A Peaceful Land of the Orcs (5.7)
"Then, would a company suffice? A battalion, perhaps? Or even a brigade? None of these are truly ideal."
In the Orcsen army, these smaller unit sizes were deemed too close to individuals, increasing the risk of organized crime taking root within them.
The danger lay in groups committing looting, concealing it, and acting with even greater malice.
"Then it must be limited to units large enough to have their own supply and logistics?"
"Precisely."
Only units capable of maintaining their own supply chains—those with the infrastructure to account for and pay for goods obtained from the local area—would be authorized to "procure" resources. Furthermore, such units had to have the capacity to distribute acquired supplies to all necessary locations.
"Additionally, this procurement is only permitted under the explicit approval of logistical officers at the army, corps, or division level."
"Naturally," Gustav agreed with a nod.
To some, like Dineluth Andariel, this level of deliberation may have seemed excessively indirect or even unnecessary.
―――Local procurement is standard for any military force. Why the fuss now?
However, she now clearly understood that this discussion was fundamentally different and could affirm it decisively.
In essence, the Orcsen army emphasized maximum logistical effort. Local procurement was only authorized as a solution to unavoidable logistical breakdowns, with strict restrictions against forced requisitioning or individual looting.
There was a marked difference between an army reliant on local resources from the outset and one forced to resort to them out of necessity, even if the distinction might not be apparent to outsiders.
"You won't entirely prohibit requisitions at the unit level?"
"That’s a delicate issue under military law, Major General."
For example―――
Suppose, during frontline operations, a bridging exercise required the use of a small, ownerless boat found tied nearby. Speed being critical in such situations, the local commander would undoubtedly make use of the boat without hesitation, ferrying the first wave of personnel and equipment or guards across the river.
Technically, this would not be considered procurement but rather requisitioning. However, it wouldn’t be seen as looting. Such actions were treated as exceptions.
Punishing such acts was impractical, and prohibiting requisitions at the unit level entirely would be excessively rigid. But this leniency could not extend to egregious acts of exploitation.
For instance, if an engineering unit operating in enemy territory took shelter in a local farmhouse and consumed its food and drink without the owner's permission or paying for it, such actions would be highly questionable, bordering on looting.
Prohibiting all such behavior outright was unfeasible, yet neither could excessive acts be ignored. Ultimately, the judgment would fall to military police investigations and the evaluation of military discipline.
"Now, regarding the results of the new tactical experiments―――"
Inside the command tent, the senior officers engaged in active discussions.
The magic communications and detection methods employed by the Kobolds were deemed effective.
Likewise, aerial reconnaissance using Great Eagles demonstrated exceptional results.
It was concluded that these capabilities should be further refined and extensively integrated into future operations.
"What do you think? Are there any additional opinions―――"
Dineluth Andariel rubbed her temples.
She had already identified major flaws in the Orcsen army's new tactics earlier that day.
Should she speak up and point them out?
Technically, she was only present as an observing officer. While Schwerin was in a similar position, her situation was different. As a Dark Elf, her footing within the military was tenuous, and she had to consider the backlash her subordinates might face.
But with the atmosphere as it was―――
Forget it. No use holding back.
After all, as one Etrurian poet said, "It’s far better to regret what you’ve done than to regret doing nothing at all."
Carefully choosing her words, she raised her hand.
"High General."
"Yes? Do you have a suggestion regarding the use of magic communication and detection?"
"I do, if I may."
"Very well. You and your kind are pioneers in this field."
That was reassuring.
As she stood, she noticed Major General Staupitz making a slightly annoyed expression. He was likely wary of potential criticism but was also unable to outright dismiss her, given that Dark Elves had recently saved his troops.
"May I borrow the blackboard?"
"Go ahead."
Taking a piece of chalk, she drew the symbol for a battalion containing magic-wielding troops.
"This represents a battalion with magic-wielding forces. The Kobold race’s magic prowess is remarkable, as demonstrated in today’s exercises, where they successfully employed magic detection on multiple occasions―――"
Staupitz’s expression softened.
Flattery. Not something I enjoy, but it was true, she thought with a tinge of self-loathing as she drew a straight line ahead of the battalion.
"The effective range of magic detection depends on factors like the caster’s stamina, skill, physical condition, and weather, but it generally spans about five kilometers. They might sense something like, ‘There’s something there, and it’s sizable.’ That’s the current detection capability, correct?"
"Indeed."
"My suggestion is a way to improve its precision―――"
Please, catch on to this.
Praying silently, she added two more battalions in line with the first and drew straight lines from each.
"From these additional battalions deployed along the front line, or perhaps from regimental headquarters, if the target is within five kilometers, they too should sense its presence. By combining these directions―――"
She began extending lines from each battalion, one by one―――
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