Rebirth in a Ruined Nation! The Life of a New Strategist Starting From Now - Chapter 19

The Battle of Hakusha Plain (2) – Persuasion

“I thought I’d have to leave one or two people to help you so you could catch up with us later, but you’re surprisingly good at riding, Roa.”

Captain Luzel spoke to me with an impressed tone, but I didn’t have the energy to respond. Even now, I was struggling to collect my breath as I tried to keep up with the cavalry.

I have to thank Frein later.

?

“We’ll continue the training everyday until you get used to riding.” 

(Frein)

After declaring that, Frein trained me every day.  Despite his own hectic schedule as a captain, he never missed a day of my horseback riding training.

Be it in the early morning or late night, Frein, along with Vickhirt-san, would always accompany me on my horse riding training.

One night, I questioned him about why he went this far for my sake.

I remember Frein looked surprised when he heard my question. He thought for a moment, then with an embarrassed expression, he answered, “Because you didn’t let them die.”

“I didn’t let who die?”

“The member of my unit. Those guys respected me even though I was young. I thought of them as a precious comrade, so I don’t want them to die and because of your strategy in Eren Village, none of them have to die. I’m thankful.”

“That could be just a one-time thing, you know? The circumstances of that time were just perfect to create that kind of strategy. Plus, it’s not like Rays-sama will always use my strategy.”

“But you’re Rays-sama’s assistant. Rays-sama never asked for an assistant, you’re the first. The possibility that Rays-sama would never use your strategy…exists, I guess.”

“That’s the part where you usually say ‘impossible’ to encourage me, you know.”

“But whether your plan will be used depends on yourself, right? If Rays-sama likes your plan, he will use it, if not, well…”

“I know, but still…”

“But you will create a strategy that causes the lowest casualty, right?”

Of course. I wanted to save this kingdom and as many people as possible. Even if this world turned out to be my deathbed delusion … I would still create a strategy that could save as many people as possible.

“Yeah. I can promise you that.”

“That’s good then. You might not fight at the frontline as a strategist candidate, but you never know what will happen in a war. If necessary, you should be able to flee on horseback.”

?

Thanks to Frein’s strict training, I somehow managed to keep up with the cavalry. I puked the instant I got off the horse on the first day, but I kept up for the entire 3 days it took for us to reach the Hakusha Plain.

Fortunately, the battle had yet begun when we arrived.

I followed Captain Luzel to the headquarters of the 6th Division.

“So you’re Captain Luzel. Thank you for the reinforcement.”

A young man who was sitting in the center greeted us. Was he General Wickharlt?

“It has been a long time, Wickharlt-sama. Rays-sama is currently waiting for the King’s permission to depart, so only my unit came here as the advance party.”

“I have long heard about Luzel’s cavalry unit ability. It is reassuring to have them here.”

“Thank you for your kind words.”

At the end of his brief greeting, General Wickharlt’s gaze stopped at me.

“And you are? My apologies for saying this, but you don’t look like one of the cavalrymen.”

“I am Roa, sir. I am here as Rays-sama’s proxy.”

“Rays-sama’s proxy? You? My apologies, but you seem…” as General Wickharlt seemed to hesitate, Captain Luzel spoke, “It is true that Roa is here as Rays-sama’s proxy. Have you heard about the conflict in Eren Village?”

“Yes, I have heard about it. It was the incident where the miner in the abandoned mine was, in fact, the Gorber Kingdom’s soldiers, am I right? Rays-sama’s realization that the miners were enemy soldiers, as well as the strategy he devised to destroy them was quite impressive.”

“It was Roa who realized that fact, and it was also him that advised Rays-sama to send a large army to the Eren Village.”

“Truly? However, I’ve never heard of a commander called Roa.  

Roa, are you a former 10th Division soldier, not a commander?”

“No. I used to be a court official.”

“A court official advised Rays-sama on a military strategy? I don’t see how that’s even possible…”

To be honest, I agree with you, general. How I ended up in the 10th Division was also a mystery to me. But right now, it would be troublesome if the general wouldn’t listen to my word because of my history, so I took out the dagger I received from His Majesty and presented it to the general.

“I understand your suspicion, but this dagger is something His Majesty has granted personally to me as a reward for my achievement in Eren Village. Please inspect.”

“What? His Majesty did? Let me see…Three-eyed eagle crest! This is truly something that His Majesty has granted. My apologies for doubting you, Roa-dono.”

“There is no need to apologize. I am grateful that you believed me.”

“Then, Roa-dono, Captain Luzel, please take a seat. We are in the midst of a military council. I’d like you two to participate.”

Captain Luzel and I took our seats. There were 5 young commanders and 5 older commanders on the table with us. The younger commanders were around the same generation as General Wickharlt. The older commanders were probably the commanders from the previous general’s era, while the younger ones were people that became commanders in General Wickharlt’s era.

We all exchanged a polite greeting, then the general got straight to the topic.

“Luzel-dono, how many people have you brought?”

“I have brought 700 cavalry with me. I expect the main army of roughly 5000 soldiers to arrive in a few days.”

“That’s great news. That means we have close to 6000 people currently…We should have around 11000 people when the 10th Division arrives.”

So the 6th Division has around 5000 people.

“How is our enemy’s force? How many soldiers did they have? Who’s leading them?” 

An old commander that sat beside the general answered the captain.

“Our enemy has around 7000 soldiers, but there are only 5000 across the river.”

“What about their remaining 2000 soldiers?”

“I’ll explain it later. As for their commander…they have the bull in front of the innumerable blades of grass banner…”

That means, their commander was Frankurlt Drew.

“…which was the banner of Frankurlt Drew. I’m sure you’re both aware of our enmity with Frankfurlt Drew.”

“I am fully aware of the enmity between you and Frankurlt Drew. Considering that, I have a message from my lord.”

Captain Luzel replied, perhaps believing this was the right opportunity. 

“If you’re going to tell me to restrain myself, give up.”

Without even hearing Captain Luzel’s next words, 

General Wickharlt declared firmly.