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Running Away From The Hero! (Web Novel) - Chapter 271
Chapter 271
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Evade the Hero CH 271 TL (315)Side Story – Memories of a Princess (44)
After delivering the royal decree that allowed Ast to act freely in this war, Ast began to truly show his colors.
“What? You’re saying that if we destroy that area, the people will starve? What does that have to do with us? In fact, it’s great for us if future enemies are too hungry to fight.”
When others started opposing his plan to turn the enemy’s main food production area into a sea of fire, Ast tilted his head with a sarcastic expression.
“Oh, come on, people. We’re not here for a picnic, we’re here for war. It’s wonderful if everyone can be happy, but we have to think about our happiness first. Haven’t you heard, ‘You before me, me before you’?”
Even though Lea protested, Ast ignored her completely and continued on a stronger note.
“Sir Lea, you speak so well. Unlike me, a mere honorary knight, you are a true knight who understands chivalry. But do you know this? When a war drags on, the soldiers go mad. The military is not a normal organization. Think about it, what other group exists solely to kill people besides assassins or criminal organizations? Officially, only soldiers and executioners who carry out death sentences.”
Ast leaned back in his chair, taking an even more arrogant position.
His attitude and expression were enough to make anyone want to punch him, but no one could criticize him because of the royal decree in front of him.
“Hmm… Was I too much?”
I had asked the Emperor, my father, to allow Ast to do whatever he wanted, but I never imagined he would use it this way.
I felt a bit sorry for my subordinates who were restraining themselves in front of the royal decree, even though they probably wanted to punch him.
“The military is a group legally permitted to kill during wartime. Similar to how Magic Tower’s sorcerers or national knights have different pursuits, knights learn to protect, and Magic Tower approaches magic academically. But the military teaches how to kill to protect the nation. In peacetime, the goal is to kill monsters, but they also learn how to kill people in preparation for war.”
Although the topic was serious, Ast was smiling as he spoke.
Lea, intimidated by his demeanor, couldn’t say anything, so another officer spoke up in her stead.
“Sir Ast, we understand your point. But do we really need to burn the enemy’s fields? Destroying their granaries should suffice to starve them.”
“Yes, that’s true. If we occupy that area, we could benefit from the fertile land. But it’s uncertain. I’d rather eliminate the threat and give up uncertain gains.”
His words silenced the others. They weren’t logical, but Ast’s confidence made it hard to argue.
He had single-handedly destroyed the enemy’s vanguard and was carrying out the Emperor’s decree.
So, when Ast spoke with such conviction, it was difficult to oppose him.
“Since no one objects, shall we proceed with Ast’s plan?”
The silence stretched for over a minute.
A meeting that wastes time with silence is useless.
So, I decided to conclude it, and no one objected.
Thus, Ast’s scorched earth strategy was approved.
“Good. Rest and prepare for the war.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“Stay, Ast.”
As the other officers bowed and left, I called Ast back.
“What is it, Your Highness?”
After sending even Lea out of the room, I faced Ast alone.
“Why this strategy?”
Scorched earth tactics. Not a bad plan.
Destroying everything the enemy could use, including food, infrastructure, and more.
“You explained earlier.”
“I heard your twisted explanation. But it’s not the right time for scorched earth tactics.”
Scorched earth strategies are typically used in two scenarios.
First, when defending your territory from an overwhelmingly strong enemy. Destroying everything to create supply issues for the enemy.
Second, when retreating from enemy territory, destroying everything to prevent the enemy from using it.
Both create logistical nightmares for the enemy.
“What’s the point of starting with scorched earth tactics?”
Destroying everything in enemy territory from the start made no sense.
It would also ruin our own bases and create a reputation for mercilessness that could lead to fierce resistance.
And importantly,
“While sparing lives.”
Scorched earth tactics typically involve destroying everything, including civilians.
When used in enemy territory, it usually means killing everyone.
“Leaving no threat behind? Is that really your reasoning?”
Ast, listening quietly, smiled faintly.
“Do you really think I’d leave any threat behind, Your Highness?”
It was a chilling smile.
“To support the first plan.”
“The first?”
“Creating a great general.”
“I see.”
Realizing Ast’s goal took a moment, but then I understood.
“Not just gaining credit, but creating a support base?”
“Exactly.”
Ast’s plan to leave some civilians was to build support for Duke Religius Lu Laisha.
“An empire that destroyed their homes mercilessly. Only Duke Religius Lu Laisha can stop them!”
Ast’s exaggerated gestures were comical, but knowing the reasoning, it was chilling.
“If he can’t manage the civilians? You know Duke Laisha is a typical corrupt noble. Even in the empire, he’s considered trash.”
Could such a person save civilians?
“That’s what the kingmaker, no, the great general maker must do.”
“Creating support in enemy territory? Can you do it?”
Creating a support base is hard even in one’s own country.
Duke Laisha was known as a wastrel, a disgrace to his family’s legacy.
Even with imperial power, changing his image would be nearly impossible.
“It seems impossible.”
Changing public perception seemed futile. Even if it worked, without a personal transformation, it would be meaningless.
“It’s possible. Given Duke Laisha’s behavior, it’s even easier.”
Ast seemed completely confident.
“What do you mean?”
“Exactly what I said. Duke Laisha is a hopeless fool with no military or diplomatic skills.”
“Yes. He can only oppress others using his family’s power.”
“Right. So, he’s surrounded by sycophants and lacks capable people.”
“Which is why we planned to make him a great general.”
“Yes. That’s why he’s easy to use.”
While I thought trash should be discarded, Ast believed it could be used.
“He’s a fool, not an idiot. He probably knows people insult him behind his back.”
“Why do you think so?”
“People who lack real ability often rely on money or power to seem important.”
“Really?”
“Yes. They compensate for their lack of ability by showing off other things.”
Ast spoke with certainty.
“You seem to know well. You’re not thinking that about me, are you?”
“Of course not. You’re a capable and beautiful…”
Ast cleared his throat.
“Beautiful… and competent… person?”
“That’s even worse. Just speak honestly.”
“Insulting royalty openly isn’t wise.”
He implied he wanted to, but couldn’t.
“Anyway, Duke Laisha is petty. When he suddenly becomes a hero, he’ll try harder to appear impressive.”
“What if he doesn’t?”
“Well… then the Kingdom’s civilians will starve?”
Ast’s words implied indifference.
It seemed heartless, but…
“Right. It’s their problem, not ours.”
Though unpleasant, Ast’s ruthlessness shone in war.
