Chapter 48: Call for Aid

"Why am I suddenly being summoned to the royal capital?" And so Hans and Ryu headed toward the royal capital. "I don't know. Did you do something wrong?" "I didn't do anything. That's why I'm concerned." "If you talk while riding a horse, you'll bite your tongue." "That's certainly true." I feel like we've had this exact conversation before, or is it just my imagination?

A few days earlier

"Dear, another letter has arrived from the royal capital." "Huh? Did I do something wrong?" Yung handed me a letter bearing the chancellor's seal. "Stop assuming you've done something wrong whenever a letter arrives. You haven't actually done anything, right?"

"Absolutely nothing." I opened the envelope and looked at the letter. "Come to the royal capital immediately. - Grosser" That was all it said. More concise than the previous letter.

Upon arriving at the palace, I was immediately shown to the king's chamber. To my surprise, Lord Schwartz and Sir Otto had also been summoned, along with several unfamiliar generals. Who were they again? The atmosphere was quite solemn.

"Now that everyone is here, Grosser, explain the situation." "Yes, Your Majesty. One month ago, a military force calling itself 'The Empire' invaded the Kingdom of Italica." Everyone gasped—we had known nothing about this.

The Kingdom of Italica is located to the west of the central part of the Burg Kingdom. It's north of the Felciano Republic, and has maintained good relations with both the kingdom and the republic. It's a country known for its developed arts, and although not particularly strong militarily, it had managed to maintain decent relationships with the kingdom to the east, the republic to the south, and Kitai to the north. To the west stretched a wasteland, which had kept the country largely untouched by war.

"One month ago, a force of 30,000 troops calling themselves 'The Empire' suddenly invaded the Kingdom of Italica. A decisive battle was fought at the Galm Wasteland, but the Italican Royal Army was easily defeated. The royal capital Remulus fell, and the royal family along with major officials and nobles have taken refuge in Fort Baris near the Burg Kingdom border." "The Kingdom of Italica has requested aid, and currently, 20,000 troops from the kingdom's southern army, led by General Bragadin, have been deployed." "However, depending on future developments, even this royal capital could be in danger. Therefore, I have summoned the commanders of the northern and royal capital armies to prepare as reinforcements."

Everyone stirred. The Empire? Is it that Empire?

"Let me introduce everyone. First, Lord Schwartz, Commander-in-Chief of the Northern Army." Schwartz acknowledged with a nod. "Everyone knows how he distinguished himself in the recent war with the Kingdom of Rand. From now on, he will be entrusted with our military operations. Keep this in mind." Everyone bowed.

"Next is Sir Otto, who also achieved great merit in the recent war. We expect much from you." Otto bowed, looking extremely pleased. "I will do my best to meet your expectations."

"Next is Lord Han. This man excels in logistics and supported our forces in the recent war. We expect much from you as well." I was also praised. "I will do my utmost to meet your expectations."

"Then, there is Master Klein, who leads the army in place of Lord Croitz." Huh, so that Croitz fellow isn't showing up this time? Has he finally realized his lack of military talent and hired a mercenary captain instead? That's probably for the best, as I can't deal with his trouble anymore. Let's hope this Klein person is reasonable.

"And finally, Sir Eugen, commander of the Royal Capital Army." Oh, there was such a person. The Royal Capital Army has probably never seen battle, so they must be weak. This is where we, the Northern Army, come in.

Just then, a messenger rushed in. "A message from the Italica relief force!" "General Bragadin and the Italican army clashed at Bassus Plain. After a fierce battle, our forces were defeated, and General Bragadin is missing." Everyone gasped.

"Give us the details." "The enemy's heavy infantry was formidable. Even so, our infantry was holding, but the Italican Royal Army collapsed." Everyone looked to the heavens in dismay. Did they trust those people?

"Our cavalry was actually pushing forward, but when the Italican forces collapsed, the enemy swarmed in and surrounded us from behind, causing our forces to disintegrate. General Bragadin was lost in the chaos of battle." "What a disaster!" "Save the survivors."

With a stern face, Schwartz gave the order. "I've ordered the entire Northern Army to mobilize. However, it will take some time for them to gather at the royal capital." "So we need to delay the enemy."

As expected of Lord Schwartz, he already has a strategy. I was impressed. "And there is a person who is exceptionally skilled at such matters. I would like to entrust this task to him. What do you think?" "Of course. Let me ask again, who might that be?" Grosser asked theatrically. "Of course, it's Lord Han."

Me? Everyone's eyes turned toward me. Hans tugged at my sleeve. He was nodding at me. That means he has a good idea. Well, whatever happens, happens. "Of course. I will show you how I can delay them." Everyone murmured.

"Actually, there's no need to panic," I said calmly. Between the Kingdom of Italica and the Burg Kingdom lies the barren Bassus Plateau. Crossing it is quite difficult. Especially for an army of 30,000, considerable preparation would be needed.

"There are no water sources in the Bassus Wasteland. And it takes nearly six days to cross it." Humans typically need 2,000 calories per day, and consuming 2,000 calories requires 2 liters of water. 1 ml of water is needed per calorie. Soldiers consume about 3,000 calories daily.

"Each soldier needs at least 3 liters of water per day. For 30,000 men, that's 100,000 liters daily. This is equivalent to 500 large barrels of 200 liters each. It's impossible to transport such quantities all at once. They must establish a supply base somewhere to stockpile water and supplies; otherwise, it would be impossible to move 30,000 men across this wasteland."

"Therefore, they are likely currently building a supply base and accumulating resources. We still have some time. If we strike this supply base, we can buy considerable time."