I Became the Master of the Empress chapter 125

125 – 129

Since Johannes declared war against the country in the council, the atmosphere in Roman has become grim.

First, a civil war broke out, shifting from the existing system to a wartime system, and my authority increased.

Notably, the right to arrest imperial members.

Starting with the members suspected of taking bribes from Johannes, I issued a summons to gather lords, soldiers, knights, and mages.

Of course, I refrained from issuing summons to the Erein Kingdom and the Bohemi Kingdom unnecessarily, fearing that the front lines might weaken.

“Your Grace, here is the report from the intelligence department.”

Reading the report that the Nicaean army has surrounded key forts, castles, and cities in the Dufol Duchy and is advancing towards the Jorenta where Leopold Duchy resides.

They are aiming to quickly capture the duchy.

Facing the Erein Kingdom and the Bohemi Kingdom, the 130,000 army is overwhelming.

It is unreasonable for both kingdoms to face a 130,000 army.

“First… we need to withdraw troops from Roman.”

The shortest route for us to reach the Erein Kingdom and the Bohemi Kingdom is to follow the shortcut of the Dufol Duchy.

They might occupy the shortcut soon. Considering a possible retreat, I think it is time to send troops.

Currently, there are barely over 40,000 troops stationed in Roman.

Of course, they will increase in the future, but…

“What about the negotiations with Muller and Sardania Kingdom, Lucius?”

Lucius cautiously responds to my question.

“They have not received a response from their homeland and are postponing negotiations day by day.”

-Tap… Tap…

I ponder while tapping the table with my fingers.

Let’s not be impatient. Impatience is not allowed.

Even if there is a crisis in front of us and Erein and Bohemi are at odds, overall, we are not at a disadvantage.

Isn’t war our specialty, no matter what others say?

“Where are Phillip and Martin?”

When I ask about the two, Lucius points outside the door.

“I’m in the middle of important studies. Shall I call them?”

Upon hearing that, I nod.

“Yes, I’ll call them after tidying up a bit before William arrives.”

Upon my words, Lucius nods.

“In that case, I shall inform them.”

– Click!

Seeing the door close, I unfold a map on my desk, spreading out the wooden horses with military symbols, waiting for the two.

– Click!

“Your Highness, have you located them?”

“Have you called them?”

I speak, looking at the generals dressed in silver armor.

“Please come in. There’s a chair, please take a seat.”

Looking at the two sitting on the chairs, I speak.

“I called the generals due to the dispatch of reinforcements to Eren and Bohemia.”

Placing the wooden horses with military symbols on the map, I continue.

“According to the information from the intelligence department, this is the current situation.”

“Hmm…”

Upon my words, Philip and Martin frown, lost in thought.

“So, I’m considering moving the troops from Rome. I’d like to hear your opinions.”

“But why can’t we see the troops from Eren and Bohemia?”

I reply with a composed face.

“The intelligence department has not yet established a spy network in Eren and Bohemia, causing a delay in information confirmation, but news will likely arrive soon.”

As I finish speaking, Philip closes his eyes, lost in thought, and Martin moves the map around.

I know that besides moving the troops from Rome, there is no other way.

“The gathering point for the troops is set to be the Kingdom of Ern. It’s a strategic move.”

Deciding that the troops will gather in the Kingdom of Ern.

“But looking at the situation in Dufol, it might not last a week…”

Upon hearing that, I nod.

“We haven’t gathered information yet on how prepared Eren and Bohemia are for war. Even if they are well-prepared… with so many troops, they won’t be able to hold on for long.”

Seeing both men nod in agreement, I continue.

“So, I plan to divide the currently stationed Roman troops to aid Eren and Bohemia.”

I move two out of the four horses placed in Rome towards Eren and Bohemia.

“Even in the worst case scenario where Eren and Bohemia are unprepared, between the time we move and the entire territory being occupied, they should receive support from these troops.”

Philip nods at my words.

“If they were all occupied, it would be good to block the enemy from heading towards Rome from Symphoropolis.”

Symphoropolis is a sizable city on the route from the Kingdom of Ern to Rome, bypassing Dufol.

“I agree, but… it seems like the troops are too few. If the enemy has 130,000 troops, it’s not a problem that can be solved with 10-20,000.”

Upon that, I nod.

“Correct. I plan to use them to detain the enemy.”

They can’t just pass by a city with 10,000 to 20,000 of them stationed there.

We don’t know when or where they’ll cut off supplies. To maintain superiority, we’ll have to deploy at least 30,000 to 40,000.

Meanwhile, I need to think about a new strategy.

Honestly, I don’t want to go this far.

If Ern and Bohemi fall, the war will turn into a long one.

It’s already hard to bear. If it turns into a long war, I can’t imagine how much harder it will be.

If Ern is breached.

The Adriatic landing will be difficult.

If the Nicaean army leaves the valley and comes out onto the plain, a supply route will be established directly from Nicaea.

We might end up isolated, so we can’t use it.

“Hmm… First, we must hope that Ern and Bohemi are diligently preparing for war.”

I nod at those words.

“Yes.”

“But I’m worried that with Rome’s forces depleted, the nobles of the Empire might have other ideas, or Johannes might use the navy to sail up the Tiber River.”

I smile subtly and shake my head at that.

“Sailing up the river… that’s something we shouldn’t worry about. Honestly, it might even be better.”

Without mentioning that they will become allies, Martin smiles and says.

“You seem to have a hidden card up your sleeve. I’ll believe it then.”

“Yes. There’s a surprising fact for you all. I hope to bring you good news soon.”

Philip nods and smiles slightly.

“So, who will lead the reinforcements? Do you think it will be me or Martin?”

This situation requires quick thinking and skillful management of the crumbling front line.

As the suitable candidate…

“I’d like to send General Martin.”

At my words, Martin’s face lights up with a bright smile.

“hahahaha, General Philip, it seems like I’ve won this bet.”

At Martin’s words, Philip’s face twists slightly.

“Well, Your Highness. I’m not doubting your judgment, but wouldn’t I be a better fit?”

Philip tries to change my mind, but I shake my head.

“General Philip, you have other tasks to handle, but what bet did you two make?”

At my words, the two look sheepish.

“It’s nothing, just a bet on who would go to the battlefield first.”

I’m puzzled by Martin’s words.

Is it good to go to the battlefield? Is that what they bet on?

“hahahaha, we bet on who would be the superior general by answering Your Highness’s call first.”

I awkwardly smile at Philip’s words.

“Is that so? General Philip, you have other tasks to handle.”

He nods with a dejected look on his face.

“Of course. We only follow orders.”

“hahahaha, thank you for saying so. General Martin, please leave for Eren by tomorrow.”

With those words, I rise from my seat.

“I must go meet Lord William. I shall take my leave now.”

Upon my words, the two individuals also stand up.

“Are you truly going with His Majesty?”

Observing their concerned expressions, I nod.

“I am merely accompanying Mary and Ilman, what trouble could there be?”

Upon realizing that William was heading to Rome, I summoned Mary immediately.

Though she usually dislikes leaving the Duchy, the news of William’s journey to Rome left her with no choice but to assist in surprise.

“Has Lady Mary arrived?”

As the two express their surprise, I respond.

“Yes. Mary will be joining us, so do not worry too much.”

“If that is the case…”

Seeing Martin and Philip’s eyes meet, I speak.

“Then I shall take my leave.”

From Noble mtl dot com

Thus, I excuse myself from the Duke’s presence and exit the palace.

A white carriage.

Eight beautiful white horses pulling the carriage.

Adorned with gold in various places, the carriage is splendid and extravagant.

Personally, I find it overly ornate, but what can one do?

It is the royal carriage, after all.

As I attempt to board the carriage, a familiar voice calls out.

“Brother?! Why are you so late?!”

In response to Mary’s exclamation, I lightly wave my hand and say, “Here?”

And promptly board the carriage.

Seated in the carriage is a stern-looking Theodora.

“Why are you so late?”

“hahahaha…”

Scratching my head awkwardly at her, I say, “Well… I had some urgent matters to attend to. What is the coachman doing? Let’s get going.”

Issuing the command, the carriage begins to move.

“But… Did you get enough sleep?”

Blinking a bit at her question, I reply, “Yeah, about two hours? I managed to get some rest.”

Upon my words, Theodora’s face turns grave as she says, “Two… two hours? You should rest more. You might collapse.”

Raising my hand in assurance, I say, “Don’t worry. I won’t collapse.”

Thus, as I wave my hand, I ponder over the upcoming events in my mind.