Plain Girl Hero of Darkness
Strongest Chess Pieces - (5)

Neinhart, who had come to Fort Gallia as a liaison, reported the First and Seventh Army's battle plans to coordinate and recapture Kaspar Castle to Paul. Otto frowned as he read the report.

"- I understand. This is something Lambert would do. After recovering Kaspar castle, we did not have to worry about our rear, and moved our troops to attack Kiel Fortress... But. "

Paul sighed at this moment, and looked at the ceiling. Smoke from cigars covered the office with a thick fog.

"... Does anything make you worry?"

"Yes, quite a lot, but most importantly, I don't understand the reason for retaking Fort Kiel now. Looks like my age is getting bigger. "

Paul's faint reply made Otto smile awkwardly while scratching his face. Seeing them like this, Neinhart lifted the corner of her lips.

(That's. Looks like Lieutenant General Paul and Lieutenant Colonel Otto opposed this plan.)

Recapturing Fort Kiel was the decree of Alphonse. Paul does it indirectly, but what he says can be interpreted as lese majeste. But, Neinhart did not intend to point that out, because she had the same view. Cornelius and Lambert would not say it out loud, but they thought the same.

(Lese Majeste: articles that protect senior members of the royal family from insults or threats.)

After all, Alphonse's decree was too reckless.

Alphonse was not a fool, but he ascended the throne at a terrible time. When the Benevolent Emperor declared his intention to conquer the continent, Alphonse only ruled for two years. He will have time to mend the ways of kings if his time is at peace, and he will be a good king. But, this was a chaotic time, and the Kingdom was struggling on the verge of collapse. Alphonse was unable to take time and learn, and lacked the ability to issue commands to adapt to changing situations.

After suffering from it, the plan was to send the First Army to retake Fort Kiel. The kingdom trembled like a boat in the middle of a storm due to the fall of Fort Kiel. He probably thought he could turn things around in one shot by capturing Fort Kiel.

Neinhart analyzes Alphonse's considerations, and uses them as a basis to convince Paul:

"- I understand your concern, Lieutenant General Paul, but His Majesty's words are final. And we can't turn the situation around just by defending. "

"... Thas right. I've talked too much. Going back to the topic, if we march on Kaspar castle, where do you think the Imperial Army will intercept us? "

When he heard Paul's question, Neinhart pointed to a point on the map. Otto thought the same, and nodded in agreement.

"The Imperial Army will definitely be stationed on the plains of Iris. This is the best place to bring down the troops. We'll probably march through here too. "

If they were to attack Kaspar castle, passing through the plains of Iris would be the shortest route. The alternative is to march through the vast forest, or challenge the cliffs and valleys. That meant taking a detour, and using a route that was not suitable for large armies. There's only one choice.

"I feel the same. But that means we have to defeat the enemy on the plain of Iris, then attack Kaspar castle. That's gonna be very difficult. "

Paul said bitterly. Neinhart agreed. Compared to the estimated 50,000 soldiers of Kaspar castle, the combined forces of the First and Seventh were 55,000. The Royal Army has an advantage in numbers, which cannot be made easily by strategy. At a glance, the Royal Army will raise its hand.

But, the situation would be reversed if Fort Kiel sent reinforcements. The kingdom had no choice but to retreat. That is what Paul implies. And Neinhart had no solution to this problem. Otto furrowed his brows and said nothing.

As the air grew heavier around the three men, someone knocked on the door of the Commander's Office. With Otto's permission, a soldier entered.

"Immediate report?"

"Yes sir, forgive my interruption. An envoy from the Olivia Special Platoon had just arrived, and reported that Fort Lamburg had been successfully retaken. "

"Oh ~! That's great news. "

"The bandits have been annihilated. The platoon continued the second mission, the report ended. "

"understandable. I'll give them new directions later. Let the envoy stand at the base for now. "

"Yes sir!"

"Fufu, Warrant Officer Olivia has accomplished her mission very well. I have to prepare an extra large cake for her when she comes back, or she'll get mad. "

"Sighs... You say that again. He's gonna be cocky, so please don't do that."

In response to Otto's advice, Paul said: "You don't have to be that serious." and laughed out loud. Otto nodded and sighed. Neinhart was also an aide, and sympathized with Otto, but that doesn't matter now. He heard a name he could not ignore, and asked.

"Is the person in question the Warrant Officer Olivia?"

"Hmm...? Yes, that's right, Warrant Officer Olivia mentioned in the previous report. "

(As I thought. So he's not in this fort now ..)

One of Neinhart's goals was to visit Fort Gallia to meet with Warrant Officer Olivia. He knew that he was mixing his personal affairs into official business, but he wanted to thank him personally.

"Why do you look so confused?"

"- Ah, sorry. Actually, the man Samuel killed, Major General Lance, was a good friend of mine. I want to thank Warrant Officer Olivia for replying. "

After hearing Neinhart's reasoning, Paul's expression softened and turned a little awkward.

"Once, you are ... Major General Lance ... So. His death is a great loss for all of us. "

Paul touched his bald head and muttered. It was short, but more than enough to mourn the dead.

"Thank you very much. Major General Lance will definitely be honored by your kind words in the next world, Lieutenant General. "

"Sighs.. Who knows..."

Paul turned off the cigar in the ashtray. The atmosphere became heavy again, and suddenly Otto clapped his hands.

"Whatis that? You think of a plan? "

"Yes sir. I have an idea to try. If successful, we might be able to retake Kaspar castle before the enemy reinforcements arrive. "

"Oh ~ is good.. but you're thinking of exploiting Warrant Officer Olivia again, right?"

Paul said with a silent face. Otto smiled faintly when he heard that.

"Your Majesty, Warrant Officer Olivia is now the strongest pawn of the Seventh Army, so of course I will make full use of it. Even more so if it will increase the chances of success. "

"I know I know. Then tell me what's on your mind. "

Otto cleared his throat beside the wryly smiling Paul, and explained his plan with a map after a moment of silence.

Neinhart surprised. Otto was an absolute pragmatist. He will neither praise nor disparage friends nor opponents. And Otto called Warrant Officer Olivia the strongest in the Seventh Army, which made Neinhart even more curious.

(It's hard to believe, but she's the girl who killed Samuel. He must be very expert.)

After coming to that conclusion in his mind, Neinhart listened to Otto's plan.

...****************...

...To Be Continue's...