44: A Conversation Between Brothers
Before the Decisive Battle.
Total number of Arleigh Kingdom troops: 2,220.
Total number of Nadz Kingdom troops: 7,000.
Casualties.
Arleigh Kingdom troops: Approximately 300 dead and wounded.
Nadz Kingdom troops: Approximately 1,500 dead and wounded.
After the Decisive Battle.
Total number of Arleigh Kingdom troops: 1,920.
Total number of Nadz Kingdom troops: 5,500.
“…”
I was speechless when I received the initial battle report. I had a lot to say and a lot to think about. But the first thing that came to mind was how well we had actually won.
Depending on the country and the speaker, opinions vary, but in general, the attrition rate for soldiers in war, the so-called definition of annihilation, is said to be 30% of the total and 60% of the front-line troops.
To be a little more specific, a war is divided into front-line troops who actually fight and rear-echelon troops who handle logistics and other tasks. It is usually said that this is roughly divided in half. However, the battlefield where this battle is taking place is within Arleigh territory. Our supply lines were fully intact, so the Arleigh rear-echelon troops were only about 30% of the total.
In contrast, the Nadz Kingdom was advancing completely into enemy territory, so they may have had more rear-echelon support. At the very least, it would have been more than half.
At the time my grandfather went to reinforce them, the Arleigh Kingdom army had approximately 3,720 men. If 70% of them were front-line troops, then the number would be 2,600, even if we cut off the finer numbers. Of these, 1,500 had died in battle before the decisive battle, so the Arleigh Kingdom’s front-line troops at the time of the decisive battle were 1,100. In addition, 60% of the 2,600 front-line troops would be 1,560.
In other words, if we apply the definition of annihilation to the Arleigh Kingdom army, it was almost already defeated before the decisive battle.
So why did the battle take place? It was because I took the option of a ‘decisive battle’.
A decisive battle means a head-on battle to decide the outcome, but in our country, it can also mean ‘to fight with all our might’.
In other words, I had thrown “all of the rearguard troops” into the battle in the decisive battle. That’s why I was able to increase my forces to 2,220 in the final battle.
The estimated number of frontline troops of the Nads Kingdom at the time of the decisive battle was 3,000. In reality, the difference in military strength was not even three times as much.
However, they were only rearguard troops after all. The fact that they were lacking as a fighting force did not change. But what was important was not that, but to instill in the soldiers the conviction that we had the fighting power. That was the key to how much the original frontline troops would be able to achieve in battle.
And if you look at the results, we lost 300 soldiers in the decisive battle. Adding the number of soldiers who died before the decisive battle, the total is 1,800. From the perspective of the original frontline troops, 70% of them died in battle .
Well, I think they did well to win. Really.
However, one factor that put a stop to the victory was probably the total number of both armies before the decisive battle and the number of casualties. At the time of the initial 8,000, 60% of the Nads Kingdom’s frontline troops were 2,400. Since there were 2,500 dead, it’s actually over 60%. Of course, their morale wouldn’t hold up if their army was reduced by 30% while facing an opponent with only a third of their total number.
On the contrary, I think it’s amazing that they were able to withstand a 30% reduction. Is the Nads Kingdom army amazing, or is Duke Valzar, who was in command, amazing?
But there is still a big question.
As is clear from the initial battle report, our battle results were too great. Even if we forcibly threw the rearguard troops into the front lines, raised the command, and initially disrupted the crossbow troops and the rear ranks with a single charge, this is impossible.
to those who reported at the war council and others who heard about it verbally, the enemy soldiers were surprisingly weak, and there were even those who said that they were like stepping on bread soaked in water.
Although they did suffer some casualties from the crossbow troops’ attacks–most of our casualties seem to have been from that–they were otherwise really weak soldiers. When I asked for their impressions, they said that they were as weak as newly trained territorial soldiers.
Of course, the enemy soldiers around the knights and nobles were not like that, but they were only a small part. It was so difficult to find strong ones.
It makes no sense at all. Isn’t that like bringing the villagers themselves? They wouldn’t do something so foolish in a war with the constantly victorious Arleigh Kingdom. I can’t help but think that there was some other factor.
Another question. Why was the Nads Kingdom army able to mobilize so many soldiers?
Even though our territory is larger, I feel like they are putting too many soldiers into one front. If they actually went to great lengths to increase their troop numbers, I wouldn’t be surprised, but it would greatly reduce their national power and their defenses. They wouldn’t make such a foolish mistake as to risk being targeted by our counterattack in the areas that have been thinned out.
I may need to gather some more information about this in the future. The guild house will be up and running soon, and Sagara will probably settle down, so I’ll give him some work right away. And then there’s Jarnar, the jack- of-all-trades who helps out when I’m in trouble.
Now, after the war, there is the matter of postwar processing.
This often refers mainly to domestic affairs, but there is also a lot to be done for those on the battlefield.
First, the wounded soldiers must be treated. The dead must be identified and buried. Supplies, including equipment, food, and captured goods, must be checked. Reports must be sent to the royal castle, and in this case, contact must be made with the armies scattered in various directions. There is a lot to do, from small things to large things.
Normally, this would include the treatment of enemy prisoners of war. War is expensive, but it is also an opportunity to gain something. If enemy soldiers are taken prisoner, they can be taken home and used as slaves on plantations, in mines, or to fight monsters in various places. If a knight or higher, or even a titled person, is captured, they can be used to negotiate with the other country for reparations, prisoner exchanges, or future negotiations.
However, this time there is none of that. The fact is that our soldiers and mercenaries, who are filled with morale and madness, are killing every enemy they can. Those who come at them, those who are wounded and can’t move, those who try to surrender, those who turn their backs and run, there are no exceptions, or at least that’s what I’ve been told.
In fact, there really wasn’t a single prisoner of war. I was a little surprised by this myself. To put it in Neal’s words, I was like, “Are you kidding me?”
I thought that a duke would be the general, and if things went well, there might even be a marquis. I’m getting worried about the time when I have to inspect the heads later. I’ve never heard of a battlefield where nobles who are valuable as prisoners are killed without hesitation.
If all the nobles had escaped, then I could laugh and accept it.
So, there are a lot of things to do, but I decided to take care of some of the dead bodies, collect valuables from the enemy soldiers’ corpses, and finish looting while everyone is still on edge.
I probably don’t have the strength left in me after that fierce battle, so I just had them take care of the important things.
There’s no point in letting bandits come and take the scraps, or mercenaries getting involved in unnecessary things.
*
And so, at night. As expected, the camp, which had become quiet, was mostly filled with people sleeping as if they were dead. I think it’s amazing that they were able to finish their work during the day after that battle. I want them to rest soundly for now.
I decided to leave the night watch to the healthy ones and the regular soldiers who were guarding my brother. Instead, my brother and I will spend the night in the same tent to concentrate our protection.
For the time being, we still have plenty of food. There is some that the enemy left behind, and we had plenty to spare in the first place. There are not many seriously wounded other than those who died, so it is possible to stay here for a while.
That’s because, in two senses, we can’t move from here right now.
In the first place, since we don’t know how the war will turn out, we can’t just withdraw as we please, since we are the ones who are putting pressure on the enemy, so we have to wait for the king’s instructions .
Next, and this is more important, this is the headquarters of the battle this time. The territorial armies that are going around ravaging the territory of the Arleigh Kingdom are only moving based on the instructions from here, so it would be very bad for us to move on our own.
For these reasons, we will have to wait here for a while longer.
I can say for sure that if we were attacked by even half of our current number, the soldiers wouldn’t have the stamina to withstand it.
After such a fierce battle, I think that if they let their guard down even once, they wouldn’t be able to move properly for a week this time.
Well, that depends on the level, ability level, and skills of each person, so it’s not absolute.
I wonder when we’ll get a reply from the royal castle saying that it’s okay to go home… I look down at my brother’s face as he sleeps in front of me.
There is no one else here. I forcibly made the magic doctor rest, since he must be tired from treating the other soldiers. I’ll call him if anything happens.
But as long as I’m here, nothing will happen to my little brother.
“[Mother’s Hand (La Mere)]”
After placing my hand on my brother’s cheek, I activated the magic. It’s the strongest healing magic I have, which can dispel all pain, suffering, injuries, and injuries.
Now that the battle is over, it should be fine. There are no nobles on this battlefield who would dare to oppose me now. Then, there should be no problem with returning command to my brother.
Because this guy won’t have to suffer anymore.
“…”
“How are you feeling?”
My brother’s symptoms, which had been accompanied by labored breathing and a pained expression, eased, and after a while, he slowly opened his eyes. When I spoke to him, he blinked several times as if he couldn’t grasp the situation yet, and then he looked around and saw me.
“Big brother…”
“Yes, it’s your big brother. How are you feeling? Can you get up?”
It probably doesn’t mean anything, but I put my hand on his forehead. As expected, his body temperature is normal. I stroked his head a few more times before letting go.
My brother slowly sat up and looked around. I checked his entire body with [Magical Eyes], but the flow of magic was beautiful. He seems to be feeling better now.
“Where is this?”
“It’s your and my bedroom. Bear with it for a little while, even if it’s unpleasant. I have to concentrate on the guards.”
“Why me?”
“You must be a little tired.”
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“Huh? Then what’s going on now?”
“The battle is over.”
“Huh?”
My brother looked up with an innocent face.
“The enemy is gone. We have won a great victory. We are now awaiting the King’s instructions in the royal castle. You can rest until then.”
“Then…, big brother?”
“Well. I only succeeded you and gave the orders.”
“…”
When I said that, my brother looked down. And his body trembled.
“I couldn’t do anything.”
Drops spilled onto the cloth that had been placed on him.
“I was trusted with the army by Father, but I was defeated and I couldn’t do anything again.”
“That’s not true. It’s because you endured that we were able to achieve this victory.”
“I just sat there. I couldn’t do anything, I couldn’t say anything back, I just killed soldiers.”
I thought so. I think anyone would have done the same if they were in the same situation as my brother. It’s not my brother’s fault. No matter what the outcome, no matter what the circumstances, that’s what I think.
“Don’t worry about it, even if it’s difficult. We have won this victory. And I think it’s a victory because you were there. My words may not carry any weight, but that’s what I think.”
“Really?”
My brother’s face, as he looked up, was as pathetic as ever.
But it’s my brother’s. There’s nothing wrong with that.
“Would I lie to you?”
“No, no. Big brother wouldn’t do such a thing.”
“Then that’s that.”
When I stroked his head, my brother grabbed my clothes and pressed his face against them.
He can do whatever he wants. Anyway, I’ve cast [Dark Room] on this tent so that no sound can escape. No one will know how much my brother cries.
After a while, my younger brother stopped crying. His eyes were still red, but he seemed to have regained some of his energy.
“Thank you.”
“Don’t worry about it. I’m your older brother. It’s only natural that I help you.”
“Yes, thank you.”
My younger brother finally smiled, and I asked him, “Are you hungry? You haven’t eaten in days.”
“I’m a little hungry, but I don’t have much of an appetite.”
“Then I’ll have them prepare something small. You won’t have any strength if you don’t eat.”
“Yes.”
After a while, I saw what they had brought. It was simple, as I had ordered, but it was still good. There was bread, soup with vegetables, and thinly sliced grilled meat. All of it was half a serving.
“I had them make it this small on purpose. It may be a bit stingy, but let’s just make do with this today.”
“No, thank you.”
I took a bite first, and despite being simple, it was surprisingly well-seasoned. Even on the battlefield, the servants who accompanied us were able to cook properly. The quality and taste were completely different from the field rations that the soldiers ate.
The two of us ate in silence, and my younger brother was able to finish everything, so I had them clear the table.
“Are you feeling better?”
“Yes. It’s true what they say about food being good for you.”
“I agree. I haven’t experienced much hunger, but that’s why it feels even worse when I do.”
“Yes.”
“Speaking of which, I heard that Father and Grandfather once fought in a battle for several days without eating or drinking.”
“Oh, I didn’t know that.”
I had heard the story when I was still young, but my younger brother hadn’t.
“Well, this is a secret. The two of them may be calm and composed now, but when they were younger, they were said to be incredibly powerful and spirited. If they heard that a dangerous magical beast had appeared, they would rush off to fight it, and when a battle started, they would ignore the voices of those around them and charge into the lines enemy alone, defeating them all.”
“Wow.”
Apparently, this was true.
Father, in particular, was said to have been the least prince-like of all. When there was a battle, he would lead the charge as a commander, but he would quickly rush to the front lines and cut down enemy soldiers left and right , creating a space around him.
Even when he was reprimanded by his father, who was like another grandfather to me, the previous king, he would argue back defiantly.
Grandfather still seemed gentle, but that wasn’t entirely true either.
Before Grandfather became an adult, he went out alone to hunt a magical beast of the fifth danger level and to gather beautiful pearl flowers that only bloomed in dangerous areas as a birthday present for Mother, my great-grandmother.
Grandfather was only ten years old at the time.
Apparently, Grandfather returned covered in blood from head to toe, and Great-grandmother fainted when she saw him.
Even though it was for a present, the fact that the heir to the throne had done such a thing naturally made Great-grandfather furious, but Grandfather retorted, “A weakling who is defeated by such a small danger is not worthy of being a member of the Zarud family. I am not someone who cannot even run an errand.”
Apparently, Great-grandfather had nothing to say in response, and that night’s dinner was the best of Great-grandmother’s life, according to her. And she still wears the pearl from that day around her neck. Perhaps Grandfather’s uncharacteristic love for his family started when he was young.
There are other stories, like the time when Father wanted to marry Mother and Grandfather wouldn’t allow it, so they had a real sword fight in the royal palace, but I probably shouldn’t tell you about that.
There are some places in the royal palace that have been beautifully repaired, but I wonder if my younger brother has noticed them.
Well, it’s a popular story among the nobles, so he’ll probably hear about it eventually.
“Both of them were amazing.”
“I think they’re still amazing even now. Grandfather went to reinforce them, so maybe he’s rampaging around right now.”
“hahahahaha, I’d love to see that.”
“Me too.”
I was glad I had told my younger brother, as he seemed to have completely recovered.
As we continued to reminisce about the past and share stories about what had happened while I was away, the atmosphere gradually became more pleasant.
“Well, it’s about time we went to bed. We still have a few things to do tomorrow.”
“Yes.”
I said this and informed the others outside that we were going to bed, and then the two of us went to bed. It’s nice to be able to sleep in a bed even on the battlefield.
“See you tomorrow.”
“Yes, good night.”
I closed my eyes and after a while, my brother spoke up.
“Brother.”
“What is it?”
“Will I be able to become like Father, Grandfather, and Brother?”
I laughed.
“You have undoubtedly inherited the blood of Father and Grandfather, and you also have excellent abilities and skills. There is no reason why you cannot. I, however, will not be able to.”
“Why is that?”
“Even though I have inherited their blood, I am unable to do anything. I am different from you.”
“That is not true!”
My brother sat up and looked at me.
“Brother, you have always been my pride and joy. This battle, too, was only possible because of you.”
“I am very happy to hear you say that. But, Roy, accept the truth. I was not fit to be royalty. That is why I was separated from the mansion. I did nothing in this battle either.”
“But!”
“The first-class honor this time is yours. This cannot be overturned. Accept it.”
The conversation is over, I said, and turned my back on my brother. I am very happy that he admires me, but this is the reality.
This battle was originally intended to give my brother credit. There is no reason for me to take it away from him. In that decisive battle, I gave the order, just ran ahead on horseback like an idiot, and ran around the enemy’s camp as I am pleased. Nothing else.
No matter what the nobles who participated in the decisive battle say, I will tell my father so, and even if I don’t, my father will give all the credit for this time to my brother.
I may be criticized a little for handling the horse like an arm and a leg and for cutting off the knight’s head, but I can handle it. I have the best proof that I could never do such a thing with my own strength.
My brother, realizing that I had no intention of arguing with him, lay down again and began to snore.
Listening to the sound, I think in the darkness.
I wonder what will happen to me now that I have won this battle.