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History of the Kingdom of the Orcsen - Chapter 3.9
🕑 Added 2024-12-12 07:04:52 +0000 UTCA Peaceful Land of the Orcs (3.9)
"Are you thinking that you've been shown something extraordinary?"
Gustav spoke up.
After the announcement of the exercise's commencement, seemingly having nothing to occupy himself, he had stepped outside the tent to peer through a spotting scope.
Major General Dineluth, having been called to accompany him, complied.
Most of her subordinates had already scattered to various parts of the exercise grounds when the two divisional commanders separated into north and south divisions.
Observers were allowed to watch whichever parts of the exercise they desired, and when asked for preferences, Dineluth had chosen to remain here.
Accompanying her were Lieutenant Colonel Iavasril Ainalind, slated to become the brigade's chief of staff, and Captain Raelnoa Celebrin, future operations officer. Together, they chose to broaden their observations from this hill serving as the control point.
"They call it a 'war on paper,'" Gustav said.
Exercises are a way for military units to gain experience and for command structures to integrate those lessons. Yet such exercises are not a frequent occurrence.
When they are large-scale, neighboring nations often view them with suspicion.
To alleviate such concerns, countries invite military attachés from foreign embassies and journalists. However, this exposes confidential tactics and weaponry.
They are also costly.
Thus, war is simulated on paper.
A large map is unfurled, generals gather, each commanding their assigned forces, and compete against one another. High-ranking officers and staff observe, expanding their understanding.
To ensure the exercise does not devolve into theoretical or unrealistic scenarios, they use precise numerical values derived from past and current field measurements.
How many days does it take for a unit to march a given distance?
How much food and ammunition will a single battle consume?
What is the hit rate?
How does weather impact operations?
And so forth.
To replicate uncertainties, they even devised methods to simulate them.
For example, in a shooting engagement, the hit rate range is divided into six increments. When opposing forces meet, dice are rolled. The resulting number determines the hit rate in the simulated battlefield.
While many nations conduct such tabletop war games, they often resemble child’s play, serving only to mirror reality without the depth, detail, and precision achieved here.
But that was not what Gustav was trying to convey.
"If you ask whether I was shaken, I can't deny it.”
Dineluth admitted softly, her tone more casual since no one else was nearby.
She understood exactly what Gustav wanted to show.
What the General Staff represented.
How meticulously organized the Orcsen military was.
And—
"At the very least, for over five years now, you’ve been planning to crush Elfynd. Methodically, thoroughly. And—our people were included in your plans."
"Indeed.”
Gustav confirmed, straightening from his stance at the spotting scope and looking directly at Dineluth.
"Do you regret serving under me?"
"......"
"If you wish to step back, now is your chance."
"......"
"I am selective about those I keep close. You know this."
"Don’t insult me," she retorted firmly, anger swelling within her, enough to make her want to pull this king down.
"You think a mere revelation like this would break me—or the Dark Elves?"
"......"
"It’s only natural for nations to prepare for war. Orcsen primary adversary has always been Elfynd. You’ve stated as much yourself—plainly, back at the mountain lodge.
Elfynd, entrenched beyond the Sylvan River border, shows no interest in anything southward. Therefore, the only way to resolve the situation is to attack. It’s the logical conclusion.
And if you’ve been meticulously crafting invasion plans, it’s only natural we Dark Elves were included as potential adversaries. If we weren’t, I’d be furious, believing you underestimated us."
"......"
"King. Orc King. This is your test, isn’t it? By arming us and integrating us into your forces, you’re probing whether we truly intend to fight the Light Elves. Whether we stand with Orcsen or Elfynd. Whether we are genuinely committed to becoming part of this nation. A lesser being would undoubtedly turn away."
"......"
The king’s expression remained unchanged. His thoughts lay further ahead.
Dineluth, recognizing this, continued.
"You think I don’t understand this gesture as your form of consideration toward us?"
"......"
"Introducing me to General Schwerin and Major General Rainders was also part of this test. If, despite the trials, we pour our efforts into forming this brigade, even Kobolds and Dwarves will accept us. Whether they mock us internally or pity us with shallow chivalry, they will accept us as part of this nation.
"In truth, you’re testing not us but your military high command."
"......"
"You never believed for a moment that we’d back down."
"......"
"Nor did you think we wouldn’t recognize this test. Don’t underestimate us."
"...... Forgive me. Truly, forgive me," Gustav murmured, his tone surprisingly subdued. His massive frame seemed to shrink as he apologized.
"... Heh. Hehehe."
Dineluth smiled, feeling triumphant—an immense victory.
"You know, I’ve meant to say this for a while. You’re too kind. Your kindness is so deep it’s hard for others to perceive. But as a king, you should stand tall. Be proud. Even arrogant. Your people will follow you regardless. I will, too. This doesn’t even count as arrogance; it’s magnanimity—profound, bottomless magnanimity."
"Do you think so?"
"I’m certain of it."
Dineluth reflected on the night he found her and resolved to save her and her kin.
A more calculated ruler would have ignored the brutal inter-elf conflict in Elfynd. Let the Light Elves massacre the Dark Elves, then exploit the situation to gain leverage with neighboring nations.
All he needed then was her corpse—not the living.
She understood that the formation of the Dark Elf brigade served not only military purposes but also as a political tool.
By publicizing their existence, Elfynd would be forced to explain to neighboring countries why such a force emerged in Orcsen, shattering its image of purity and tranquility.
This outcome was precisely what her people desired.
Her homeland, the once-proud Silver Tree, no longer existed.
Their greatest enemy was now their former nation.
And Gustav knew this.
He had seen their rage and hatred firsthand.
And still—
He offered them a way out, showing them the harsh reality of their new land, devoid of utopian illusions.
A land where survival required cunning and strength.
Dineluth had no doubts.
The king’s question, asking if they would step back, wasn’t a threat.
He was showing them they could still live peacefully in Walderberg without joining the military.
Even in stepping back, he would never abandon them—neither as a man nor as a king of Orcsen.
But if they chose to fight, they would enter hell together.
—Eat shit.
Fu*king shit.
What’s the big deal now?
That’s exactly what we want, Dineluth thought.
"Very well. My King.”
"Hm?"
"Will this exercise reveal anything else remarkable?"
"Ah, I assure you, it will. My army—your army—is strong. We’ll crush Elfynd in one strike, Major General."
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