Youjo Senki - Volume 12 - Chapter 6.5

DECEMBER 25, UNIFIED YEAR 1927, THE OUTSKIRTS OF THE ILDOAN CAPITAL

Spread thin throughout the Ildoan capital, the Imperial Army’s 203rd Aerial Mage Battalion and its leader, Lieutenant Colonel Tanya von Degurechaff, currently serve as the rear guard for the Imperial Army. It is with shivering hands that each of the mages holds a single cup of eggnog that was included in their Christmas rations this year.

The bulk of the army has already left the capital. The same goes for the majority of the Salamander Kampfgruppe, too, as Colonel Uger made special arrangements to transport Captain Meybert and all of his heavy equipment, which should already be en route for the Empire’s capital.

Tanya and her mages are left behind to act as watchdogs to head home last.

Strictly speaking, there are still a few Imperial units remaining in the capital as quote unquote occupants. As far as I can tell, the arrangements have also been made for these select units to make their full retreat before long. They’ll all head north the moment the orders are given, and Tanya’s orders are to protect them while they are on the move. Worst-case scenario, the Salamander Kampfgruppe still stuck here will have to fight their way north.

Thus, it is only natural for the less experienced mages like Lieutenant Wüstemann to be a bit anxious about our current deployment. Even my left- and right-hand officers, Lieutenant Serebryakov and Major Weiss, have tenser-than-usual expressions.

My mind, on the other hand, is plagued more with a question than it is anxiety.

It’s good that we’ve made preparations for a swift retreat should the enemy attack, but I can’t help wondering if there is a need to wait for the enemy to make the first move.

“Hey, Major Weiss.”

“What is it, Colonel?”

“I was just thinking that, seeing as the lion’s share of our forces have already left, don’t you think it is about time we roll out the red carpet for our enemies?”

My first officer responds with a confused look.

“I believe it’s our duty to prevent an attack.”

“But what of the intention of our duty? Is it not to give our allies time while they retreat?”

“Well, yes, that is correct.”

Her first officer nods, but not without a doubtful look, which I address frankly.

“Why not invite them here?”

“Is it okay for us to do that…?”

“The plan is to abandon this position either way, and I’m certainly not a fan of surrendering initiative to our enemies. Feigning a Christmas party or some kind of commotion while we retreat would make for a much better scenario in my mind.”

A small clap rings out as I come up with a new idea on the spot.

“Was it the Alliance forces that showed up around the capital outskirts?”

“Yes. It appears to be a combined task force made up of US, Ildoan, and Commonwealth forces.”

“If we ran a little recon in force and made it evident that this area is empty… Do you think they’d follow us back?”

Major Weiss crosses his arms and thinks with his eyes closed for a brief moment before eventually nodding.

“I think we could lure them out. It won’t be hard to convince the Ildoan soldiers.”

“Ideally, we would draw out a US unit.”

Major Weiss cocks his head at the remark.

“May I ask why?”

“For political reasons. We want it to look like the Unified States is swooping in to save the day.”

Major Weiss says, “I see,” and though his tone makes it clear he doesn’t quite follow Tanya’s logic, he rubs his chin as he gives it some more thought.

“I believe their base is nearby, too… We know where the US Marines have set up. They have mages stationed there, so I’m sure they would try to intercept us.”

While this is the answer Tanya is looking for, she can’t help but sigh.

“They are the same mages who broke the international rules of war and ignored my complaint.”

For people like Tanya, the navy types are always the most difficult to understand. The marines volunteer for the job out of patriotism but at the same time use shotguns against humans. According to the Imperial interpretation of the laws, it is stated pretty implicitly that the use of shotgun-style weaponry is inhumane because it causes unnecessary suffering by maiming its targets.

“I hate that it has to be them who are the heroes.”

“I don’t quite follow…”

My first officer gives me a confused look, which prods me to take a firm tone as I inform him about my current concerns.

“Listen, what we need is a hot-blooded idiot that we can lure into this place. Hot-blooded as the marines may be…they’re a bit too disciplined to play right into our hands.”

I let out a sigh and shake my head.

“Maybe we should steal their flags. Yes, a nice little game of capture the flag might be just the ticket.”

“Capture the flag…?”

“I bet if we raid their base and steal a big flag, they’ll almost certainly chase us back here.”

They’ll chase us like it’s a bullfight.

Although, these are some dangerous bulls, and we’ll receive far less honor and prestige than the matadors. Alas, ’tis but another aspect of a bleak work environment.

I swallow my last sigh and steel my nerves while I make the decision.

“Alert the remaining troops in the capital. We are going to draw the enemy in!”

“Roger!”

“Let us make this Christmas a merry one.”