Chapter 89
The kingdom's army deployed their main force at the Ceres Gate, which was crucial for defending Ordova and could support both La Tredo and Al Cante.
The nobles spared no expense in hiring mercenary groups, and soon about 13,000 troops of mercenaries alone gathered at the gate.
Sancho declared he would personally command the troops this time, and along with several nobles, he stayed at the gate waiting for news of the imperial army's advance.
"Is it true that the Red Dragon Corps is moving alone?"
"Their size and armament are as per the information we obtained. It seems to be them."
"Is it confidence or recklessness? ...Still, it's an opportunity."
As Viktor intentionally neglected scouts, news that the Red Dragon Corps had begun marching towards the Ceres Gate was promptly delivered to them.
Sancho initially planned to utilize the 13,000 mercenaries recruited so far and 3,000 defenders of the gate for the operation as per the original plan. However,
"What's their marching speed?"
"They're barely covering about 10km a day, it seems."
"...Hmm. I heard they advanced at an incredible speed when attacking the fortresses."
"Being unfamiliar terrain, aren't they marching cautiously?"
"It could be supply issues or other internal problems."
"..."
The Red Dragon Corps' march was noticeably slower than initially expected, and,
"You said the other forces still haven't moved, right?"
"That's correct. When the Red Dragon Corps left Adense, they weren't even properly prepared to depart yet."
"...The scouts have worked hard. Give them appropriate rewards."
"Understood."
After confirming that the 5th Corps, still numbering over 15,000, wasn't moving at all,
"It might be possible to bring in more troops."
Sancho wanted to prepare the 'Dragon Slayer' operation more thoroughly.
"...Are you saying we'll bring in troops currently defending other areas?"
"In the end, the real threat is the Red Dragon Corps using siege cannons and guns, not the traditional imperial army. If they had moved, it would be different, but they still haven't moved. It seems a waste to keep troops to stop them."
He argued for utilizing even the troops stationed at La Tredo and Al Cante for the operation.
"You've read the Adense battle report, right? Although it's said there were demoralized defeated soldiers mixed in, 13,000 is still not a small number. Jordi is also an experienced general."
"..."
"Yet they were completely annihilated without even touching a hair on the Red Dragon Corps. The enemy couldn't hide their movements, and we've been given enough time, so there's no reason for us to rush."
At Sancho's words, who was recognized by all as having considerable insight into war, the nobles carefully considered his proposal.
"...If we lose the forces gathered now, the possibility of scattered forces in various places stopping the Red Dragon Corps is infinitesimally small. I also agree with Count Gonzales' argument to concentrate all our strength on this opportunity."
"Although they say they've traded with the Anchester Kingdom, considering the size of the Red Dragon Corps, they probably can't produce guns and siege cannons indefinitely yet. If we inflict significant damage on them with this operation, it will take them a long time just to recover."
"...The harvest in my territory isn't good, making it difficult to maintain troops for long. If we can drive out the imperial army with a short decisive battle, I'm in favor."
Young nobles including Carlos and lords reluctant to prolong the war received it positively.
As the Red Dragon Corps in the reports seemed almost invincible, there was also an intention to alleviate anxiety by investing as much strength as possible in an operation with so much at stake.
"Isn't it dangerous? It would be good if they fight as we want, but the more troops we move, the easier it will be for the enemy to see through our intentions."
"We'll dispatch numerous scouts and reconnaissance troops centered on the Dronado Forest to prevent the enemy from noticing our movements. And even if the enemy notices, I think it's right to gather more troops."
"..."
"Moreover, the mountains on both sides of the Al Berdo Pass have rugged terrain and dense forests, making it good for hiding large numbers of troops. If we distribute the troops well, the enemy is likely to misjudge our size."
Sancho personally refuted those who raised difficulties.
"...If we draw out 4,000 more from each as you say, Al Cante and La Tredo might become too vulnerable."
"We'll attempt deception operations in Al Cante and La Tredo. We'll dress scarecrows in helmets and armor, give them weapons, place them on the walls, and then keep moving a small number of soldiers to deceive the eyes of the imperial army, who will inevitably have difficulty gathering information."
"Deception... it's dangerous. If the enemy sees through it, less than 5,000 soldiers can't stop the 5th Corps with over 15,000 troops."
"Even if we lose everything else, we must bring down the Red Dragon Corps. They're a force that can threaten even Ordova."
"..."
As Sancho hadn't personally seen the Red Dragon Corps in battle, he made plans considering their danger level at the maximum he could imagine.
To him, the Red Dragon Corps seemed more dangerous than anything else, including the 5th Corps or non-cooperation from other kingdoms.
"The opportunity is when the enemy can't receive support. If their discord disappears and they start cooperating, such an opportunity may never come again."
"...Your words are right, Your Excellency."
"Don't worry too much. I'm not a fool who charges at a fully prepared enemy. Before launching a full-scale ambush, we'll continue to weaken the enemy through small-scale night raids and attacks on supply routes."
"Understood."
He meticulously planned to bring down the Red Dragon Corps.
Receiving advice from officers, he continued to supplement any gaps, and,
"In the end, gaining control of the Dronado Forest will be important, right?"
"That's right. Whichever side secures the Dronado Forest will gain a huge information advantage."
"With the surrounding mountainous terrain being rugged, the Red Dragon Corps, transporting supplies by cart, will have no choice but to pass through the Dronado Forest."
"If we dominate the forest, the Red Dragon Corps will have to expect significant losses even if they force their march."
"Even if the enemy retreats, it's not bad for us whose purpose is defense."
They concluded that the huge Dronado Forest between Adense and the Al Berdo Pass would be a strategic point for the decisive battle at Al Berdo Pass.
"The power of guns goes without saying, but in the forest, that power will inevitably be limited. Just look at the mercenaries' guns, aren't they large, heavy, and difficult to handle?"
"Moreover, in such a battlefield, even small sounds can be very fatal. Since guns make a loud noise when fired, it will be difficult to hide as well."
"Baron Banderas. I'll trust you."
"Our scouts are those who have roamed the Dronado Forest for a long time! We'll give them nightmares!"
Alejo Banderas, in charge of the kingdom's scout unit that had been dealing with scouts from the imperial army including the 5th Corps, flashed his eyes fiercely.
"Good. Baron Banderas. Begin securing the Dronado Forest. I'll provide all the support you need."
"Yes!"
Sancho began writing letters requesting troops, starting the preparations for 'Dragon Slayer'.
---
Although the 5th Corps said they would cooperate, I had no intention of sending them to the main battlefield.
It's not a matter of merits or demerit points, but rather a matter of efficiency, you could say.
The 5th Corps is weaker compared to the Red Dragon Corps, and they're bound to suffer more casualties in engagements than us who use guns.
But they consume the same amount of supplies, march slower, and their officers aren't following my orders with one heart and mind, so.
I marched very slowly towards the Ceres Gate alone, to make the kingdom's army focus their attention on us.
If the enemy scattered their forces for defense, I planned to call the 5th Corps to march together, and if they concentrated their forces on us, to target the empty areas.
"General, aren't you being too tired?"
"...No matter how early we tell you to sleep, you don't even pretend to listen."
"You even walk with your eyes closed..."
"I can hear you."
"Eep!"
"..."
For this, I kept checking the mini-map while marching.
After just a few days, I could confirm the movement of troops from Al Cante and La Tredo, and a small number from the Ceres Gate, and after confirming how they were moving,
"...The Dronado Forest, is it?"
"Pardon?"
"Anna. Could you call Sergei for me?"
"Understood."
I called for Sergei, the temporary leader of the scout unit that received the flintlock rifles.
The Red Dragon Corps, being all gun troops, needs a large amount of supplies, so we need to take the path through the Dronado Forest, which is the flattest route to the Ceres Gate.
The enemy seems to know this too, as many red dots were moving around various parts of the Dronado Forest.
"What is it, sir!"
"We need to pass through that Dronado Forest. I'll attach additional scouts, so secure the forest carefully."
"Understood!"
"The enemy will also know the importance of that forest, so they've likely dispatched many who are already familiar with the terrain. Be careful."
"Leave it to me!"
This was an opportunity to demonstrate the power of the flintlock rifles.
Seeming to share my thoughts, Sergei saluted me with a bright smile.
"...Is it starting?"
"Yes."
I nodded at Anna's soft whisper beside me.
It was the beginning of the full-scale preliminary skirmish that would lead to a major battle in the future.