Chapter 98

In the battle for "Sheep Hill" along the road, we ended up ceding the hill to the Bruges army. It was a good spot for a command post, but there was no choice. We set up our camp on the flat ground along the road. It put us at a disadvantage in battle, but it was a place from which we could always escape.

The next day, three regiments of Bruges infantry and one regiment of cavalry appeared around "Sheep Hill." They numbered over five thousand. As expected, they didn't attack immediately.

"As expected."

"Did you really expect it?"

While peering through the telescope side by side, Colonel Alzeh and I had this conversation. In fact, I really did expect it, and I wanted to boast a little about it. However, I used my precognitive ability, "The Reaper's Scythe," so I couldn't really boast too much.

I chose the location to set up our camp based on the assumption that "I won't retreat or surrender; I will fight until I die." If that choice led to a "certain death route," "The Reaper's Scythe" would tell me. This ability predicts my life or death, not the outcome of the battle. Therefore, I needed to align the outcome of the battle with my life or death.

First, setting up camp on "Sheep Hill" was a certain death route. It seemed that defeat was inevitable once we set up camp on that hill. The nearby "Lamb Hill" was also no good. Setting up camp there would lead to death. From a military perspective, this made sense. We would be surrounded.

However, setting up camp along the road didn't trigger any reaction from "The Reaper's Scythe." It seemed that as long as we weren't surrounded, we could manage. This time, the death judgment was relatively lenient. With the answer already known, all I had to do was apply the knowledge I learned at the military academy to formulate a strategy. The entire battle would become clear, like solving a system of equations.

"Apparently, the Duke of Bruges has dispatched General Huygens, a military advisor. He is a seasoned theorist who never underestimates the enemy. He is known in our country as an extremely cautious general."

"He's tough."

"Yes, he is. But this time, it worked to our advantage."

The colonel, who had been silently peering through the telescope, spoke.

"I don't understand what you're saying at all?"

"General Huygens never underestimates the enemy, so he always acts cautiously. If there are just three hundred infantrymen deployed alone along the road, he will definitely be wary of an ambush."

There are similar stories in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms. The famous anecdote of Zhang Fei, who, while retreating, stood alone on a bridge and shouted at the Wei army, causing them to hesitate. Unlike the Shu army, we don't have a genius strategist like Zhuge Liang, but we are saved by the enemy's caution.

"The enemy will first investigate the two hills. Then they will bypass the road and scout our rear."

"They will soon realize there are no ambushes."

"However, they will understand that reinforcements are about to arrive. Their focus will be on how to deal with the three thousand imperial troops that will arrive soon. Our small force won't be considered a significant threat."

It's sad to say, but in a battlefield where thousands of soldiers clash, three hundred infantrymen are not a significant threat. They would be considered a decoy.

"Chasing us around could disrupt the coordination between regiments, and it's not worth leaving the advantageous 'Sheep Hill.' If they maintain their formation and face the imperial army, they can win with minimal losses."

"Control of the terrain is a fundamental principle of military science. The more specialized, the more they value the basics."

"Especially this time, the Bruges army is marching in enemy territory, so they must act cautiously."

I smiled slyly. It was quite a malicious smile.

"The local lords and people are hostile to the Bruges army, making it difficult for them to gather supplies and personnel locally. If they levy taxes forcefully, it could lead to an armed uprising. Therefore, even burning the stockpiled rations would be a significant loss. They are very cautious."

The Duke of Bruges is not an especially good ruler, but he can at least judge that causing unnecessary trouble in the territory he will govern is a bad idea. They are avoiding plundering the area and are diligently supplying themselves via the road.

This information comes from Baron Brechgen, the Imperial Herald in the capital, who risked a great deal to provide such confidential information. Networking is indeed powerful. I continued my explanation.

"General Huygens is a military advisor to the duchy. If he deviates from the principles of military science and loses, he will lose his position as a military advisor to the Duke of Bruges. He cannot afford to lose a winnable battle or force an unwinnable one."

For General Huygens and his staff, there is no reason to fight recklessly here. They will avoid a reckless battle and preserve their forces for the next one. Losing many soldiers would make it difficult to control the capital, Lotsmer.

Colonel Alzeh nodded and smiled.

"I see. Those who have a lot to lose will attack cautiously."

"Yes. In fact, if they follow the principles, the possibility of losing is almost zero. Our main force is delayed, and even when it arrives, it will only be three thousand. The enemy has over five thousand."

This is a relatively small-scale battle for a decisive battle that could determine the fate of the nation, but both the empire and Bruges have other enemies. A full-scale mobilization is not possible.

"The enemy will maximize their numerical advantage and use the terrain to their advantage to secure victory. Unexpected losses could lead to the Dukes of Zichtberg and Mildor seeing an opportunity to rebel."

The Duke of Bruges has enemies both inside and outside, and diplomatically, he is in a difficult position. Originally a small country, one of the "Six Royal Houses," he is overextending himself.

"If we achieve a dramatic victory here, the Dukes of Zichtberg and Mildor will move. The imperial aristocracy will also see it as a signal to rebel."

Conversely, if we lose here, we will be forced to retreat to the Medilen territory. We don't have the spare army.

The various forces waiting for an opportunity will decide based on the perception of Bruges' dominance.

Even though it's a skirmish, the outcome will change history.

"This is a battle we absolutely cannot lose. Let's be bold."

"Is that how you see it? You are indeed an interesting man."

Colonel Alzeh laughed heartily.

"But I like that about you. I wish you had a bit more courage."

"Hehe, no, no."

I feel like his gaze is piercing me, but since we're working, I'll ignore it.

* * *

And as expected, the Bruges army deployed on "Sheep Hill."

"We lost the hill, didn't we?"

"Yes, we did."

While peering through the telescope side by side, we had a rather silly conversation.

However, the colonel was smiling.

"It's a relief when the enemy comes to the place we want them to. It would be nice if it always happened this way."

"Sir, you sound so relaxed, but it was uncertain whether they would actually set up camp there. They could have charged straight down the road and attacked us."

It's only because I used "The Reaper's Scythe" to predict that we can take such a bold strategy.

However, the colonel is still smiling, whether he knows about my efforts or not.

"That's what makes you a good staff officer. You make the right judgments. You're my pride and joy."

When the colonel is joking, he is actually feeling anxious. At least, that's what he says.

So, the colonel must be very anxious right now.

I turned to the colonel and, instead of a military salute, bowed respectfully in the manner of a noble.

"I am deeply honored by your trust. I will protect you with my life, sir."

"U-um!?"

His voice cracked. I was just joking, but it seems I lack a sense of humor. A famous writer said that humor is intelligence, but do I have enough intelligence as a staff officer?

While considering whether to move the completely frozen Colonel Alzeh somewhere, an imperial cavalry officer galloped into our camp.

"Courier! Courier! Is this Colonel Alzeh's camp?"

"Whoa!?"

"Horse!? Cavalry!?"

"That's a lieutenant! Salute, salute!"

The guards are in a panic, but the officer saluted us.

"I report! The Bizer Battalion will arrive shortly! The other battalions will arrive by tonight!"

Facing the tense officer, the colonel and I exchanged glances.

* * *

"I apologize, Colonel."

That night, the battalion commanders, all colonels and lieutenant colonels, bowed deeply before the colonel. It's not a common sight to see such high-ranking officers apologizing in the military.

Finding it amusing, I watched as Colonel Alzeh smiled and raised his hand slightly.

"There's no need to worry. My staff officer said he would allow a three-day delay."

He emphasized "my" again, but I'll let it go for now.

On the other hand, Colonel Bizer and the others were deeply apologetic.

"No, a delay is still a delay. We have no face left."

"Colonel Bizer is right. We will wash away this shame with our lives. Please give us a chance to prove ourselves."

They are professional soldiers, but first and foremost, they are aristocrats who value honor and reputation. If they don't, they will lose their status in aristocratic society, and their families will decline.

However, the colonel laughed as if he didn't care.

"I appreciate your sentiment, but don't overdo it. Don't put too much pressure on yourself, and take care of your subordinates."

"Hai!"

Their heads, bowed deeply, didn't seem to want to come up. It was a spectacular sight.

"Anyway, we will do our utmost! We will follow any orders!"

"I am pleased by your loyalty. I am a young officer. I rely on your experience."

"Hai!"

The commanders bowed so deeply it looked like they were about to kowtow. It was like a period drama.

After they returned to their battalions, the colonel looked up at me and smiled slyly.

"Yuin, this is the situation you aimed for, isn't it? Everything is under your control."

"You can't fool me, sir."

Strictly speaking, I didn't aim for it; I just thought, "It will probably end up this way."

I smiled wryly and explained.

"I didn't think they would follow orders so readily, so I adjusted their perceptions before the battle. Our brigade is, in a sense, elite, and you, sir, have the qualities of a great commander. I just wanted them to understand that."

I continued.

"They committed a blunder by disregarding orders and were pardoned without any punishment. For them, as aristocrats, that is a disgrace. They must wash away that disgrace."

Imperial aristocrats must always stand by their principles. In the aristocratic society, it's all about principles, but not so much when dealing with commoners or heretics...

To stand by their principles, they must redeem their honor in this battle. There is a risk that they might overextend themselves, but a plan to defeat a large army with a small force is inherently risky. I am aware of the risks.

Colonel Alzeh chuckled and poked my chest.

"You are a fine villain, indeed."

I can't deny it. I set a trap for Colonel Bizer and the others, knowing this would happen. But it was all their own choice. They must take responsibility for their choices.

"I'm fine with being a villain. Thanks to this, we have a minimum chance of winning. 'The Wolf' will also be in position soon."

"Even if we can't win, if we can deal a significant blow, it will weaken Bruges' invasion. It will create room for diplomatic maneuvers. But I would prefer to win."

"Yes. To save as many soldiers as possible, we must try to win."

I saluted the colonel.