ALL NOVEL Chapter 23
“…Are you suggesting we release the prisoners captured in battle?”
The Legion Commander looked at my proposal with a puzzled expression.
I understand. To return prisoners numbering in the dozens, perhaps even hundreds, is essentially the same as restoring a portion of the enemy’s strength.
From the perspective of a soldier sworn to effort for the Empire’s victory, this is nothing short of absurd.
“Yes, Legion Commander.”
“…It seems I need a bit more detailed explanation, Prince Kael.”
Still, he doesn’t berate me like a common extra with a simple “Go!”
Instead, he demands the reason behind my thoughts, demonstrating his qualities as a commander.
Indeed, I thought, he is worthy of being the commander of the elite 12th Legion.
“From the perspective of our Imperial Army, capturing prisoners doesn’t really yield any great advantage.”
“What do you mean there’s no gain? Prisoners are proof of our Imperial Army’s victories and spoils of war.”
“At least evidence or spoils are mere objects and do not require feeding, guarding, or worrying about escaping.”
Throughout history, there are instances of prisoner massacres occurring. Not all actions are taken for the same reasons.
I do oppose killing those who surrender after losing the will to fight.
Yet, there are moments when such actions become unavoidable.
“Prisoners are burdens. They require feeding and guarding, demanding resources and personnel.”
If the conditions on the side that captured the enemy are favorable, they might treat the prisoners well.
But that’s not the case for me. If I am barely surviving myself, then the discussion changes.
Currently, our 12th Legion’s situation is far from comfortable.
Though we managed to enter the Pavilion, blocking the path, that’s all there is to it.
We must wait for the other main forces to enter through different routes and pressure the Tri-Nation Alliance.
Furthermore, we hurriedly advanced and could not stabilize our rear supply lines completely.
In other words, the supplies are not as abundant as one might expect.
“…So, what you’re saying is that the disadvantages of keeping these prisoners outweigh the benefits, and we should rather release them?”
“We can’t just arbitrarily kill the prisoners, can we?”
“Of course not. If we did, they would merely gain a justification.”
The Empire’s anger over the Tri-Nation Alliance’s encroachment and declaration of war is certainly real.
However, unrelated to that, indiscriminate plundering of them is absolutely forbidden.
What does this mean? It means we will not engage in actions that would turn public sentiment against us.
I conveyed the underlying message to be cautious of a military that could become overly aggressive.
In such a situation, a massacre of prisoners? I can guarantee that when the war ends, heads will roll immediately.
“Thus, I formally propose to you, Legion Commander, to release the prisoners.”
“Hmm…”
“Oh, just so you know, I’m not suggesting we release all the prisoners.”
“Not all of them?”
“Legion Commander, do you know who the commander of the Tri-Nation Alliance currently entered the Pavilion is?”
Upon my question, the Commander answered as if it were obvious.
“He’s a certain Bethel Polkergue from the Polrand Kingdom.”
“Exactly. He is from the Polrand Kingdom, and it is notably the weakest out of the three nations.”
After exchanging that, there was a brief silence. Then, the Commander tilted his head.
Was that the end, you ask? I waited in silence for him to say more.
“…Prince Kael, are you suggesting that to induce internal division in the enemy, we should release only the soldiers from Polrand since their commander is from there?”
“It could be said to be similar.”
Upon my answer, the Commander pondered briefly.
Then, he began, “Listen, Prince Kael.”
“The command structure on the alliance side isn’t foolish; they’ll certainly expect this. Would they simply let themselves fall for such an obvious trap?”
“Of course not. Yes, Legion Commander. The ‘Command’ will not fall for it.”
Placing emphasis on the word ‘Command’ seemed to have alerted the Commander to something.
After watching me quietly, he mumbled, ‘Could it be?’ and crossed his arms.
“Now, what you’re saying sounds like you want to target the soldiers beneath the enemy’s command instead of the command itself. Is my understanding correct?”
“Exactly, Legion Commander.”
Now, let’s think about the situation of the soldiers of the Tri-Nation Alliance.
Those high-ranking individuals surely forced them here without a moment’s rest.
After running hard to the point of wanting to vomit, they were subjected to an unmistakable defeat.
I bet they told them to step back for a moment to regroup.
But that very fact serves as evidence of their defeat. If they had won, why would they retreat?
In such a situation, the prisoners who were captured return, but only the Polrand troops?
“What thoughts will the Burgai and Kaden soldiers have upon seeing that?”
Currently, they are fighting against the Empire, yet they had been bickering amongst themselves until only recently.
Now, their fellow comrades who fought alongside them cannot return, but only those shabby soldiers from Polrand have returned intact?
“Leadership belongs to the command. I will not deny that. However, war is not something you can achieve through command alone. War ultimately hinges on people, so the crucial part is how you manipulate the people involved.”
It couldn’t be simpler. I have a rather vivid memory from my previous life.
From books to documentaries, and then even the YouTube algorithms.
How to incite division. What skilled mischief entails.
While I can’t observe much now, my recollections are sufficient.
“And speaking of which, Legion Commander, when people see turmoil, they tend to sway themselves, don’t they?”
Who knows? If the soldiers are shaken, perhaps the command will also hesitate.
*
The second offensive from the Tri-Nation Alliance commenced.
This time, the main target was the defensive line set up by the Empire’s 12th Legion in the passageway.
Alongside a vigorous assault, an attack on the heights was also underway.
To avoid losing the flanks, a minimum of counterfire was also necessary, after all.
However, once again, the Tri-Nation Alliance failed to achieve their goals.
While the training condition of their soldiers varied, the Empire demonstrated uniformity.
In contrast to the disorganized leadership of the alliance, the Empire’s command was streamlined.
“…Withdraw the troops.”
As the commander’s orders rang out, the soldiers had no choice but to trudge back to their formation.
As they turned to see the vacant spots previously occupied by their comrades, they could not hide their gloomy expressions.
They were at least comforted by the thought that their comrades died fighting valiantly.
This occurred due to the cruel portrayals of the Empire’s soldiers by their own commanders.
Those captured as prisoners were said to end up as slaves, ultimately becoming targets for arrows.
From the rookies to seasoned veterans, that’s what they believed.
Yet, just like yesterday and today, the soldiers who were said to be captured returned to the formation.
“What’s going on? What’s happening? Did those Empire bastards return them again?”
“Get out of the way! Are our kids there? Are they okay?”
Yesterday, dozens returned. Today, dozens more.
Their common trait was that they were all of Polrand origin.
Watching that scene, questions suddenly surged in the soldiers’ minds.
How strange it was. Why does the Empire only release the soldiers from Polrand?
If they were to use them as slaves and targets for arrows, shouldn’t they feel reluctant to let go of each one?
Releasing prisoners means they are increasing their enemies once again.
So why is the Empire acting in such a manner despite the risks?
“Listen up. Our commander is from Polrand.”
“Could it be that the commander made some secret pact with the Empire? Is Polrand begging for survival?”
“Why is the Empire returning only the pitiful Polrand troops safe and sound, not us Burgai or those Kaden idiots? It’s just so odd! It doesn’t make sense!”
Curiosity turned into doubts. Doubts turned into suspicion, and before long, that suspicion became certainty.
Various aspects combined and overlapped to create an unexpected situation.
The field commanders are not fools. They’re those who fight alongside the soldiers.
There’s no way they wouldn’t know the conditions of their own troops.
“Stop with the nonsense and focus on the battle, you idiots!”
“The Empire is trying to break our alliance’s unity! You fools! Don’t fall for it!”
If Kael had witnessed that situation, he would have probably laughed and said it like this.
Humans are truly strange; they don’t understand the concept of denial.
If you tell them not to think about something, it makes them think about it even more, and if you deny it, that fact only becomes stronger in their minds.
Could it really be that Polrand made some secret pact with the Empire? A pact? A pact??
Could it be that the commander harbored some other thoughts? Other thoughts? Other thoughts??
With that word of denial, the actions only become clearer and clearer in their memories.
As the soldiers began to waver, naturally, others started to entertain different thoughts as well.
They were none other than those who assumed the worst while musing, ‘Could it be?’
They thought they were awake but were merely spreading unfounded speculation that incited division.
“Our commander is from Polrand. And he’s been losing constantly. Meanwhile, only the Polrand troops are getting their prisoners back, while we’re left behind!”
“Is that why the looks aimed at Burgai and Kaden haven’t been very kind?”
“What if, just maybe, the commander—or the entire Polrand Kingdom—secretly contacted the Empire?”
In truth, it was they themselves who had first challenged the commander’s authority.
They were the ones questioning Polrand’s sovereignty, yet they completely forgot this.
Some of them kept only revisiting the possibility of ‘internal betrayal’ repeatedly.
And even though they weren’t entirely certain, the thought that it was possible started to take hold at that very moment.
At least in this Pavilion Area, the Tri-Nation Alliance could no longer remain united.
*
I sat on a hill, overlooking the camp of the Tri-Nation Alliance soldiers.
They are not fools; they certainly know what I am aiming for.
They must be putting in various efforts to counter it.
However, in these moments, as it often goes, the one who spreads chaos tends to emerge victorious.
There’s no need to make everyone believe.
After all, those who believe will shake those around them to prove they are not liars.