I Am Being Mistaken for a Genius Strategist

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A few days later, the united forces of the three nations finally arrived at the Pavilion.

After a brief rest, they immediately launched an attack on the Empire’s 12th Legion.

The longer they stalled, the worse it would become. They had to make a decisive move right away.

On a grand scale, it was for the future of the united three nations. On a smaller scale, it was also due to the interests of the Command.

The first target for the united forces was, of course, the area they had taken control of.

Next would be the enemy positioned in the mountains. Once they broke through this location, everything would be over.

‘The enemies haven’t been here long. At best, they can only maintain an unstable supply line propped up by the chokepoint they are guarding.’

So, if they cut off that path, it would be as if the enemies on the mountain didn’t even exist.

“Charge! Charge!!”

Commander Bethel of the united forces aimed to break through the Empire’s defensive line in one swift motion.

Knowing the enemy was divided, he sought to apply pressure on them using the numerical advantage of his own forces.

It was true that the narrow chokepoint made it difficult to maneuver a large army.

But it was imperative to break through. For personal glory and the future of their homeland.

‘There’s no time to worry about what’s behind me. Even if I need to rest, I must at the very least break through this chokepoint. I’m sorry to the soldiers, but there’s no other choice!’

Excluding a few kept back to monitor the mountains, there was still a surplus of manpower.

Just as Bethel was about to commit all reserves and drive home a wedge in a single day…

“Commander! Commander! It’s serious! Over there! Look over there!”

The aides, greatly flustered, pointed to a certain location.

Suddenly, an Imperial flag began to rise from the mountain.

It was in a location completely opposite to where they had been observing.

‘Oh no.’

He had focused the gaze of his forces towards the main defensive line at the chokepoint and the accompanying mountains.

And now, an unexpected threat had emerged, revealing itself in front of them.

Before them stood the enemy fortress with the heights secured on both sides.

“Commander, we must withdraw our offensive for now. If we don’t, our forces may be flanked…!”

“No, Commander! If the enemy has split their forces like this, then their defense at the chokepoint is surely weaker. We must capitalize on this attack!”

“If they come down at us, we’ll be in deep trouble! We’ve already lengthened our line too much by deploying our reserves!”

The situation was growing more complicated. Especially since the commanders of the three nations had gathered, it became critical.

From junior officers to the Commander, everyone was eager to stake their claim to glory.

Though the three kingdoms had formed an alliance, only one would ultimately hold the reins.

And the way to seize that power was to exert influence in battle against the Empire.

Some sought to achieve that prestige with a victory in combat.

While others tried to obtain it through moments of sharp judgment.

Should they press on or withdraw to reassess the situation?

Caught in this conflict, Bethel ultimately decided to halt the offensive.

“Commander! If we retreat like this, we may never get another chance!”

“Reassess the situation, Commander! Bethel!”

It was only natural for the commanders from Burgai and Kaden to rise up in protest.

Whether it was the legitimate right of a commander or the merely rational choice didn’t matter.

What they could see was only the possibility of seizing the initiative from Polrand.

Right before their eyes stood the Imperial Legion.

Who knows if the three kingdoms could even win against the Empire?

If someone asked whether it was feasible for them to tear each other apart amongst themselves,

they would have to concede that humans are creatures capable of fighting even on a sinking ship.

*

The shovel work of our mountain-climbing enthusiast, Teacher Masok, would be talked about long after.

Even a thousand years later, everyone would mock that foolish act.

Two thousand years later, countless people would still curse that ridiculous blunder.

But honestly, I don’t think capturing the heights was a bad idea.

After all, occupying a high point isn’t against military strategy.

It’s just unfortunate that a few mistakes were made.

First. Even if capturing the heights, the main force shouldn’t stray far from the main battlefield.

Our goal was ultimately to secure the chokepoint and pin down the enemy as much as possible.

He thought climbing was the key to victory, but I saw it as only part of the strategy.

Even with divided forces, the position guarding the chokepoint is certainly not weak.

Second. If you’re going to take the heights, why not take two instead of just one?

One mountain becomes a stronghold, while another serves as a wall protecting it.

This allows for double or triple defense lines.

They could have even concealed one while only exposing one to the enemy, which would surely have surprised them.

‘And this is the most critical part.’

Forcing my opponent to make mistakes is far more important than striving for perfect execution myself.

If I concentrate on the chokepoint, I could unleash a detachment from both heights.

But should I encircle the mountain, the enemy at the chokepoint would not sit idly by.

With maneuverability constrained, the morale within the army could quickly fall apart.

Above all, if they can’t break through here, other legions of the Empire will enter the united territory.

They are not a unified nation like our Empire. They are an alliance of three nations.

It is said they have quarreled a lot. Would their relationship improve overnight?

‘Does that make sense? The internal dynamics would likely become more chaotic.’

Given that they are such enemies, it is essential to strip them of their confidence.

Instill fear. Create a sense of urgency. Force them to lose their flexibility.

There’s no need for a genius strategy that shakes the heavens.

As long as I keep the basics solid and execute properly, it will be enough.

Victory and defeat are mostly determined by who stumbles the most.

‘It wouldn’t have been enough if I just did this. Why would I have to go the extra mile?’

Did I hear they didn’t regroup after defeat but simply fled instead?

Even the Zhang Liang who taught the art of horse riding would be justified in inserting his pen right into the Joker.

“Prince Kael. Look over there.”

“…No way.”

“Yes. It seems the enemies are pulling back their forces to reorganize.”

I breathed a sigh of relief at the words of the on-site commander next to me.

I had been worried that the commander of the united forces might continue to press forward recklessly.

I expected them to withdraw, but there are always madmen who exceed expectations.

If that had happened, the clever tactics I prepared would have gone to waste.

“Then please inform the Legion Commander that we are ready to proceed with the next operation.”

“Understood, Prince Kael.”

I sent a signal to our soldiers. Just as I had done with Nobogord, I intended to once again ignite the powder keg of psychology.

*

“What in the world are you planning, Commander? While the flank was questionable, our Burgai forces could have handled it comfortably.”

“Our Kaden forces were also ready to hold the opposite flank. If we had pressed forward like that, we could have secured both heights and potentially breached their defenses!”

“….”

Damn it. Those Burgai and Kaden are all too eager to devour our Polrand.

Bethel glared at the commanders who had crowded around, speaking confidently.

While they may not be saying it out loud, the two kingdoms only wanted two things from their homeland.

One, the relatively large population compared to the landmass and the food that comes from the ample farmland.

Polrand, despite being a single army, held overall command, and that must have twisted their guts.

“Everyone, calm down! What are you doing now?!”

“The commander’s decision was indeed the right one. If we had pushed too far, the front line would have collapsed.”

Of course, the commanders from Polrand, along with a few from other nations, tried to mediate.

In this situation, even as they engaged in power struggles, they were headed for war against the Empire!

With their tearful efforts, the Command could finally grasp a moment’s peace.

But the already broken atmosphere wouldn’t easily return to normal.

“… For now, nothing has changed. Our alliance must break through this Pavilion.”

“The damages have only been significant from when we took a beating at the chokepoint. But if we tally the casualties and those captured by the Empire, it must be in the hundreds at least.”

“According to reconnaissance reports, the number of enemies positioned across the two mountains seems lower than expected. However, that could be a bluff, and even if it’s true, we cannot charge carelessly.”

It was a blow at the start. We had been too focused on occupying a single mountain.

Of all the reckless people to do it, it happened to be a noble from the Empire, so they couldn’t help but be provoked.

But it was bait. They hooked their reputation on their fishing pole, waiting for the allied forces to take the bait.

Then they secretly moved their forces to occupy the opposite mountain and built another fortress.

“As long as the enemies don’t recklessly descend, the two mountains will serve as each other’s shields. It will be difficult to encircle even one.”

“It’s the same when we try to breach the front line. Each time the enemy shifts their position on the mountain, our soldiers freeze, fearing the flanks.”

The incoming reports made Bethel and the other commanders sigh heavily.

They were flowing by so smoothly that they didn’t even think they were being duped.

Once a brilliant strategist took a mountain, word got around everywhere, and everyone became bound to that place.

“Co-Commander!”

As I was about to transition back into the meeting after venting the chamber, a messenger stumbled in, nearly rolling over.

“Just now, it seems the Imperial forces have released our captives!”

“Released?”

“Yes! Reconnaissance troops confirmed that they are coming towards our camp unarmed.”

Releasing the captives. Are they attempting to drop our morale?

Does the Empire have such confidence that they are trying to tell us not to be alarmed?

As the command of the allied forces pondered this sudden event…

“However, Commander! All the released captives are from Polrand!”

In that moment, a strange atmosphere began to circulate within the tent.