Reincarnated into a Game As the Hero’s Friend

“First, let’s confirm the enemy’s intentions.” (Crown Prince)

While I was still trying to make sense of the reason why I was told about the Farlitz’s situation before this meeting early in the morning, the Crown Prince spoke. He continued to look at the map.

“The enemy’s intention is to inflict a blow on the Kingdom’s army after penetrating deep into Coltrezis territory. These hastily constructed forts are meant to impede our advance.” (Crown Prince)

In terms of strategy, it would be called a strategy of depth defense. The strategy would be to force us to bleed as much as possible, slow down our advance, and increase casualties in exchange for increasing the area occupied by the Kingdom’s army. If combined with a scorched earth strategy, the burden on the Kingdom’s army would be even greater.

Even the farmers who were forcefully conscripted and inexperienced soldiers would put up a great resistance just to save their lives, hindering the movement of the Kingdom’s army while it tries to take over those newly built forts and increasing their losses.

Such measures could not be used for long, but Coltrezis House did not care. The aim was to force the Kingdom’s army to suffer losses and buy time, putting a strain on their supply lines.

If the Kingdom’s army advanced while taking over all the newly built forts, then both time and damage would gradually become more and more difficult for the kingdom to ignore.

However, if the Kingdom’s army ignored the forts along the way and headed straight for the enemy’s base at Colts, then it would be in a position where their supply lines would be put at risk.

“Do you think the enemy understands our military strength?” (Crown Prince)

“No, I don’t think so. Rather, I think they are assuming that the Kingdom’s military force is a hastily assembled army.” (Shundler)

Minister of War Shundler responded to this question. I agree with him.

If they were assuming that the royal knights had suffered losses in the attack on the royal capital, they must have thought that the attacking kingdom army would have many inexperienced soldiers, and that it would take time to capture even a fort defended by farmers. I think they were probably planning to buy time while also negotiating at the same time.

“It seems that they are assuming that they will eventually cut off our army’s rear and sever our supply lines. Presumably, the enemy cavalry will stay in the rear and wait for the right moment to target our supply lines.” (Shundler)

“I see.” (Crown Prince)

Viscount Degenkolb nodded in agreement. If they cut off the supply lines and pursued the retreating Kingdom’s army from behind, the kingdom’s army would suffer heavy losses. I think they were thinking that if they could take many hostages, Coltrezis House could make up for the loss of productivity caused by conscripting their peasants into the army.

His Highness the Crown Prince turned to look at me.

“Zeavert, it is safe to assume that the enemy’s cavalry will not be able to move around so freely.” (Crown Prince)

“Yes, although not all of them, the purchase and transport of fodder is progressing well. It will be difficult for the Marquis’ side to keep their cavalry in motion for a long period of time.” (Welner)

When I replied, some of them looked surprised. It was as if they were asking if I had already made the necessary arrangements. But that wasn’t the main point. His Highness used the expression “enemy cavalry”. He didn’t say “the Coltrezis Knights”.

“However, I cannot say that we are fully prepared to deal with an external military force.” (Welner)

“There’s nothing we can do about that, but we’ll be expecting it.” (Crown Prince)

“What do you mean by ‘outside’?” (Crank)

It appears that Viscount Crank was having a problem understanding. So he asked me the question. I wasn’t sure whether I should answer, but the Crown Prince gave me a look that suggested I should, so I answered.

“It seems Farlitz is in cahoots with Coltrezis House. If Farlitz sends out troops, we won’t be able to deal with them easily.” (Crown Prince)

“”What?””

Some people let out surprised gasps and there was a slight commotion.

---