The girl who ate the death god

Chapter 08: Bread Given as a Present is Probably Delicious

Yuze Kingdom Capital City, Blanca. After incurring defeat at the Alucia Engagement and the fall of Antigua Branch Castle, the generals of the First Army were conducting a debate with raised voices about their policies hereafter.

"While he was given twice their numbers in soldiers, he was done in by the insurgents I heard. What a disappointment of General Yalder!"

"The survivors of the Third Army, including guards, number 40,000. They are currently conducting recruitment from the area around Belta, but they are not making any progress. Also, as they are uneasy about provisions, a request that we send in goods and arrows has come in."

"We will not send anything. Send them directions telling them to requisition from nearby farm villages. The goods here are for the First Army defending the Royal Capital. We've sent the Third Army more provisions than they needed when we dispatched the troops!"

The exasperated Lieutenant General Barbora hit the desk. He was one of the generals affiliated with the First Army. He had firmly insisted that the subjugation of the rebel army ought to be handed over to the First Army from the very beginning. Barbora, hearing news of the Third Army's defeat, fired off harsh criticisms about Yalder repeatedly, as if he was in his own element. He had fallen behind in the race for promotions, so he was waiting for a chance, if there was an opening, to kick Yalder down a notch.

"At worst, we would have to consider abandoning the Central Border Zone. In the southeast direction is the Second Army, and in the northwest direction is the Fourth and Fifth Armies. We have no reserve to take back Antigua."

The Second Army was in charge of the defense of the Kingdom's southeast territory. Pressuring the Empire in the northwest were two Army Corps, the Fourth and Fifth Army.
A firm line of strongholds was built at the particularly dangerous northwest region to impede the main road.
The reason why serious consideration was put into the defense of the northwest was simple. Without that area, one could follow the main road straight to the Royal Capital.

"That's absolutely preposterous. The rebel army would be elated if we just up and left. The Central Border Zone with its fertile land is a vital position for the Kingdom. We should resolutely defend it to the last!"

"Still, isn't it true that we have no surplus of military might anywhere!? Just where do you plan on producing soldiers!?"

"We lack money, soldiers, and provisions. We just cain't do it! We have to report to the throne to further increase military budget!"

The senior generals with no idea of the current state of financial affairs expressed their own ideas as they pleased. They were looked coldly at by the civil officials who knew of the actual state of affairs, but they didn't notice.

"This, that, everything is General Yalder's fault for losing! We ought to call him back and court marshal him!"

Barbora strongly advocated while sending spit flying.

"I agree with Lieutenant General Barbora! It pains me, but this is to amend the disturbance in military regulations. Your Excellency Sharov, your decision!?"

They asked, turning to the opinion of the veteran army general who had been listening to everyone's opinion with both eyes closed. He was an old soldier with white hair and conspicuous wrinkles, but he still retained his tempered body. This man with a stern countenance was undoubtedly the commander of the First Army, Sharov Bazarov.
In the previous Great War, the one who had overcome the resistance of the Empire+Union after their failed campaign and turned the situation around until the ceasefire deal was signed was Sharov's great-grandfather.
Henceforth, the Bazarov House continued to produce numerous soldiers, and there were many who were promoted to high positions.
Sharov as well freely displayed his wit and was promoted to Field Marshal, the highest rank in the Kingdom's Army. Currently, he was the Royal Capital's final line of defense and carried out his duty overlooking the outskirts of the Capital City.