Rebirth in a Ruined Nation! The Life of a New Strategist Starting From Now - Chapter 26

The Battle of Hakusha Plain (9) – Regret

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“I can see the bridge!” 

The bridge was still there when we arrived downstream. Even if the river did flood, its effect on downstream areas should be minimal.

The sky was already bright, and when I looked behind me, I saw no pursuer.

After discovering that the river was flooding, soldiers in the 6th Division camp wouldn’t be able to sleep peacefully. The soldiers would undoubtedly seek Wickharlt-sama to ask for his decision, only to discover that Wickharlt-sama disappeared.

They would soon discover that the individuals who pushed attacking the Frankurlt army had also vanished with the general, and that there was a disturbance on the opposite bank. It wouldn’t take long for the men in the 6th Division camp to realize what was going on.

Because of Wickharlt-sama’s abrupt disappearance, there would inevitably be a group of soldiers that tried to cross the river. We’d be safe as long as we could catch up with that group.

“Roa-dono, could it be that Rays-sama has been in your camp from the beginning?”

Wickharlt-sama approached me and asked me a question.

“Rays-sama? No, he’s not on our camp.”

“However, aren’t both the strategy you just used and that pillar of flame Rays-sama’s idea?”

“Ah, that pillar of flame is just a bluff. I’m relieved it worked.”

“Bluff? Is there anything in that region that can generate such a large flame?”

“Yes, there are. There’s plenty of material there that can start a big fire.”

“Really?”

“Yes, the hut built by the local thug is a great material to start a fire. I do feel a bit guilty for destroying their home, but they sold false information to us first, so they deserve it.”

Before we left for the Gorber camp, I asked Captain Luzel for help with two things. 

First, to gather the troops for our departure. Second, to create the pillar of flame. Soldiers were sent to that location to destroy the hut, and the hut’s remains were used as firewood to produce the flames.

It was my last-ditch attempt to draw the enemy’s attention, and I was relieved that it worked.

“So you’re the one who devised the battle strategy?”

“Well, I won’t be able to do anything without Raimaru-san’s information, and Captain Luzel did all the battle preparations…”

“Roa, that has nothing to do with who devised the strategy. Wickharlt-sama, as you have stated, Roa devised the strategy for today’s combat.”

Captain Luzel interjected while laughing.

“I see…So you’re the one…Thank you for saving us fools. This is a debt I will never forget. I will definitely repay you.”

“General, please don’t act like that. Plus, we’re not yet safe, so…”

“No, no, we’re safe now.”

Captain Luzel abruptly replied to my statements while pointing in a direction. I could see soldiers from the 6th Division rushing toward us.

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I was a big idiot.

I was becoming complacent since Captain Luzel referred to me as the strategist.

That I overlooked an important thing.

I forgot to check the army’s status.

I didn’t notice it until we arrived at the 6th Division camp, when the sky has brightened.

Raimaru-san and his troops never returned that day, no matter how long we waited.

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The air in the camp was heavy.

According to a cavalryman who joined Raimaru-san’s group during the rescue battle and returned successfully, Raimaru-san drew the enemy’s attention right up until the end.

Raimaru-san just answered, “I’ll also retreat soon, those who have the ability to withdraw should do so first.” in response to the cavalryman’s advice that they should retreat soon. 

There was no time to consider the surroundings because the cavalryman and Raimaru-san’s men were the last people fighting the Gorber army. Furthermore, it being night, so there was limited visibility, and yelling would only alert the enemy to their position, so as the cavalryman fled, he naturally assumed Raimaru-san and his troops were close behind.

Could we go back and rescue Raimaru-san’s troops?

That was not an option.

The 6th Division, or more specifically, Raimaru-san’s troops and later Luzel’s troops, proceeded to save General Wickharlt, and we were successful. We couldn’t risk putting the army in even more danger merely to save Raimaru-san and his men.

Everyone in the camp was aware of this.

As a result, the silent penetrating gazes of those who opposed the idea of attacking the Frankurlt army were suddenly aimed toward Scuderia-san. Scuderia-san was to blame for this disaster. At least, that’s what everyone thought.

Wickharlt-sama was the true cause of this disaster. 

Wickharlt-sama was the one who made the ultimate choice to go. 

Wickharlt-sama was the one unable to stop Scuderia-san and the others. Wickharlt-sama, too, was the one that fell into the enemy’s trap.

Everyone should be aware of these facts, but they couldn’t blame Wickharlt-sama. Doing so would have a negative impact on the army morale. As a result, the blame and hatred that had nowhere else to go were now focused against Scuderia-san.

Captain Luzel was the one who broke the oppressive silence.

“…In any case, the main army of the 10th Division would arrive in a few days. Anything we intend to do should be postponed until they arrive. For the time being, it’s best to just wait patiently.”

“…I have no objection.”

Wickharlt-sama responded, and the military council that had served as a wake-up call for me came to an end.

The main troops of the 10th Division arrived a few days later. The Frankurlt army retreated as though awaiting it. 

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T/N:NOO RAIMARUU…