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Chapter 572
Chapter 572
Chapter 572: Leticia's Strategy
"It's so frustrating."
"No, Elna. Don't rush out."
"Do you think I'm a dog or something? I'm aware of my responsibilities as a deputy. Really..."
"If that's the case, then it's okay. I was told by my brother to keep you on a leash."
"You keep saying that... Remember that when we regroup, Al..."
In the Imperial Army's main force.
That's where Leo, the general-in-chief, and Elna, his deputy, were having such a conversation.
They were aware that the enemy would fortify their defenses and aim for their losses.
However, the enemy's defense was stronger than expected.
Reports from the frontline troops continued to arrive, saying that it was taking time.
"If we attack the thin spots with our main force during this gap, the enemy's main force will see it as an opportunity and come. If we move the front-line troops, the forces holed up at the base will come at us. On the other hand, if we take time, our food and forces will be eroded. Indeed, it's the opponent my brother warned about. They're quite shrewd."
"Indeed. It's admirable that the frontline cities are maintaining their morale. They're popular, of course, but they never fail to prepare."
Chess and real battles are different.
If a large army of 150,000 approaches, it is possible that the cities they rely on will surrender all at once.
However, the cities on the frontline are bravely resisting along with the troops that rushed to their aid.
That's because they believe in Ansem, the enemy's supreme commander.
They understand that there is meaning in their resistance.
They resist the Empire, and there is a sense of solidarity among the enemy.
A good military leader can involve those around him.
Elna had been revising her initial image of Supreme Commander Ansem.
He's not just a general. He's an opponent who deserves the utmost caution.
"There's no need for a large army to resort to clever strategies. We've decided to attack head-on, but for the enemy, that's expected. Even if we break through the city, if it's according to the enemy's expectations, our chances of winning might be slim."
"I want to say that's pessimistic... but I agree. If the opponent is as prepared as this, they shouldn't miscalculate our forces. If they assume they can win against a weakened Imperial Army, our chances of winning if we continue as is will be slim."
"That's right. All they need to do is create a stalemate. Our only hope is the bad relationship with the Crown Prince, but that's the domain of the ministers. They're probably moving, but if things are going according to the original plan, there's no point in shaking things up. We really need to do something."
"Do you want me to take a city? I can handle a lightly defended city on my own."
"I don't want you to forget the responsibilities of a deputy. Besides, even if you forcibly take a lightly defended city, the situation won't improve."
Even if Amsberg takes a city, it would probably be within the enemy's expectations.
The enemy would be prepared for a lightly defended city to fall. It wouldn't create any disturbance.
"Then, what about if we don't use force?"
A voice reached Leo, who was deep in thought.
There were few people who could come and go in the main headquarters.
One of the few was there.
"So, if it's not by force, it's safe, isn't it? Leticia."
"Presumably."
"I don't like 'presumably'. I need certainty."
At Leticia's words, Leo furrowed his eyebrows.
This was the Empire's invasion of the Kingdom, but the Empire's cause was to seize power from the current king and depose the crown prince, who had betrayed Saint Leticia.
It was in a stance for the current king and Leticia, and the Empire's true intention was that they didn't want Leticia to move much.
Of course, Leo also didn't want her to do anything dangerous.
"I consulted with Captain Theodore as well, and we think it's not too risky."
"As long as she is guarded," Theodore, who had been standing back, interjected.
The reason the second and third top-ranking knights of the Imperial Guard accompanied them was because of the presence of important figures like Leo and Leticia.
They were there more for the purpose of guarding the two rather than as combatants. As much as possible, Elna and Theodore were their escorts, with their subordinates forming a protective ring around them.
It was nearly impossible to launch an attack.
The level of safety guaranteed at the main base was on par with when they were inside the castle.
"We'll just listen. Only listen."
"Overprotection isn't good, you know? Leo."
"You're one to talk, Elna."
"When have I ever been overprotective?"
"You're always treating your brother overprotectively, aren't you? I always think to myself you're being overprotective, but I keep it to myself. So, please keep quiet."
"I'm not overprotective!"
Their familiar conversation, characteristic of childhood friends, continued.
Listening with a pleasant smile, Leticia pointed to a region slightly north of the front line.
"The northern part of the Kingdom was my base during the war with the United Kingdom. The cities in this area might be persuaded to surrender to the Empire."
"You're going to persuade them by yourself?"
"Of course, I wouldn't go alone. I'd be happy if Lady Elna could accompany me. What do you think?"
"Me?! Why not Deputy Commander Theodore?"
"You're a woman as well, and I've wanted to talk more with you, Lady Elna. Is that not okay?"
"It's not that it's not okay, but..."
Elna glanced briefly at Leo.
Her role had been to guard Leo. She also had the role of deputy general.
Moreover, Leticia was the love interest of her childhood friend, Leo. There was a certain awkwardness for Elna.
For that reason, she had avoided actively engaging with Leticia since their time at the western border.
However,
"If Elna will be the escort... I approve."
"If Leo says so..."
Seeing Elna unusually hesitant, Leticia responded with a smile.
And then,
"Thank you very much, Elna-sama."
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