Plain Girl Hero of Darkness
Battle of Iris

[Imperial Army, Kaspar castle, Main Base.]

"There's movement from the Seventh Army!"

Surveillance networks around Fort Gallia sent important reports to the main base, and General Osborne called all officers to the war council.

"Where is the enemy's purpose?"

"Master, the Seventh Army has crossed the Ecstasy River, and is marching towards the Canary road."

The envoy reported the movement of the Seventh Army with a little zeal to the room. The sound of metal clanking could be heard outside, and the atmosphere was slightly tense. The entire unit already knew that the Seventh Army was on the move, and the soldiers were preparing to battle in haste.

"Master, judging from the enemy's movements, they must have been eyeing this Kaspar castle ... Looks like they stole a march towards us."

“It looks like so. They may get tired of being turtles inside their base. "

All the officers laughed at Osborne's sarcastic words. Paris was the only one who averted his eyes and sighed. He knew that Osborne sounded a bit irritated.

(Why didn't the Emperor approve of the plan to attack the Gallian Fortress? I've seen His Majesty's plan, and it's perfect. General Felixus also pushed hard on the plan as well. The initiative should be ours ...

Paris clicked his tongue inside his head as the stinging laughter of the officers sounded. He then asked the envoy calmly:

"How many enemy troops?"

"Yes sir, the reconnaissance report estimates their strength to be around 50,000."

"""Hahaha?"""

The laughing officers' faces stiffened.

“50,000. Looks like they have more reserves than we expected. "

No one responded to Paris' words. Nor did they expect such a great power. Most of the officers furrowed their brows hearing this news.

After obtaining reinforcements, Kaspar Castle now has 55,000 troops. Paris commented that the development was "unexpected", but she was not too surprised. He admitted that he underestimated the number of enemies.

He had previously estimated Fort Gallia to have 40,000 troops, or at most 45,000. But given the invading forces and garrison units remaining in the fort, he needed to revise that number to around 60,000.

(Our spies at Fort Gallia haven't reported back. He was either caught, or killed. Lack of intelligence makes things difficult.)

Paris comes from an intelligence bureau, and attaches great importance to intel. He knew very well that a single piece of intel might be as valuable as 10,000 soldiers, and could decide the outcome of a battle. But, many of the officers present believed otherwise. A large number of soldiers only considered intel a second interest, and that battles were always decided with martial power.

And Lieutenant General George was the one who believed this the most. He had a burly body and was the head of the famous Bachstein family that helped establish the Empire. With the influential power of his famous clan, he got everything he wanted. To match his achievements on the battlefield, George led the Knight Corps that became famous during the Battle of Swaran — Full Metal Knights.

During the early stages of the Southern War Theater, he personally led the Knight Corps to destroy the Sixth Army, and his outstanding performance sparked his confidence.

George looked at Paris, then said to Osborne with a faint smile:

“Your Highness, enemies may be many, but they are just a weak horde. We need not fear, this will be a good opportunity to destroy them, and show the might of the Imperial Army. "

George smashed the table to show his strength. All the officers agreed with him and supported him, including the people who furrowed their brows.

“Your enthusiasm is raising my heart. All right, let's show the Seventh Army our strength— Paris, where do you think we should fight them? ”

Osborne asked. Paris turned her gaze to the map on the table.

“Here... In my opinion, the plains of Iris will be the most suitable place.”

"Reason?"

"That's easy. It was the most suitable place to deploy a large army. The Ark forest and the Grox valley on both sides of the plain were incompatible. Passing through the plains of Iris would be the shortest route to Kaspar castle, only a fool would take another route. "

“Hmm, so this battle will be a direct confrontation, yes.”

Osborne said with a nod.

George smiled cynically. The fighting spirit of the officers reached its peak. Paris felt danger when he saw their reaction.

(It's a little dangerous. This great battle after a long pause made them anxious about the achievements of the war. This is not a good sign.)

Currently, the situation in the south of the Kingdom was at a dead end. With the Seventh Army stubbornly defending the Gallia Fortress, the soldiers in the southern war theater had no chance of getting the war achievements. On the other hand, their comrades had won battles in the northern and central battlefields, which made them envious.

And now, reports of the Seventh Army invasion are coming in. It was natural for the soldiers to be excited. But, if they lost the battle due to being too anxious, it meant putting the carriage in front of his horse. As a strategist, he should always consider the worst-case scenario at all times.

('The meaning'nya already in the previous comment ama Dendhi_, tp wktu Iw edit, his coment ilang.:v Gw type aja deh yes. So the 'idiom meaning'nya gini: 'Perobatan sia², no use'.)

With that in mind, Paris advises Osborne:

"Your Majesty. To be safe, we must enlist reinforcements from Fort Kiel. Then we can— ”

"What's this empty muzzle I hear?"

Paris was cut off even before she could finish, and she looked towards the person who spoke— Lieutenant General George. George was glaring at Paris, his body trembling with anger.

“i will ask you this again. What nonsense did you just say? I can understand if we are at a disadvantage, but our numbers are balanced. Are you trying to humiliate us by asking for reinforcements without reward? "

“Lieutenant General George, forgive me, but we can intimidate the enemy more easily if we have a large number. In my opinion, this would be the best way to minimize our losses. "

When he heard Paris' rebuttal, George clenched his fists against the table.

"You fool! Where does honor win by using numbers? And you call yourself an honorable soldier of the Imperial Army? Know the shame !!"

George publicly stated that honor is more important than the lives of the soldiers. Paris knows there's no point in saying more.

“... You are right, Lieutenant General, my apology for having made a useless proposal.”

Paris bowed deeply at the sound of scorn. From their voices, it was probably a person from George's faction. Precisely an officer from the upper nobles, and as a lower-level noble, Paris was already used to such treatment, and did not mind.

"Commander General George. The Paris strategist only expressed his opinion. No need to be too agitated. "

“Ya, Your Majesty..”

George let the matter be reluctantly. Osborne gently patted Paris on the shoulder, and said politely:

“I'll remember your opinion, Paris. We'll fight the enemy first, and see what they do. We can decide if we should ask for reinforcements after that. "

“... Understood.”

"Alright then— Gentlemen, raise your glass."

Osborne stood with the glass held high, and the other officers followed his direction.

“May the glory of Arsbelt Empire shine brilliantly!!” ”

““ Eternal Loyalty to Grand Emperor Ramza !! ””

- The next day.

50,000 soldiers were ready in the field, and the trumpets that declared the beginning of the day echoed in the blue sky.

"Your Majesty, we're ready."

"good. Tell the troops that we're going to move to the Iris plains. "

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

...To Be Continue's...