Paul first comforted Derrick, asked him to take him to rest, and then called a meeting with the heads.
Hansel shook his head. "The situation is not optimistic. If we don't make some efforts, our previous investment will be in vain."
Paul asked, "What is the situation in Arda and Bairdin?"
"Sir, I think the current situation in the territory is stable and can support large-scale troop dispatches."
"Yes, after uncovering those sixteen gangs, there should be no new Conspiracy Groupss. Even if there are, they won't be too popular. They can be suppressed by relying on Internal Guard Units and the police."
Intelligence Director Cecil and Department of Public Safety supervisor Hais confirmed this to Paul.
Paul turned to Schroeder: "Then we will send troops to Biduo Fort now?"
"No, Lord Greiman."
Before Schroeder could answer, Hansel actually raised an objection first, and everyone cast doubtful eyes on him.
"I suggest not to send troops directly to Biduo Fort, but to continue the previously shelved plan and send troops to land upstream of the Ves River."
He then explained the reasons for doing so, "Now the attention of the usurper's army is on Biduo Fort, and the upper reaches of the Ves River - their rear area - is an excellent location for attack. When the hinterland is attacked, the enemy will definitely mobilize troops from the front line to come back, Naturally, the threat from Biduo Fort will be gone - at least the pressure will be greatly reduced. The previous coalition siege of Biduo Fort can prove that that place is not easy to conquer. Giving them some military assistance should be able to sustain us until we land on the upper reaches of the Ves River."
Schroeder nodded. "It makes sense. Our navy will not encounter any effective resistance on the Ves River. It can be said to be unimpeded."
Paul was a little hesitant. "But will this cause dissatisfaction among the allies? It feels like leaving them alone."
Hansel shook his head. "Sir, didn't I suggest that you support them with a batch of armaments? Ah, by the way, just transport the weapons and armor that have not been shipped in Franklin Harbor to Biduo Fort."
After the establishment of "Northwest Industry", with the sufficient supply of large amounts of iron ingots from Arda, the blacksmith workshops in each territory continued to make weapons and armor day and night. These weapons were sent to Franklin Harbor, waiting to be shipped to the south.
What puzzles Paul is that the lords would rather sell these high-quality weapons and armor to the south for money than equip them for their own Soldiers, otherwise they would not have been defeated so miserably by the longbow attack.
"Is this... is this appropriate? After all, this is what everyone does to make money?"
"At this critical moment, is winning more important or money?"
Hansel stared into Paul's eyes and said word by word, "The key is, Lord Greiman, are you willing to share the newly occupied land with others? If Biduo Fort is the starting point, then there will be some wrangling."
The hesitation in Paul's eyes immediately disappeared, and he turned to Schroeder and said, "Improve the previous plan and land upstream of the Ves River."
Then he ordered Hansel: "It's up to you to explain to Derrick the reason why we did this. I hope that I will not give any bad impression to the allies."
Schroeder and Hansel answered in unison, "Yes, my lord."
"As for the upcoming landing operation..."
Paul stood up and said seriously, "Obviously, this is the second battlefield opened against the arrogant Maltz Kent. It has special and great significance, so this operation needs a title that matches its significance. I decided to name it——"
"Overlord Operation!"
In the previous plan, the attack on the upstream area of the Ves River was more about harassment, but now it is about actually attacking and occupying it.
During this period, the navy's warships will play an important role. They will be tasked with transporting troops and supplies. Due to the shortage of manpower, sailors may have to go ashore to fight.
Austin, Quirk, Yarman, Tirpitz and other senior navy generals were quickly summoned to Lakeheart Town to discuss the new attack plan.
Everyone planned in detail in the Staff Department, and finally decided that Chief of Staff Schroeder would personally command the operation - the old knight was very familiar with the geography of the upper reaches of the Ves River, and the troops participating in "Overlord Operation" included Second Battalion for infantry Klaue, Fourth Infantry Battalion for Andrew, Second Fleet for Yarman, Third Fleet for Tirpitz.
Quirk was strongly dissatisfied. He felt that both in terms of military number and combat experience, his First Fleet should have participated in this operation, but he was blocked by the fact that Austin still needed the Navy to stay in the sea area beyond. However, the cadets of First Fleet were allowed to participate in this operation to hone their military skills.
Both Infantry Battalion have to be dispatched, which means that Arda and Bairdin can only rely on Internal Guard Unit and the police to guard them. Fortunately, Infantry First Battalion of Bryce is still stationed in the north of Emden. The infantry Third Battalion of and Joyce can prevent unexpected situations to a certain extent. In addition, there are a large number of Militia - the Militia under the new reserve system are much more reliable than the so-called "Militia" in other territories.
Derrick, who came to ask for help, felt a little depressed when he learned that Lakeheart Town did not plan to directly rescue Biduo Fort, but was going to attack Kent Family's rear area.
Paul felt a little guilty and immediately gave Hansel a wink.
Hansel immediately instilled in Derrick a "big picture view" that had been prepared for a long time.
"Our Earl has said that to untie the knots made of random threads, you cannot use brute force to pull them. To resolve the fight between the two sides, you cannot personally participate in the fight. To resolve the crisis, you must grasp the key points and take advantage of the weakness. Only then can the constraints on the coalition forces be separated naturally."
"Now Kent Family's elite troops are out in full force. If we directly attack their rear, the troops in the front will definitely return to rescue them. In this way, the threat of Biduo Fort will disappear. Bless Lord of Light, there is a Ves River that leads directly to the enemy's rear, and they do not have any decent water power. It is simply a God-given opportunity."
"Heller Viscount, please believe in the speed of our warship. Well, the ship on the lake is our new warship. Look at the sails hanging on it. It is much faster than a paddle boat rowed by hand."
Amidst Hansel's colorful explanation, Derrick finally opened his heart, and what made him even more ecstatic was that Lakeheart Town planned to support them with a batch of firearms.
These firearms include dozens of boxes of improved Hand Grenade, as well as the so-called "Nested Cannon" - said to be a fast-loading Artillery, which is very suitable for the defenders facing a large number of swarming enemies.
Paul said, "Please tell all the lords that we have no other requirements. We only need the coalition forces to hold on for three weeks - no, half a month will be enough. After that, everything will get better."