The “Big Picture”

Translator: Cinder Translations

...

Paul first reassured Derrick, had him escorted to rest, and then called a meeting with his top advisors.

Hansel shook his head: "The situation is grim. If we don't make a move, our previous investments will go to waste."

Paul asked, "How are things in Alden and Byerldine?"

"Lord, I believe the situation within the territories is stable and can support a large-scale military operation."

"Yes, after rooting out those sixteen gangs, there should be no new conspiracies. Even if there are, they won't pose much of a threat. Our internal guard forces and police should be enough to suppress them," confirmed Intelligence Chief Cecil and Public Safety Director Ross.

Paul turned to Schroeder: "Shall we then deploy troops to Biddeburg?"

"No, Lord Grayman."

Before Schroeder could respond, Hansel had already voiced his opposition, and everyone turned their curious eyes toward him.

"I suggest we don't directly send troops to Biddeburg but continue with the previously shelved plan to land forces upstream on the Wes Lake."

He then explained the rationale: "Currently, the usurper's army is focused on Biddeburg, making the upstream area of the Wes Lake—a critical rear area—an excellent target for attack. If we strike their rear, the enemy will have to redeploy forces from the front lines, which will reduce the threat to Biddeburg, or at least ease the pressure. The previous siege of Biddeburg shows that it is not easily captured. By providing them with some military support, they should be able to hold out until we can land upstream on the Wes Lake."

Schroeder nodded: "That makes sense. Our navy will face minimal resistance on the Wes Lake; it should be a clear route."

Paul hesitated: "But won't this upset our allies? It might seem like we're abandoning them."

Hansel shook his head: "My lord, I'm suggesting that you provide them with some military equipment, aren't I? Ah, yes, just send the weapons and armor that haven't been shipped from Frand Port to Biddeburg."

After the establishment of the "Northwest Industries," with a plentiful supply of iron ingots in Alden, blacksmiths across various territories worked day and night forging weapons and armor. These were concentrated at Frand Port, awaiting shipment to the south.

Paul was puzzled as to why the lords preferred to sell these high-quality weapons and armor to the south for money instead of equipping their own soldiers, or else they wouldn't have suffered so badly against the longbows.

"Is this... appropriate? After all, these are valuable for generating income."

"In critical times, is victory or money more important?"

Hansel stared into Paul's eyes and said slowly: "The key is, Lord Grayman, do you want to share newly acquired land with others? If Biddeburg is used as a base, there will be more negotiation required."

Paul immediately dispelled any hesitation, turning to Schroeder and saying, "Revise the previous plan and proceed with the landing upstream on the Wes Lake."

He then instructed Hansel: "You explain our reasoning to Derrick. I hope this does not create a bad impression among our allies."

Schroeder and Hansel replied in unison: "Yes, my lord."

"As for the upcoming landing operation..."

Paul stood up, his expression serious: "It is clear that this is a second front specifically against the usurper Maltz Kent. It holds special and significant meaning, so this operation needs a name that matches its importance. I have decided to name it—"

"Operation Overlord!"

...

In the earlier plan, the offensive upstream on the Wes Lake was more about harassment, but now it would involve a full-scale attack and occupation.

The navy's warships would play a crucial role in this, responsible for transporting troops and supplies. Given the manpower shortage, sailors might also need to fight on land.

Admirals Austin, Quik, Yarman, and Tirpitz were soon gathered in Alden Town to discuss the new attack plan.

In the planning room, they worked out the details and decided that Chief of Staff Schroeder would personally command the operation. The old knight was very familiar with the geography upstream on the Wes Lake. The troops participating in "Operation Overlord" would include the 2nd Infantry Regiment from Klaus, the 4th Infantry Regiment from Andrew, the 2nd Fleet from Yarman, and the 3rd Fleet from Tirpitz.

Quik was strongly dissatisfied, feeling that his 1st Fleet should have been involved due to its numbering and combat experience. However, Austin had blocked this, citing the need for naval presence in the outer seas. Nevertheless, the cadets of the 1st Fleet were allowed to participate in the operation to hone their military skills.

With two infantry regiments being deployed, it meant that Alden and Byerldine would have to rely on internal guard forces and police for defense. Fortunately, the 1st Infantry Regiment from Bryce and the 3rd Infantry Regiment from Joyce were stationed in northern Emden. They could provide some level of deterrence, along with a large number of militia—far more reliable than the so-called "militia" in other territories under the new reserve system.

...

Derrick, who had come seeking help, was somewhat disheartened to learn that Alden Town did not plan to directly aid Biddeburg but intended to attack the Kent family's rear.

Paul felt some guilt and immediately signaled Hansel.

Hansel quickly began to explain the "big picture" to Derrick.

"Our earl has said that to untangle a knot, you cannot use brute force to pull it apart. Resolving disputes requires not directly participating in the fight. To resolve a crisis, you must grasp the key points, exploit opportunities, and force the coalition's constraints to naturally separate."

"Now, with the Kent family's elite forces concentrated, if we attack their rear, their front-line troops will inevitably return to defend. This will neutralize the threat to Biddeburg. By the grace of the Lord of Light, there is the Wes Lake leading straight to the enemy's rear, and they lack significant naval forces—it's a godsend opportunity."

"Viscount Heller, trust in the speed of our ships. Look at that new-style warship on the lake—it's much faster than the rowboats."

...

With Hansel's elaborate explanation, Derrick eventually opened up and was overjoyed to learn that Alden Town planned to provide them with a batch of firearms.

These firearms included dozens of improved grenades and the so-called "Mother Cannon"—a type of artillery capable of rapid loading, ideal for defending against large numbers of advancing enemies.

Paul said, "Please tell the lords that we only require the coalition to hold out for three weeks—no, just half a month. After that, the situation will improve."

(End of the Chapter)

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