Expeditionary Force Commander-in-Chief
"Daniel, you got here really fast!"
Prince Butzwig couldn't help but mock.
Both sides had agreed to join forces and launch a major attack. He led his men in fighting the fierce battle, but the spoils were ultimately stolen by Duke Daniel and his men.
The Orc Empire operates on a law of survival of the fittest; once they take the spoils, they never give them back.
After a great battle, the Behemoth army gained nothing of substance except for a reputational advantage.
Although they captured a considerable amount of weaponry and equipment, it came at the cost of soldier casualties. The losses of the cannon fodder units are best left unmentioned; the key issue was the loss of the Behemoth Cavalry.
Even a rabbit will bite when cornered.
Moreover, their opponent was the human army.
The expeditionary force was helpless against the massive charge of the Behemoth Cavalry, but the fleeing noble knights were not so cowardly when faced with the Behemoth Cavalry splitting up to pursue them.
The nobles of the Alpha Kingdom were also very experienced in dealing with lone Behemoth Cavalry. Even if they hadn't experienced it firsthand, they had heard their elders boast about it.
Whether it's true or not, nobles who have come down from the battlefield may not have learned the ability to command thousands of troops, but they must have learned a lot of pure combat skills and survival skills.
This kind of inheritance is present in almost every noble family. After all, if one is unlucky and all the elders who participated in each major battle are killed in action, the family will not have survived to this day.
Hundred Alliance Book
If three or five Behemoth Cavalry pursued them, they would not return alive. When faced with a life-or-death situation, the noble knights, unleashing their potential, still possessed the determination to fight to the death.
As a result, the Behemoth Cavalry suffered losses of less than four figures in the previous battles, but the losses were increased to four figures because the forces were too dispersed when pursuing the enemy.
After the battle, Prince Butzwig was surprised to find that the total strength of his elite army had dropped from more than 8,500 men before the battle to less than 7,000 men.
Compared to the achievements made, such losses are indeed nothing, but it's still painful to see them.
If the Wolf Riders had arrived just a fraction of a second faster, the losses of the Behemoth Cavalry could definitely have been kept below a thousand.
Despite suffering heavy losses and having his spoils stolen, Prince Butzwig in not losing his temper on the spot speaks volumes about his composure.
"Your Highness, you flatter me!"
My Silvermoon Wolf Tribe cavalry are not Behemoth Cavalry; our only advantage is speed.
"If we had been any slower, we probably wouldn't even have had a place among the Five Great Imperial Courts."
Duke Daniel responded coldly.
Just like in this battle, the final victory was truly achieved because the wolf cavalry arrived in time.
Even Prince Butzwig was powerless against such shamelessness. What's done is done; even winning the argument wouldn't change anything.
The Silver Moon Imperial Court benefited this time, so they'll just have to find a way to get revenge next time. The infighting among the Five Great Imperial Courts is nothing new; digging pits for each other has long been the norm.
If the roles were reversed and Prince Butzwig were to sabotage his teammates, he wouldn't hold back either.
No matter how much the conflict escalated, this great battle was ultimately won through the combined efforts of the two imperial courts.
If the Silver Moon Imperial Court's army hadn't launched a surprise attack on the human alliance's camp, the expeditionary force wouldn't have collapsed. Even with heavy casualties, the Alpha Kingdom's expeditionary force could have held out against the Behemoth Cavalry alone.
After all, what matters on the battlefield is confidence.
If morale doesn't collapse, even with the addition of the Silver Moon Imperial Court's army, the expeditionary force, with its numerical advantage, can still fight to the death.
They might ultimately fail, but at least they could achieve a dignified ending. For example, both sides would suffer heavy losses, and the Beastfolk army would only achieve a pyrrhic victory.
"Snort!"
After giving a cold shout, Prince Butzwig turned and left. His attempt to demand an explanation had failed, and he would remember this grudge.
Since the start of the war, the elite troops have suffered more than 30% casualties, a truly devastating loss.
Fortunately, the battle was won brilliantly, and the reinforcements from the Imperial Court were on their way, which somewhat comforted Prince Butzwig's wounded heart.
On the fourth day after the defeat in the Great Battle, which was September 7, Sacred Calendar Year 99988, the Moxi Duchy finally gave this failed battle an official name: the Dachias Campaign.
The naming process was devoid of any technical skill; it was simply a compromise, since the main battlegrounds were Dachi and As, and after some debate, everyone decided to include both place names together.
The high command of the Moxi Duchy chose to suppress news of the defeat internally, but adopted a completely different attitude towards the outside world.
The news was immediately relayed after the first high-level meeting following the defeat. In an effort to secure more international aid, they even went so far as to exaggerate their own losses.
As one of the unfortunate ones who had to pay the price for the defeat, when the news reached the Alpha Kingdom, Caesar III's beard stood on end in anger.
Losses and casualties were nothing to worry about; from the moment the expeditionary force was dispatched, there was no expectation that these troops would be able to retreat unscathed.
The key issue is that the supreme commander in charge of this major battle was actually his beloved son.
One can imagine that this epic defeat will be recorded in history along with the life of his son, Little Caesar.
The royal family's reputation has been completely ruined by this.
There's no way to find someone to take the blame; this battle was too devastating, dragging down the Moxi Duchy, the Duchy of Orton, and the County of Ruilin with them all. No one else can bear the responsibility.
"Tell the Moxi people, I don't care what happened in this battle, as long as Little Caesar doesn't meet with any mishap!"
"I am furious, "Caesar III said.
If you can't clear your name, then just don't bother trying. The major battle can fail, but your precious son can't be harmed.
With nowhere to vent his anger, Caesar III couldn't help but take it out on the Moxi Duchy. If he hadn't gone to help them, he wouldn't have ended up dragging his own son into this mess.
Originally, he only intended to provide a high-level training opportunity. According to his initial plan, the Crown Prince was just going there to observe and learn, and incidentally gain some military merit.
Of course, if one can cultivate exceptional military command skills, that would be an even greater gain.
Everything went very smoothly in the early stages. The First Army fought and earned merits on the front lines, while the Crown Prince, as the commander-in-chief, only needed to sit in the rear and watch.
When two significant reports of victory arrived, Caesar III believed that his son had matured and learned an essential skill for monarchs—to reap the rewards without sowing.
Unfortunately, the backlash came too quickly. While the country was still publicizing the First Army Expeditionary Force's victory in annihilating the Behemoth Cavalry Regiment, their own son immediately delivered an epic defeat.
Even including the wolf cavalry who participated in the battle, the total number of troops deployed by both sides was 180,000 to 70,000, an absolute numerical advantage, resulting in a major rout on the first day of the battle.
It would be a perfect negative example anywhere.
"Your Majesty, please rest assured. At this time, the Moxi people will not allow anything to happen to His Highness the Crown Prince."
Perhaps by now, they have already found His Highness the Crown Prince, but haven't had time to deliver the message.
The Duke Newfoundland offered words of comfort.
He fully understood His King's suffering. Having such a troublesome son would be unbearable for anyone.
As for the Crown Prince's safety, as long as the guards sent out don't all die, there won't be any accidents.
Moreover, in addition to the experts sent by the royal family, the Moxi Duchy also dispatched experts to secretly protect them. Everyone was extremely cautious about such a top-tier second-generation heir.
In a sense, the Moxi people valued Crown Prince Caesar's safety more than their own Crown Prince.
Who could blame Caesar III for having only one son?
If something unexpected happens, who knows what the crazed Caesar III might do next.
"Snort!"
"When that rebellious son comes back, I'll make him pay."
The order was issued to relieve the Crown Prince of his post as commander-in-chief of the expeditionary force and to appoint Hudson, commander of the First Army, in his place.
Once you find the Crown Prince, bring him back to the country immediately. If he disobeys, tie him up and bring him back.
"Caesar III."
It was clear from his slightly relieved expression that Caesar III's anger had been somewhat suppressed.
He's my own son, there's nothing I can do. As long as nothing bad happens to my son, I can't worry about anything else.
The defeat in the major battle essentially signaled the doom of the Moxi Duchy.
At this juncture, remaining in the Moxi Duchy is like dancing on a knife's edge. A single misstep could cost you your life.
Removing the Crown Prince from his post may seem like a punishment, but it is actually a father's love for his son.
As for the title of Commander-in-Chief of the Expeditionary Force falling to Hudson, it was simply because he had no other choice.
Of the six legions that went to war, five were completely routed. Among the high-ranking officers at the front, apart from Hudson, who was the only one left, the rest were burdened with the responsibility of defeat even if they managed to survive.
A defeated general is lucky to escape punishment; how could he possibly be promoted?
Unless the Alpha Kingdom is willing to add more troops to the quagmire of the Moxi Duchy, the First Army will be the last vestige of the expeditionary force's dignity.
Regardless of any personnel appointments, Hudson has now become the de facto commander-in-chief of the expeditionary force.
There are no competitors. Everyone already thought that rescuing the Moxi Duchy was like venturing into a dragon's den, and now this only confirms that point.
Even if there were more senior nobles, they wouldn't jump out at this moment to snatch this hot potato.
Even knowing that the Commander-in-Chief of the Expeditionary Force held a high rank and wielded considerable authority, he was able to represent the Alpha Kingdom within the Moxi Duchy.
Upon receiving the news, Duchy of Orton Oden XIX of the Duchy of Orton couldn't help but swear.
He greeted everyone from Crown Prince Caesar down to the high-ranking commanders of the participating countries.
Of course, the one who received the most criticism was Raimondo, the commander of the expeditionary force. Losing a battle was one thing, but losing the 30,000 troops painstakingly assembled by the Duchy of Orton was far too much.
Most importantly, if the Moxi Duchy falls, the Duchy of Orton will also be in danger. Without this neighbor standing in their way, these small countries are simply powerless to withstand the Beastfolk's onslaught.
"Your Majesty, issue the supreme mobilization order!"
This major battle directly resulted in the loss of over 100,000 mobile troops, and the Moxi people have lost their ability to launch a strategic counterattack.
The ensuing battle for Dapes City could only buy them time. According to the military's most optimistic estimates, they could hold out for a maximum of a month and a half.
This means that by the end of October, the Moxi Duchy will be defeated. At most, by November, the Moxi Duchy's resistance will reach its lowest point.
With their energy pent up, the Beastfolk army will seek out new prey.
It could be the Alpha Kingdom, it could be the Warhammer Kingdom, or it could be us.
"The Prime Minister Jacob said with a serious expression."
The tragedy of a weak nation was revealed at this moment. The expeditionary force's crushing defeat directly exposed the true strength and weaknesses of the Duchy of Orton to the Beastfolk army.
Once the Beastfolk target them for a breakthrough, even if they only send a small force to invade, the Duchy of Orton will find it difficult to resist.
"Good!"
This single word seemed to have exhausted all of Oden XIX's strength.
Similar scenes were playing out repeatedly in the homes of the neighboring countries of the Moxi Duchy. Realizing that danger was truly imminent, they all entered a nationwide mobilization mode.
One serf after another was constantly conscripted into the army; one legion after another was constantly formed and trained.
Overnight, all the northern countries launched a nationwide mobilization. Regardless of the combat effectiveness of these armies, their numbers did indeed swell, as if only sheer numbers could reassure everyone.
If all countries had put in a little more effort in supporting the Moxi Duchy, even just a third of the current mobilization level, the situation would certainly not have deteriorated to this point.
Upon receiving news of the defeat at the Dachias Battle, the usually noisy councilors in Lutetia, for once, calmed down and began to think things through.
To be precise, everyone is waiting for the decision of the forces behind their own families.
The situation has deteriorated too quickly, and the original delaying tactics are no longer sufficient to address the current developments.
The more countries involved, the less efficient the decision-making process becomes, and the worse the implementation will be.
As those in power, these are issues that must be considered. Even if a support plan is launched immediately, it will be a matter of next year before reinforcements from various countries arrive.
Such a long time, and who knows what changes might occur along the way. If the northern countries can hold on, that's fine, but if they all suffer a major defeat like the Moxi Duchy, then it's all over.
The strength of the northern kingdoms accounts for almost one-fifth of the human race's power. If any of them were to be lost, the various alien races that have been suppressed by the humans would likely all rush out to fight back.
The image of a lone warrior fighting against hundreds of tribes is enough to send chills down one's spine.
Humanity's dominance on the continent was achieved through military strength only 30%, with the remaining 70% attributable to political maneuvering.
Dividing, disintegrating, and instigating conflict between different races have been the core strategies of the Human Alliance for a long time.
Unfortunately, as the human race consolidated its dominance over the continent, it continued to encroach on the living space of other races, gradually becoming the common enemy of the continent, making these political means increasingly ineffective.
No matter how nicely they speak, what they actually do is what matters. With an ever-growing amount of dark history, the relationship between humanity and other races is becoming increasingly delicate.
As it has developed to this point, it has gradually shifted from being three parts military and seven parts political to seven parts military and three parts political.
A continental hegemon that relies on military force must maintain a dominant position at all times. Any sign of weakness could trigger a new Continental War.
"Fellow councilors, you can all see the news coming from the north."
After so many years of development, the Orc Empire is now much stronger than it was during the last war between the two races.
In terms of strength comparison, the Orc Empire has exceeded the critical point and poses a serious threat to our hegemonic position.
Now, in addition to driving the Beastfolk back to their homeland, we also need to consider how to eliminate this potential threat.
We don't expect to completely annihilate them, and the various races wouldn't allow us to do that, but at the very least we should severely damage the Orc Empire, and ideally, break them down.
Fellow councilors, we have been living in peace for too long, and many other races have forgotten the dignity of our human race.
"Now is the time to find an opponent to establish our authority, to demonstrate the might of our human race, and to intimidate the other races of the continent."
Charles III's words immediately caused an uproar.
Before the truth was revealed, no one had any idea. Now, upon closer examination, everyone realized that the Orc Empire's strength had actually reached 20% of that of the human race, or even more.
Without a doubt, on the Aslant Continent, which is teeming with many races, this ratio has reached the warning line set by the ancient sages of the human race.
Regardless of race, and no matter how good the relationship is, if someone's strength exceeds that of humans by more than 20%, then they must be suppressed.
Moreover, the one who now possesses this power is Beastfolk is extremely hostile to humans, so there is even less room for negotiation.
The councilors, who had been waiting for their own factions to weigh the pros and cons and make a decision, suddenly realized that it seemed there was no need to waste time.