Reborn As Noble Chapter 1288: The Foundation of War ( 1288 )

The new day dawned.

Early in the morning.

Amazarak Fallen Nation.

Vane was perched atop an unfinished structure, his companions gathered around him. They watched the Amazarak prisoners form a line for their morning meal. Gone were the gaunt, depleted visages; in their place, rest and relief was evident as they were handed bowls brimming with hot stew, fresh bread, and steaming porridge.

Vane observed the scene with a cool, assessing stare. Falce stood at his side, her brow furrowed in contemplation as she took in the tableau.

"Sir Vane."

"Yes?"

"Is it truly wise to expend our provisions on these captives?" she inquired, her voice hushed. "Would it not be more prudent to reserve our supplies for our own soldiers?"

A smirk touched Vane's lips as he adjusted his spectacles with a fingertip. Rising, he clasped his hands behind his back, his demeanor composed and his tone measured.

"A substandard instrument is useless. A damaged one, worthless. But a tool meticulously maintained? That can be employed repeatedly. These prisoners are not a drain on our resources; they represent an investment. When they receive adequate rest, potable water, and sufficient sustenance, their capacity for work—their speed and their endurance—will increase. A slave succumbing to hunger and exhaustion is an unproductive asset. Conversely, a well-nourished, rested captive is a tool wielded with peak efficiency."

His gaze drifted to the prisoners below, a subtle, amused chuckle escaping him.

"Furthermore, consider this terrain. It is remarkably fertile, ideal for agriculture. Under Jaigar's inept administration, its potential was squandered. However, by utilizing these prisoners to expand arable land, cultivate crops, and establish farms, we can generate our own food source directly on this territory. This translates to diminished reliance on continental shipments and augmented resources for our military. Within months, this will be a self-sustaining stronghold, capable of producing its own provisions and necessities."

Vane's eyes betrayed a sharp, cold calculation.

"These captives are more than mere laborers; they are instrumental in achieving our base's self-sufficiency. And when the moment arrives, they can also function as expendable assets on the battlefield. But for the present, their value lies in their continued existence and labor, not in their demise and decay."

He cast a glance over his shoulder at Falce and the others, a confident smirk playing on his lips.

"During wartime, what holds greater significance?"

"Um... a more powerful army?" Falce hazarded, her voice laced with uncertainty.

Vane responded with a slow shake of his head, his expression hardening. "Incorrect. A formidable army is rendered impotent if its ranks are depleted by starvation. Provisions and water form the bedrock of any military campaign. An army devoid of supplies is one destined for collapse before the initial engagement even commences."

Rasya tilted her head, a flicker of confusion crossing her features. "But if we seize territory during conflict, we can simply take their food, can't we? We can commandeer whatever we require."

Vane shook his head once more, his gaze fixed upon the Amazarak formations in the distance. "That line of reasoning is fundamentally flawed. In wartime, when an offensive is launched into a region, the defending forces anticipate the assault. They will either destroy their own provisions to prevent their capture or evacuate, taking as much as possible with them. Even in the absence of such actions, what remains is frequently damaged, spoiled, or insufficient to sustain an invading army."

He paused, his voice lowering slightly.

"Worse still, if the indigenous populace becomes aware of your approach, they will depart, carrying with them their expertise, their skills, and their capacity for further food production. You will be left with barren land and an absence of those capable of cultivating it. An army cannot subsist solely on plundered grain; it necessitates a consistent, dependable supply chain. This is precisely why we must establish our own logistical network here, commencing immediately, well before the commencement of hostilities. We must render this base self-reliant, ensuring that our advancement is not contingent upon pilfered goods, but upon resources we have already secured."

Vane folded his arms, his gaze locked onto the Amazarak procession below.

"Should we possess the capability to generate our own sustenance, store our own water reserves, and maintain our independent supply lines, we transcend dependence on the territories we subjugate. We can sustain our forces indefinitely, while our adversaries diminish due to resource scarcity. This constitutes the cornerstone of a triumphant campaign."

He turned to face his assembled party, his expression resolute.

"It is for this reason that we are providing sustenance to these prisoners. Not from benevolence, but because they are pivotal to our enduring viability. They shall till the land, erect the necessary infrastructure, and guarantee that when the decisive moment arrives, we are not merely an army, but a self-sustaining entity capable of outlasting any foe."

A profound silence descended upon the group, the gravity of Vane's pronouncements enveloping them like a chilling mist.

Before Falce could voice a further response, the measured cadence of heavy footsteps approached from behind.

"Sir Vane."

Captain Baruch executed a crisp salute, two soldiers standing at rigid attention in his wake.

"Yes? What is it, Captain Baruch?"

"Sir... Gorak and his contingent have just reached the western perimeter... and we have apprehended several halfling soldiers."

"Indeed?" Vane inquired, tilting his head, his demeanor placid. "And for what reason are halfling soldiers in our custody?"

With another salute, the captain's voice remained steady, though a hint of tension colored his tone. "Yesterday, a halfling army encroached upon our western fortifications. Sir Jaigar issued an order for us to engage them utilizing our artillery and riflemen, commanding that any wounded be executed and the surrendered taken captive."

Vane turned his gaze towards the captain, adjusting his glasses as a thoughtful expression crossed his face.

"I comprehend. And what is the approximate number of soldiers who have surrendered?"

"Slightly over a hundred, Sir Vane. Among them are five halfling females."

Vane’s eyes narrowed subtly. "Why is it pertinent to specifically mention the halfling women?"

The captain visibly stiffened, a bead of cold sweat forming on his brow.

"Sir Jaigar mandated that any halfling women found among the prisoners are to be brought directly to him."

Upon hearing the captain's declaration, the girls' gazes turned icy and filled with revulsion, their expressions hardening with barely suppressed contempt.

Vane offered a slow nod, his own expression inscrutable as he looked back up at the captain.

"The halfling women shall be confined to a separate holding cell. I shall address them personally at a later time. Ensure that no one approaches them until I give the explicit command."

"Yes, Sir Vane."

Vane shifted his attention, glancing back towards the Amazarak captives, who were now calmly partaking in their meal.

"Furthermore, inform Gorak that I am present. He is to report to me without delay."

"As you command, Sir Vane." The captain executed another salute, alongside his accompanying soldiers, before departing the vicinity.

Falce uttered a low, furious murmur. "Truly vile... Jaigar is utterly despicable."

Fayna crossed her arms, her face etched with a dark displeasure. "He possesses no more than the control of a brute."

Rasya shook her head, her voice sharp with indignation. "Individuals such as him unjustly tarnish the reputation of all."

Gulia added with chilling finality, "Were it not for the protection afforded by the goddess, I would have ended him myself."

Deliza and Erlaine exchanged knowing glances, their silence conveying a significant weight of understanding.

Vane simply let out a breath, interlacing his hands behind his back as he directed his gaze towards the encampment.

"Enough. Direct your focus towards the mission. Jaigar's transgressions will be addressed in due course. For the present moment, more critical matters demand our attention."