Against the World II: Transgression
Chapter 10: Hidden Hand, Part 2
In total there were thirteen seats around the round table, and Kanna sat herself in the only seat that was still empty. To his left are successively Lilithia von Sylphisky, Gilbert von Herakles, Edelweiss von Adhelphina, Reinhart von Aldebaran, Cleria von Anastasha, Hekiel von Vanguarta, Dermyus von Haneth, Zenith von Myera, among others, Herena von Muir, Darminic von Bellriser, Emily von Avosvin, and of course Xavier von Hernandez.
Emily had previously tried to resign, thinking that she did not deserve to be commander. However, his resignation request was not accepted; the reason was invalid. Emily's true combat power has been at the commander's level. Merely, Menez was too troublesome to make a stark difference between their powers. Even in this room, other than herself and Xavier, only Lilithia can make Menez retreat—and that only applies if Lilithia does not give Menez the opportunity to use her magic.
“The letter from Queen Elmira arrived this morning,” said Kanna began their meeting without making small talk. “As his prediction in the last letter, Eternity will soon move to take power over the Forbidden Valley Ed. Now we have no more doubts about the reason the Holy Kingdom deployed the Knights Templar. To our attention now, the Knights Templar will no doubt occupy Favilifna Kingdom once they overcome Eternity.”
The Forbidden Valley of Ed stood some distance northeast of Favilifna Kingdom. If the Knights Templar were to march from the valley to Etharna, they would have to pass through the territory separating Hongariand Province and Emeralna Province. The 10th Division of the Imperial Army was stationed in Hongariand Province, while the 8th Division was headquartered in the Emeralna Province. If the Holy Kingdom really intended to occupy Favilifna, chances were that, the two divisions could decide on the move of their Knight Templar. But—
“If the Holy Kingdom wants to occupy the Favilifna Kingdom as punishment for having defected to the gods and sided with immorality, it is likely that they will mobilize pasuka through their allies: Ekralina Kingdom.”
—As Gilbert has said, if Emiliel the Holy Kingdom wants to deal with Favilifna, the greatest possibility is through Ekralina Kingdom. However, it is only “biggest possibility”. As long as there are possible frills, that doesn't mean definitely—more Elmira herself doesn't say anything about the situation in Ekralina. So he decided to send troops to Etharna without compromising the combat power of Division 10 and Division 8.
“So, here we decide which division to ship?” ask Cleria. “And since me and Gilbert are here, will this be a joint force of several divisions?”
“No,” geleng Kanna. “All of you I've called here other than because to discuss the troops we're going to send to Etharna, I want every talk about the activities of the Imperial Army for the next year.”
Kanna's speech caused a different reaction. And that's not surprising. Each division has a schedule of their activities for a year. For Kanna to say that, it meant that the schedule had to be removed and replaced by the schedule they were going to discuss.
“In the next year,” Kanna continued, “we will focus on war preparations. The 2nd Division and 5th Division would focus on defending the entire area of the empire. I will also give a warrant to the Governor of Matepola Province, the Governor of Maggarithaz Province, and the Governor of Hongariand Province to focus their independent forces on defense. The province of Emeralna still does not have an independent army, so its 8th Division role will not change.
“For Division 1, Division 4, Division 6, Division 7, Division 9, Division 10, and Division 12, you will focus on attacking the forces the imperial offensive will have on your shoulders. The 2nd and 5th Divisions will work with independent forces to thwart your attack. It is both a training exercise and a simulation to deal with war. Details we discuss at another time—I will send you the written instructions in a few weeks.”
“In the meantime,” continued Kanna before anyone had time to speak, “Division 11 will act as a relief force in helping the defense. Therefore, I want Division 11 to focus on improving mobility. You will work closely with Division 3. Division 3 will move you where you need help. And because of that too, I want the number of Division 11 members to be folded. You can open recruitment from tomorrow, Commander Emily.”
“That's a brilliant idea, Your Highness.” The praise came out of Cleria's mouth. “To prepare ourselves if at any time we are attacked, soldiers think they must reflex defend effectively. We used to miss an undead incident. More than that, it could also show how ready those divisions that held the imperial offensive sword were.”
No one disagrees with Cleria. To prepare yourself for various situations in war, holding a simulation is the best option. It not only adds to the creativity of the defense divisions, but also the assault divisions. And it will also spur Division 3 to be more responsive.
“When we discuss this in more detail after you learn the instructions from me, we will also discuss the formation of special battalions in each division. Later we will also discuss about the Imperial Marine. For now, we return to the topic Favilifna Kingdom.”
No one objected, and Kanna decided to continue talking. “I plan to send Division 12 to Etharna as Queen Elmira wants. Even though I had already rejected her personal request, she had a strong argument. But now I've decided that I won't do it. We will not send troops there.”
“Lantas?” Zenith throws tanya.
Kanna's lips curled. “As already done while handling Black Skull,” said, “I decided to send a few people only. It will avoid falling victim, and this is much more fictitious.”
From the battle with the Elf Kingdom, Kanna cried out that sometimes the troops were not needed. Moreover, with the greater war lurking in front of the dead, they did not deserve to send an army to their deaths.
“I agree it's more effective.” Dermyus nodded, Reinhart quickly supported Dermyus. “However, two or three commanders will not be enough. Especially if the troops that the Holy Kingdom sent brought Saint as their leader.”
“No, Commander Dermyus,” Kanna shook her head, then smiled faintly. “I will only send Commander Xavier and Commander Lilithia. And that was more than enough, of course as long as Fie Axellibra did not lead that army directly.”
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I don't remember ever writing Emily's full name or not— and I don't find her on any note. So, if any reader happens to remember Emily's long name (if ever written before), don't hesitate to comment. It'll be fixed soon if Emily's last name isn't Avosvin.