351 – Go North – 3
Last day of the first semester. Early in the morning, before she even had her vacation, she had a meeting with the principal.
“It’s going to be a launching ceremony in a few days.”
“Yes, now only His Majesty’s name remains.”
I nodded and replied to the principal’s calm words.
The Northern Army had already gathered, excluding the minimum number of troops for security, and three corps from the Western Army also arrived in the Duchy of Hablem. The corps belonging to the Central District Army and private soldiers from all over the country had also gathered at the assembly point designated by the emperor, so the only thing left was to officially launch the war.
“It’s a war again before the wounds of the last war are completely gone. It’s a pity.”
The principal let out a small sigh, and the bitterness was evident.
As the principal only stays at the academy, you might think he has little to do with this war, but the principal is a great wizard who was once active in the military and an educator who taught countless students. He would not feel comfortable because his juniors or his disciples would participate in the war.
“I wanted to return to the army again. This old man should be active even a little so that at least one of his young friends can live.”
In fact, the principal submitted a letter of resignation to the Minister of Education shortly after the summons was issued. As he himself said, because the sacrifices of the young are only given by the old.
Of course, I heard that the principal’s resignation was rejected. It would be unreasonable for him to send someone who had already devoted his youth to serving the empire, and who is now nurturing the future of the empire, into war. Besides, for an old man who has already retired from the military to participate in the war, it is also a hindrance to the empire’s face.
“In the military, there are many seasoned generals who lead young soldiers. There are also many who have lived through the past war. I understand your concerns, but don’t take them too seriously.”
I gave appropriate words of consolation to such a principal. I know the heart of the principal who must have lost many juniors and students in the last subjugation war, but the principal’s role is to be an educator. Trying to get out of that role is both tiring and troublesome.
“Yes, that’s right. The Inspector General is right.”
The principal also nodded at my words. It’s probably because he said it out of a sense of frustration, so he must have accepted it in moderation and moved on. In fact, in a situation where even the resignation letter was dismissed, what could the principal do other than complaining like this?
I just hope that the people I’ve met over the years won’t collapse in vain.
“Please take care of yourself, too. It’s hard to imagine the inspector getting hurt, but war is a place where you never know what might happen.”
“Thanks for the advice.”
I answered the principal’s words with a slight smile. Among the connections the principal met, I was also included. I’ve been with him at work for a year and a half, so it’s no small relationship.
But what about this? I have to tell the principal that I’m a little sorry to tell the concerned principal.
“Come to think of it, I got a call from the Ministry of Finance yesterday. They said that if the war gets longer or if something goes wrong with me, the 1st section will come as an inspector instead of me.”
I could see the headmaster startled at those words. It’s also a problem that someone else comes in place of the inspector I’ve barely gotten used to, but that’s why the first section in charge of torture. From the principal’s point of view, it’s mind-boggling.
But what can I do? To fill my void, the same manager or minister would have to come forward, but that is impossible. That’s why the 1st section chief, who is my lover and has a little bit of contact with the members, comes.
“Dara, an academy graduate, came as an inspector. It’s a different experience.”
“hahahaha, he must be too.”
For a moment, it seemed that the school life of the head of department 1 flashed by in the principal’s head, but he didn’t pay attention.
“If Section 1 comes as an inspector, I’ll tell you well. It’s possible to keep in touch even during the war.”
Of course, the best way is to end the war during vacation, but the last war dragged on for two years, so I can’t say for sure. You can’t make the principal look forward to it with pointless words, so let’s keep the dispatch of section 1 constant.
As soon as the vacation ceremony was over, I was surrounded.
“Karl, you have to take care of yourself. Don’t overdo it, eat on time… Also, what else is there?”
“Sleep well.”
“Oh, that’s right. Sleep is important too.”
Now the lovers and members are going back home. In the meantime, I was receiving all sorts of worries and encouragement because I was going to the battlefield, not my home.
But there’s something strange about worrying about it. Isn’t this like a mother who is worried about her children?
“I tend to take care of my body too, so don’t worry.”
Anyway, it’s okay to be worried, so I answered as brightly as possible. You won’t be able to see it until now, so there’s no need to worry with a dark expression for nothing—
“Did you have that kind of scar?”
“We decided not to say that anymore…”
I was almost at a loss for words at Irina’s strong fastball in the pit of the stomach. It is against the law to say such words at this time.
Still, seeing Irina with her tears welling up on her face, she instinctively lowered her head. Actually, her foul play wasn’t Irina, who brought up her scars, but she was me, who had those scars, wasn’t it? Let’s reflect
“…I can’t help the wounds that already exist, but you can’t come back after getting hurt again. You know that, right?”
“Of course.”
So she hurriedly nodded her head at Irina’s slightly watery words.
The reason why I had such scars in the first place was because of Kagan, but under normal circumstances, this could never happen. When you say this, it sounds like a flag, but common sense makes sense if another bastard like Kagan comes out in the same era.
She is sure that this time she will return safely. This is a common sense issue, not a foreshadowing.
“I hope to see you again within this year at the latest. Best of luck, Mr. Advisor.”
“Okay, thank you.”
In the meantime, a normal and ordinary greeting came out of Ryutis’ mouth, and I was moved. I shouldn’t be impressed with something like this.
“I’ll greet you separately at the manor.”
And she laughed when Erich told her to come to the manor before going out if she wanted to be greeted.
I was going to go anyway, but if I hear something like that, I have to go.
***
According to the father’s order, marshals were appointed to command the provincial army. The Count of Tileglechen and the former Count of Horfeld, as well as the Earl of Sapri in the north and the Marquis of Labirze in the west, have already been appointed by the emperor.
‘Perfect to handle.’
I know why the emperor suddenly handed over the right to appoint enemies. It must mean that I appoint myself as an enemy and put my color on it.
That’s why I decided on Count Sapri and Marquis of Labyrze. The two territories are strategic enough to be attached to the Dukedom of Hablem and the Duchy of Chenes, respectively. If I put it in my hands, it will be a profit if it is profitable, nothing will be lost.
Even the Count of Sapri and the Marquis of Labirze are people who are so enthusiastic that they directly go to war. In addition, he is also an aristocrat with a somewhat neutral position in the social world. Wouldn’t it be disrespectful not to appoint this?
‘There’s nothing to worry about about the Central Army.’
And unlike the local army, which had to find its enemy directly, the central army was easy. In the Western Army, the commander of the 8th Corps had already been appointed as the Marshal, and the Northern Army was directly commanded by the commander of the Army.
What is left is the Central Region Army, but even this is no problem as the eldest, the 2nd Corps commander, decided to go out. Especially since he has abilities appropriate to his age.
‘That’s a lot.’
He let out a small sigh. There are only seven enemies, including the commander of the Northern District Army, who will act as a de facto enemy. The Empire, which ended the war only three years ago, raised a large army that required seven enemies again.
Of course, the purpose of this large army is not to seriously exterminate nomads, but to intimidate them with their mere presence. More than 250,000 troops including the central army and the local army. It will come as a big burden for nomads who are only 60,000 to 70,000.
In addition, the head of the inspection department also serves. In other words, all elements that could shake the morale of the nomads were put in.
“If the nomads are afraid of the empire, the crystallization of that fear is the director of the inspection department. Even if they are warriors, they cannot put pressure on them just by existing.”
Suddenly, I remembered what the emperor said.
It is said that he appointed the military inspector paying attention to the symbol, not the military force of the inspector general. If you have to use force, you have to use it decisively, but only the director of the inspection department can lead the best way to win without fighting.
‘That’s right.’
If the group of nomads persists, the one who can never be forgotten is the Reverse Heaven, and the disaster that defeated such a Reverse Heaven is the Director of the Inspection Department. As much as the nomads admire and revere the reverse heavenr, their fear of the inspector general will grow.
Please, the effect of the Inspector General is greater than we predicted. The sooner the war ends, the better.
‘…Is it greedy to want it to end before the royal family is born?’
If the birth of the first child was bloodstained, it would be sad as a father—but if you forcefully demand an end to the war, only the poor soldiers will die.
So let’s leave it to Ennen and the Emperor. If you protect that child, you will make it born amid shouts and celebrations, not blood and tears.
***
As soon as I arrived at Jeje with Prince Majong, I went to work at the Inspection Department. Since the departure is imminent, I have to take the minimum action as a manager, and information about the expeditionary force may have arrived while I was away.
‘I just came.’
As expected, data on the expeditionary force arrived. That’s also the hot information that arrived this morning.
[Determination of the Northern Expeditionary Force
The 2nd Corps, 3rd Corps, and 5th Corps under the Central District Army.
The 8th Corps, 11th Corps, and 12th Corps under the Western District Army.
The 7th Corps, 15th Corps, 17th Corps, 23rd Corps, 24th Corps, and 26th Corps under the Northern District Army.
Above 12 corps of the central army participated in the war.
… ]
‘Oh.’
I was amazed to see the fully confirmed expeditionary force. I guessed because the emperor showed a splendid performance in the convocation order, but he really mobilized troops at a level similar to the previous war.
In addition, there are only seven enemies, or people equivalent to them, starting with Jeon Seung-gong, the vice-commander of the imperial army.
‘I made up my mind.’
At the moment, the seal of the Marquis in my pocket feels light.
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