That Time I Got All The Ladies (Book 2)

Ch18: Mobilization

The news that both princesses of Tempest were kidnapped spread like wildfire throughout the world. All at once, the forces of the Jura Tempest Federation, the Holy Ruberios Empire and Velzard's Ice Continent began mobilising their forces.

The stage was set near the border between my nation and Dwargon, with thousands arriving daily to join the war efforts. Merchants who would usually trade with Dwargon took the opportunity to trade with the gathering army in the form of supplies and weapons, likely fearing that they wouldn't survive if they were caught in Dwargon when the attack began.

I'd figured that Dwargon would launch a preemptive strike but instead, they've holed themselves up inside their cities. He's almost making this too easy.

Me: Benimaru, what's the status of the army?

Benimaru: Our forces are still gathering but we've already amounted to 35% of potential capacity not including those currently classified as civilian personnel.

Me: Our allies?

Benimaru: The forces from the Ice Continent are already all present, with Lady Velzard only refraining from attacking due to our repeated insistence that doing so would put the princesses at risk.

It's true that they could die should we attack but that's of little concern to me. Raphael has already confirmed that she could easily resurrect them should it come to that so such isn't something we need to worry about. 

Benimaru: As for the Holy Empire, they have sent 25,000 men. In addition to these, there are also 20 high-ranking vampires amongst their group though the latter came as a separate force.

So Luminous is treating this as a serious incident too. I suppose I can turn things over to them for once. It should be interesting to see who'd win between them and Gazel. After all, he's the lunatic who dared kidnap their children.

Me: Keep up the good work.

Benimaru: Milord?

He bows before leaving. As I watch him descend into the camp, Raphael speaks up mentioning that she's completed calculations for our attack. As it turns out, the force we'll be bringing into battle actually comprises the following numbers.

Jura Tempest Federation

45,000 High Orcs (10,000 of which are part of logistics)
3,500 Hob Goblins
100 Goblin Riders
500 Dragonnewts

Holy Ruberios Empire

20,000 Holy Knights
5,000 logistics and support personnel

Ice Continent

800 Daemons
16500 Majin

All in all, it is a decent attacking force though I can't help but notice that save for the Ice Continent, the other major player still has a large reserve left at home and deployed abroad elsewhere. I suppose I could say the same about Tempest given most of our strongest are not being included in this fight.

Me: [I suppose this will be an easy victory.]

Raphael: [Master should not underestimate the individual: Gazel Dwargo.]

Me: [Perhaps but even he shouldn't be able to defend...unless defending isn't his intention from the very beginning.]

When Raphael remains quiet I take it to mean that I'm correct but decide against sharing the information. After all, this shall prove a very good test for our forces in preparation for a potential conflict with the Eastern Empire. 

If my officers can adapt without me needing to control their every move then we'll be in a good position to handle any threat in the future, regardless of whether I am present or not.

Me: [Benimaru, I leave you in charge of our forces.]

Benimaru: [Understood, milord.]