Chapter 21: Invasion of the Land Kingdom 1

"Let us begin the war council for the invasion of the Land Kingdom," King Friedrich solemnly declared. "Grosser, explain the operation."

Present at the council were the King with Baron Grosser attending behind him, and from the Northern Army: Duke Schwartz, Marquis Angel, Baron Edel, Viscount Kroitz, and myself. Additionally, Marquis Eugen from the Central Army was participating. Victoria was seated beside the King.

"As you command. I will outline the invasion plan for the Land Kingdom."

"The objective of this operation is to remove King John and install Lord Victoria as the ruler of the Land Kingdom. This will establish friendly relations between our kingdom and the Land Kingdom."

"Our forces will consist of fifteen thousand troops from the Northern Army and five thousand from the Royal Capital Army, totaling twenty thousand. The operation period is estimated to be 60 days during March and April, after winter ends."

"The Land Kingdom's field army was originally estimated at twenty-five thousand. At minimum, they've lost over ten thousand soldiers in last winter's battle, with many more injured. Reports indicate morale is low and desertion is widespread. Therefore, we believe their current field army numbers less than ten thousand."

"Furthermore, the tragic story of Lord Victoria that we've circulated has spread throughout the kingdom, causing people to view King John with suspicion. Moreover, the people have almost entirely turned against King John due to his heavy taxation and poor governance."

Grosser pointed to the map on the wall.

"We will first gather our army at Dover Castle, then capture Cornwall Castle, Plymouth Castle, Cardiff Castle, York Castle, and finally aim for the enemy capital, Londium."

"We have received correspondence from the former commander of Cornwall Castle, Marquis Philip, pledging loyalty to Lady Victoria. We may not need to fight at Cornwall Castle."

Marquis Eugen raised his hand to speak. "I don't know what kind of person this Philip is, but is there any possibility of a trap?"

"Cornwall Castle belonged to my late father, Stuart. Philip was my father's loyal retainer. Currently, a regent from the capital controls the castle, but when I arrive, arrangements have already been made to kill the regent and seize the castle. Many of my father's former retainers remain, and I have no doubts. I am certain we can take the castle."

"I, Grosser, also believe the probability of a trap is low. Of course, we have considered countermeasures should it prove to be a trap, so please rest assured."

"Very well, but be extremely careful not to be caught off guard."

"I am Schwartz, who will lead this expedition. We have naturally planned for the possibility of a trap. However, considering the honorable character of the virtuous Marquis Stuart, I find it difficult to imagine his subordinates would resort to underhanded tactics."

"This war is both to avenge Marquis Stuart, who had succession rights to the throne, and to aid the citizens suffering under King John's misrule. The people's hearts have already turned away, and the loyalty of the nobles is wavering. Moreover, righteousness is on our side. There are no elements for failure in this battle, but we must not be careless. Prepare yourselves diligently for war," King Friedrich declared.

"I am grateful for King Friedrich's assistance. My parents were killed by King John. I will fight to avenge them, reclaim the kingdom, and bring happiness to the people," Victoria proclaimed.

Everyone cheered at Victoria's declaration.

"May I offer a suggestion?" I calmly spoke amidst the cheers.

"Viscount Han, do you have an opinion?"

"Yes, I would like to discuss logistics. This large-scale operation is likely unprecedented in our kingdom's history. I anticipate difficulties in food transportation. Do you all realize how enormous the food requirements are for 20,000 soldiers and 1,000 horses?"

I confirmed that everyone was exchanging uneasy glances. No one had considered this.

"Each soldier requires 1kg of grain and 500g of meat, vegetables, cheese, etc. per day. Horses need more food than humans—5kg of hay and 5kg of grain or soybeans daily."

I think both grain and meat contain about 2.5 calories per gram. That means 3,750 calories per day. This is necessary for the substantial physical labor of war.

"This means throughout the 60-day operation, we'll need 1,800 tons of grain and other foods, 500 tons of fodder and other supplies, totaling 2,300 tons of provisions."

Everyone began murmuring at the enormous quantity.

"Couldn't we requisition from enemy territory?" asked Marquis Eugen.

"That would be a mistake. Since one of our operation objectives is friendship with the Land Kingdom, we absolutely must not plunder. Everything should be transported from our country."

"Where can we find such vast supplies?"

"Right here," I smiled slyly, pointing to a spot on the map.

"The Knight's Castle. It contains enough stockpiled food to sustain 500 castle soldiers for at least five years. By rough calculation, there are about 1,500 tons of food there. The food primarily consists of dried rice called 'hoshii' from the southern region of our kingdom, prioritized for its long shelf life. Dried rice is an excellent food that can be preserved almost indefinitely with proper care. It can be eaten as is or soaked in hot water to make porridge. The rest consists only of dried meat, salted meat, and cheese, but we have sufficient supplies. We'll use these. The remaining 300 tons can either be procured domestically or partially purchased at fair prices within the Land Kingdom."

"This campaign won't allow for luxuries. Meals will mainly consist of dried rice, dried meat, and cheese. We can purchase vegetables in the Land Kingdom."

"During siege warfare or other times when we're stationary, we can prepare some cooked food and serve warm meals, but otherwise, it will be dried rice and dried meat."

"But how do we transport such quantities?"

"Let me explain that now."

"We don't need to bring all 60 days' worth at once. I think we should start with 10 days' worth and then transport more as needed."

"For 10 days, we'll need at minimum 300 tons of food for soldiers, 135 tons of fodder for horses including the return journey, totaling 435 tons."

"Beyond that point, as the return journey lengthens, the horses' food requirements will steadily increase. To be safe, we'll need 450 tons. If one wagon can carry 1 ton, we'll need 450 wagons and 900 horses."

"Once we establish a supply depot at Cornwall Castle, it's about 10 days to Londium. Considering it takes 20 days round trip, we'll need at least three transport teams of 450 wagons each. Since this campaign will focus primarily on castle sieges, I believe we won't need many cavalry units. If we convert cavalry horses to transport duty, I can provide one team from my territory. I'd like to request the other two teams from elsewhere."

"This doesn't include water or firewood. It's crucial to identify water sources and supply points along the route in advance."

"I would like to take command of logistics, if that's acceptable. Of course, I'll need funding provided."

"You've thought this through impressively. Indeed, we shall not plunder. Buying at fair prices is good, though we can't be certain how much food will be available in enemy territory. Let's proceed with this plan. We'll gather the necessary provisions in the capital by spring, including the food from the Knight's Castle, and I want to entrust the transportation to Han. What do you all think?" King Friedrich declared.

"As you command," everyone nodded in agreement.

Well, no one wants to deal with troublesome logistics anyway, so I'll do it. It's my specialty after all