novelraw Chapter 91: Revolutionary Defense War - Eve of Departure
Chapter 91: Revolutionary Defense War - Eve of Departure
Lumiere, the capital of Francia.
Leaders of each party, and myself, gathered.
With a serious expression, Eris narrowed her brow, hesitated, and then asked.
"...How many troops did the Germania Empire mobilize?"
"120,000, Your Majesty."
Initially, I thought I had misheard or that it was deception by the Empire, so I asked Christine to cross-check. Unfortunately, it was confirmed.
After a moment of silence, Eris tilted her head, gave a bitter smile, and asked.
"I thought I misheard, but I didn't. Marquis Lafayette, what about our forces?"
"We have 60,000 troops who have been equipped and trained, ready for immediate deployment, Your Majesty."
With Eris, a Saint and Queen, personally joining the front lines, public support for the war is high, and enlistment is endless.The problem is not manpower, but equipment and training.
Driving untrained, ill-equipped soldiers onto the battlefield will only result in meaningless deaths and the collapse of battle lines.
"The dwarves are manufacturing weapons for us, but since the deal was recent, there's a severe equipment shortage for the rapidly expanding army due to universal conscription."
Without equipment, proper training is impossible, inevitably delaying the increase of our forces.
"Our army has grown a lot compared to the last war, but the Germania Empire's army is just too large."
"They must have weakened their justification to prevent the feudal lords from joining, to have so many troops..."
Nicolas Brisseau, the leader of the Liberal Party, trailed off.
Is he thinking, at this point, that there was no point in supporting Eris if this was going to happen?
"It's an Empire, for goodness' sake! That's probably with reduced support from the feudal lords! We've exhausted our national strength with that long civil war, so we should be grateful for even this much, shouldn't we?"
Count Anjou, the leader of the Central Party, immediately flared up, and Brisseau subtly averted his gaze.
Without a word, sighs escaped everyone's lips, and Talleyrand spoke.
"As Count Anjou said, the Empire's feudal lords are clearly shaken by Her Majesty's ascension. Nevertheless, the Empire's mustered force is a stark reality."
I bit my lip, listening to Talleyrand.
With Eris here, the Germania Empire cannot achieve what it wants with just a moderate victory.
For their Empress to become the Queen of Francia, they essentially need a decisive victory that completely collapses Francia.
Despite this, their force implies the Empress's prepared forces are formidable, and some feudal lords, seeing a chance of victory, have joined.
The reason this is possible is obvious.
The demons of the Abyss Corporation are surely involved, capable of equipping such a large army.
I thought they wouldn't over-support, as Germania completely collapsing Francia isn't in the demons' interest. Was I mistaken?
Everyone in the room turned their gaze to me.
"Marquis Lafayette, it's a difficult question, I know, but can we win against them?"
A force twice the size, led by Archduke Leopold.
Is it possible to win a battle against that?
I pondered for quite a long time, but the answer was set.
"Perhaps, winning a battle will be difficult."
Everyone swallowed their groans at my words.
I gritted my teeth, recalling Paimon's face, who had confidently said they would try to eliminate me.
Indeed, those damn demons. They don't speak empty words.
"...But, if it's a war, it might be possible."
A disadvantage in numbers? I've experienced that kind of situation countless times.
I've always fought with other problems piled on top.
During the civil war, while opposing the King, my only sure ally was Christine, and joining the Republic was uncertain.
When fighting for the Republic, the National Assembly openly tried to restrain me, and I had to worry about the competition with Valliant and the political struggles Christine had to endure alone in the capital.
But now, the entire revolutionary army is completely in my hands.
The National Assembly will unite and actively support me to avoid destruction, and the morale of the people, enthusiastic about the revolutionary banner and the Saint Queen, is sky-high.
Even though it's a force twice the size of Archduke Leopold's, it reveals the limit of the demons' control.
The expectation they had, that Francia would lose, but the Empire wouldn't be able to defeat us so easily.
"With Her Majesty the Queen joining us, we must overcome this disadvantage. I will make it happen."
Eris smiled at my words and replied.
"Of course, I will be with you. I trust you, Marquis Lafayette."
"Ahem, even so, I wonder if it's really wise for Her Majesty the Queen to stand on the battlefield herself..."
Count Anjou said, wiping the cold sweat with a handkerchief, but Eris immediately retorted.
"You're not suggesting I break the first promise I made to the people upon my ascension, are you?"
"Th-that's not what we had prepared in the speech..."
Eris lightly ignored Count Anjou's seemingly aggrieved protest and stood up.
"As Queen, I will fulfill my responsibility and go to the battlefield with the revolutionary army. I trust that the National Assembly and the leaders will spare no effort in providing all necessary cooperation to the Marquis in his conduct of the war while I am away."
Talleyrand, Brisseau, Anjou.
All three leaders bowed to Eris and replied.
"...As Her Majesty the Queen wishes."
Eris and I smiled at each other.
The overall situation is incredibly unfavorable. Unlike the last civil war, where the Germania Empire also had a base, this time it's a complete defense of our motherland.
The longer the war drags on, the more advantageous it is for us, increasing our chance of victory.
Those vile demons, believing they can always control the situation according to their intentions, are scheming from across the sea.
I will shatter your arrogant plans, just as I've always done.
As I have until now, I will again.
*
Having already issued the mobilization order while in the Kingdom of Alps, the army's mobilization and preparation proceeded quickly.
As the Supreme Commander of the Revolutionary Army, I will lead the entire army, assisted by Alexandre Berthier as Chief of Staff.
The Northern Army would command Commander Louis Desaix and Vice-Commander Nicolas.
The Southern Army would command Commander Damien De Millbeau and Vice-Commander Gaston.
Finally, Jerome Morelle would command the pursuit cavalry, operating as a separate unit.
After completing the organization and preparation for departure of a force of 60,000, a much larger scale than the previous battle, it was the eve of departure.
I was facing Christine in the drawing room of her mansion.
"I'm sorry, Christine. I made a promise, and I've completely broken it."
I had promised to invite her to dinner every evening. However, I went to the Kingdom of Alps, and it fizzled out. Upon returning to the capital, I became so busy I couldn't even catch my breath, and before I knew it, tomorrow was the day of departure.
"It's alright, Pierre. It's a situation where that couldn't be helped."
Christine replied lightly, but I still felt sorry.
I'm her fiancé, but I haven't been able to spend much time with her.
Anyway.
I let out a small sigh and said.
"Christine. Before I left for the Alps, I was so thrilled that you were finally eating properly, but now the butler is telling me you're not eating again."
Christine unfolded the fan in her hand and, with a calm face, said something chilling.
"Seeing as he serves you as his master instead of me, I suppose the butler must be fired."
"Oh, no. It's a word of advice."
"I'm joking."
Christine said that with a slight smile, but it didn't sound like a joke.
Reading my expression, Christine's face turned mischievous.
"You don't trust your fiancée, I'm a little sad."
"Are you mind-reading now?"
"It's possible because you don't try to hide your emotions in front of me."
"Haha..."
We both laughed lightly and drank tea.
Just sharing this time with trivial conversation makes me feel warm, but it's a pity that I don't have the leisure to do this often.
After a moment of peaceful silence, Christine spoke carefully.
"Even for you, this battle won't be easy, will it?"
"...Yes. I think we will probably lose the first battle."
We have to fight to buy time, but thinking we can win a pitched battle against a force twice our size led by Archduke Leopold is recklessness.
The key is how much damage we inflict on the enemy even if we lose, and how much of our own forces we can preserve.
If we lose too badly in the first battle, we won't even be able to execute our plans for a response and will just be dragged around.
Christine touched her teacup and spoke.
"Her Majesty the Queen said she would go to the battlefield with you."
"Yes. She's not the type to suddenly become cautious or power-hungry just because she became Queen."
I didn't think Eris would suddenly become cautious or seek power just because she became Queen, but to openly declare in front of the citizens of Lumiere that she would stand on the battlefield, squashing the opposition from the National Assembly.
She's a Saint with some nerve, alright.
I chuckled and said.
"Her Majesty's presence alone will inspire the revolutionary army, and her power will be an immeasurable help."
Christine looked at me intently, then smiled bitterly.
"I wish I could have been of help to you on the battlefield as well. I should have learned a little bit of military science."
"No, that's a bit..."
Christine hasn't learned professional military science, but her unparalleled organizational management skills are also effective in the army, and she clearly has talent as a commander.
Even right after she was defeated by me in a mess, she was able to unilaterally corner Damien De Millbeau.
But even so.
"If you were on the battlefield with me, I'd be too nervous to fight."
Christine can't protect herself with magic, and she's only somewhat skilled with a pistol.
And to put her on a battlefield where bullets and shells are flying? I'd rather avoid such a dangerous thing.
"...You, and even Her Majesty the Queen, are going to the battlefield?"
"Both Her Majesty and I have the ability to protect ourselves, so that's different. Besides..."
I stood up and went to Christine's side, taking her hand.
"Even if I protect Francia, if I lose you, it would mean nothing to me."
I looked into her jet-black eyes, kissed the back of her hand, and added.
"I appreciate your sentiment, but what you do for me in the capital is more than enough help."
Without Christine, I doubt I could have become a key figure in the National Assembly, successfully joined the Republic, or even defeated Valliant.
But Christine seemed a little hesitant, and asked in a slightly uncertain tone.
"Am I, as helpful to you as Her Majesty the Queen?"
Come to think of it, Christine has always been very concerned about Eris, for some reason.
Leaving her in the capital and going with Eris to the Alps and then to the battlefield, she must be anxious.
Seeing her like this makes me happy, so I'm not normal either, it seems.
"Including Eris's ascension to the throne, there's not a single thing I've achieved that hasn't been through your help."
Relief filled Christine's eyes, and a deep smile formed on my lips as I added.
"Christine, don't underestimate your value. I trust you more than anyone, and I rely on you."
"...While you're on the battlefield, I'll do everything in my power to help you."
At Christine's reply, I gladly said.
"Those are the most reassuring words I could hear."
With a slight regret, I let go of her hand and stood up, after lightly kissing the back of her hand again.
"Then, since it's getting late, I'll be going. I have to leave for battle tomorrow."
At my words, Christine slowly rose from her chair and called to me.
"...Pierre."
"Yes, Christine."
"Would you like to stay here tonight?"
Oh, what?
Before I could collect myself, Christine asked with a gentle smile.
"Since we won't be able to see each other for a while after tomorrow morning, I'd like you to give me one night."
I quietly circulated my mana.
It's not a damn succubus's illusion.
...How can I refuse this?
I nodded, half dazed, and Christine smiled brightly and put her arms around my neck.