Chapter 71 – Preparation for the invasion of the Kamurakku territory

“Gather the main commanders and soldiers for a war council aimed at reclaiming the Kamurakku territory.”

“After this battle, we will finally declare the founding of the Northern Empire of Zeltreich and enter a phase of consolidating our power. The sooner the battle ends, the longer we can spend solidifying our position.”

“So, if we quickly drive away the elite Imperial Knight Corps…”

“That’s right. And with our current strength, we have plenty of leeway to do so.”

While the enemy knight corps may be watching our movements closely, they haven’t completed their war preparations yet. Moreover, the environment isn’t conducive to defence, especially if they are looking to attack.

I point to the map spread out on the table.

“The Imperial Knight Corps managed to invade the Kamurakku territory by exploiting the gaps in the lords’ alliance but they couldn’t completely divide it east and west. Currently, they’re preoccupied with maintaining the territories they’ve gained.”

They’re maintaining a force of 40,000 soldiers, consisting of the 20,000 knight corps and an additional 20,000 sent as reinforcements. All of these troops are sustained solely by supplies from the south.

I recall Bandred Cruarde, the man in command of the 40,000 troops that Rhoban showed me.

“He’s the commander of the newly established Silver Spear Knight Corps, a reform initiated by Aroston. Like Lograin, he’s a young corps commander. The Silver Spear Knights particularly emphasise heavy cavalry…”

Our forces, consisting mainly of nomads accustomed to handling horses and benefiting from the grassland environment, function almost entirely as cavalry.

However, the basics of warfare involve coordination between infantry, cavalry, and other units. Depending on the situation, I’ve even dismounted and fought as infantry.

While we may predominantly use cavalry formations in some battles, it’s due to the nomads’ natural aptitude and the abundance of horses. However, in the empire’s view, units composed solely of cavalry are not practical.

Cavalry excel in sheer breakthrough power and mobility but they are not suited for siege warfare. Additionally, leveraging their mobility and considering the battlefield are essential.

The empire has more infantry than cavalry, which is expected. Training is necessary to fully utilise cavalry, and well-trained, stamina-rich warhorses are also crucial.

Unlike us, where cavalry numbers are limited, the empire maintains a higher ratio of infantry to cavalry. Thus, their tactics and formations have evolved accordingly. However…

‘Out of the 20,000 in the Silver Spear Knights, 10,000 are heavy cavalry…’

Half of this knight corps consists of cavalry. It’s likely that a significant portion of the empire’s resources has been allocated to this unit.

Gathering and training such numbers would have taken considerable time.

“Rhoban, please tell me how the Silver Spear Knight conquered the Kamurakku territory.”

“Very well.”

I review how the Silver Spear Knight Corps invaded the Kamurakku territory. With their force of 20,000, they defeated the 30,000 defenders.

“They utilised the breakthrough power of the cavalry to forcefully flank the enemy from the side. Then, they disrupted the enemy lines with infantry flanking manoeuvres and crushed them…”

“And among the 10,000 cavalry of the Silver Spear Knight Corps, 1,000 elite riders are said to literally carry silver long spears.”

Further improving the elite status of heavy cavalry is something I’ve been considering. I intend to proceed with organising such units, with Garshin at the center.

“..Hmm. This time, we’ll deploy with 60,000 troops.”

“Ooo!”

“It’s the largest number we’ve fielded compared to previous battles…”

“Yes. It will clearly demonstrate that I’ve unified this region.”

“And once this information reaches the capital, they’ll be even more wary of us and less likely to launch aggressive offensives.”

However, we can’t afford a narrow victory this time either. While not all of their cavalry…we should aim to crush the elite Silver Spear unit.

“If we enter Kamurakku territory with 60,000 troops from the outset, our forces will be easily detected. So, initially, I’ll split our forces into eight units of 5,000 each, totaling 40,000 troops, to commence the invasion.”

“As usual, this strategy will force the enemy to react cautiously to each separate attack, making it difficult for them to determine our total numbers. We’ll mitigate the risk of being picked off one by one by fully utilising the Dorga tribe’s messengers.”

“And Ondyle, I want you to lead a force of 20,000 troops and secure this location.”

I pointed to a fortress in the southern part of Kamurakku territory. It used to mark the border between the empire and the region.

“Since Kamurakku fell, this place has become a crucial supply point. While the enemy is in chaos due to our invasion, Ondyle will strike here.”

I intended for him to station the 20,000 soldiers directly at the fortress. Given its history as a border defence post, it should be well-fortified once we’ve assembled our troops.

“I see… So, we’ll start by cutting off the enemy’s supply route.”

“Exactly. This will also trap the enemy forces within Kamurakku territory. If they feel surrounded, it will psychologically pressure them.”

“Our army, mainly light infantry, will advance quietly along the southern route while hiding in the mountains and forests until we launch the invasion. However, with 20,000 troops, there’s a high chance of being spotted along the way. In that case, they should press on and capture the fortress as quickly as possible.”

“If the retreating knight corps tries to escape southward, engage them enough to let them flee into imperial territory.”

“Are you sure about that?”

“Yes. We want to feed them some information as well… And we don’t need unnecessary casualties against enemies willing to fight to the death.”

Once we initiate the invasion, the enemy will likely think their southern supply line is under threat. With 20,000 troops, Ondyle should be able to maintain a decent marching speed and secure the fortress.

Furthermore, if the empire’s supply routes are disrupted, they can’t afford to plunder towns and villages, which would only increase the hatred toward the current empire among nobles and commoners alike. 

It’s also challenging to wage civil war when neither side can afford to recklessly kill civilians. 

There are two main reasons why I chose Ondyle to lead the troops. First, he has battlefield experience and can effectively command soldiers. Second, it’s strategically beneficial to have him earn military merits here. The Linzent family will be my most significant support in the future and it’s essential to ensure that the next head of the family earns military achievements to strengthen their influence. 

Ultimately, by using Ondyle, I indirectly aim to unify the northern lords under the North Empire. It’s also a way for me to show favouritism as a member of their bloodline. 

‘However, showing too much favouritism could backfire in the future. Right now, there’s an understanding that the major lords who quickly submit to me receive certain privileges, so there shouldn’t be much concern about this level of favouritism. Still, it’s crucial not to overdo it, as this chance to earn military merits is a one-time opportunity.’

If Ondyle proves competent, he’ll naturally achieve success within the roles I assign him. 

“King, what if we invade and the 40,000 troops immediately head toward imperial territory? There’s a possibility of Ondyle’s forces being wiped out… What then?”

Kud’s question was insightful, anticipating the enemy’s potential escape plan. 

“We’ll avoid direct engagement and abandon Kamurakku territory. We’re confident in our victory, but such a scenario would be troublesome. However, I don’t foresee that happening.” 

“Is that so?”

“Yes. From the perspective of Bandred, the commander of the knight corps, the invasion of Kamurakku would be a significant achievement. I don’t believe a young leader like him would voluntarily abandon the region.” 

If he had received instructions from Arloston beforehand, it would be a different story but that’s unlikely. If Kamurakku territory were easily relinquished, they would have done so long ago, instead of investing efforts into maintaining it until now.

Eventually, we’ll use this territory as a base to launch an attack on the lords’ alliance. That’s why they sent an additional 20,000 troops. If we were to retreat at the slightest resistance, they wouldn’t invest such resources.

“As for the routes of the eight armies, we’ll adapt flexibly depending on the enemy’s actions. Whether they come out to confront us or adopt a defensive stance like Godrick remains uncertain… But we’ll avoid direct clashes until we’re fully prepared.”

“Yes!”

We’ll estimate the Silver Spear Knight Corps’ strength to the maximum and have noble prisoner soldiers positioned in the most dangerous battlegrounds. If they survive, I intend to elevate them as loyal nobles who have demonstrated their loyalty to me.

“Any questions?”

“Yes. It’s about the river along this route…”

We continued the war council, finalising the plans for our actions after entering Kamurakku territory. Then, two days later, we commenced the invasion of Kamurakku territory, marking the beginning of our journey towards establishing the North Empire.