Steel, gunpowder, and spellcasters

Chapter 516 Prologue: The Worst Ending (Part Two)

In just three sentences, Jason Cornelius revealed a great deal of information.

Moreover, the former chief had a very peculiar smile on his face when he spoke, one that Fritz had never seen before.

Therefore, Fritz decided to start with the most fundamental issue.

"Excuse me, are you recruiting me?" Fritz asked bluntly, "Sir."

"No."

Cornelius's smile faded. He sat back in his armchair, bent slightly, and opened the bottom drawer of his desk, answering in a matter-of-fact tone:
"In preparatory school, the instructors asked you if you wanted to continue your studies; that was recruitment. Now, I will only give you orders. When I give an order, you either obey or face a military court."

Fritz remained silent.

"However, I prefer to use volunteers."

Cornelius took a rosewood box from under his desk, placed his hand on the clasp, and looked at the student in front of him with an extremely imposing gaze:

"Therefore, I will give you a special question."

“Answer me—suppose there is a young officer who participates in the revolution with great enthusiasm, but is betrayed and scorned by his country after the revolution’s victory. Would he want to bury himself in the history of the war? Or would he want to shine for his country again?”

"Think carefully about my question and answer it thoughtfully. Remember, you only have one chance to submit your answer."

“I also have a question, sir.” Fritz remained unmoved and took the initiative: “Could you answer mine first, and then I will answer yours?”

“A question?” Cornelius countered.

He unfastened the latch and lifted the lid of the sandalwood box. Inside, on a velvet lining, lay an old pipe.

Cornelius then took out a box of tobacco from another drawer and said without any politeness, "Ask whatever questions you have at once."

Fritz gathered his thoughts and decided to first confirm the recent widely circulated rumor: "You just mentioned the 'Southern Front Army,' which means the military has really decided to send a strategic corps to both South Palatine and North Palatine, with the Jinliu River as the dividing line?"

“That’s right.” Cornelius meticulously pressed tobacco into his pipe: “The names have already been chosen: [Western Front] and [Southern Front]. One will be responsible for destroying the Hongchuan rebels, and the other for strangling the Xinkendi rebels.”

"Fighting on two fronts?" Fritz frowned.

Upon hearing the former student's words, Jason Cornelius let out a series of mocking, terrifying dry laughs.

He took the lampstand, removed the lampshade, lit his pipe, leaned back in his armchair, crossed his arms, took a puff, and then turned to look at the student in front of him. His cold and stern features flickered in the lamplight.
"Who told you that forming two army groups at the same time is equivalent to fighting on two fronts?"

Fritz looked confused: "I...don't quite understand..."

Cornelius scoffed: "Major, you know that fighting on two fronts is a cardinal sin in warfare, but I don't? Don't the other generals know? And those old fogies, don't they know?"

“You mean…” Fritz slowed his speech as much as possible, giving himself time to think, “that one of the army groups was a sacrifice?”

“Yes.” Cornelius frowned, then suddenly adopted a persuasive tone, his eyes filled with mockery: “Use your intelligence analysis skills, Major, and tell me, which army group is the expendable pawn?”

Fritz discovered that the former chief of staff was a very impatient person.

Sure enough, as soon as he finished speaking, Cornelius took an ashtray from a drawer, tossed it onto the desk, carefully knocked off the ashes, and meticulously put the pipe back into its sandalwood box.

Then Cornelius immediately opened another drawer, took out a roll from a dozen or so rolls of paper, flattened it, and weighed it down with a sandalwood box and a crystal ashtray—it was a map of a narrow valley between two mountains.

Witnessing the former chief of staff accurately taking out various items from different drawers, Fritz couldn't help but wonder what else was inside the carved desk in front of him.
The former chief pointed on the map: "This is the foothills, this is North Palatine, this is South Palatine..."

In fact, Fritz could understand it without the other party's guidance.

He carefully examined the map in front of him—it was small in size but very detailed, depicting not only the main mountains, rivers, and city roads in the narrow area between the two mountains, but also marking the locations of many ruins and ancient battlefields.

It seems that the cartographer has done everything possible to make the map more accurate and comprehensive.

However, Fritz still spotted many errors at a glance: cities not in the correct locations, non-existent coastlines, and the proportions of Plato and the United Provinces were incorrect—the United Provinces were drawn too large, and Plato too small.

Considering the map's material and color, it is clearly an old map that is outdated.

"Come on, students, listen carefully."

Cornelius demanded an answer from Fritz, leaving no room for refusal:

"I won't ask you what the disadvantages of the Southern Army are or what the advantages of the Western Army are. That's self-evident nonsense—the Jinliu River is right there, only a blind man and a fool can't see it."

"What I want to ask you is—what are the disadvantages of the Western Front? And what are the advantages of the Southern Front?"
"Come, answer me."

The former director's questions were too abrupt, and it took Fritz a while to catch up.

However, it only took him a short while before he began to speak. He hesitated at first, but his speech became more and more fluent as he spoke:
"The Western Front's disadvantage is... although the border between the foothills and northern Palatine is almost indefensible, the further north into Palatine, the higher the terrain and the more difficult the transportation becomes. The further they advance, the more difficult the supply becomes..."

"The Southern Army's advantage is that, although the Jinliu River is a geographical barrier, it is also a good waterway. As for Kingsburg, as the capital of Palatine, I'm not too familiar with its port..."

"The Fortress of Kings is Palatine's wool distribution center," Cornelius stated curtly. "Deep waters, numerous berths, and comprehensive facilities. Continue."

"Then as long as the Southern Army holds the Fortresses of Kings, it can receive a continuous supply of reinforcements from headquarters..."

"You got the question right in itself," Cornelius commented mercilessly. "But you only saw the first layer, not the second."

His finger traced the Jinliu River on the map, prompting the former trainee: "The Jinliu River doesn't only have a port on its south bank; the Western Front can also use the Jinliu River for supplies."

Fritz objected: "But Nijikawa, Ishimori, Gollingburg... the enemy's heartland is located inland and in the mountains."

“We’ll take the waterways first, then the land routes. We can capture the coastal towns first, then penetrate deeper into the interior of northern Palatine.” Cornelius pointed to the lower left of the map: “Moreover, the heart of the enemy in the Southern Front is also inland.”

Fritz fell into deep thought, and after figuring it out, he nodded and readily admitted his 'mistake'.

Cornelius gave a soft hum, this time seemingly a satisfied hum.

He patiently explained, "All your assumptions are based on the premise that 'the Jinliu River waterway can be used by us, and only by us.'"

Fritz was taken aback at first, then shuddered: "You mean, the Venetians will..."

“Are you a Venetian?” Cornelius stared.

“I…” Fritz didn’t understand what the former chief was trying to say: “No.”

"Am I?"

"Not at all."

"Then how do you know, and how do I know, what the Venetians are planning to do?" Cornelius stared at Fritz, his gaze piercing, his tone unusually stern.
"But I can tell you, students."

"If you blindly assume that the enemy will not take a certain action, and base your plans on that assumption..."

"Then one day, you will lead yourself and your men into utter ruin."

Fritz paused for a moment, then stood up, bowed, and said, "I am honored to receive your instruction."

Cornelius sneered: "Go to the ears, and even a hundred attempts might not get you to take it to heart; go to the left chest, and it'll hit you right in the heart. Unfortunately, the latter usually doesn't give you a second chance."

"Alright, have a seat." Cornelius waved his hand and got back to the point: "So, now you understand why, although two army groups have been formed, it won't be a two-front war?"

“Understood.” Fritz replied quickly: “If we take into account the possibility of Veneta’s participation in the war, only the strategic objectives of the Western Front are likely to be achieved.”

"The overall strategy set by the Army Headquarters was called 'attack in the west and defend in the south'."

Jason Cornelius solemnly introduced the program to the students:
"The Western Front can be described as 'strong and well-equipped with heroes'."

"[Pure] and [Fidelity], the two mainstays of the National Guard, were both crammed in."

"As if that wasn't enough, they drew key members from [Victory Goddess] and [Flowing River] to strengthen [Holiness] and [Justice], and then stuffed [Holiness] and [Justice] into them as well."

"Give us as many guns, armor, cannons, and ammunition as you can."

"Young people, middle-aged people, and old people—anyone who still wants to climb higher is scrambling to get in."

"The Monta and Van people were also ordered by the military to send troops to help in the battle."

“North Palatine,” Cornelius concluded. “The military is determined to take it.”

“Since [purity], [fidelity], [holiness], and [justice] have all been assigned to the Western Front,” Fritz frowned involuntarily, “where are the troops left for the Southern Front?”

“What do you mean, no?” Jason Cornelist paused, a mocking smile creeping onto his lips. “Fifth National Guard Corps, [Patience]; Sixth National Guard Corps, [Caution]; Seventh Corps, [Resilience]; Eighth Corps, [Moderation].”

Even Fritz, who had already endured the cold shoulder of the war history department, was still stunned: "The Eighth Army? Eight armies?"

His speech became as fast as a mouse with its tail on a hot plate: "When did the National Guard expand from four corps to eight? Patience, caution, perseverance, restraint... I've never heard anyone mention these things before!!"

"Never heard of it?" Cornelius smiled enigmatically. "Well, you have now."

"Where would there be so many soldiers in the area in front of the mountain!"

“Recruited, conscripted, pulled, swindled,” Cornelius replied casually. “And some town guards… anyway, we don’t really need to fill all the positions.”

Fritz was getting anxious: "What... what kind of war can we fight with this?!"

“Very well, now you know the truth, Major.” Cornelius abruptly abandoned his cynical and sarcastic attitude, and said solemnly, “The Southern Army is simply incapable of fighting!”

"It was said that one army group was responsible for eliminating the Hongchuan military government, and another army group was responsible for recovering the newly reclaimed land."

"It is said that the attack will be carried out from the west and the defense from the south, starting from the north and then the south."

"But in my opinion, the military doesn't even want to defend the south!"

"Those old fogies must be thinking this way—as long as they can take over North Palatour, the territory of the United Province can expand several times, and the problems that have plagued the United Province for decades will all be solved at once!"

"We have everything: population, land, depth, and market!"

"If that's the case, why waste huge amounts of manpower and resources maintaining a bridgehead on the south bank of the Jinliu River instead of investing those resources in North Palatum?"

Cornelius roared, "Which has less loss? Which has more gain? You're a member of the Union Province too, do you need someone to teach you this?!"

“If that’s the case…” Fritz couldn’t quite process what his chief had said, feeling a bit dizzy: “If that’s the case, why form the Southern Army?”

“Because the military can accept the fall of Kingsburg,” Cornelius sneered. “But the United Provinces cannot tolerate the abandonment of Palatine’s capital.”

“So…so…” Fritz pressed his forehead, feeling a wave of discomfort: “That’s why they created a ‘Southern Army’ that is equal in rank, size, and even name.”

In order to deceive those who knew nothing of the truth beforehand, and to shirk responsibility afterward, and to silence those who were furious about the outcome.

“That’s right.” Cornelius said calmly, “That’s the usual style of those old guys, which is why we’re launching a coup.”

“But we failed in the end,” Fritz whispered.

"Failed?" Cornelius retorted coldly. "Why would you think that?"

Fritz of Nice slowly raised his head and stared intently at the former chief of staff.

“You said those words yourself, didn’t you, cadet? ‘I’m willing to be a tool as long as there is change.’” Cornelius asked firmly, “Hasn’t there been any change? We have successfully shattered the shackles of the old order, awakened the Republic of the Mountain Frontier from its slumber, and stirred up the entire Alliance.”

Fritz remained silent.

"What, you've changed your mind, cadet?" Corenis asked mockingly. "Are you now unsure whether this change is good or bad? Do you regret being a tool?"

Another unbearable silence followed.

"Never..."

Fritz gripped his knees and slowly raised his head. His previous submissive attitude towards humiliation and his indifference to criticism had vanished, replaced by a burning flame in his eyes.

He gritted his teeth and said forcefully:

“I have never regretted it. As long as there is any change, I am willing to be a tool. I would rather be smashed to pieces in the raging waves, or die under the hooves of a herd of raging cattle, than choose to swallow the bitter wine called reality and live a humiliating life in a cage.”

Jason Cornelius listened quietly to Fritz's confession, nodded, and asked:
"So, I still have the same question. Answer me—suppose there is a young officer who participates in the revolution with great enthusiasm, but is betrayed and rejected by his country after the revolution's victory. Would he want to bury himself in the history of the war? Or would he want to shine for his country again?"

“If the motherland needs me, I am willing to offer everything on the altar—flesh and blood, bones, nails, soul—all can be given.” Fritz’s face was grim. “But I don’t understand why I should go to the Southern Front.”

"Because I have to go."

"Because I can't not go."

"Because the motherland needs you to go."

"Because the United Provinces can exist without the Fortresses of Kings."

Cornelius slammed his fist heavily on the desk, causing the lights in the entire room to flicker.
"But the league absolutely cannot lose South Paratu!"

[Orz]
[Intelligence that can be disclosed]
The United Provinces Army is divided into a standing army system and a National Guard system.
[The standing army is theoretically subordinate to the Union; the National Guard is the private army of the Union Provinces.]
[Although the Provincial National Guard is theoretically equivalent to the Venetta Reserve Force, the Venetta Reserve Force is a citizen-military force composed of propertied citizens, only to be called up in times of war, while the Provincial National Guard is recruited from poor farmers and proletarians and is a permanent force.]
[The standing army includes: the First Legion, the Goddess of Victory; the Second Legion; and the River Runner.]
The original National Guard consisted of: the First Army Corps, Pure (main force); the Second Army Corps, Steadfast (main force); the Third Army Corps, Holy; and the Fourth Army Corps, Just.
[The National Guard's 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th Corps—characterized by patience, prudence, resilience, and discipline—are a recent, temporary expansion.]
Currently, the Western Front of the United Provinces has the following troop strength on paper: 20000 men from the four existing National Guard regiments + Monta reinforcements (unknown) + Varne reinforcements (unknown)
[The Western Front's opponents are—the Paratul military government and the Alpad forces.]
The Southern Army's paper strength consisted of: four National Guard corps hastily assembled, severely understaffed, and poorly trained units + an advance force to maintain order in Kingsburg + remnants of the Red Rose.
[The Southern Front's opponent was—the Fourth Republic of Palatine]
[Spectators: Veneta, Empire]
[Thank you to all the readers for your collections, reading, subscriptions, recommendations, monthly tickets, donations, and comments. Thank you everyone!]