Revolutionary Period –
A month has passed since Archduke Leopold withdrew and Mirbeau’s forces joined to reorganize and reorganize the Southern Army.
I headed to Bahua, the northern army’s garrison.
This area was originally one of the Dukes of Lorraine’s fiefdoms, but now the flag of the Republic is flying.
Unlike Mirbeau, who continued to engage in defensive warfare along the highlands and farms, Balian went on the offensive and directly attacked the Duchy of Lorraine.
Naturally, the Duke of Lorraine, who was devastated by the attack on his territory, attempted to defend it actively, but Duke Henry’s Germanian Empire Army and Duke Gunhild’s Northern United Kingdom Army responded lazily.
In the end, after Balian’s maneuver and surprise attack, which were much faster than they expected, they were defeated individually, gave up Bahua, and retreated.
After receiving a salute from a northern soldier who recognized me and running on horseback, I was able to meet a face I hadn’t seen in a long time.
“Welcome, General Lafayette! “I’m so happy to see you here!”
The judgment is subtly distorted by the sight of Balian with a smile on his face.
Yes, it looks like you are very happy with the major achievement you made by giving the Southern Army to Archduke Leopold.
“I am also glad to congratulate you on your victory, General Balian. The Duke of Lorraine and King Louis must have come to their senses too. … The southern army was also alert as it had to deal with Archduke Leopold.”
“Hahaha, of course, the Northern Army’s performance was possible because the Southern Army prevented Archduke Leopold. “I also heard about the Confederate Army and the general’s performance in forcing Archduke Leopold to retreat.”
Balian was still smirking and stretched his hand inside as if to guide him.
“Would you like to eat inside first? “I think we need a leisurely, in-depth conversation.”
It’s an in-depth conversation. That’s good.
–
I was guided to Balian’s command barracks and met with him alone, taking all his attendants and subordinate commanders with him.
“…It seems like you are quite comfortable with your subordinates?”
When asked while recalling the seemingly innocent attitude of Balian and his commanders, he shrugged his shoulders.
“Haha, a person with ability automatically gains authority even without formalities.”
That’s great confidence.
As I slowly twitched the corner of my mouth, Balian put his hands together and bowed his head to me.
“First of all, I apologize, General.”
“…Saguara?”
Balian put his hands together and smiled at me.
…Something feels bad.
“Why is someone who knows like this? “I apologize for having the Confederate army fight Archduke Leopold alone without support.”
How are you?
A rotten smile appeared on my face.
“It seems like you were aware that your behavior was problematic.”
Otherwise, the Confederate army would have suffered a serious defeat.
It wasn’t the result, but that was only thanks to the Confederate army’s performance exceeding expectations.
“Yes, I knew. Of course, I was willing to apply if necessary. “But isn’t it strange that Count Mirbeau didn’t ask for support, but I am saying that I will personally send it?”
No, this Mr.
That idiot.
For no reason, I cursed at Damien de Mirbeau, who is not here.
You said you fell for that stupid friend Balian’s sugar-coating trick and left after asking him to leave it to you.
Although I tried my best to hide it, most of the testimonies of the Confederate commanders who attended the strategy meeting at the time were consistent.
If he hadn’t been able to fight in the battle, his head would have been blown off, but he was careful to hold on during the battle, so his head was attached.
“As I said before, the Northern Army’s performance in this battle resulted in the occupation of the Bahua region, thanks to the Southern Army’s ability to single-handedly stop Archduke Leopold.”
Balian cleared his throat and said that, then smiled.
“So let’s just say the Union owes the Confederacy. “I will give the Confederates at least one corresponding aid.”
I got my major because I did something shameful, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to clean my mouth completely, right?
The irony is that he wants to take advantage when he can, but is ambiguous about hating it, and wants to continue to cooperate with the Confederate Army in the future.
I stared at Balian’s disgusting face and opened my mouth.
“great. I will gratefully accept the Northern Army’s favor. But I would like to ask you one thing.”
“Oh yeah. of course. General. Feel free to ask questions! haha!”
“If the Southern Army, which went alone to stop Archduke Leopold, had been defeated, the Northern Army’s offensive would have ultimately failed. If that were the case, the entire eastern region would have been withdrawn and the capital Lumière would have been the front line. Was there any plan for this?”
The smile slowly faded from Balian’s mouth.
That was a pretty realistic scenario.
Damien’s failure to properly seek cooperation from the northern army was a problem, but he did his best in the battle.
Nevertheless, if I had not arrived in time, the Confederate army would have been completely destroyed.
It was only after I had a duel with Count Lionel that I quickly subdued them and forced the soldiers to march too hard, and I was barely able to do it in time.
“I can say that I did it, but if either I or Count Mirbeau had been slightly lacking in ability, the southern army would have suffered a fatal blow.”
I added, making eye contact with Balian.
“I don’t think General Balian knows that.”
Balian was silent with a serious face, not even a trace of laughter left, and then asked with a grin.
“Shall I give you a political answer or the truth?”
I smiled and answered.
“sincerely.”
As soon as my words left Balian’s mouth, the smile disappeared.
“I expected Archduke Leopold to not come out actively. “For the Germanian Empire, there is no need for this war to be ambitious.”
Balian shrugged his shoulders and added.
“Yes, that’s right. As the general, or rather the marquis, said, if the Archduke actively comes out… if an unfortunate situation occurs, we judged that there is a possibility that the southern army could suffer a fatal blow.”
Actually, I don’t think a person with military talent like Raphael Balian would have moved without knowing that.
But then why?
Even if the Northern Army is active, if the Southern Army is defeated, the war situation will eventually turn unfavorable. Why then-
“I don’t think you understand my judgment, Marquis.”
Balian pretended to cover the territory of the Francia Republic with his hand on the map spread out on the desk.
“Now this is the Marquis’ view. You’re looking at this whole country. “I think he deserves respect as a noble and military commander.”
After speaking, Balian covered the map with his hand.
All that can be seen between his overlapping hands is Reims, the original stronghold of the Northern Army.
“But my vision was like this, Marquis. “If the Confederate army collapsed, the Northern army would have had no choice but to retreat.”
While I remained silent, Balian shrugged his shoulders once again.
“But the Northern Army was active anyway, but if the Southern Army collapsed and retreated, the situation of the war would have greatly increased the position of the Northern Army and me, right?”
“…So, did you make this decision for the sole reason that the Northern Army would not suffer any losses even if the Southern Army collapsed and the war situation became unfavorable?”
“That’s all, Marquis. I am a former mercenary. Are you expecting patriotism or a spirit of sacrifice from mercenaries? I committed myself to the Republic to enhance my reputation and gain power. “If the Confederate Army had been my unit, the judgment would have been different.”
Balian had an extremely confident attitude.
“I am confident in my abilities. “I am confident that in the long run, rather than dwelling on local losses, the war will bring more positive results if I secure military power and the National Assembly does not dare to argue with me.”
“Ha…”
It’s absurd, but since the person speaking is none other than Raphael Balian, there is no rebuttal.
My displeasure aside, he may be right simply from a strategic perspective.
“Rather, I cannot understand you, Marquis.”
“You don’t understand me?”
When I frowned, Balian nodded firmly.
“yes. Some may think I am heartless, but at least by doing so, I and my subordinates can win more. “I am responsible for those who follow me.”
“….”
“I think the Marquis’ attitude deserves respect, of course. Even though he is a noble, he is willing to pay a high price and sacrifice himself to protect this country. In the West, he even took on the political burden to defend those who would have been accused of being rebels and almost to death.”
Balian looked at me for a moment and then added.
“You knew the situation so well that you committed yourself to the Republic, and even if you did, you would have missed an important battle to reach a compromise with the western region.”
“…If I hadn’t stepped forward, the West and Lionel would have joined hands to rebel against the Republic. If that happens, we will eventually have to suppress it…”
“That’s right, Marquis. That’s an extremely good judgment, but why is that your problem? “It’s a republic problem.”
I closed my mouth due to the unpleasant feeling I had been feeling from before.
“Even if the Marquis didn’t go to such lengths, someone would have suppressed it. Well, some blood may have been shed there, but if the Marquis had joined the battle against Archduke Leopold from the beginning, the southern army would not have been in danger.”
“Then we should have allowed a massacre that could have been easily prevented?”
“I don’t know what purpose the Marquis has in mind, but isn’t there a reason why he has to do something like that?”
Reason reason.
Damn it. What reason do we need to save people who can be saved?
“From a military point of view, I know that the victory of the Confederate army in forcing the Archduke’s troops to retreat without any major losses is more valuable than the northern army defeating the armies of the three fools’ scarecrows. “To be honest, it’s a feat that even surprises me.”
Balian put his hands together in front of him.
“But look at the results. I and the Northern Army won against the armies of three countries and are praised as heroes of the Republic in Lumiere. However, the southern army forced Archduke Leopold to retreat and that was all. “Those people have no idea the value of what the Marquis and the Confederates have done.”
His eyes are scrutinizing me as if he is trying to penetrate my insides.
“…I’m the one who told you to tell the truth, but I don’t understand why you’re saying it this way. “From what I saw, General Balian, you seemed like you wanted to maintain a good relationship with me?”
There is no great point in me condemning Balian, who is already emerging as a hero of the Republic, in the National Assembly without any basis. But is there really a need to upset me?
Balian nodded obediently.
“you’re right. I think highly of the Marquis. Even though we are rivals in terms of position, I would like to have a positive relationship with the Marquis if possible. Rather, that’s why I’m telling you this.”
What on earth is he thinking?
“Marquis, the National Assembly and the republican government are at exactly that level. “They are nothing more than a group that holds the Marquis back, without any attempt to understand what he sacrifices and how he devotes himself.”
Balian’s words seemed to penetrate deep into me.
Have I never thought of something like that? Not really.
There were many moments when we doubted whether this was the right path for us, whether we should join them and pay a great price simply because we were nobles.
“They don’t really understand the value of the Marquis. “The Marquis’s loyalty and dedication are invaluable to those who are encroached by their own idealism and cannot see reality.”
“…I am not loyal to them. What I am loyal to is Franzia itself-”
“Is that really true?”
Balian immediately asked a question.
“You, who come from a noble family, sacrifice everything and devote yourself to patriotism, even abandoning your territory? You are truly a great hero. But what compensation is there for the sacrifices you and your followers have made for the fungi that depend on your devotion?”
sacrifice.
The vassals who gave up their territory, saying they would follow my will even while shedding tears.
The blood of Count Lionel, who cried out for the honor he inherited from his ancestors even as he was dying.
Christine looks like she’s pushing herself after seeing her family’s blood die because of me.
I think I was given compensation that I could receive in my own way. It may not simply be materially lacking.
But was there really a truly deserved reward? Is it even possible to give such a reward?
“Did the Marquis really achieve something with the cause he pursued with the republican government?”
In response to Balian’s question, I clenched my fist tightly.
I remember the misery in that dungeon without a single ray of sunlight, and the moment when everything was denied in the courtroom in front of the guillotine.
– Look at this hypocritical nobleman! Isn’t it clear that even those who claim to be incorrupt have considered us livestock rather than equal human beings?
An accusation at the moment of death before returning. The words that made me realize the petty hypocrisy of thinking that I was different from the corrupt nobles are forever engraved in my mind so that I cannot forget them.
However, this time, in the style of a republic, they reached a compromise through their national assembly with those who were accused of being rebels and almost died in vain.
Christine and the members of the aristocratic faction are still active in the National Assembly, and thanks to the army they had fostered and the joining of westerners, they were able to force a strong enemy called Archduke Leopold to retreat.
Although it may not be the best, my efforts to achieve better results by making the most of the future I know have clearly paid off.
At least when I die, I don’t think I will despair that everything I have done was worthless.
“The results are clear. “It may seem insufficient from General Balian’s perspective, but it is well worth it.”
“…Is that so, Marquis, if you think so.”
Balian took a step back and bowed politely to me.
“I apologize, Marquis. “I made a presumptuous comment.”
“…no. “Let’s just pretend you didn’t hear it.”
But even as I say that, what Balian said never leaves my mind.
“It’s a long story. “I’ll just go now.”
“Oh, I see. Are you going back to Lumiere?”
“yes. They suffered serious damage in the last battle and will need time to reorganize their forces. “The Republic has also gained time to strengthen its forces, so we must supervise it and handle the affairs of the National Assembly.”
Balian grinned.
“I envy you. I’m also interested in politics, but I’m not qualified, haha. Still, since you are the Marquis, I believe you will not spare any support for the Northern Army.”
“You’re so shameless.”
“Haha, isn’t that my forte? “Is Count Mirbeau the acting commander of the southern army this time?”
“That’s true, but since there is a proper assistant attached this time, it would be better not to try to have fun while I’m away.”
“Hahaha….”
Louis Desais. That friend who was a member of the Royal Guard would at least assist Damien and properly carry out his duties while I was away.
“Then I’ll see you later, General Balian.”
“Haha, I hope Marquis Lafayette’s work will bear fruit.”
I shook Balian’s hand and turned around.
“…Well, this is serious.”
A low voice came from behind me, but I went outside without looking at him.
?
