Cannon Fire Arc

Chapter 922: Chapter 31 “Distant Bridge”_2

How can we fight a good war with this bunch of insects!

Emperor: “Rommel… let’s not mention him, are you any worse than Rommel?”

Mendel: “In organizing an attack, I am indeed not as good as Marshal Rommel.”

Mendel’s “frankness” directly rendered the Emperor silent.

He continued to “press the advantage”: “Your Majesty, now it seems the Allies are planning to surround us in the Falais region. Retreating quickly can leave a precious seed for the Western Front. We can at least block the enemy at the border, so that you can focus on dealing with Ante’s invasion.”

The Emperor now was different from when he had just gone to war with Ante.

At the beginning, he saw the Allies as the main threat and refused to move the troops stationed in Carolingian to the Eastern Front, resulting in them being idle—while at the same time, the Eastern Front was fiercely contested.

At that time, the graduates of the military academy referred to assignments to the Western Front as “vacation”, an undoubtedly cushy job.

But now, the best soldiers and the latest equipment are prioritized for the Eastern Front. The Empire of Prosen is trying its best to resist that “steamroller,” and the Prosen Emperor is most worried about the Eastern Front.

Thus now, Mendel mentioning “being able to focus on the Eastern Front” was an “irresistible condition” for the Emperor.

Finally, the Emperor spoke: “Alright, retreat then. But we can’t just leave like this; I want to move all the art from the Carolingian capital and set a fire that will never be extinguished! Execute a complete scorched earth tactic! Make the Allies have to use their precious logistics to support the millions in Carolingian!”

“Yes.” Mendel replied.

The Emperor hung up the phone.

Mendel put down the receiver, glanced at the staff, and then said to the Deputy Officer: “His Majesty has agreed to our plan, immediately prepare to retreat. Additionally, His Majesty requested a scorched earth operation in Carolingian. You will personally execute it.”

The Deputy Officer immediately understood, wondering if at this stage, conducting scorched earth operations in Carolingian meant that the ropes available for hanging during the trial were not thick enough?

Even if Mendel himself couldn’t escape the gallows, he should consider his subordinates.

If the Emperor asked, just say that the resistance organization in Carolingian massively sabotaged the scorched earth operation; their leader, General Dargo, was like a monster, impossible to defeat despite all efforts.

After watching the Deputy Officer leave, Mendel suddenly felt a hint of sorrow. Even loyal Prosen generals like him began making such plans; perhaps the demise of the Prosen Empire was only a matter of time.

Mendel went to the window, looked at the sky over Carolingian outside, and let out a long sigh.

————

United Kingdom, Prime Minister’s Residence.

Leonard looked at Marshal Margo, who came to report: “Rocossov had our envoy bring me a message, mocking that your advance is slow as a turtle! He even said if you continue like this, he might meet us in Alsace! Alsace!”

Marshal Margo: “Our army is currently progressing smoothly and can retake the Carolingian capital by the end of the month. Our landing operations in South Carolingian will also soon commence; by October we will liberate the entire Carolingian.”

Leonard: “Rocossov has already captured Plowsonia!”

Marshal Margo: “I don’t think so. Rocossov might need more than half a year to regroup before launching another offensive. That forced advancement must have cost him many valuable veteran soldiers.”

Leonard: “Really? You mean his next attack will be in March next year?”

“February is also possible, depending on when he completes his preparations. We believe the Eastern Front will remain stable at its current position until then.

“Additionally, Ante’s army has also stopped its offensive on the Southern Front, as their current assault has ended.”

Marshal Margo reported with confidence.

“And our offensive is just beginning, Prime Minister. I have drafted a battle plan that will allow us to pass through the lowlands in seven days and reach the core industrial area of Prosen. We aim to end the war by Christmas!”

Leonard: “What kind of plan? Landing in Hamburg? The Admiralty has already vetoed that idea, thinking that a direct landing in Hamburg is too risky, and we don’t have enough transport ships.”

Marshal Margo unfolded the map: “No, not landing in Hamburg; we go by land. Look, there’s a wide highway here that traverses the low-lying countries, directly reaching the Prosen border. This road was built by the Prosens to better rule the lowlands.

“We can use this high-standard highway, deploy paratroopers to capture three critical bridges along it. Once the bridges are seized, our 30th Army will advance unimpeded! Unimpeded!”

The United Kingdom’s military formation is, in fact, equivalent to Prosen’s Army Group, which is a very large battle cluster.

Leonard stared at the map for a few seconds, asking: “What about the Prosens’ defense?”

Marshal Margo confidently replied: “The lowlands are inherently defenseless, which is why the Prosens were able to drive straight in during their attack. Conversely, it’s the same when they defend; the only thing they can rely on is the rivers.

“As long as we capture the bridges, the rivers will not be formidable obstacles.”

Leonard thought for a long time and asked: “How long will it take to prepare this operation?”

“Seven days, Prime Minister.” Marshal Margo reassured, “Seven days to prepare, seven days to complete the battle plan. From then on, ‘blitzkrieg’ will no longer be an exclusive term for the Prosens! However, there is one more issue…”

“What issue?” Leonard quickly asked.