V6C18 Behind the scenes of the big operation - Santairiku Eiyuuki

The narrative takes us back more than a year in the past. "Very well... Although, I must set a condition. Cecilia, could you step outside for a moment?" "Oh my, Hercule. Are you keeping secrets from me? Make sure to fill me in later," Cecilia replied with a playful tone. Once Cecilia exited the meeting, Hercule turned his attention towards Masinissa, the chief of the Barbar tribe's Shuyen clan. "Your stronghold is in the Fezan region, south of the Teripolitania region of the Kingdom of Cherda, right?" "Yes, that's correct. Originally, Cyrenaica and Teripolitania were also our lands." Long ago, the Barbar tribe, who resided in the rich coastal region called Libyea on the northern side of the southern continent, were not known as the barbarian-speaking Barbar tribe but as Libyeans. However, the Libyeans were defeated in conflicts with later settlers on the southern continent and gradually lost their lands. Today, the rich region of Cyrenaica where they once lived is a province of the Lemurian Empire, and Teripolitania belongs to the Kingdom of Cherda. They have been pushed into the less affluent Fezan region. "Hmm. It would be troublesome to demand its return now." "We wouldn't dream of such a thing... It's been over a thousand years since then." "Our homeland is Fezan now," Masinissa explained. "I see. However... I've heard that recently the Kingdom of Cherda has been invading your lands quite a bit." "Yes... For the past few centuries, we've lost land to the Kingdom of Cherda. You're well-informed." "I did some research on the matter." Although the Barbar tribe is confined to the Fezan region, not all of their land has been taken. Until a few hundred years ago, they maintained a part of southern Teripolitania as their living area. Before the invasion of the Beastfolk Warbeasts, Teripolitania was also under the control of the Lemurian Empire, which tolerated the Barbar tribe's settlement there. Far from military invasion, peaceful settlement was even welcomed. However, everything changed with the arrival of the Beastfolk Warbeasts and the establishment of the Kingdom of Cherda. The Warbeasts expropriated land from the Humans, establishing themselves as landlords and exploiting Humans as tenant farmers. The native Barbar tribe was no exception. In fact, they faced much harsher treatment compared to other Human tribes, given the already existing prejudice against them. Being exploited as tenant farmers was considered fortunate. Most of the Barbar tribe were driven to the Fezan region, losing their hold on any part of Teripolitania. "And I assume the invasion by the Kingdom of Cherda continues even now?" "Yes. Though there are a few oases in the Fezan region, they are trying to seize even the little fertile land that remains. Recently, due to an internal conflict, the Kingdom of Cherda's military actions have decreased," Masinissa said with a furrowed brow. At first glance, it might seem as if the Barbar tribe is solely being oppressed by the Kingdom of Cherda. However, the reality is that the Barbar tribe has retaliated accordingly. They have frequently invaded Teripolitania, engaging in raids. The Kingdom of Cherda's invasions into the Fezan region are not so much about acquiring fertile land, but more about curbing the repeated incursions by the Barbar tribe into Teripolitania. The relationship between the Kingdom of Cherda and the Barbar tribe might be similar to that of the Lemurian Empire and the Kingdom of Bulgaria. "In other words, the Kingdom of Cherda and the Barbar tribe are adversaries. And... the Kingdom of Cherda and our country are also adversaries. Therefore, how about forming a military alliance?" "A military alliance, you say?" "That's right... Let's work together to destroy the Kingdom of Cherda." Destroy the Kingdom of Cherda—not just fight, but annihilate, conquer. Masinissa found himself holding his breath. "Well, primarily, it will be the Lemurian Empire doing the fighting. You only need to provide a small force and handle the logistics." "And... in return, what do we receive?" "We shall welcome you, the Barbar tribe, as subjects of the Lemurian Empire." Masinissa frowned at Hercule's words. That would mean submitting under their rule—not exactly a "reward." "Oh, did that not convey properly? I wouldn't interfere with where my subjects settle within the empire nor what they choose to do." "That is..." "So essentially, you'll be permitted to settle in Teripolitania and Cyrenaica. However, if you do settle there, you'll be expected to pay taxes to the Lemurian Empire. As for the Fezan region, we'll recognize it as your autonomous territory, without tax obligations. Additionally, you'll be granted exclusive rights to desert trade. What do you think?" "..." Masinissa pondered over the proposal. Land scarcity was a severe issue for the Barbar tribe. Fezan was desert and wasteland, unsuitable for agriculture or even nomadic herding. The oases were rich, but there weren't many. An increase in population would lead to food shortages and starvation. Thus, the offer of settling in Teripolitania and Cyrenaica was tempting. If they could relocate part of the tribe, the pressing issue of food shortages would lessen. Moreover, exclusive rights to desert trade were enticing. Profits from trade could be used to purchase wheat from the Lemurian Empire, improving the current food situation. And if their troublesome adversary, the Kingdom of Cherda, were to truly cease to exist, nothing could be more favorable. But the risks were also significant. Firstly, there was uncertainty about how far the Emperor of Lemuria would honor his promises. Another concern was the risk of interference in their internal affairs. Masinissa, being a Messiah believer, wished to govern the Barbar tribe under Messiah laws and morals. Yet, interference by the Lemurian Emperor under this pretext was unwelcome. As an autonomous region, at least nominally, the power of the Lemurian Emperor would still extend over them. However, these risks weren't exclusive to the Barbar tribe. The proposal also bore considerable risks for the Lemurian Empire. Particularly the settlement permissions, which could potentially lead to losing Teripolitania and Cyrenaica to the Barbar tribe. Nonetheless, Hercule was confident they could integrate the Barbar tribe into Lemurian society, which is why he was open to such settlements. "...Understood. We will accept the military alliance." "That's much appreciated. From today, we are allies. Now, there's something I'd like to request from all of you..." With a smile, Hercule outlined his plan. About a year after this meeting, in early October when Hercule was thirty years old, a strategy meeting concluded, and he immediately initiated military operations. First, he mobilized an infantry legion led by Oscar, composed of resilient Black soldiers accustomed to the heat. Then, a legion of mobile medium cavalry, the Cataphracts. Additionally, six battalions composed of Nia and Jebe’s independent guerrilla units. Lastly, a cavalry legion formed primarily by the Crom clan, made up of Bulgarians. In total, he summoned 43,200 troops and covertly loaded them onto ships under the cover of darkness. Over several days, they traveled by sea to the Province of Misr, docking at the city of Alectia under the veil of night. Merging into the obscurity, they transferred to smaller vessels, taking advantage of the winter monsoon winds blowing southwards from the north over the southern continent, ascending the Nile River. Swiftly navigating to the interior of the Province of Misr, they finally disembarked the entire army. "Um, Your Majesty," Alicia hesitantly addressed Hercule. "Hmm? What is it, Alicia?" "I understand we're gearing up for battle, but... which enemy are we fighting?" It was a reasonable question, as Hercule had kept the destination a secret even from his soldiers and Alicia. They were simply loaded onto ships and transported swiftly to the interior of the Province of Misr. Many soldiers, suddenly finding themselves in a desert landscape, were bewildered, particularly the Bulgarians, who were unused to such a climate. "Your Majesty, it would be helpful if your plans could include us," Scheherazade also implored. Charged by Carolina with assisting the Emperor, Scheherazade was spirited about her task, but even she was puzzled by the lack of disclosure at this point. "Could it be the Kingdom of Nuba is our enemy?" Scheherazade speculated, drawing on her geographical knowledge to make an educated guess, as it was the only country to the south of the Province of Misr. However, Hercule shook his head. "No, it's not. Well... I'm about to reveal our destination to all the soldiers, so rest assured. Before our escorts arrive, prepare for departure. Alicia, follow my orders. Scheherazade, I entrust you with my protection." "...Understood." "Yes, of course!" Alicia responded with a hint of confusion, while Scheherazade appeared unfazed. "Where on earth are we headed..." Alicia muttered under the blazing sun as she sighed. Ordered to spend two weeks acclimatizing through training, Alicia was busy drilling the Bulgarian cavalry. Although the climate was harsh, the resilient Bulgarian cavalry showed significant adaptation, managing to function relatively well under the scorching sun within a week. The horses posed some issues, but Hercule had foresightedly instructed the inclusion of spare horses, minimizing potential problems. "It seems preparations were made long beforehand," Alicia reflected, watching ships harnessing the monsoon winds to travel upriver. Massive quantities of military supplies were being transported from Alectia City via the Nile to an inland port. These supplies were being loaded onto a logistics convoy composed of over ten thousand camels and mules—arrangements likely made well in advance. "If it's not the Kingdom of Nuba, then it must be the Kingdom of Cherda... But why transport us here if Cherda is our target? Unless... No way," Alicia pondered, feeling a shiver down her spine as a sense of foreboding swept over her. "Alicia, Her Majesty the Emperor has ordered us to rally the troops," a messenger conveyed. "I understand." Upon hearing the report, Alicia halted the training and assembled the Bulgarians as directed. By this time, the infantry legion led by Oscar Almon, the independent guerrilla units under Nia Lucarios and Jebe, and the Cataphract cavalry, led personally by Hercule, had all gathered. With the arrival of Alicia's Bulgarian cavalry, the entire force was consolidated, prompting Hercule to ascend the podium. With a commanding voice, Hercule addressed the troops. "Comrades! Consider yourselves fortunate, for soon you will become witnesses and participants in an unprecedented military achievement!" Hearing these words, Alicia internally sighed deeply, realizing her suspicions were correct. Just as she had anticipated, Hercule announced his plan. "Comrades! We are about to commence a legendary campaign—a surprise attack against the Kingdom of Cherda by traversing the Great Desert and the Fezan region!!!" Thus began what would be celebrated as Emperor Hercule I's greatest military achievement across the three continents, hailed as a monumental operation that would rewrite the annals of military history. This legendary feat immortalized Hercule as a master tactician, a conquest that rivaled crossing the mighty mountain ranges—or even more, an endeavor of unparalleled ambition. The Great Desert crossing had begun.