Chapter 30: Invasion of the Land Kingdom 9

"I have an important matter to discuss, Schwarz-sama." "What is it, Han?" I spoke to Schwarz-sama as he was about to return to the tent.

"It's good news, but we've suffered almost no losses in our battles so far. Moreover, Lord Victoria's troops are steadily increasing. At this rate, by the time we reach Londium, I believe they'll exceed five thousand." "Isn't that a good thing?"

"Yes, exactly. However, as the logistics officer, our original calculations were for 20,000 troops, and if it increases to 25,000, our supply lines might collapse." "I see, so increasing troops isn't always entirely good." "Precisely. So, my proposal is to send the original supporting 5,000 royal capital troops back to the capital, and continue the war with just the familiar northern troops and Victoria's troops who are directly involved. What do you think?" "This is a suggestion. If having more troops is preferable, we could recalculate logistics and advance with 25,000. But if the strategy was originally planned for 20,000 troops, we could also consider sending the 5,000 royal capital troops back." "Of course, I cannot make this decision. I leave the judgment to you, Schwarz-sama."

"This is important. We'll decide in a military council."

"So, those with opinions, speak up." "War is about numbers. Since our troops are increasing, I don't think we need to reduce them." "However, this was a strategy originally calculated for 20,000 troops. Couldn't we send back the extra troops?" "In Londium, I believe it will be a siege battle. From the siege 3:1 rule, if the enemy exceeds 6,000, I think more troops would be better." "How many enemy troops are there?" "That's the problem," said Lord Raspberry, who was in charge of intelligence and accompanying the second supply unit.

"The enemy's royal capital troops are estimated at about 5,000. As for how many lords' troops or mercenaries have responded to the call, we currently don't know. But we estimate around a few thousand." "So we don't even know if it's more or less than 6,000. In that case, I don't think we should reduce troop numbers." "We currently have no further information." Schwarz smiled slyly and said:

"Let's send the 5,000 royal capital troops back." "Are you sure about this?" "Yes, if the lords' troops are few, they'll likely hole up in a siege, and that would be as expected." "If the enemy is more numerous than expected and comes out to field battle, we also have strategies prepared." "If the enemy is more numerous and chooses to siege, we'll have time, so we can call back the troops we sent away." "The 5,000 royal capital troops will return. Are the supplies okay?" I answered:

"If we provide three days' worth of supplies for the entire army, they can return to the kingdom. We currently have 10 days of supplies. It's 3 days to Londium, and we'll have 7 days of supplies upon arrival. The fourth unit is expected to arrive in a few days. There are no issues with supplies." "Then, order the 5,000 royal capital troops to return. However, maintain close communication, and be prepared to immediately turn back if anything happens." "Returning without achieving any credit is frustrating, but we're essentially just a support unit. If ordered, we'll return," Eugen nodded regretfully.

"Sorry, call on us again if anything comes up." "Got it." Eugen's 5,000 troops began their return to the capital. They marched for 3 days and arrived at the royal capital Londium. Victoria's troops were expected to exceed 5,000 by the time they reached the capital.

The returning troops were given supplies for three days for the entire army. The journey to Londium would take 3 days, so they would arrive with 7 days of supplies. The fourth unit's supplies were expected to arrive in a few days. For now, they should manage somehow.