Chapter 267: Path of the Defeated

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“Your Excellency Orseus! The Dragon Empire’s army has changed its route and is retreating. It seems the enemy forces have engaged us.” (??)

Upon receiving this report during the retreat, Orseus, who was mounted on his horse, visibly stiffened his expression.

“What do you mean?” (Orseus)

Orseus asked again. Fritz, also mounted, simply watched without interjecting.

“I don’t know. All I can say is that the Dragon Empire’s army has begun retreating towards the Carbinus region, and the enemy forces are not pursuing them. Currently, the Flusha Kingdom’s forces are fighting at the rear.” (??)

The Flusha Kingdom’s army had remained in reserve at the rear during the battle. They had taken some artillery fire and participated in the final charge, but they were hardly exhausted. Fritz didn’t know the exact order of retreat, but as the forces were integrated under the Pope’s command of the Gertrude, he assumed they were tasked with the rear guard by his orders. The Pope’s armies had been delayed because the main force had entered the forest.

“Hmm…” (Fritz)

Fritz took out his pocket watch and checked the time. It was now 4:30 in the afternoon. The sun was beginning to set.

The Dragon Empire’s army had bought enough time for their retreat. Losing Prince Adil was regrettable, but if the Dragon Empire’s forces had taken on the role of absorbing the enemy’s damage, it could be seen as a fortunate miscalculation on their part.

“General Orseus.” (Fritz)

Fritz said.

“We should march through the night and head straight to Noimiralbel. Please send word to our reinforcements to make a rapid withdrawal to Galilianin.” (Fritz)

Noimiralbel was a large city, but it was located on a road that veered slightly west from the direct route to Galilianin. By spreading false information, the main force of the Galilianin Union would be able to escape to Noimiralbel, while the Pope’s forces would be forced to head towards Galilianin while being pursued.

“…Your Excellency Fritz, what do you mean by this?” (Orseus)

Orseus glared at Fritz, questioning his suggestion of deceiving their allies and increasing their casualties.

“This war is a loss for us. The Dragon Empire intends to return home via the eastern coast of the Black Sea. The Pope’s forces… they fought to win. Once they realize they have lost, they will need to conserve their troops. They are likely to withdraw rather than participate in futile defense.” (Fritz)

“…I see.” (Orseus)

“We still have things to do. If we conserve our forces, we can still negotiate. Losing our army leaves us powerless.” (Fritz)

“Even if it means sacrificing our allies?” (Orseus)

Even though Fritz was not exactly allied with Gertrude, and had not fought side by side with them, abandoning them and assigning them the role of the rearguard was painful. However, Fritz was a politician who served his country before being a mere individual. The conscience of one person was negligible compared to the weight of the nation.

“Yes. Even if it means sacrificing our allies. We must serve our country.” (Fritz)

“…Understood. We shall proceed accordingly.” (Orseus)

“Thank you, General Orseus. Once we reach Noimiralbel and rest, please disperse the army among various cities. We must avoid being surrounded and annihilated. We can afford to abandon cities as needed.” (Fritz)

“Dispersing the troops…? But Galilianin is…” (Orseus)

Orseus likely considered Galilianin to be the crucial target that must be defended at all costs.

“Defending Galilianin should be sufficient with the current garrison. The walls can be breached by artillery, and the navy can be destroyed by fire. Even if we defend it with a large force, it will eventually fall. Do you have confidence in its defense?” (Fritz)

“…No.” (Orses)

Orseus murmured with a pained expression.

“Then, from the enemy’s perspective, it would be more troublesome if we disperse our forces across various cities. It is important for us to continue being a nuisance to Yuri Hou. Even if Galilianin is captured, we will continue to resist from the other cities. The Union will not fall just because Galilianin does. To completely destroy us, they will need to capture each city one by one. This shows our resolve. The trouble the enemy faces in destroying us will serve as leverage in negotiations for surrender… Isn’t that right?” (Fritz)

When Fritz spoke, Orseus nodded. The sky was beginning to darken. Fritz felt that Orseus’s gaze, now filled with trust, was fixed on him.

“Indeed. You’re right, Your Excellency Consul.” (Orseus)

“Then please proceed as planned. I will ride ahead to Noimilarbel, speak with the mayor, and then head straight to Galilianin. This will be our parting here.” (Fritz)

“To Galilianin?” (Orseus)

Orseus looked puzzled.

“Yuri Hou will surely aim for Galilianin. I must be the point of contact for surrender negotiations. It will be difficult to enter once we are besieged.” (Fritz)

“…I see. Just to confirm, I will disperse the troops to various locations and attempt to resist, correct?” (Orseus)

Orseus seemed to understand the instructions clearly.

“Yes. Please make sure not to get trapped in any city and be annihilated. It would help if you could threaten their rear as they approach Galilianin.” (Fritz)

“Understood.” (Orseus)

“Then, I will be on my way. Wishing you good health, General.” (Fritz)

“Thank you. You too.” (Orseus)

Orseus saluted Fritz in military style, as if to see him off. Fritz, with a spur to his horse, prepared to ride.

“Fritz-dono.” (Orseus)

At that moment, Orseus called out to him again.

“—Yes? What is it?” (Fritz)

“History is harsh on the defeated. Future historians might judge you harshly, but— I support you. I am glad that you are the Consul at this moment.” (Orseus)

“—I see. I’m happy to hear that.” (Fritz)

Fritz recalled a long-forgotten emotion from the past. His first election victory. It had been the city council election in Galilianin. When the election official announced his victory, Fritz descended the stage after giving his usual speech. An elderly woman came forward, shook his hand, and said.

“I voted for you. Do your best.” (??)

The warmth of that elderly woman’s wrinkled hand. At that moment, Fritz had vowed to work hard for this person who had trusted and voted for him, and to devote himself wholeheartedly to his role as a politician. But as he became more seasoned in politics, he had forgotten that feeling.

“Thank you. I will certainly do my best.” (Fritz)

Throwing the same words back at the elderly woman, Fritz spurred his horse and rode off.

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