Merchant Noble is out (2/4 chapters for today)
War of Attrition
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A month had passed since the advance into the Kali Kingdom began.
While resting at the base, Tyr received a report from Urt of the Sheeb Order, who had gone to scout the enemy camp.
“General. There has been no movement from the enemy today.” (Urt)
“Thank you for your hard work.” (Tyr)
Tyr had been sharpening his sword, which had recently seen little action.
“It’s so boring.” (Tyr)
“The Kali folks have completely stopped showing themselves.” (Laika)
Laika and Randal also looked bored.
In the first two weeks, they had achieved consecutive victories, defeating enemy soldiers one after another and capturing cities. However, for the past two weeks, they had been unable to advance their troops.
The Kali army had begun to avoid fighting with Tyr and his forces, retreating into forts and castles. Since the enemy had shifted to a war of attrition, their own fighting had become long-term.
Hal was worried about this current situation.
“Tyr-sama. I have a bad feeling about this.” (Hal)
“What is it?” (Tyr)
“Do you remember the reason for Leo’s defeat?” (Hal)
Tyr recalled the late Leo.
Although he had no direct involvement, Arc had accompanied Leo until the very end, even betraying him. Therefore, Tyr had heard in detail about Leo’s rapid advance and his demise from Arc.
“Ah, he lost because he couldn’t finish off the stronghold held by the Eastern Baron.” (Tyr)
“The method of utilizing a small elite force for mobility is a commonality between you and Leo, Tyr-sama.” (Hal)
“I see. The Kali army holed up in their forts is just like the old Eastern Baron.” (Tyr)
“They won’t be able to utilize their precious mobility against an opponent that is barricaded.” (Hal)
Having a small but high-level fighting force and possessing high mobility…
These were commonalities between Tyr and Leo. For this reason, Hal was concerned that the current situation resembled the events leading to Leo’s defeat at the hands of the besieged baron.
“That certainly is true. On the surface, my current situation and Leo’s past situation are similar.” (Tyr)
However, Tyr dismissed Hal’s concerns outright.
“But the substance of the two is completely different. Leo was isolated and unsupported due to his brutality, which led to a lack of support from the citizens. Those who relied on plundering to procure supplies couldn’t sustain a long war. On the other hand, we are different. As the Laplace army, we are receiving support from the nation. Food and supplies are being transported weekly by Mia and the adventurers, and we have the cooperation of the residents of the occupied cities.” (Tyr)
Leo’s defeat in the war of attrition was not due to a lack of troops, but rather due to being isolated and unsupported.
“Therefore, we will not end up like Leo.” (Tyr)
Hal nodded as if to agree with Tyr’s opinion, but she nonetheless cautioned him.
“In any case, we need to bring this to a conclusion as quickly as possible. We have been sternly ordered by Yanna-sama not to let this turn into a prolonged war.” (Hal)
“War situations are like living creatures. They change in various forms day by day. We must fight to the best of our ability amidst those changes.” (Tyr)
“But if it turns into a long-term war…” (Hal)
“Hal.” (Tyr)
Tyr interrupted Hal, who continued to voice her concerns, sounding a bit annoyed.
“I am the commander here. Just as Yanna-neesan’s ideas take precedence in Mikanda, my ideas take precedence on the battlefield.” (Tyr)
“Yes.” (Hal)
After being spoken to firmly by Tyr, Hal finally closed her mouth. However, it was also true that they needed to bring this to a conclusion quickly. To do that, they would need to lure the entrenched Kali army out into the plains and engage in a decisive battle.
“Randal.” (Tyr)
“Yes.” (Randal)
“Bring out the alcohol for the mercenaries. Let them drink all the alcohol we have brought.” (Tyr)
“…What do you mean?” (Randal)
Randal was puzzled by the inexplicable command.
However, this was a strategy devised to draw out the Kali army.
“Have a party in front of the fort that the Kali Kingdom is holed up in. Let them provoke the enemy thoroughly. Tell them that if they can successfully draw the enemy out of the fort, they will receive a bonus.” (Tyr)
It was a simple provocation strategy. However, soldiers who are under high tension on the battlefield often react fiercely to such cheap provocations. While it might seem like mere verbal abuse, being subjected to taunts day after day can be incredibly infuriating.
“I see. Provoking the enemy is well suited for the mercenaries. The young warriors of the Warden army tend to be serious, both positively and negatively.” (Randal)
Realizing the true intent behind the operation, Randal spoke with a wry smile.
“Since the students are already in a place where they’re killing each other, I’d like them to become a bit more barbaric.” (Tyr)
Tyr did not want to use his students or soldiers in a dangerous operation that would require them to provoke the enemy so close to their camp. This kind of verbal assault was the forte of seasoned mercenaries. He hoped they would deliver a barrage of insults that would compel the enemy to emerge from the fortress.
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