The Girl Who Eats the God of Death

Chapter 12 - Why Tambusu Is Tasty

General David, having completed the work of incorporating the Third Army into the Fourth Army, immediately began planning to seize Antigua. Suppressing the Rebel Troops was the most important issue for David. His team is enough. Goods are plentiful because the delivery is done. If they are going to attack, now is the right time. Moreover, the harvest season is near. Before food was sent to the Rebel Army, he wanted to take Antigua. Recapturing the Alucia Plain was far more urgent than their urgent financial situation.

In the heated meeting room due to the beginning of summer, the Staff Officers of the Fourth Army were arguing very noisily. In order for their opinions to be approved, in order to attract the attention of commanders, they panicked over their own rights.

"—When one's strength is greater, a frontal attack is a sure path to victory. A guerrilla battle is no match for the Honorable General."

"That is what Yalder said, and he was ultimately defeated. We have to make a plan here."

"What matters is in what way we cross the Alucia River. There was a danger that threatened a large army while crossing such a vast river. We're gonna be attacked by the enemy, that's what I mean. On the other hand, Belta and Antigua are connected by this bridge. But crossing the Great Sulawesi Bridge also has its own dangers."

He pointed somewhere on the map. There is an important access point, where crowds and busyness can be seen, and where travelers pass by every day. Currently, as the Kingdom and the Liberation Army were watching each other, no merchants were using the place. To cross the place, it takes money, but their safety is assured: they make use of the ferry.

"It makes no sense to use that bridge. In the end, maybe only one can cross the bridge at a time. They will be surrounded by enemies who have been waiting and beaten all out as they pass."

"Then, how about forcibly crossing that river? We'll cross it in one go. Some victims are no longer avoidable. A battle cannot be fought if you fear death. We must deploy all Fourth Army and cross the river. We've practiced it repeatedly for this."

He bravely spread the horse pawns mapped towards the Plains of Alucia. Keroyokan (the power that rests on numbers), that is the dogma.

With the voice of "Hmph", the other Staff Officers took the piece symbolizing the Liberation Army and crashed into the horse pieces earlier. The Royal Army pawns were thrown off that map.

"It is as if our opponent will only look silently as we cross the river. How about you just go back to the military academy and study again. What the hell is in your head? I really want to take a peek at what's inside your optimistic head. It's no different than the Yalder."

He was humiliated, and it was almost like he was unable to endure it.

"Turvy. After that more or less all that was left was God's guidance and luck. What we consider is how we prepare an army that surpasses the enemy before the battle begins. And, we have to increase the number of soldiers. If so, we should make a definite attack. There is no need to think of ruse. That's no use."

This man is still newly appointed as Staff Officer. He was originally a former military officer, and no idea what fate befell him until he was in this place. He clearly had thoughts and character that did not match an officer's staff.

"There is a need to hear other opinions." On one pelton from this commanding corps, everything was determined. He was a staff officer who was just a job, and he was basically a personal bodyguard. He is stubborn, but he has a personality from the right hand. The Chief Staff Officer of the Fourth Army had to concentrate, assuming that this was David's intention.

"I'm sorry for that boring conversation. What an officer should consider is how to minimize damage, or how to guide the unit to victory. That's what matters. In that aspect, we clash intelligence instead of swords. Your thoughts are the thoughts of a military officer and are incompatible with an officer's staff. Don't make that mistake again.—By the way, forcing a crossing of the river is impossible, General. If they target us when our formation is disrupted and our movement speed decreases, we will become easy prey."

After tapping his nails, the former military officer, now Staff Officer, tells David that trying to cross the river is not wise. David sorted through the documents while sitting in his chair and drinking water at the same time. The bodyguard and the Staff of the Officer did not agree with the behavior.

"I understand. What an interesting exchange of opinions. It was satisfying to be able to see the difference in thinking between a military officer and a civilian officer. Really relieving. .....How about combining the two opinions?"

David smiled, and the officers exchanged looks.

"—So, what the Master said was?"

"We're going to use the strategies that those people use. When we pretend to attack, we defend. We make them think we won't do it, our reward will be. We pretend to win numbers, but vice versa. Wasn't this the basic tactic learned in the academy? Are you so busy that you forget it?"

David placed a piece on the Great Sulawesi Bridge on the map, and another piece was moved to a point where the breadth of the Alucia River was quite narrow. Then, he moved it to Antigua Branch Castle.

"....I-i understand. So the unit on the bridge is a diversion. If so, it doesn't matter. As expected of you, General David. I'm amazed by your intelligence."

"I'm sure this is an effective plan. They would strengthen their formation on the river shore. And then in the long run, Antigua will be really vulnerable."

"Another acquisition, if they strengthen their defenses in Antigua, we can cross the river easily."

The Flatter Staff Officer, and the others also nodded solemnly.

"Then, how do we cross? Weapons of invasion are needed to bring down Antigua right? And also, a supply train was needed to defend a large army. There's no way we could just cross that."

Staff Officers who were also bodyguards were casually playing with carriage-shaped pieces. Firearms, battering weapons, staircases for raiding, and catapults are currently being prepared. They lacked the equipment to invade Antigua. And also, it would be difficult to transport all of that down the river.

"Regarding the assault weapons, they are currently all being collected at the site. Of course, the soldiers were mobilized. Regarding how to cross the river, we can use a floating bridge. We've brought everything here for that purpose."

The Chief of Staff of the Officers placed small wooden blocks on the designated river attack site. Small boats will be lined up and tied up, making an instant bridge over them. Its durability was its main problem, but it would be fine if the instant bridge could hold out until the assault was over.

"....I-i understand. If so, it looks like this plan will go well."

The bodyguard finally nodded in agreement. When the Chief of Staff Officer thought about how he would give the same explanation to the appointed officer, he became agitated. But, this kind of work is not heavy for the sake of his own fame. If he works hard, he will be transferred to a leisurely work like the officers of the Third Army.

He organized his feelings, stood up, and delivered a summary of the meeting.

"First, we deployed troops to the Great Sulawesi Bridge, fished out the main enemy forces and finished them off. At night, we deploy a construction unit, we will build a floating bridge at the river crossing. At dawn, we'll start moving. Cavalry units as the First Division that will cross the river, attack and destroy enemy defenses. The Second Infantry Division will secure the position and move towards Antigua. The Third Division will be the main axis of the supply trains, assault weapons, and the workers' soldiers. –Is this all sir?"

David nodded, and the officers' staff showed approval.

"–Umu, the diversion unit of the Great Sulawesi Bridge will gather on the coast of the river and use the war flag to disturb the view. Then, they will show the enemy that they intend to advance.... No, maybe that's not enough. I will also set up a battle formation near the Great Bridge. If the flag of the commander of the Army Corps is raised, it will give an additional layer of confidence."

Told by David, the officer staff exchanged looks. Although it was a diversion, it did not change the fact that it was a dangerous place.

"General, will you also advance to the front row? Most likely the diversion unit is accompanied by great danger."

"of course. Honorable nobles must demonstrate their authority and stand in front of the soldiers. If the commander is scared, the soldiers won't follow him. That's war. Just like he said before, we can't be cowardly."

David insists. It was difficult to unite self-esteem as a noble. As a military man, he would devote himself to the Kingdom and to obtaining the highest honors. That is David's aspiration.

"The honesty of the General's resolution is admirable. All of us who are here give our loyalty even deeper."

"I'm expecting an amazing performance from all of you."

"86–, leave it to us."

"We will definitely bring victory to the General."

To ensure David's safety, the Chief of Staff Officers began to make additional plans even further. Commander killed is a worst-case scenario.

"Judging from the enemy's main army, clearly, there was no way they would ignore their vigilance and cross the river. However, as they crossed the bridge, I believe we can surround and finish them off. If they try to cross the river by force, we will meet them on the river shore. We will also call for reinforcements from Belta at that time. This is an even further consideration, so it is necessary to deploy more than 10,000 troops to the Great Bridge of Sulawesi."

"The elite of the Korp Forces will be deployed along with the elite guards of the General. We have to make sure perfection."

"If they follow Commander David's lead, won't there be no problem?"

The deployment of the most elite infantry of the Korp Troop–they will pretend to be 30,000 troops with a trick soldier from a straw doll wearing armor and holding a war flag. The dolls were substitutes for soldiers to make the enemy think the dolls were reinforcements. The puppet would hold off the main army of the enemy, and play an important role in this battle. The leadership of the commander will be tested.

"Your. For example, if the main enemy forces change lanes, we will cross the bridge and attack their backs depending on my decision. Enemy soldiers may be wiped out, squeezed by us and units crossing the river. Our victory is beyond doubt, right?"

David agreed. Operation has been decided. –Operation Across Alucia.

First Division: cavalry units. 10,000

Second Division: Fourth Army and infantry divisions. 50,000

Third Division: stock trains and development soldiers. 3000

Sulawesi's Great Bridge Force headquarters: 15,000 most elite troops.

Left to defend Belta: 50,000 former Third Troops, standby and ready for battle.

With about 80,000 troops, the crossing operation will begin.

–Conference room. The officers on duty who will lead the assembled troops.

The tasks for the upcoming operation have been assigned, and each soldier is given instructions.

"....Major Schera. Your unit consists of 1,000 people. The back row of the First Division is your duty. Your mission is not to hinder us. Seriously to keep. Never think about things that are excessive. If you try to move as you please, I will punish you. Keep this all right!"

Of the 3,000 cavalry, 2,000 were reshuffled into other units. Even so, being able to lead a unit might be able to be said to be profitable. If any other war officer could command the cavalry, Schera would be banished from the army. Ignore David, it would not be an exaggeration to say that all the leaders of the Fourth Army hated him. He will be revealed to be someone who has an amazing turnaround, and there are no shortcuts through cynics.

"86–, I will devote everything I have!"

"Hmph, you'll probably be an ordinary soldier the next time we meet. It's annoying."

The insults were uttered by Major General Alexei who led the First Division and the men around laughed.

However, the people who used to be from the Third Army remained silent because they knew the validity of Schera's abilities. It is unbearable to say anything exaggerated and lowered. Therefore, they did not speak up. The mouth is the cause of all disasters.

"understand? Cavalry training takes a lot of time and money. A young girl like you will never be trusted by a single rider. In accordance with that fact, look carefully into your incompetent head, and understand it well... Don't waste the troops. Obey instructions. Do not disturb other units. If I judge that you can't do that, I'll execute you immediately. Understood?"

Major General Alexei's remarks were not a threat. When he first heard that this little girl was a war officer and also led 3,000 cavalry, he was furious and astonished. Because of this sort of thing the Third Army lost. He wouldn't even give the girl 1,000 men, but he couldn't do that. Even forcibly transferring 2,000 to another cavalry unit had affected the command, which he wanted to avoid further confusion before the start of the operation.

Therefore, Schera was given a task, the rear guard of the First Division, which anyone could do.

As soon as this operation ended, Elexei planned to petition for Schera's demise. He doesn't want to see Schera's face. Someone even gave him a grandiose nickname, the God of Death, Alexei found it laughable.

"I, Major Schera, fully understand!"

"Then go. The talk after this isn't for you. Just feed the horses. Do that, because once this operation is over, you'll do it every day."

"Ready pak–!"

A snide laugh filled the conference room. Schera left the room accompanied by a look of contempt. After listening to such unimportant talk, he was extremely hungry.

Fill the stomach first while you eat the horse, Schera thought while whistling. In the barracks cafeteria, he casually prepared some vegetables and immediately headed to the stables. He threw the fodder on the horse-eating mussels and gave the carrots to his own horse.

"I'm going to do this... How do you think?" He questioned his own horse, but, the horse chewed on his carrot without glancing at him.

She herself did not expect a response, so Schera spoke to herself while stuffing her own mouth.

"Lamb milk. Sausages. How can something like that be so delicious. Food is a mysterious thing, right?"

While eating voraciously, Schera enjoyed the meat with his beloved horse.

"The horse is delicious. They can survive on grass and water. I'm really envious."

The horse looked at him once. With a slow frailty, the horse began to eat carrots again.

Schera sat on the floor of the cage and sighed lightly. Again, the battle will begin. He may have to fill his stomach so he can, because after they leave, most likely the food available is just dry food. Not that he was not satisfied, but more or less he was tired of the food. Dry food is not bad. It doesn't matter as long as he can eat. That's more important than anything.

As he returned to his office, his two aides were waiting with sour faces. Maybe they've heard that 2,000 people have been taken from them. They cringe. A greeting was heard from Schera.

"What's wrong, you guys like eating insects. Does it feel that bad?"

Do not eat insects, they may contain toxins. Eating it will ruin the stomach. Schera is not endowed with insight to distinguish what is edible and what is not. Same with mushrooms. Each of the mushrooms looked suspicious, and Schera had no judgment. The best thing to do is to try to eat it.

"Not that! The army finally had high morale! They just don't understand! Major Schera's leadership should have led to greater achievements!"

Katarina was angry with emotions big enough to appear as if steam was about to emerge from her head. He had gone through a great test to become an aide, but suddenly, there was a crisis that his superior officer would be revealed to be an ordinary soldier. Moreover, their army being reduced to 1,000 was no trivial matter.

"He should have seen Major Schera's military achievements. It seems he doesn't believe it. He said that Yalder had fabricated it."

"It doesn't make sense! There is no need to do such a thing–!"

"He will do anything to raise morale, that's what I conclude our superiors think."

"If I'm reduced to an ordinary warrior, let's fight together. Ahh, please buy me some food. My wages will be cut. If so, I wonder if I should sell this armor."

Katarina's face flushed red as Schera muttered softly. 'That looks expensive.' Catherine had just gotten a position, and if Schera was suddenly taken down, there might not be a position for an aide anymore.

"Major Schera–!"

"Your body won't survive if you stay agitated. There's still plenty of time until the operation starts."

After staring at Katarina with eyes of sympathy, nyam, nyam, Schera started chewing the beans. Today's beans are so sweet. Jackpots. Today may be a good day.

"You heard Major, didn't you, honorable Second Lieutenant Katarina?"

Vander patted Katarina on the shoulder, and Quarantine shook his hand and shouted furiously.

"Silence–! I'll show them, I'll get the achievement. –True... If I don't overcome this obstacle, there's no point in me being an aide."

Quarantine began to murmur solemnly with empty eyes. Vander turned his hand away, seeing that Katarina had entered his own world.

Schera ate the beans while staring at Katarina, looking very interested.

–Now, this battle will be known as the Battle of Alucia Crossing. The battle is about to happen.