Suggesting a preemptive strike to secure a momentary advantage against a larger force, exploiting gaps to target enemy commanders despite overwhelming odds—this calculated boldness was exactly what Gerhardt had come to expect from Viktor.

While the earlier discussions revealed Viktor’s solid grasp of diplomatic matters, Gerhardt was not content with mere competence. He expected Viktor to go beyond "adequate" and demonstrate the same brilliance he had shown on the battlefield.

“The ultimate goal is to deny the Kingdom of Brotan any time to recover by using diplomacy as a tool to pressure them into rash actions.”

True to Gerhardt's expectations, Viktor did not settle for the Empire’s current advantageous position. Instead, he outlined a bold plan to leverage that advantage and use negotiations as a weapon to extract even greater gains.

While boldness without foundation could easily turn into recklessness, Gerhardt found it impossible to suppress the upward curl of his lips.

“...This is already exciting. Continue.”  

Gerhardt was more than ready to be convinced.  

---

Viktor began laying out his plan in detail.

“The enemy, hindered by the mountain range, will find it difficult to monitor our movements. Meanwhile, our army, bolstered by a skilled scouting corps, has clear visibility over the enemy’s activities on the plains.”

Gerhardt, having experienced the exceptional scouting capabilities of the scouts from the Kingdom of Rus during previous battles, nodded quietly in agreement.

“We will provoke the Kingdom of Brotan by sending them an offer demanding total surrender, vassalization, or terms of similar magnitude. At the same time, we will make it clear that there is no room for negotiation or compromise. Concurrently, we will send ongoing communications to the Kingdoms of Ildemar and Kaen, creating the appearance of Brotan’s increasing isolation. Through calculated provocations and misinformation, we will further agitate Brotan.”

“Interesting...”  

“The key is to force Brotan to mobilize their forces. They likely realize that time is against them. Even if they haven’t fully recovered, the moment they perceive an opportunity or feel cornered, they will act.”

“And once they move, we crush them, breaking their resistance entirely.”  

“Exactly. After suffering defeat, they will have no choice but to accept even the most provocative terms of our initial offer.”

“...Hah.”  

Hearing Viktor’s intent to completely dismantle the Kingdom of Brotan, Gerhardt couldn’t contain his laughter.

“Hahahahaha!”  

Gerhardt burst into a fit of laughter, slapping his knee in delight.

“How fascinating. Truly fascinating, Deputy Commander Viktor.”  

As he calmed down, he noticed Viktor still holding a composed demeanor, his eyes brimming with determination.  

“You’ve prepared a thoroughly thought-out proposal for dismantling Brotan through diplomatic manipulation. I like it.”  

“Thank you.”  

“But,” Gerhardt continued, “it seems you have more to say. Is there a more detailed plan already prepared?”

Initially, Gerhardt had only intended to receive general advice, but Viktor’s burning gaze and meticulously crafted strategy left him eager for more.

“Have you already considered the specifics of execution?”  

“Yes.”  

“...I see.”  

Viktor’s confident response didn’t disappoint.

“Give me a moment. There are a few questions I’d like to ask.”  

“Of course.”  

---

After a few minutes of silent contemplation, Gerhardt began his questions.

“First, regarding Brotan’s response. You propose provoking and deceiving them to force their hand. However, the Kingdom of Brotan is surely aware of the defensive advantages provided by Aniak, Saint-Toir, and Montpieu. Wouldn’t it be difficult to provoke them into leaving such favorable positions?”

He paused to assess Viktor’s reaction.

“If you are certain they will move, what makes you so confident? And if they don’t, do you have alternatives?”

“I am confident they will act,” Viktor replied without hesitation.  

“Hmm.”  

“King Guillaume Châtillon, who recently ascended to the throne at a young age, is the key factor.”  

“...Go on.”  

“Reports suggest he frequently resorts to irrational behavior, such as physically assaulting subordinates after defeats or drawing his sword in the audience hall during fits of anger. His decision to lead campaigns personally is a reflection of his desire to bolster his authority, despite the risks involved.”

“Hmm...”  

“This could indicate youthful recklessness, or it may be a calculated strategy to avoid ceding influence to Antoine Clavier, his long-serving chancellor, who wields considerable sway in court. Either way, the outcome is the same: Guillaume rules through fear and relies on military success to maintain his authority.”

“I see...”  

“As such, while Brotan might wish to avoid hasty engagements, Guillaume cannot afford to ignore our provocations without undermining the foundation of his rule.”

“Meaning he faces significant political risks if he does nothing.”  

“Precisely. If our provocations reach a certain threshold, even maintaining negotiations could be interpreted as diplomatic incompetence. Unless he’s prepared to abdicate, he’ll feel compelled to respond aggressively.”

“...I understand your reasoning.”  

Gerhardt nodded, impressed by Viktor’s thorough analysis.  

---

“However,” Gerhardt continued, “our forces are limited. The Kingdom of Brotan likely understands this after observing us in battle. If they suspect our provocations are mere bluffs, they may respond with equal stubbornness. Do you have a way to pressure them into taking action beyond words?”

“Yes.”  

“Let’s hear it.”  

“We will repeatedly send envoys to the Kingdoms of Ildemar and Kaen.”  

“Hmm... Gaining their support could indeed apply pressure, but Ildemar has friendly ties with Brotan, and any communication with Kaen would require passing through Ildemar. Securing their cooperation seems unlikely.”

Viktor’s plan initially struck Gerhardt as conventional, even predictable.

“We don’t need their cooperation,” Viktor said confidently.  

“...What?”  

Gerhardt, caught off guard, blinked in confusion. Then, realizing the implication of Viktor’s words, his eyes widened.

“Surely you don’t mean...”  

“Envoys sent to Ildemar and Kaen will do little more than deliver modest gifts. Ildemar will likely decline politely, while Kaen will naturally accept. From there, we spread rumors in Brotan: ‘Ildemar is carefully considering an alliance with the Empire, and Kaen has already accepted.’”

“Hah... Haha...”  

Gerhardt let out a low chuckle, marveling at the cunning simplicity of the plan.  

“And to solidify Brotan’s paranoia, we send a diplomatic delegation to them as well.”  

“A delegation?”  

“Believing himself cornered, Guillaume may resort to attacking our delegation to assert his authority. For this reason, we will include prisoners of war, such as General Bébys Lefebvre, in our envoy, using them to deliver our message.”  

“...You would send prisoners as envoys?”  

“They need not even deliver our message properly. Their very presence will flaunt our confidence and signal that securing an agreement is not our true goal.”  

Gerhardt was struck by the audacity of the idea. He wasn’t ashamed that he hadn’t thought of it himself; few could devise such a strategy in such a short time.

“This will amplify Brotan’s fear of the Empire. The returning prisoners will naturally spread tales of their crushing defeat, magnifying the perception of our strength.”

Viktor outlined how each possible reaction from Guillaume would exacerbate his precarious position.  

“Striking former allies would be an admission of weakness, but sparing them could be seen as failing to respond decisively to our provocations. Either way, he will be forced to act.”

“...I see now.”  

Gerhardt leaned back, momentarily stunned by Viktor’s foresight.

“Let me tell you something, Viktor... I find you terrifying right now.”  

“Is that so?”  

“Tomorrow, I’ll convene a meeting on this matter. I’ll need your input again.”  

“Understood.”  

“Thank you for your insight. I look forward to working with you.”  

“Likewise, Commander.”  

---

The next day, during the meeting with the Imperial Army officers:  

“I agree.”  
“I support the Deputy Commander’s proposal.”  

With Gerhardt’s backing, Viktor’s plan was unanimously adopted.  

______________________

TL NOTE: Please don't skimp on the stars for the translation - it inspires me and gives me the strength to write more. Thank you~!

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