340: Chapter 21, Reviewing the Troops_1 340: Chapter 21, Reviewing the Troops_1 Through persuasion, deception, and a bit of moral coercion, Marshal Boge was finally coaxed out from seclusion.
Before he could catch his breath, a new problem was set before Joseph II.
As an ally, a clear response must be given to the plea for aid from the Moxi Duchy.
Previously, as none of the countries had taken a position, the Warhammer Kingdom could afford to wait and see.
But now, the Alpha Kingdom had publicly declared that it would send ‘two hundred thousand’ troops to support the Moxi Duchy, backing them into a corner.
Everyone is an ally, and the Alpha Kingdom, despite the fierce attack of the Orc Army, had spared troops.
It would be unthinkable for the Warhammer Kingdom to ignore the situation.
To send troops for aid yet face the looming threat of the Orc Army.
Just as the reinforcements are dispatched, the Orcs might attack.
What a joke it would be if the efforts to save the allies fail and they themselves end up needing help.
“Marshal, what is your take on the issue of the Moxi Duchy?”
Joseph II inquired.
He had never led troops or been on the battlefield.
When it comes to military matters, a rational figure like Joseph II thought it best to first consult experts.
Although he had appointed a number of generals himself, he still lacked experience in commanding large armies.
Decisions based on his own understanding might not be accurate.
“Your Majesty, we must save the Moxi Duchy!
Politically and militarily, the kingdom cannot ignore this issue.
Otherwise, if our relations within the Alliance deteriorate, it will be difficult to seek help from various countries next time the Orcs target us.
Unlike the Moxi Duchy, which is wedged in the middle, we no longer border the Alpha Kingdom.
Even if our Kingdom falls under the iron hooves of the Orcs, it will not have a significant impact on them in the short term and is not a place that must be saved.
Without the Alpha Kingdom taking the lead, the western neighbors are not terribly helpful, and the Moxi Duchy is self-absorbed.
Once the Orcs change their direction of attack, we will be left to fight alone.
Now, the Kingdom needs not only to rescue the Moxi Duchy but also to send troops for rescue as ostentatiously as the Alpha Kingdom.
This isn’t just for show to the Moxi Duchy, but also for the nations of the Human Alliance.
If possible, we should also persuade the Moxi Duchy to retake the Augustusburg Defense Line and reverse the current passive strategic situation.”
Martial Boge said solemnly.
Militarily, the more land the Moxi Duchy loses, the longer the flank that the Warhammer Kingdom exposes.
Politically, it affects the survival of the three-country alliance.
“Marshal, the Alpha Kingdom’s dispatch of two hundred thousand troops is probably just bluffing.
Although the Orc Army has shifted its attack direction, the troops left on their border are still a huge number.
Even the Alpha Kingdom, stronger than us, would disrupt their mobilization system if they pulled out two hundred thousand troops at once.
I estimate they could really send at most a hundred thousand reinforcements.
Including aid from other minor countries, It would be a miracle if they could gather three hundred thousand.
Moreover, I have my doubts about the quality of these reinforcements.
The Alpha Kingdom can’t touch its Standing Army and can only deploy Nobles’ Private Armies.
The other minor countries are just beginning to mobilize, and some may even round up the numbers with serfs.
With the quality of these soldiers, sending them to defend cities might be tolerable, but relying on them to help recapture lost lands seems hopeless.
Even with the inclusion of the Kingdom, there is still no certainty of victory.
Forcing a recapture would result in heavy losses at best, and complete annihilation at worst.
In case of another major defeat, other nations won’t be able to send enough reinforcements in a short time.
The already panicked Moxi Duchy might completely collapse.”
To aid the Moxi Duchy is one thing, to help them regain their land is another.
Strategically, recapturing the Augustusburg Defense Line would definitely benefit the Warhammer Kingdom.
The only problem is that it’s unachievable.
“Haha…”
“Your Excellency, the Prime Minister, our discussion should focus on what is most advantageous to the Kingdom, not about worrying for our allies.
If we look at the overall situation, it would indeed be best to help the Moxi Duchy stabilize their defense line.
But the Kingdom will have to pay a great price.
Do you think the Orc Army, which hasn’t been able to break through, would next go gnaw on the hard bone of the Alpha Kingdom, or change their direction of attack towards us?
Unlike the heavily fortified Northern Defense Line, the Kingdom’s preparation on the Eastern line is severely lacking.
Past the Augustusburg are the flat Warhammer Great Plains, apart from our yet-to-be-completed Steel Defense Line on the border, all we have scattered around are Noble Castles.
If the main Orc force attacks, collapse is simply a matter of time.
Without fortifications, it would be impossible to stop the Orc Army outdoors, even if we were to call upon the entire nation’s forces.
If we don’t want the kingdom to be reduced to ruins, we will have to let our allies be sacrificed.
The invasion of the Orc Army into the Moxi Duchy would indeed make our strategic position more passive.
But all this requires time.
They won’t dare to launch a full-scale attack on us without first removing the thorn in their side.
During this period, we can reinforce the defense line on one side and exaggerate the strength of the Orcs to the uninvolved human nations, forcing them to make a decision ahead of time.
With the stimulus of the front-line defeat, the Alliance meeting in July might make a decision in our favor, forcing all nations to dispatch troops prematurely.
Of course, the risks in this are great.
If various different races seize this opportunity to act and hold back reinforcements from our allies, we will be in deep trouble.”