Chapter 77. To the West (3)

As it wasn't difficult to find poor people suddenly spending money lavishly, using suspicious gold coins with various marks erased, Theodore wrapped things up a few days later by disposing of those who had made contact with him.

"...It should be fine."

He sat in his office, his hands trembling from an inexplicable anxiety.

Theodore had even used low-quality paper commonly used by commoners for the letter material and wrote the contents with his left hand to change the handwriting.

His intention was just for one of those who received this letter to take it seriously and cause harm to Viktor, without realizing that he had sent it.

"Right, it's not like I was followed, hmm. Hmm."

However, as this was naturally an act of betraying the empire, he had to keep reassuring himself of his safety to calm his mind.

"It'll be fine, hmm..."

Stroking the frame containing Louise's portrait, he tried to imagine a hopeful future.

---

Judging that the situation wasn't ripe yet and that it hadn't been confirmed whether the letter was actually effective, I hadn't yet revealed the letter sent by Theodore.

It wasn't as if professional military knowledge was written in it either.

Unless they could immediately prepare guns and cannons, there wasn't much the enemy could do even if they knew the contents of this letter.

Instead, I analyzed the letter in detail for appropriate utilization.

"...Hmm."

I focused more on the format of the letter than its contents.

The handwriting was completely illegible, common letter paper was used, and there was no sender written.

However, the name of Sancho Gonzales, a noble from the Esperia Kingdom, was written as the recipient.

Nobles receive several letters a day.

If it didn't matter whether the recipient received this letter or not, I thought there must be some mark somewhere guaranteeing the authenticity of this letter.

So I tried reading the letter upside down, extracting the first letters, holding it up to candlelight, and reading it horizontally, but,

"...I can't figure it out."

No matter how much I analyzed the sentences, nothing stood out.

I'm not an encryption expert, but at least there was no awkwardness in the vocabulary or sentence structure.

There didn't seem to be any hidden patterns or marks, and the words used were common terms.

Was the use of obviously disguised handwriting, cheap letter paper, and envelope itself a clue?

"..."

Or maybe it was just a matter of sending it and seeing what happens.

Since Theodore had contacted several people besides the man I caught, he might have just sent them randomly to Esperia Kingdom nobles, hoping one would bite.

As much as I'd like to use this letter to spread fake information and confuse the Esperia Kingdom,

It seems more time is needed to utilize this letter.

If the contents written in the letter are properly delivered, the Esperia Kingdom will show some kind of reaction.

Until then, I'll have to keep it safe and wait.

***

Leaving Theodore be with just a bit of surveillance attached, I devoted myself to preparing the Red Dragon Corps for the expedition.

On Earth, as both sides started using guns, the significance of heavy armor decreased, leading to an era of light infantry emphasizing mobility instead of armor, but,

-Click, click, click.

"Loading complete!"

"...Hmm. Good speed."

Our enemies still relied more on existing cold weapons than firearms, so there was no need to sacrifice armor to increase mobility.

Rather, since only we could penetrate the enemy's armor, mobility was sufficient as long as it wasn't severely behind the enemy's.

The Red Dragon Corps infantry practiced handling guns and bayonets in tight formation while wearing armor.

-Boom boom boom!

"Good! Mount again!"

There were big changes in the cavalry as well.

Half of the 2,000 cavalry maintained existing heavy cavalry tactics, but the other half who wished to introduce firearms transitioned to dragoons wearing lighter armor.

As matchlock muskets were cumbersome to use on horseback, they adopted a method of riding to the target point and then dismounting to fire.

"Ending final training. Everyone, be careful of injuries and thoroughly manage your bodies!"

"Yes!"

After finishing the final check before the expedition, I dismissed the soldiers.

"...It already seems like we can see the Esperia Kingdom waving a white flag."

Anna, who was beside me, left her impression of the Red Dragon Corps.

"We must not be careless, but I'm not considering defeat either."

We prepared quite thoroughly.

To face our heavy armored gunners and cavalry, they would need guns, but the Anchester Kingdom hasn't been selling guns to other countries since they started exchanging with our empire.

10,000 men isn't enough to bring down a country, but it's a different story if they're all clad in heavy armor and carrying guns.

If the 5th Corps joins us, it would be even harder to lose.

"But we need to show an overwhelming appearance to the point where the enemy loses the will to resist."

"Is that so?"

"Just as Ildmar and Caen became docile when the Brotan Kingdom fell, if we crush the Esperia Kingdom, Paris and San Bastian will quiet down too."

Of course, our goal isn't just a simple victory.

As the southeastern part of the continent is noisy, we need to settle the west as quickly as possible to create spare capacity.

If the elves just want war, it's not a huge problem, but that commotion could be a sign of the 'Wrath of the Forest' or 'Black Dragon' crisis.

"I should check the supplies to be transported again."

"Didn't you check just yesterday?"

"It's not just supplies for our corps, so we need to be more thorough."

"...I'll help too."

I thoroughly prepared for the upcoming expedition, and.

"Corps Commander Viktor!"

"...?"

That evening, Erika suddenly came to my tent.

"By Her Majesty's order, I've been assigned to join as the chronicler for this expedition! I look forward to working with you!"

"...Hmm."

"Here, a letter from Her Majesty!"

She brought news that she would temporarily join the Red Dragon Corps.

According to Louise's letter that she brought, she would only record my actions without any interference, but,

"...We'll be roaming the middle of the battlefield, so I'll first explain the precautions."

"Yes, Anna!"

As the corners of Anna's mouth loosened slightly as she spoke with force in her eyes, it might not be bad.

With her cheerful presence, the heavy atmosphere of the battlefield might be diluted a little.

---

Before the Red Dragon Corps departed, Gerhart called Viktor separately.

"Tomorrow's the departure."

"Yes, Grand Marshal."

Gerhart approached Viktor, who was wearing a black uniform, and patted his shoulder.

"Aren't your shoulders heavy? You've come to directly represent Her Majesty's will, after all."

"...My shoulders are always heavy. One more doesn't feel particularly heavy."

"Hmm..."

He let out a small groan at Viktor's heavy reply.

"It's not a bad answer, but it's not the one I wanted."

"I'll correct it."

"No, that's not what I meant. It's just that you seem to have too much tension in your shoulders."

To Gerhart looking at him, Viktor, who had been wearing a stern expression, grinned.

"I know what you're trying to say. Excessive tension is harmful to the body, but appropriate tension increases efficiency, doesn't it? I'll try to adjust to that appropriate level well."

"...Alright. You probably know everything you need to know, so I'll stop with the heavy talk here."

Finding that smile strangely unsettling, Gerhart, who wanted Viktor to work in the empire for a long time, didn't probe further and changed the subject.

"As this is the Red Dragon Corps' first expedition, many are expecting great things from you."

"Is that so?"

"Many came forward wanting to support the Red Dragon Corps personally. Although Her Majesty refused."

"Hmm, isn't that because Her Majesty looks favorably upon us, and you've been actively stepping forward?"

"Hahaha! I'll say this to other nobles too, so there's no need to worry."

Gerhart laughed heartily and patted Viktor's back.

"As Her Majesty always says, I too am looking forward to your achievements. Speaking as someone who watched you prepare for the expedition, honestly, I don't think you'll fail, but..."

After pondering his words for a moment, Gerhart said,

"I feel a bit sorry saying this from a position where I can't help more, but I want an overwhelming victory from you like what you showed in the east."

"..."

"A victory where the Paris Kingdom bows its head, and the San Bastian Kingdom prostrates itself on the ground. What do you think? Is it possible?"

With the question, he moved his head to check Viktor's expression, who had slightly lowered his head.

His expression was hardened as always, but determination was etched in his eyes.

After staying still for a moment, Viktor,

"I'll show you."

Answered firmly, meeting Gerhart's eyes.

"I'll believe in you."

Gerhart exchanged a bit more private conversation before sending Viktor off.

"..."

He fiddled with a pre-prepared recommendation for Viktor's title.

If he achieved merits this time too, Gerhart intended to work towards ensuring Viktor received an appropriate title.

To become his symbolic successor, he would need an appropriate title.

"...I look forward to the day when the title will be bestowed."

Gerhart rechecked the contents of the half-filled recommendation listing Viktor's military achievements, then put it in his bosom and dealt with other tasks.