Chapter: 352
With 150,000 from the Central Army and 100,000 from local forces, and six nobility appointed as commanders, the military force assembled was enough to make the Eastern Kingdoms shiver in fear!
Looking from the perspective of a recognized nation, you can see just how terrifying nomads are. The nomadic forces might muster about 70,000 at most, while the Empire has gathered a whopping 250,000 – that’s more than three times as many! Even at the lowest estimate of 60,000, that means we’re outnumbered four to one. At this rate, we might as well celebrate the victory before we even step into the ring.
If we were only facing nomads, I’d be 100% confident about winning this war…
“Damn those horse-riding bastards!”
The problem is all those 60,000-70,000 nomads are cavalry! Isn’t it like, come on nomads, let’s fight fair and square on foot instead of galloping around like wild horses?
Still, it’s reassuring to know that while the cavalry disparity is annoying, it’s not impossible to balance out. There’s no way the Emperor or the military would overlook the reasons for my concerns, which I, as a non-military guy, would worry about!
[… In addition to the special forces from each legion and local army, 14 knight orders from the Ministry of Intelligence, 8 mage corps, and 16 other units will participate.]
Whoa, look at this intel! A whopping 38 special forces units, all nurtured by the Emperor, are headed for the expeditionary army.
“That’s more than enough!”
Just looking at those numbers makes me nod in approval. Sure, cavalry can overwhelm infantry, but special forces? They’re like monsters that don’t even fit the usual hierarchy. No cavalry stands a chance against well-trained knights or mages – they’d just be moving targets. And while the Empire may be low on cavalry, it’s not hurting for special forces.
Of course, the North has knights and mages too, but let’s be real, most of them kicked the bucket during the last war.
“Why does it seem like everyone has a flaw?”
Thinking it over, it’s pretty hilarious. The Empire is short on cavalry while the North is light on special forces. It’s almost like both sides are marching into battle with a broken limb.
They say war is a game where two useless folks fight, and the one who’s less useless ends up winning – whoever said that was spot on. Thankfully, the Empire is the lesser of the two evils!
*
On the day of departure, I managed to get through the basics before visiting the territory, but as expected, the mood around there was anything but cheerful.
For my family, it’s like both the Patriarch and heir are off to war, and for the whole territory, plenty of noble folks are heading into battle with the local army. I mean, it would be weirder if the vibe was upbeat when family, friends, and neighbors are off to the front lines.
“Welcome! Is there anything uncomfortable in this hot weather?”
“I’m absolutely fine, thank you for asking!”
Even in that dreary atmosphere, my mother greeted me with as bright a face as she could muster. After all, she couldn’t show a gloomy expression in front of her son heading off to war!
“What a familiar face has come to see us.”
“Oh, it’s been a while, Mother.”
With my mother’s warm greeting, my subordinate from Department 4 hurriedly bowed his head.
He looked stiff as a board, but my mother smiled softly and patted him on the shoulder. The poor guy bent forward so much in gratitude it was like he was bowing down to a statue, but hey, at least it showed he respects her, right?
“Well, it’s quite a reunion to see you before heading out.”
And my mother muttered bittersweetly to the 4th Department member. From her perspective, it must be tough knowing that a daughter-in-law (one of them) is heading off to war. First, her husband, then her son, and now a daughter-in-law – what kind of cruel fate is at play here?
But it can’t be helped. With the special forces from the Ministry of Intelligence being deployed, there’s no reason for Mukgwangdae to sit this one out. Plus, the original Mukgwangdae has roots in the Information Department’s 4th Division, which was highlighted during the last major hunt. Ignoring that would seem even weirder.
“Worry not too much. Penelia won’t be on the front lines like me.”
Fortunately, I had some good news that might ease my mother’s mind, so I cautiously offered some comfort. Although Mukgwangdae was mobilized because of its symbolism, that same symbolism meant they’d closely follow me around to double down on the pressure the nomads would feel.
That said, Mukgwangdae is likely to stay back on the main base rather than charging into battle. But if I do go to the front lines, they’ll definitely fight alongside me. Honestly, unless Dorgon shows up, there’s little chance of us getting hurt.
“While going to war is best avoided… at least, that’s a relief.”
My mother’s voice carried a touch more lightness after hearing that.
“Make sure to return safely. I wish for nothing more than for you all to return healthy.”
And then she hugged both me and the 4th Division member and softly whispered. As a noble who values duty to the Empire, what she said was pretty heartfelt, coming from her as just a mother and mother-in-law. Just like the last time with the Patriarch.
“Yes, I’ll do just that.”
The 4th Division member replied resolutely to my mother’s words. For him, an orphan who lost parents, it seemed to really touch him to hear my mother’s concern for him.
“I’ll return without a scratch.”
“Good, you better do that.”
With the 4th Division member’s firm reply, my mother smiled sweetly. But from the sidelines, as an observer, I noticed a tiny misunderstanding brewing between the two.
My mother likely meant for them to return without a fight, while the 4th Division member seemed to interpret it a bit differently.
“If I kill before I get hurt, then I won’t have any scars.”
A strange interpretation where, well, if you wipe out the enemy in overwhelming force, you don’t get hurt. Suddenly, the 4th Division member finds himself hearing a victory chant from his mother-in-law!
But honestly, his interpretation isn’t entirely off either. If you kill before getting hurt, you definitely avoid damage!
“Lady, it’s a bit inappropriate to keep those who have just arrived outside for too long, isn’t it?”
“Oh.”
At that moment, the maid standing behind my mother whispered softly, and she jumped.
Somehow, we hugged and offered encouragement like we were sending someone off, but we had just arrived!
“Come on in. By the way, have you eaten yet?”
“No, not yet.”
I had eaten before, but I figured I shouldn’t say that at this moment since it might make my mother feel awkward.
So, I just had a meal and then headed toward the gathering point of the expeditionary forces near the Capital. The Patriarch was already preparing for deployment at the Capital, and my mother didn’t seem like she wanted to hold onto me for too long. She just wanted one last look at my face and to share a meal together.
I worried that she might tear up during the meal, but thankfully she held it together this time. I guess she must have cried her heart out last time.
“Be safe out there. I trust you’ll return in one piece wherever you go; but just to be safe, take care.”
“Thanks. Oh, when you have time, reach out to Count Horfelt. He’s heading to battle too, so he might be feeling anxious.”
And right after the meal, following Erich’s earnest encouragement, I tossed in some advice and then hit the road.
I mean, it’s comical to be dishing out dating advice just before war breaks out, but this is more about giving Count Horfelt a heads-up than about helping Erich. He’s already got enough trouble dealing with his totally clueless crush. With his father heading off to war, he must be on edge about everything!
This is about saving Count Horfelt’s sanity… Hopefully, he’s pleased to hear from Erich!
“What’re you thinking about?”
“Oh, just wondering how many nephews I’ll have.”
In the middle of my concern for Count Horfelt’s mental state, I reflexively answered the Minister’s gruff voice.
It’s a weird answer, but considering how perceptive Erich is, it’s not wrong either.
“Hah, I’m actually more curious about how many kids you have.”
“Well, it could be either over or under twenty!”
I could see the Minister chuckle hard at my nonchalant answer, but I ignored it.
“Then make sure you come back in one piece! If you don’t make it, twenty future officials will vanish into thin air!”
“Hey, don’t go deciding the futures of someone else’s kids without permission!”
But this wasn’t a statement I could ignore.
Who the heck would turn someone else’s kids into slaves? My kids will be lazy rich folks!
“Seeing these formidable soldiers, I can truly sense the Empire’s firm destiny ahead.”
Just then, while I was about to unleash a rant in a fatherly manner, the Emperor’s voice echoed through the gathering area. Did he use an artifact? Because his voice boomed across the vast plain.
The real commencement of the expedition ceremony was about to kick off, so I quickly clamped my mouth shut. Damn it, I should’ve snuck in a curse or two earlier!
“The Empire does not sit in a position of challenge but one of receiving challenges.”
As the Emperor stood confidently on the podium, flanked by the Crown Prince, the Minister of the Imperial Household, and others, he spoke of the Empire’s history.
“Throughout the 300 years of our Empire’s history, we have faced countless challenges.”
The Emperor emphasized the proud history of the Empire that triumphed over those challenges. The atmosphere of the gathering ignited with intensity as he spoke.
“Our great ancestors overcame those challenges. No hatred, no anger, no plea could halt the march of the Empire. Those that dared oppose us were simply crushed underfoot by the giant that is the Empire.”
Calm but proud, the Emperor’s words resonated like a powerful rallying cry.
“Now it’s our turn to follow in our ancestors’ footsteps. Just as they did, we shall crush the enemies of the Empire and display the strength of our destiny.”
It seemed like the Emperor aimed to boost morale; he raised his right arm in an unusual gesture for his usual straightforward self.
“Advance! Advance, to every corner of this continent, from the southernmost tip to the northernmost!”
With the Emperor’s gesture and a phrase all citizens know, it wasn’t a simple act anymore. The soldiers, already pumped with adrenaline, erupted in explosive cheers.
“””Advance! Advance, to every corner of the continent, from the southernmost to the northernmost! To all places where light shines!”””
“””Dominate! Dominate, from the lofty peaks of Garion to the vast oceans! Over all who bow to destiny!”””
The soldiers roared in unison!
Whether this chorus is proof of their patriotic fervor or a desperate attempt to mask their fears before heading into war is up for debate.
Of course, it doesn’t matter. The Emperor commanded, the nobles followed, and the soldiers cheered.
That’s all there is to it.
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