Chapter 118 - The Decisive Battle

"The defenses still need further reinforcement. Add more firing points and place several more musketeers here. When the Austrians arrive, they'll meet a fierce resistance," General Lannes said.

"Yes, General!" nodded a French soldier.

"This time, over two hundred thousand Austrian troops are pressing against us. We have only two infantry divisions, thirty thousand men, which is just a fifth of the Austrians. If the Austrians focus their attack on Turin, the pressure on us will be even greater. We absolutely cannot afford any negligence," Lannes continued.

"Don't worry, General. No matter how many Austrians come, they won't be our match. We've beaten them soundly before and we'll do it again here. Those arrogant Austrians will leave their lives here," a confident French regimental commander replied. Clearly, their recent victories had bolstered their confidence.

"Exactly. No matter how many Austrians come, Turin will become their graveyard," General Lannes nodded in agreement.

This battle was crucial for the French army. They could not afford to lose; otherwise, they would be completely defeated. The French had staked everything on this campaign. If they failed, their enemies would surely rally against them.

In the end, the French army wouldn't stand a chance against so many enemies. They would face utter destruction.

...

On July 1st, Napoleon finally arrived in Turin with his guard. They had hurried along the way and managed to arrive ahead of schedule, thanks to the rapid construction of supply roads by the French army.

Logistics are always the first step to victory in war, and to ensure an adequate supply of logistics, the French army never stopped building roads. Large numbers of French workers were conscripted to toil on the land, continuously connecting roads. It was expected that by this time next year, French roads would crisscross all major cities in Italy. By then, French government control over Italy would have further improved. The French army also could threaten Austria more effectively by convenient road transport troops and war materials.

"Consuls!" Several French generals inside the city of Turin greeted Napoleon as he arrived.

"You've all worked hard!" Napoleon's face was beaming with a smile.

"Please come to the headquarters, Consul," General Lannes said.

Napoleon nodded. The group proceeded directly to the French headquarters.

The headquarters was a small palace located in the center of the city, originally used by the Governor of Turin to host Archduke Charles, the commander of the Austrian Southern Army. However, with the palace now captured by the French, it naturally became their spoils of war.

Napoleon was satisfied with this headquarters. After all, it was something taken from Archduke Charles. At the same time, it meant that he would likely have to stay here for the next two or three months.

"Gentlemen, according to the information we've received, the Austrians are about to reach Ceva. Based on their marching speed, in about five days or so, they will be at the gates of Turin. By then, we will face tremendous pressure," Lannes said.

Upon hearing this, the expressions on the faces of the generals became serious. Turin had only two infantry divisions, slightly more than thirty thousand men, while the Austrians numbered over two hundred thousand. That was more than seven times their strength!

However, now that Napoleon had personally arrived in Turin, it reassured the French officers and generals considerably. Napoleon's presence here meant he was hopeful about this war, right? Otherwise, why would he come to such a dangerous place? Since Napoleon did not fear danger, what else did they have to fear?

...

"Gentlemen, Austria has mobilized more than two hundred thousand troops to attack Turin. I know the pressure on all of you is immense. But regardless, we must win this war," Napoleon said, looking at everyone with determination.

"The key to this battle is whether we can withstand the Austrian attack on Turin and make them suffer heavy casualties. I've inspected the defensive fortifications outside the city, and the quality is good. They should be able to withstand the bombardment from Austria's 5-pounder howitzers. Additionally, we have two heavy artillery regiments inside the city. While we may be outnumbered in terms of cannons, we have the advantage in quality."

"But our 15-pound howitzers are several times more powerful than the Austrian guns. One of our cannons can do the work of three of theirs. So, we will have a complete advantage in artillery. Once we suppress the Austrian artillery and deny them cover for their infantry, their attack will be like sending men to their deaths against our concentrated firepower," Napoleon said, his face full of confidence.

Napoleon's words were met with agreement from everyone present. The generals nodded in unison. Without artillery support, the Austrians would have to face the dense French firepower with their own bodies. How could fragile human bodies withstand steel and iron? The Austrians would surely suffer heavy losses under the concentrated fire of the French.

"We have stored a large amount of weapons, equipment, and ammunition in Turin. Even if the Austrians have 200,000 men, let alone another 200,000, they won't be able to pressure us. We've already won this battle!" Napoleon declared.

The strategic position of Turin was extremely important. From here, the French could attack the central region of Italy to the south, Venice to the east, and Switzerland to the north. Since Napoleon had captured it, he had been reinforcing Turin's defenses, intending to make it the strongest fortress for France in this region.

"Yes, Consul is right. We've won! We will show the Austrians that they cannot provoke us," General Marmont added.

The French army was ready for battle, waiting for the Austrians to attack. This would be a decisive battle for both sides, one that would directly influence the future and fate of both countries. Both the French and Austrian armies were confident of victory. However, only one side would ultimately prevail.

Ceva, a small town between Turin and Venice, was strategically important as a transportation hub. It used to be a bustling commercial port. However, due to the war, merchants had left, and even local civilians were worried that the war would bring fire and sword to their homes, prompting many to move south with their families.

"Duke, we're about to enter Turin. The French have deployed heavy troops again. However, after this battle, this place will become Austrian territory. Just like our ancestors, we will expand the territory of Great Austria. Those despicable French have no right to own the vast and rich land of Italy!" General Merveldt said.

Surrounded by a group of Austrian generals, they nodded in agreement with General Merveldt's words. However, these Austrians seemed to forget one thing: Turin was originally their land, which the French, whom they looked down upon, had seized by force.

"General, our troops are advancing rapidly. Our vanguard is less than a hundred miles away from Turin. With determination, they can reach Turin before sunset," Merveldt reported to Archduke Charles.

"No, Merveldt, you must not be hasty. Impatience is the worst enemy in war. If you rush, you will be led by the nose by the enemy," Archduke Charles reminded him. What good was there in being overly eager to gain merit? Such impatience would only lead to failure.

"So, Your Grace, what shall we do next?" Merveldt asked humbly, having been rebuked by Archduke Charles.