Chapter 586: The Combined Fleet Set Sail
"Well, this is getting interesting," I said, amused as I heard about the situation in the Kingdom.
Sebas, standing by my side, murmured thoughtfully as he looked at a map showing the current state of the war.
"It doesn't seem too amusing from my perspective."
"Well, that's because everything's going as Ansem planned."
"So, the aim was to split the Kingdom's army in two and have the Empire's army divide and chase them?"
"Exactly. Ansem probably needed to resolve things quickly. But it's not easy to settle a conflict between two large armies exceeding 100,000 each. So, they divided into two. Ansem must've predicted that Leo would do the same."
"Indeed, reducing from 100,000 versus 130,000 to 50,000 versus 60,000 certainly increases the Kingdom's chances of victory."
After making this straightforward numerical statement, Sebas quietly looked at me, no doubt left with several questions.
"It's Leo's decision that's intriguing. He's been conducting things cautiously up until now. So, I thought he'd try to annihilate the army heading north with his full force. Even at the risk of leaving their rear exposed, if they moved with their entire army, they could handle it. Even if they got it wrong and Ansem attacked from behind."
"So, you're saying that Leo is taking a gamble?"
"Exactly. It may seem like everything's going according to Ansem's plan... but it's likely going according to Leo's as well. Leo wouldn't jump into enemy territory unless this situation was also what he wanted."
"I see. But does he have a chance of winning? Prince Ansem is a master strategist. Isn't that why he's been on the defensive? I can't imagine he would challenge a direct battle with reduced numbers and expect to win?"
I nodded at Sebas's words.
That's the crucial point.
Even when Leo had an army of 130,000, he was on the defensive. Ansem had always held the initiative.
And yet, is it okay to reduce the numbers?
It's a natural question.
There seems to be no advantage to the situation.
Despite this, why did Leo challenge a decisive battle?
"The Kingdom's retreating army is currently heading towards a fortress. However, this Kingdom's army will not enter the fortress."
"Because once they enter, they won't be able to get out."
"Exactly. Therefore, they will surely steer towards the Kingdom's central region. The stage for the decisive battle will be in the center. And, the Kingdom's army heading north and the pursuing Imperial army will be in a stalemate. The difference in numbers is only 10,000. To Ansem, this difference is practically negligible. The battlefield has likely already been selected, and Leo will be fighting in the palm of the enemy's hand." 𝔯₳ŊộꞖƐṨ
"The more I hear, the less likely it seems that he can win."
I pointed to the northern part of the Kingdom.
The Kingdom's army aiming for that location will eventually stop. Therefore, they will not reach there.
"As long as both armies stop, the north will remain under Leticia's control. In other words, if they are willing to fight in the central region of the Kingdom, it's actually convenient for Leo."
"There's that bad habit of yours again. Please don't always draw conclusions inside your head. That's why the Minister of Maritime Affairs gets confused when talking with Lord Arnold."
"Ah, my apologies. Let me explain. If the northern cities are secured, it establishes a route for advancing to the central region."
I traced a line from the Kingdom's north to its central region with my finger.
"Because this route of advance has been secured, Leo challenged Ansem to a decisive battle."
50,000 against 60,000. A significantly smaller scale battle than initially planned.
In other words, the effect of reinforcements becomes much more significant.
In a battle of 100,000, an additional 10,000 reinforcements wouldn't make a big difference.
However, in a 50,000 against 60,000, an additional 10,000 would be a substantial reinforcement.
"Reinforcements will come from the northern Kingdom?"
"Yes, but it won't be the people of the northern Kingdom led by Leticia. The ones using this route of advance are these guys here."
Saying so, I moved my finger away from the north.
It was the territory of the vassal state.
"Will Lord Traugott march forth?"
"He might, but probably not. The one who will march forth is not the Lord... it's the 'Dragon King'. A large-scale Dragon Knight squad outmatches tens of thousands of reinforcements."
"But we don't have any reliable information about a Dragon Knight squad stationed in the vassal state, do we?"
"It wouldn't make sense if the information had leaked. Well, it's just my speculation, but... Leo is also assuming they're coming. If a large-scale Dragon Knight squad appeared as reinforcements in the middle of the decisive battle... that would determine the outcome. Escaping would be difficult."
"So he's not relying on his own power, but on the reinforcements?"
"Reinforcements that may or may not come. I understand that it's uncertain to rely on them. However, the imperial chancellor has a track record that warrants belief, and Brother Traugott has the ability to keep information hidden. Ansem would surely assume they won't come, and Leo would predict that Ansem thinks he is relying on his own power for the decisive battle. But, from the start, Leo hasn't been relying on his own power. This war has always been the Kingdom against the Empire and its allies. Leo understands the advantage of this more than enough. That's why he hasn't made any decisive moves. The key lies in reinforcements from both the north and south, according to the Empire's strategy."
Leo has always moved in accordance with the strategy.
This time is no different.
However, there is a risk.
Reinforcements from the south are sure to come, but those from the north are uncertain.
Leo made a bet that they would come.
Of course, he must have thought about what to do if they didn't come, and if they don't, he's in for a tough fight.
"Now... is anyone there?"
"Sir! I'm here, sir!"
I called out to the soldier who was waiting outside the room.
And then, I told him.
"Notify all troops. In one hour, the combined fleet will set sail for the Kingdom. Everyone, hurry and prepare. That's all."
"Yes, sir! Understood! In one hour, the combined fleet will set sail for the Kingdom. Everyone, hurry and prepare. I'll pass on the message!!"
The soldier saluted and hurriedly ran off.
Watching him go, Sebas mused.
"If the decisive battle is in the central region, will there be a stage for us to play on?"
"If they win without trouble, there won't be any need for us. But if things don't end smoothly, we need to be in a position to assist. That's probably what Leo is hoping for too."
"Anyway, I'll leave mother to you. If she wakes up, let her know. She doesn't have to worry about Leo. No matter what happens... I'll make sure Leo wins."
In response, Sebas bowed respectfully.
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