Steel, Guns, and the Industrial Party in Another World

Chapter 281:

Paul first consoled Derrick and sent him to rest, then convened a meeting with the leaders.

Hansel shook his head, saying, “The situation is not optimistic. If we don’t make a move soon, our previous investments will be wasted.”

Paul asked, “How are the situations in Alda and Baylding?”

“The situation within our territories is stable, which supports a large-scale military deployment,” was the reply.

“Yes, after exposing those sixteen gangs, there should be no new conspiracies forming, and even if there are, they won’t be significant. The internal security forces and the police are sufficient to suppress them,” confirmed Cecil, the head of intelligence, and Hais, the head of public safety.

Paul turned to Schroeder, “So, shall we deploy our troops to Fort Bidou now?”

“No, Lord Grayman,” Schroeder had not yet answered when Hansel unexpectedly voiced his objection, drawing everyone’s curious gaze.

“I suggest not to send troops directly to Fort Bidou, but to resume the previously shelved plan and land our troops upstream of the Weiss River,” he proposed.

He elaborated, “The enemy’s attention is currently on Fort Bidou. The upstream of Weiss River, their rear, is an excellent point of attack. If their hinterland is under attack, they will definitely divert troops from the front line for support, naturally reducing the threat of Fort Bidou. Moreover, the previous coalition’s siege of Fort Bidou proves it’s not an easy target. Providing them with some military assistance should be enough to hold out until we land upstream on the Weiss River.”

Schroeder nodded, “That makes sense. Our navy won’t face much effective resistance on the Weiss River; it’s practically unobstructed.”

Paul hesitated, “But wouldn’t this cause dissatisfaction among our allies? It feels like we’re abandoning them.”

Hansel shook his head, “Lord, aren’t you planning to supply them with a batch of military equipment? Ah, right, the weapons and armor at Port Fran, not yet shipped, can be diverted to Fort Bidou.”

After the establishment of “Northwest Industry” in Alda, blacksmith workshops in various territories tirelessly produced weapons and armor with abundant iron ingots. These weapons were gathered and sent to Port Fran, awaiting shipment south.

What puzzled Paul was the lords’ preference to sell these high-quality weapons and armor to the south for money rather than equip their soldiers, which would have prevented such a disastrous defeat under longbow attacks.

“Is this appropriate? After all, it’s the big stuff meant for making money.”

“In critical times, what’s more important: victory or money?”

Hansel stared into Paul’s eyes and said emphatically, “The key point, Lord Grayman, is whether you’re willing to share newly occupied lands with others. If Fort Bidou is the starting point, it will lead to unnecessary negotiations.”

The hesitation vanished from Paul’s eyes, and he turned to Schroeder, “Refine the previous plan and land upstream on the Weiss River.”

He also instructed Hansel, “Explain our reasons to Derrick. I hope not to create a negative impression among our allies.”

Schroeder and Hansel simultaneously responded, “Yes, my lord.”

“As for the upcoming landing operation…”

Paul stood up, his expression serious, and declared, “Clearly, this is the second front opened against the usurper, Marltz Kent. It holds special and significant meaning. Therefore, this operation needs a title matching its significance. I’ve decided to name it—”

“Operation Overlord!”

…

In the previous plan, the attack on the upstream area of the Weiss River was more of a harassment, but now it was about launching a real attack and occupation.

The navy’s warships would play a crucial role in this phase, tasked with transporting troops and supplies. Given the shortage of manpower, the sailors might also have to engage in ground combat.

Navy senior officers like Austin, Quik, Yarman, and Tirpitz were quickly summoned to Lakeheart Town to discuss the new offensive plan.

After detailed planning in the staff department, it was decided that Chief of Staff Schroeder would personally command the operation. The old knight was well-versed in the geography of the Weiss River’s upper reaches. The troops participating in “Operation Overlord” included Krau’s 2nd Infantry Battalion, Andrew’s 4th Infantry Battalion, Yarman’s 2nd Fleet, and Tirpitz’s 3rd Fleet.

Quik was strongly dissatisfied, feeling that his 1st Fleet should participate in the operation, both in terms of military numbering and combat experience. However, Austin countered that the navy was still needed in offshore areas, but allowed the reserve officers of the 1st Fleet to join the operation to hone their military skills.

The deployment of two infantry battalions meant that Alda and Baylding would have to rely on internal security forces and police for defense. Fortunately, in the northern part of Emden, Blaise’s 1st Infantry Battalion and Joyce’s 3rd Infantry Battalion were stationed. They could prevent unexpected situations to some extent. Additionally, there were the vast militias – far more reliable than the so-called “militias” in other territories under the new reserve system.

…

Upon learning that Lakeheart Town intended not to directly aid Fort Bidou but to attack the Kent family’s rear, Derrick, who came seeking help, felt somewhat disheartened.

Paul felt a bit guilty and immediately signaled Hansel.

Hansel quickly fed Derrick a well-prepared spiel about the “bigger picture.”

“Our count has said, to untie a knot made by entangled threads, one must not pull with brute force. To resolve conflicts, one should not engage directly in the fight. To avert crises, one must seize the key opportunity, taking advantage of the enemy’s weakness. The coalition will naturally disengage from its constraints.”

“Now that the Kent family’s elite troops are fully deployed, if we attack their rear, their front-line troops will inevitably return for support, thus nullifying the threat of Fort Bidou. Blessed by the Lord of Light, the Weiss River leads directly to the enemy’s rear, and they lack any significant naval forces. It’s a godsend opportunity.”

“Viscount Heller, please trust the speed of our warships. Look, that ship on the lake is our new warship. Those sails hanging there make it much faster than the hand-rowed sailboats.”

…

In Hansel’s elaborate explanation, Derrick eventually resolved his doubts. What thrilled him even more was that Lakeheart Town planned to support them with a batch of firearms.

These firearms included several boxes of improved hand grenades and the so-called “mother-and-child cannon” – a type of rapid-loading cannon, well-suited for defenders facing a swarm of attacking enemies.

Paul said, “Please convey to the lords that we have no other demands. We only need the coalition to hold for three weeks—no, just half a month. After that, the situation will surely turn for the better.”

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