Glaiftrum War Chronicles The Salvation Strategy of Matthias, the Smiling Strategist
Unified Calendar Year 1196, June 1st.
In the central city of Glaiftrum in the Kingdom of Glaiftrum, at the Mage Tower. Matthias von Lauschenbach.
I have obtained information that the Kingdom of Glaiftrum is sending reinforcements to support the struggling Rihctorrot Empire, which is under invasion by the Zoldata Empire, alongside its southern neighbor, the Republic of Granzfuot .
Based on the information I’ve received, the chances of success are slim, and I conveyed this concern to the Great Sage Magda.
After hearing my concerns, the Great Sage asked if there was any way to achieve victory against the empire.
In response, I began explaining the situation based on certain assumptions.
“First, regarding the premise: it’s likely that the Third Legion of the Empire, currently stationed in the western part of the Rihctorrot Empire with 30,000 troops, will be deployed against the combined forces of Glaiftrum and Granzfuot .”
Currently, the Third Legion of the Empire, led by Marshal Rodereich Mauer, is advancing westward from Edelstein to expand their sphere of influence.
Although the Third Legion has split into smaller units of 2,000 to 3,000 soldiers each, most cities have surrendered without resistance due to the Rihctorrot Empire concentrating its forces around the capital.
“The Imperial Army anticipates the advance of the allied forces, so they will likely set up an ambush somewhere along the Nordstrasse highway. Although the Lichtprellie plains are mostly grasslands, there are numerous obstacles like rivers and relations with nomadic tribes to consider.”
The Lichtprellie Plains span about 400 kilometers east to west and 300 kilometers north to south. While there are no major rivers, several large streams comparable to Japan’s first-class rivers flow from south to north, necessitating river crossings.
There are bridges in place, but a force of 60,000 soldiers would need to use the main road, the Nordstrasse highway, for logistical reasons.
One suggestion is to take the easier upstream route, but the southern part of the plains falls within the semi-independent nomadic tribal territory.
Due to the lack of cities, supplies would be difficult to procure, and passing through the aggressive tribes’ territory could lead to trouble. Therefore, it is almost certain that the allied forces will use the Nordstrasse highway.
“Even though we have twice the number of troops, fighting the Imperial Army on open ground would guarantee the allied forces’ defeat. It’s easy to imagine them meeting the same fate as the Rihctorrot Army two and a half years ago.”
In the Battle of Hirschfeld in Unified Calendar Year 1193, an 80,000-strong army of the Rihctorrot Empire was utterly crushed by the 60,000-strong Imperial Army, leading to the loss of the strategically important southern mining region.
While we do have twice the manpower, there has been no prior experience of large-scale joint military operations between the kingdom and the republic, and achieving victory through mere tabletop exercises is impossible. The Great Sage also shares this understanding, nodding immediately.
“I see. So what do you propose?”
As expected, she asked. I had already devised a plan.
“We’ll spread false information to confuse the Imperial Army. Specifically, using the Hendraatzunft merchants’ guild, we’ll circulate the rumor that the allied forces are bypassing the Nordstrasse highway, skirting the Beesestock Mountains, and joining forces with the Chützenhagen Kingdom Army to amass over 100,000 troops marching north.”
“Hmm. Certainly, spreading information through merchants will make the Empire respond accordingly. However, won’t the Imperial Army simply remain to defend the mining regions?”
The path from the Beesestock Mountains to the southern mining areas is undeveloped, with only small villages capable of supporting supplies, and no record of large armies moving through. The Empire might think we’ll self-destruct if left alone.
“That possibility can’t be denied. However, the Imperial Army will likely have doubts about the sudden change in strategy. Emperor Cornelius probably intends to settle this campaign decisively, so he will gather intelligence.”
“Indeed.”
The Great Sage nodded, prompting me to continue.
“With that in mind, we’ll send a large amount of supplies to Feralat. This information should be kept as secret as possible. However, the Kingdom’s military has little concept of information control, so it’s bound to leak into enemy intelligence networks. Upon receiving this intel, the Emperor will likely view the Beesestock Mountain bypass as misinformation.”
The Empire places significant value on information, while the Kingdom lacks the notion of counterintelligence or information management—something the Emperor is well aware of.
“Hmm…?”
The Great Sage furrowed her brows in thought. Ignoring her silence, I continued.
“If it were the Emperor, he’d turn this information to his advantage and keep the Third Legion heading west as initially planned. Then, assuming the Imperial Army believes the allies are safely positioned in the southern mining region after being misled, they will attempt to intercept them near the Schwahn River.”
“Given Cornelius’ personality, that’s entirely plausible. And how do you plan to counter that?”
Emperor Cornelius II was known even before his ascension for being an excellent military strategist, renowned for bold maneuvers.
“Before the Imperial Army reaches the Schwahn River, we move quickly and enter Feralat, a town with high defensive capabilities.”
Feralat is a fortified city near the border with the Kingdom of Glaiftrum, close to the Schwahn River, and located at the westernmost edge of the Rihctorrot Empire.
Though its population is around 30,000, during the height of the Rihctorrot Empire, nearly 30,000 soldiers were stationed there. Protected by walls roughly 1.5 kilometers per side and five meters high, Feralat boasts strong defenses.
Currently, most of the imperial forces have been relocated to the capital, but as part of the joint operation, we should still be able to utilize Feralat.
“Yes, retreating into Feralat and awaiting the enemy there would minimize losses for our forces.”
“Exactly. Moreover, luring the Imperial expeditionary force into Feralat would neutralize one-third of their forces safely.”
The Imperial expeditionary force consists of three legions totaling 90,000 troops. Neutralizing one legion alone would significantly reduce pressure on the Rihctorrot Army.
“I see…”
“Next, a portion of the Rihctorrot Army, approximately 30,000 men, will head towards Feralat via the Grün River. Traveling downstream, even if the Imperial Army detects movement, it will be difficult for news to reach the Third Legion before a surprise attack.”
The Grün River flows from the capital, Rihctorrot , into the Stormgolf Bay. It serves as the primary artery for transporting goods to the Kingdom of Glaiftrum and the Republic of Granzfuot . Gathering enough ships to transport 30,000 men wouldn’t be too challenging.
Additionally, unlike the sea, the river lacks large magical beasts, making it safe to transport large numbers of soldiers.
“Using the river for a surprise attack… quite an ingenious plan, young man.”
“As the Rihctorrot Army approaches, we can communicate instantly using the Kingdom’s magical communication devices. Once coordinated, we can launch a pincer attack with triple the force, which makes annihilating one legion entirely feasible.”
The Kingdom of Glaiftrum receives assistance from the Wise Guardian Weisswache, allowing communication over distances of about twenty kilometers. In contrast, other countries’ communication devices, including the Empire’s, can only transmit effectively over about one kilometer under optimal conditions.
“In essence, we’re turning the tables on the Empire by employing their own divide-and-conquer strategy. Quite insightful…”
As the Great Sage noted, my goal is indeed to employ a divide-and-conquer strategy.
The Republic’s military capabilities are unknown, but both the Glaiftrum Kingdom and the Rihctorrot Empire’s armies are evaluated at roughly 50% strength compared to the Empire’s forces. Especially considering this hastily formed coalition, facing the Empire head-on would be extremely challenging.
Without overwhelming numerical superiority, the coalition stands little chance of victory. For assured success, I believe we need not just double but triple the enemy’s forces.
Though I haven’t mentioned it to the Great Sage, even if the surprise attack via the river fails and the Rihctorrot Army is defeated, as long as we hold Feralat, the Kingdom’s forces will suffer minimal losses. If the Rihctorrot Empire’s defeat becomes inevitable, it won’t significantly impact the overall situation given the current slow decline.
“Even if you aim for individual destruction, what happens if the capital is attacked while you’re engaged at Feralat? Diverting 30,000 troops to Feralat leaves only 20,000 behind in the capital. Can they withstand an attack by two legions totaling 60,000 Imperial troops?”
“I’ve heard that the capital, Rihctorrot , is a highly fortified city protected by the natural stronghold of the Grün River. With a large population, raising volunteer forces should provide sufficient manpower. Given the Empire’s abundant food supply, resources should be plentiful…”
Rihctorrot is a food-exporting country and should have ample food reserves. Historically, the capital has been attacked numerous times over the past decade, relying on sieges to repel invaders. Without proper siege weapons, the Empire’s forces will find it difficult to capture the city if it focuses purely on defense.
“Considering these factors, the capital should be able to hold out for at least three months, likely six. By winning at Feralat within that time, and sending 90,000 troops to relieve the capital while the Chützenhagen Kingdom probes the southern borders, even the Imperial Army may avoid decisive battle.”
Even with a decisive victory at Feralat, reclaiming the southern mining regions will be difficult. The Empire holds fortified cities there, making them impregnable with only double the forces.
Therefore, my aim isn’t blind confrontation but rather reducing the Imperial Army’s strength by focusing local forces for targeted attacks, shrinking the frontline, and delaying the invasion of the Lichtprellie Plains.
“However, this method will take time, and since we won’t have defeated the main Imperial force led by the Emperor, it doesn’t align with the Marquis’ desire for a glorious victory to celebrate the new queen’s coronation. The likelihood of adoption is low.”
“Indeed. So, what alternative plan should I recommend to His Majesty?”
I had considered this question as well and answered immediately.
“Just one thing: appoint Count Northausen instead of Count Weigert as the supreme commander. With Northausen in command, unnecessary losses can be avoided.”
Count Lothar von Weigert, aged sixty-two, is a veteran general who has many achievements in battles against the southern religious state of Lecht France and is hailed as a famous general.
However, reviewing the records shows he hasn’t achieved results worthy of such acclaim. Although he successfully repelled the Lecht French Army, the damage to the Kingdom’s forces was disproportionately high despite having the advantage of the Eckewald Fortress.
Weigert is a key figure in the Marquis of Markthofen’s faction. There’s a high likelihood that the Marquis influenced military inspectors to exaggerate victories. Hence, Weigert’s abilities are questionable.
On the other hand, Count Caspar von Northausen, who will turn forty next year, is a seasoned and reliable commander. Though not flashy, he has consistently repelled enemies without losing troops in battles against Lecht France.
More importantly, the frontline soldiers trust him far more than Weigert. Under Northausen’s command, many soldiers will rejoice.
However, Northausen maintains political distance from the Marquis of Markthofen, making his appointment as supreme commander in this operation highly unlikely.
“That expression suggests you understand the difficulty.”
“If the Great Sage recommends him, he might not become the supreme commander but could still participate as one of the generals. If Northausen commands 10,000 troops, even in a major defeat, at least half should return.”
“Hmm. That severe, is it… then, negotiate with that as the compromise…”
At this point, the Great Sage seemed to realize something and turned her gaze towards me.
“Our objective isn’t limited to this battle, is it? You’re thinking of forging a bond with Northausen through this opportunity.”
She looked at me with an inquiring gaze. I nodded in response.
“I know the purpose of the Wise Guardian Weisswache…”
“Yes. That’s right.”
The Great Sage nodded, encouraging me to continue.
“The Norhausen family has served the royal family loyally for generations, producing excellent military leaders and politicians. I’ve heard the eldest son is a promising young man, and restraining the influence of the Marquis of Markthofen requires this.”
The founding purpose of the Wise Guardian Weisswache is the revival of the deity Administrator Hershaheru.
It is said that candidates for the administrator are born human and become true administrators by overcoming trials. The highest probability of candidates being born is within the Glaiftrum royal family. The Great Sage Magda and the Wise Guardian Weisswache secretly work to protect the Glaiftrum royal family.
Personally, I have little interest in the revival of the god Hershaheru. Of course, I know that the Great Sage considers me a candidate for the role of confidant, but my wish is for a peaceful life.
Becoming a confidant of a god would mean walking a thorny path, easily imagined. Ambitious individuals might find allure in such a position, but personally, the inconvenience outweighs the appeal.
Nevertheless, I feel grateful towards the Great Sage and the mages of the Wise Guardian Weisswache, who saved my life.
And Karla of the Shadow Watchers, who guards and cares for me, feels closer than my family in the capital. Thus, I’m willing to assist in their activities to some extent.
“If you were born twenty years earlier, I would have entrusted you with persuading the king. You surpass me in rhetoric.”
Her overestimation left me only able to respond with a bitter smile.