𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟗𝟕: 𝐃𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐧’𝐬 𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫
We spent about five days attacking eight towns and villages that served as supply depots for the Dagan army.
We suffered no losses.
ㅤ
I don’t think the enemy lost much either.
There were probably some people who died in the fires, but I think the total was probably less than a hundred.
ㅤ
But an army without supplies can’t fight, even if its strength isn’t reduced.
The only option left for the Dagan army is to retreat.
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I doubt the leaders of the Dagan Imperial Army are foolish enough to think they can bypass the fifty thousand-strong Masrur Royal Army stationed near the border and plunder the towns and villages of Masrur.
They would only be defeated in their starved state.
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If I’m the strategist assisting the general leading the Dagan army, I would advise an immediate retreat.
The longer they wait, the worse the situation becomes.
The basic principle is to retreat while you still have the strength to do so.
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“At this time of year, if the entire army retreats, Masrur would probably be too cautious to pursue.”
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Sighing heavily, Demon King Ingral expressed his frustration.
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I understand his feelings.
The Dagan Imperial Army did not retreat.
Instead, they sent an envoy to the Masrur army that was preparing to fight.
ㅤ
They asked for help in subduing a mysterious monster rampaging within their country.
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It was surprising.
It was a situation that left one speechless.
ㅤ
The one who declared war on the Masrur Kingdom and is now gathering near the border to attack is the Dagan Empire.
Asking for assistance from the enemy you’re about to attack is a bit too brazen.
ㅤ
“If we refuse, are we to overlook the death of innocent people? Does your country not have a concept of humanity?”
“Weren’t you about to kill and plunder innocent people in Masrur? The Dagan Empire, that is.”
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I couldn’t help but comment in admiration at their incredible mentality.
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This was a meeting on the battlefield.
The Lionel Squad had withdrawn to the camp because we probably thought the enemy had no choice but to retreat.
This turn of events was beyond imagination.
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“So It’s okay for them to do it, but it’s not okay for their own people to die.”
ㅤ
The Demon King spread his arms wide.
The fact that he didn’t say he was going to destroy them because they were a nuisance is proof that Ingral is a compassionate and generous king.
ㅤ
“So, how did you respond in the end?”
“You’re asking the wrong person for advice. Don’t forget that our countries are at war.”
“You showed great restraint, Your Majesty. If it were King Morrison of Lintrite, he would have undoubtedly killed the envoy.”
“Isn’t that great? I did well, didn’t I? So, as a reward, Lionel, you can become my subordinate.”
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The Demon King made a joke that I didn’t quite understand.
I gave a vague smile in response.
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The commander of the Dagan Imperial Army is probably not a fool, so this negotiation must be a ruse.
They brought conditions that they knew from the start would not be accepted, probably to prevent us from pursuing them when they retreat.
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They’re retreating to save innocent people, so they wouldn’t expect us to act inhumanely and attack them from behind, right?
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It’s a roundabout way of doing things, but only the Masrur army knows that Ingral isn’t the type to attack a retreating army.
From Dagan’s perspective, they would want to put a safety measure in place.
It’s a result of careful judgment.
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“There was a time when I thought so, too.”
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I added a mysterious narration in my heart.
It was the next day.
Once again, an envoy from the Dagan Empire had arrived.
ㅤ
I was asked by Ingral to attend the meeting, and I stood in the corner of the tent to listen to the envoy’s message.
He said, “We will withdraw our troops, so give us money and food.”
Really now.
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“Are you serious?”
ㅤ
I understand too well how Ingral feels when he asks this.
The demand for money is something that the victorious country makes to the defeated country. It’s a request for reparations.
Why do we have to pay an opponent who hasn’t even settled yet?
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“By our army withdrawing, your army can withdraw without any damage. Please consider it as a cost burden for that.”
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The envoy, who had a beard like a catfish, spoke slowly.
Amazing.
It’s an acrobat of logic.
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You guys declared war in the first place.
If you hadn’t advanced, Masrur wouldn’t have moved his army either.
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This is bad.
I’m starting to have a prejudice that the Dagan people think this way.
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“Suppose, for argument’s sake, we take a step back and consider avoiding war damage with money. But isn’t that our country’s idea, and has nothing to do with your policy?”
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Ingral said, looking tired.
The fact that the tips of his left fingers are silently tapping the table is probably because he’s irritated.
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“So, you will agree to pay the cost.”
“I said suppose. Can’t you understand the continental official language, envoy?”
“Do you really want to fight? Thousands of soldiers will die.”
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This envoy is deliberately shifting the point of discussion.
It’s a war, so it’s natural that there will be casualties. If there aren’t, it’s a competition or a game.
Dagan must know that.
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They want to avoid war because they would be at a disadvantage if they fought now. That’s why they’re shifting the point and trying to bring up humanitarian issues.
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Probably, or rather undoubtedly, even if we give them money and food here, Dagan won’t retreat.
They would rather attack with joy.
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If they do retreat, they might proclaim that they won without fighting.
Either way, it’s not a negotiation we can accept.
ㅤ
“Very well.”
ㅤ
Ingral stands up from his chair smoothly.
A look of joy began to appear on the envoy’s face, but it was blown away by the next words of the Demon King.
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“Then let’s fight. It’s what your country wanted. I’ll crush you as you wished, so come and attack.”
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