were used to break the defenders’ will and force a surrender.” (Gertrude)

“It seemed they had used aerial attacks occasionally, targeting the walls to create panic among the residents. There was an instance where a bomb missed and caused a minor fire, but it wasn’t a full-scale attack.” (Orseus)

“I see… thank you.” (Gertrude)

Gertrude concluded her questions with a thoughtful expression.

“Ilham believes we are being lured into a trap.” (??)

A young voice spoke up. The generals present were all dressed in various styles, but the most notable were the representatives from the Kururuan Dragon Empire who were General Ilham, Adil, and their translator.

Ilham, appearing to be in his seventies, was a formidable figure with a full beard, a sign of his country’s traditions. In contrast, Adil was a seventeen-year-old youth who seemed somewhat out of place. He didn’t have an imposing attitude either, instead looking around anxiously. He had a slender build and a handsome face, probably inherited from his mother. He seemed like a creature that was hatched and raised in the royal palace, so being taken to the battlefield seemed out of place and he gave the impression of being a bit weak.

“Ilham believes that if the enemy were to attack with full force, the city would fall within a day. He also says that the enemy is using the city as bait because you are fixated on it.” (??)

“Then, Ilham-dono, what do you suggest we do?” (Fritz)

Fritz asked, having brought these foreign representatives himself. Others were somewhat bewildered by these outsiders. Although he didn’t want to disrupt the meeting, it was better to start the conversation with someone who understood how to handle the situation. He could have asked questions in Arn, but for the benefit of the nobles, he used Terol.

“How much food does the city of Kurtos have in reserve? — Yes, yes. Ilham says that since we are on the defense, we should wait for the enemy to attack rather than rush into a well-prepared stronghold. It is better to take advantage of our superior position.” (??)

“That is not possible.” (Orseus)

Orseus immediately countered.

“As I explained earlier, Kurtos is packed with buildings inside. It does not have several large granaries.” (Orseus)

Ironically, the defensive functions Kurtos was supposed to have when it was founded had been lost as it became a thriving trading city. As the territory expanded, the threat from the Kanjar cavalry had moved elsewhere, leading to the destruction of granaries meant for a siege. Although there were many grain merchants in the city, their warehouses would not be enough to sustain the entire city.

“Moreover, this area is in the harvest season. The enemy is requisitioning supplies from nearby villages, so they are likely to have ample food reserves. Kurtos is more likely to run out of supplies first.”

“I see. Ilham said, that’s all.” (??)

The lone interpreter who had been standing then sat down in a chair.

“Just as Ilham-sono said, it seems that we are being lured in.” (Gertrude)

Gertrude added, following up on Ilham’s comments.

“Even so, we have no choice but to take the bait. However, we have a significant numerical advantage over the enemy. We should use our superior numbers to fight without falling into the enemy’s trap.” (Fritz)

“And how exactly do you propose we do that?” (Orseus)

Orseus inquired.

“Specifics are difficult to provide, but let’s think it through. First, the enemy seems to be forming a diagonal line formation.” (Fritz)

The diagonal line formation was a formation where forces were concentrated on one side, with the goal of using the denser forces to break through the enemy’s flatly arranged lines. This knowledge was also known to Fritz. A long time ago, he forgot how many years ago, it was used in a famous battle of ancient Negros.

“Diagonal line formation is a somewhat outdated formation. At that time, cavalry did not have stirrups, so they were not as impactful as now. In current tactics, if cavalry is concentrated, the thinner side can be breached and easily surrounded, so it is considered a risky and outdated formation.” (Fritz)

“That’s right. However, in this case, the thin right wing has defensive positions. In the back, cavalry is also stationed. This is likely to be effective for the castle gate behind, but it also strongly serves the purpose of a reserve unit.” (Orseus)

A reserve unit was a force that was stationed behind the formation and used flexibly. They rushed to cover breaches in the formation and helps at breakthrough points when it was the right time to attack.

“It may look like a diagonal line formation, but it might be a completely different strategy. It might also look like a shape to withstand our army.” (Orseus)

“That’s right” (??)

The interpreter spoke.

“The enemy’s main point of attack is still only the heavily fortified left wing. Our army is twice as large as the enemy’s, says Ilham. Yes. By thickening the right wing that corresponds to the enemy’s left wing and keeping reserve forces in the rear, if we eliminate the breakthrough points, it will be difficult for the enemy to breach even with their elite troops, says Ilham.” (??)

After the interpreter finished speaking, Ilham started speaking again in Arn language.

“Even if you concentrate forces on the right wing, the difference in strength between us and them is large enough that they could strengthen the left wing. If the opponent is a cautious general, it is important not to fall for the ruse of pretending to retreat and to avoid creating holes in the formation, and to focus only on the movements of breakthrough-capable cavalry, says Ilham. Yes. That’s all.” (??)

“That’s… indeed.” (Gertrude)

Gertrude said, as if groaning. It seemed to Fritz that he was suppressing her anxiety.

“By preparing ample reserve forces, we can flexibly respond to any attack. No matter what kind of magical tactics Yuri Hou uses, we should be able to handle it.” (Fritz)

“I also agree. There is no need to set up an overly extravagant formation. We should use a standard formation but remain vigilant and be ready to respond to all enemy movements.” (Orseus)

Orseus said. It was a statement befitting a senior general. Fritz had a similar opinion. Though it was a layman’s idea, it didn’t seem to be a bad way of thinking.

“…However, if the enemy has some sort of secret plan, I still think that the thin right wing is suspicious.” (Gertrude)

“Gertrude, I understand your concern about facing a wise general, but if we don’t know the specifics of that secret plan, overthinking it is also a problem. We might end up falling for the trap.” (Orseus)

Orseus said.

“I understand. But I am still concerned, so… would it be alright if I take charge of the left wing with my army?” (Gertrude)

It seems that Gertrude wanted to handle the left wing. Apparently, he felt strongly about it.

“I see. If you insist that much… Fritz-dono, is that alright?” (Orseus)

“Yes. Gertrude-dono, please take care of it.”

“It might be better if the troops from the Papal States and our country do not fight side by side.”  (??)

The interpreter said.

“I understood. Then, the Kururuan Dragon Empire army would take the right wing, our Galilia Union army would take the center, and the Papal States army would take the left wing. Fritz-dono, is that alright?” (Orseus)

Since he had given full authority to Orseus, there was no need to seek such approvals, but perhaps it was to show courtesy as a final major decision.

“I thought it would have been fine. Everyone had been attentive to the battle situation, so I had nothing to say.” (Fritz)

It was best to leave such matters to the experts. If there had been a lack of enthusiasm or if they had been cutting corners, it would have been different, but if they were serious, an amateur’s interference would only be harmful.

“Then, about the deployment of the other armies from Flusha and Peninsula, as well as the reserve forces—” (Orseus)

“General Orseus, since the major decisions had been made, let’s take a short break here.” (Fritz)

“Ah, ah… yes.” (Orseus)

When Fritz suggested a break, Orseus nodded as if coming to his senses. He too had been focused on the decisive battle to defend his homeland. He had seemed a bit forward.

“Then, we shall take a 30-minute break here. Dismissed.”

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