Chapter 66 – The army on the open plains

“This is… quite troublesome…”

I take another look ahead. On the open plain, a large army is deployed in a solid formation with nothing to obstruct them.

Cavalry units are positioned on both flanks, with infantry units arrayed in the centre in a basic line formation but the width of their formation is immense. Even if we gather our forces, we won’t be able to match their width.

The line formation is the fundamental battle formation, balanced for both offence and defence. It has its drawbacks but on such an open plain, the advantages are significant.

When an enemy deploys in a line formation, both armies typically try to match the width. Failing to do so results in being flanked from both sides.

In the past, when I faced an imperial elite knight force of 60,000, I chose a battlefield with limited space for their line formation. But here, there are no such limitations.

‘According to Shamia’s additional information, the enemy forces ahead number around 80,000 to 90,000. In contrast, even with our full strength, we have 40,000. Our cavalry is superior, and our troops are highly motivated. However, delivering a decisive blow will be challenging.’

If we divide our forces to flank them, our centre could easily be surrounded. Given the two-to-one disparity in numbers, spreading our forces would be a poor strategy.

We could consider this a decisive battle and push through relying on the quality of our troops. We might still win that way.

However, it would result in significant casualties on our side. Especially among the plains people, we would suffer many losses. This would delay my unification of the empire by years.

“Vyril-sama, what will you do?”

“Let’s see…”

Looking ahead, I must avoid unnecessary loss of troops here. We need to collapse the enemy forces with minimal casualties. This is absolutely essential.

“I didn’t expect Godrick to fortify himself this much.”

“He is excessively cowardly.”

“That’s what has made this situation so troublesome. …That army consists of the lords under his protection, correct?”

“Yes.”

Dozens of lords have gathered their own troops and armed commoners to form a single army. They haven’t trained for coordination, relying solely on their numbers.

With considerable losses, we could break them… but.

“Despite seeing our forces, they show no signs of movement…”

“They’re focused on defence, planning to counterattack when we advance, aren’t they?”

“Yes. It’s simple, but it suits this situation well.”

Currently, three of our six armies have joined forces. We have 15,000 troops, yet the enemy remains passive, waiting.

Are they that afraid of us? No, even if our armies gather, we are still outnumbered.

Their plan is likely to focus on defence and surround us with their large force, wearing us down.

While they may be missing an opportunity, their caution is likely why they didn’t deploy troops along the river.

“…It can’t be helped. Judging by their stance, they’ll continue to wait for us to make the first move. Send word to the remaining armies!”

“Haa!”

The armies yet to join are under the command of Laris, Lombard and Darba.

Darba, despite being of Para descent, possesses remarkable command skills, so I’ve entrusted him with one of the armies this time.

“Inform the three armies to return to the east side of the Tereshim River! There’s no need to converge here! Also, tell the Kyamura tribe to bring all the spoils they’ve managed so far… including any treasures!”

My instructions will be promptly relayed through the Doga tribe. Shamia, who was listening nearby, tilts her head.

“Are you planning to negotiate with them?”

“In a way, yes. If it goes well, good… if not, we’ll resort to another tactic.”

■

As Vilgard had anticipated, Godrick had led the lords under his protection with their armies all the way to the capital.

Observing Vilgard’s previous battles, it’s evident that launching an attack with insufficient forces would result in quick defeat. Thus, Godrick fortified his defences early on to avoid unnecessary casualties by consolidating his forces in one place.

The plains before the capital are ideal for deploying a large army. And this tactic would be somewhat effective against Vilgard, given his previous actions.

“Hehehe…! Vilgard fundamentally refrains from burning down villages or looting…! Of course, his own future subjects…! He can’t afford to give them reasons to resent him without cause…!”

Vilgard’s target of invasion is the capital. By consolidating his forces here, Godrick expects Vilgard to attempt to disperse them. The most effective means of doing so would be to raid and loot neighbouring towns and villages.

In response, Vilgard would be compelled to move his forces to aid the civilians. Failure to do so would result in a loss of trust among his future subjects.

However, Vilgard is unable to do so. His genuine intention to unify the empire prevents him from resorting to such tactics lightly.

This presents a challenge in civil wars compared to wars against foreign nations.

Godrick exploits this situation. Even if Vilgard consolidates his forces here, he cannot raid the surrounding towns and villages to disperse them.

“Even if the surrounding towns were occupied, the capital of Clostova is vast…! There are reserves to sustain the army for a while…!”

Moreover, even with a smaller force, a complete siege of a vast city like the capital is practically impossible. Preparing a force capable of fully besieging a major city would also make it difficult to sustain that force.

The tactic of starving out an opponent requires personnel, circumstances, and expertise, and it’s not an easy strategy to employ.

In this particular situation, time is on my side…! Vilgard is the one who wants to unify the territories of the allied lords quickly, not me!

Of course, in the long run, taking time would also have its disadvantages for Godrick. Apart from provisions, there’s also the uncertainty of when the Imperial Knights might cross the border for a full-scale military invasion.

But for now, the Imperial Knights seem quiet and Godrick has estimated that he can withstand their pressure for a few more months.

If a solution for the conquest isn’t found, Vilgard would likely become anxious…! That could provide an opportunity to initiate negotiations, and ideally, it would be preferable to win a battle before that happens…!

If we fight now, victory is assured for us. While Vilgard’s army is formidable, there’s a limit to human endurance. Given the overwhelming numerical advantage we have, the lack of experience can be compensated for.

Moreover, winning even one battle would put us in a stronger position for negotiations in the future. At the very least, my own position would be secure and Vilgard himself should recognize and appreciate my contribution.

“Godrick-sama, we can defeat the prince’s army now. Let’s strike.”

“Fool! I’ve already said we’ll wait for them to come to us! Don’t overstep your bounds and follow my orders!”

“…Yes, understood.”

Here we go again. Some of the lords are suggesting that we attack now because we could win. But even if Vilgard’s army is fully assembled, we still outnumber them by more than double. If they come to attack us, we’ll be ready to meet them with our forces fully prepared.

Why should we exhaust ourselves by attacking when we’re in a stronger position to defend?

The rash actions of the glory-seeking lords must be firmly controlled.

With that in mind, Godrick’s large army faced off against Vilgard’s forces day after day. And finally, the enemy forces began to move.

“So it begins…! I knew it! I expected you to make the first move…!”

Godrick was convinced that Vilgard would definitely act first.

It’s Vilgard who wants to settle this quickly. And from his past actions, it’s clear he’s a belligerent man.

With the experience of consecutive victories, he dreams of being able to defeat even a large army.

Moreover, Vilgard harbours a strong hatred towards him. He was insulted by being asked to hand over his wife, and that anger is unstoppable.

With such a hated enemy right in front of him, it’s unthinkable that the belligerent and young prince would remain quiet.

“Alright! Draw them in as close as possible! The enemy is undoubtedly skilled in warfare…! They might be waiting for the moment we make a move!”

There are no hidden troops around. In this plain, it’s impossible to deploy hidden troops in the first place. A head-on collision between the two armies is inevitable.

“They’re coming! Intercept them! They’re outnumbered, so we can surely overwhelm them with our large army!”

“Oooooh!!”