Chapter 244 - Chapter 237: A Bitter Decision
"Your Majesty, information regarding the Marquis Bittenfeld territory in the southeast has been brought by a messenger. It is reported that the territorial capital is still holding out against the offensive of the Republic of Betumia's army, and there is no concern of it falling for the time being."
Lichthagen, the capital of the Kingdom of Rhodeberg. Within the vast royal palace located to its north, and further still within the royal castle that served as the residence of the royal family, Oscar Rhodeberg III received a report in the King's private office from the Minister of Military Affairs, Count Ragnal Burkhard.
"I see, finally some news that isn't bad. As expected of Marquis Bittenfeld, who governs a great territory second only to the royal lands... Even so, a messenger rather than 'Far-Talk.' It seems the communication network in the south has indeed collapsed."
"It appears so. The 'Far-Talk' communication network of the Kingdom of Rhodeberg was originally constructed based on a system learned from the Republic of Betumia... The enemy likely came to crush it first."
Count Burkhard answered matter-of-factly to the stiff-faced Oscar. Both had dark circles under their eyes, their faces showing a level of accumulated fatigue that anyone could see.
It had been approximately one month since the ambassador of the Republic of Betumia had an audience with Oscar, declared war, and departed after stating there was no room for negotiation. On that very day, an urgent report arrived via the 'Far-Talk' network that the Republic of Betumia's army had landed in Laden, the territorial capital of the Count Kivileft territory.
Since then, Oscar, Count Burkhard, the other court nobles, and the soldiers—everyone had been consumed by dealing with the situation. Betumia's invasion was spreading through the southern part of the kingdom at an abnormal pace; no matter how many plans they devised, the premises were overturned by new reports of disaster, forcing them to consider new responses.
Driven by discussions with high-ranking officials, thinking of counterattack strategies while maintaining contact with provincial nobles, and above all, pushed by the sense of crisis that the Kingdom of Rhodeberg would truly perish at this rate, Oscar had barely been able to sleep for the past few days.
"...What of Marquis Galdwin's territory in the southwest? Any further updates?"
"...It remains the same. There has been no word since the report arrived a week ago that the enemy had reached them. We sent a reconnaissance unit, but their report has not yet arrived."
"I see. I do not wish to think it, but we must assume the worst-case scenario..."
Excluding the royal lands, Marquis Galdwin's territory was the second largest in the country after Marquis Bittenfeld's. Although their strength had been weakened during the battle with the Cadne faction of the Kingdom of Lancel, it was difficult to believe that such a place would fall easily into enemy hands.
"...Your Majesty, here, as expected..."
"You are right... Regarding the southern part of the kingdom, we shall have them strive for delaying actions to buy time until winter, and we will organize units together with the northern nobles to launch a counter-offensive simultaneously with the end of winter. There is no other way."
It was a strategy that effectively used the entire southern part of the kingdom as a decoy. While a field battle was different, if they conducted defensive battles by holeing up in castles, the Kingdom of Rhodeberg could compensate for their numerical disadvantage, but even so, the number of noble territories that would fall and the number of nobles and civilians who would be killed by the end of winter was immeasurable.
Even if they did that, the mobilizable military force from the central part, the northeast, and the northwest of the kingdom was limited. The effects of the famine would likely drag on into next year. Even if they pushed themselves to scrape together peasants, they would be lucky to mobilize fifty to sixty thousand.
Even if they repelled the Republic of Betumia, what would remain were devastated towns and villages, and broken distribution and transportation. To avoid losing loyalty, they would have to give appropriate rewards to the survivors of the southern nobles whose lands were sacrificed. The road to reconstruction, both socially and politically, was long.
Oscar suppressed the urge to lament his fate for having ascended to the throne in such an outrageous era.
"The enemy's invasion will certainly be stopped at the south. On the main highways leading from the south to the north, we shall gather the surrounding nobles and have them construct a defensive line. We will instruct the other southern nobles to strive for wars of attrition through sieges, or guerrilla warfare by hiding in forests and mountains, until the end of winter. Tell them that we will certainly head to their rescue at the end of winter. As for the northern nobles—"
"R-Report! An urgent report!"
At that moment, a knight burst into the room. Neither Oscar nor the Count reprimanded the knight for entering without waiting for permission. It was currently an emergency, and normal etiquette had long been omitted since a month ago.
"A messenger has arrived from Viscount Linnel's territory on the south side of the royal lands! The Republic of Betumia's army is assembling in the south of the viscount's territory! Their number is approximately twelve thousand, and it is said they are still increasing! Viscount Linnel is attempting to defend by leading the territorial army, but it is said he will not hold for long!"
"W-What!"
"Impossible!"
At the knight's words, both Oscar and Count Burkhard shouted as they stood up, nearly kicking over their chairs.
The central part of the kingdom was lined with the territories of hereditary nobles from the time of the kingdom's founding, surrounding the royal lands, and Viscount Linnel's territory was one of them.
Even for a hereditary noble, a single viscount's territory would not stand a chance against a surprise attack by an army numbering in the tens of thousands. Even if they fought with the resolve to be annihilated, it was questionable whether they would last a single day.
"There is no way we wouldn't have noticed such a large army approaching!"
"T-That is... it is said that the various units of the Republic of Betumia's army, which had infiltrated the southeastern part of the kingdom, began to assemble simultaneously in the south of Viscount Linnel's territory over the last few days."
"Which means, the enemy units thought to be invading the various noble territories to the west and north of the southeast were all forces intended to attack the central part of the kingdom... They marched in dispersed groups to deceive us."
Count Burkhard muttered with a grim face at the soldier's report.
"No, even so, the assembly is too fast. The calculation of the marching speed does not add up."
"Regarding that... it is said the Republic of Betumia's army used abnormally fast carriages to transport their soldiers!"
"Carriages?"
"Yes. There are reports that a great swarm of carriages, with marching speeds and capacities for personnel and supplies far beyond those of the kingdom, were advancing along the highways..."
Oscar and Count Burkhard were both speechless. In war, the speed of marching and transport can, if handled poorly, be a factor that determines victory or defeat more than simple military strength.
"It cannot... be a false report. Could it be a new type of carriage using technology we are unaware of?"
"Likely. I do not know what kind of technology they are using... but that does not matter now. We must respond to the crisis before us."
Dismissing the reporting knight, Oscar looked at Count Burkhard with a grim expression.
"Ragnal, how long do you think it will take for the enemy to break through Viscount Linnel's territory, march through the royal lands, and reach this capital?"
"...Considering the enemy's marching speed and the time Viscount Linnel's territory can buy... we should consider that they will arrive within four days."
"I see. Then, what response can be made by those four days? Do you have a plan?"
"....................I have one. First, I would like to call the commander of the Kingdom's Second Army—His Highness Prince Alexander—here."
Asked, Count Burkhard spoke after remaining silent in deep thought for a while.
Not long after, the King's younger brother, Prince Alexander Rhodeberg, arrived. Alexander, who had demonstrated talent in the military at a young age despite being royalty, had risen to the position of commander of the Second Army of the Kingdom's forces, tasked with the defense of the capital.
"Your Majesty the King, Excellency Burkhard, did you call for me?"
To Alexander, who gave a salute to the two from the standpoint of a soldier rather than royalty, Count Burkhard spoke.
"Good work, Commander. Have you heard that the Republic of Betumia's army is closing in on this capital?"
"Yes. I have already received the report and am aware. I have already moved the Second and Tenth Armies to prepare the defensive posture, and have sent messengers to the Third and Fourth Armies scattered within the royal lands."
"Good. In conjunction with that... the escape plan for the survival of the royal family is still active, yes?"
"...Of course it is. It can be executed immediately."
At the Count's words, Alexander nodded expressionlessly.
"...What are you two talking about?"
"Your Majesty. I believe it was explained during your coronation, but the Kingdom's army always prepares a plan to evacuate the King's direct lineage from the royal lands in case of emergency."
"I know that. I am asking why you are bringing up that topic now!"
Oscar shouted, but neither Count Burkhard nor Alexander shifted their expressions.
"Your Majesty. Even if we mobilize the Second and Tenth Armies, the royal Guard, and the capital's guards, the total force is at most 5,000. The Third and Fourth Armies scattered in the royal lands will likely not be able to fully assemble within four days. Even if we conscript from the people of the capital, organization will be difficult. We cannot possibly face a decisive battle here and now. At this rate, Your Majesty will be unable to join the northern nobles."
"And so you are telling me to flee! That the King should be the first to flee the capital!"
To this, Alexander spoke this time.
"There is no problem. Even if Your Majesty leaves the capital once, if you return to the capital later with reinforcements from the northern nobles and achieve victory, the reputation of the royal family will not be tarnished."
"Even you, what are you saying, Alexander! I am not talking about my reputation! I am talking about my responsibility as King! While I make the southern nobles stay and fight, I alone abandon the capital—"
"Brother!"
Alexander cut off Oscar's words.
"You are the King! Certainly, there will be moments where you must stake your life. However, that should not be here. You must stake your life to protect not just the capital or the royal lands, but the country itself!"
"It is as Prince Alexander says. Your Majesty is different from a local lord. You are the one and only sovereign of this country. To escape the capital, join the northern nobles who are still intact, unite them, and thereby turn to a counter-attack against the invaders. That is the duty that only Your Majesty can perform. As a wise King, you must understand."
When Count Burkhard added his opinion, Oscar fell silent for a moment before answering.
"...That is the only means, then."
"Yes. That is likely the only path to grasp victory and ensure the survival of the Kingdom of Rhodeberg. Please, make your decision."
When Count Burkhard answered without averting his eyes from Oscar, Oscar nodded with a bitter expression.
"...I understand. I shall follow you."
"Then, we shall make preparations immediately and escape the capital late tonight. After that, you will evacuate to the Duke Halsberg territory in the north. Your Majesty, Queen Ingrid, and all the legitimate children, starting with Crown Prince Lucas, will escape."
"Furthermore, Count Burkhard will accompany Your Majesty as a military advisor. I shall take command of the capital's defense."
Alexander supplemented Count Burkhard's explanation.
Oscar was not a person particularly excelled in military affairs. He was especially inexperienced in practical matters. It was a reasonable judgment for Count Burkhard to escape with him as an advisor.
"I understand... Alexander, do not die."
"Of course, Brother. The Kingdom's Second Army prides itself on being the strongest in the country regarding defense. The members of the royal court mages are here, and the central nobles who are still intact are in the vicinity. I shall show you that we can magnificently defend the capital until the time for the counter-attack."
Alexander grinned and answered Oscar with an expression full of confidence.