Arc of Fire

Chapter 739: Chapter 77 Sanctification

August 5th, 1:00 AM, Kazarlian Front Army Headquarters.

Wang Zhong was preparing to leave the headquarters to sleep when the battalion commander of the communications unit rushed in excitedly, “General! The First Mobile Group Army reports that Agreskov City has been captured; only a few thousand Prosen combat engineers are still putting up stubborn resistance, expecting to end the battle by tomorrow morning!”

"What?” Wang Zhong glanced at his watch, “So soon?”

Communications battalion commander, “After receiving news of a rebellion within the city, the First Mobile Group Army organized an assault cluster that charged into the city motorized and swiftly captured the Prosen City Defense Command. The garrison fell apart immediately.”

Pavlov, “It sounds like they took advantage of the second-line Prosen troops’ lack of anti-tank capabilities.”

...

Popov, “It could also be that the scale of the uprising was larger than we anticipated, driving the Prosen garrison back to isolated strongpoints, allowing our forces to move freely within the city.”

Pavlov, “Should we report this to Yeburg? I think it might be more prudent to wait until we’ve completely cleared the city of enemies and secured the entire Dibo River banks before reporting to Yeburg.”

"Arrange for the Front Army Headquarters to move forward right now.”

Pavlov, “Agreskov City is still within the enemy’s artillery range, is that really okay?”

Wang Zhong, “With the enemy’s hasty retreat, how many artillery units can be ready to fire at us?”

Pavlov shrugged, “Based on our tally of enemy artillery left on the battlefield and various artillery wreckage, the Prosens have lost more than half their artillery strength.”

"That’ll do then. Get ready now, and we will march towards Agreskov City tomorrow morning.” Wang Zhong finished with a long yawn, “I’ll get a few hours of rest first, and we’ll discuss it at dawn.”

Pavlov gestured courteously.

Popov, “Wait, shouldn’t you draft the telegram reporting this to Yeburg? You are the Front Army Commander after all.”

Wang Zhong raised an eyebrow and said to Vasily, “You draft the telegram. Keep it somewhat restrained when reporting, and sign all three of our names at the end.”

Vasily, “Yes! This is exactly the deputy officer’s job; you voice it, and I record it.”

Wang Zhong patted Vasily on the shoulder, “It’s all yours.”

Antean Capital, Saint Ye Katerina Fortress, 6:00 AM.

Olga got out of bed and was getting dressed with the help of her maids, when the Court Chamberlain came in and reported, “General Tugenev is outside.”

Olga exclaimed with joy, “He must have won a battle, right? Has Agreskov City been taken?”

The Court Chamberlain solemnly advised, “You should say liberated, otherwise the Church might object.”

Olga, “Sorry, I was too excited and forgot. Let Tugenev come in; I am already dressed.”

The Chamberlain nodded, opened the door, and went out.

Soon Tugenev entered the room and said to Olga, “Congratulations, Your Highness, just now, the First Kazarlian Front Army reported that they have taken over the Agreskov City Defense Command. The enemy garrison has collapsed, and our troops are eliminating isolated garrisons in the city with the guidance of the local populace. Ṝ𝘈ＮồΒΕS̈

"We have reclaimed this ancient city.”

Olga, “When can I visit the city to pay respects to my brother?”

Tugenev, “When the Kazarlian Front Army has pushed the enemy’s artillery up to 25 kilometers away. It is still too dangerous to visit the city now.”

Olga, “And my brother—General Rocossov, when does he plan to enter the city?”

Tugenev, “The General’s headquarters started moving towards Agreskov City this morning. The High Command opposes his rapid entry into the city, as there might still be saboteurs or even enemy spies remaining.

"But

Olga smiled, “The High Command can’t control him anymore.”

Tugenev, “That’s not a good thing, Your Highness.”

Olga laughed even more heartily, “How is it not a good thing? I know you’re going to talk to me about the command sequence, but as long as he becomes the commander of the Ante Army, won’t that solve the problem?

"After taking Agreskov City, he should become a Marshal, right? If he doesn’t get promoted to Marshal, wouldn’t Generals like Gorky insist on not promoting to Marshal? Once he becomes a Marshal, and still my godbrother, there’s absolutely no problem with him being the commander of the Army—right?”

Olga repeated “right?” three times, causing Tugenev’s brow to furrow.

"Becoming a Marshal is not an issue, but appointing a commander requires many considerations; I think it would be better if he specifically commands a Front Army, which would better utilize his talents.”

Olga: “Even though all our troops are currently being reorganized according to his ideas?”

Tugenev: “That is because he is the headmaster of the Suvorov Military Academy. The reorganization of the academy that is more suited to modern warfare is naturally something we should emulate.”

Olga: “And the equipment? Our military’s equipment is also being developed mostly based on his guiding thoughts.”

Tugenev: “That is exactly why we cannot give him the title of commander again; otherwise, he might become like that Conqueror

Olga: “What’s wrong with that? We are Anteans; we have always been used to being led by extraordinarily capable tyrants.”

Tugenev was at a loss for words, as a review of history seemed to uphold her statement.

At that moment, Belinsky’s voice came from outside the door, “Don’t worry, Rokossov is a staunch member of the Secular faction; he won’t become the kind of tyrant you’re worried about!”

With that, Belinsky entered the room and bowed to Olga, “Good morning, Your Majesty.”

"Good morning, Grand Patriarch. You must have heard, Agreskov has been liberated.”

"Yes, I came as soon as I heard the news. Almost two years ago, around August, the fall of Agreskov marked a monumental military disaster unprecedented in Antean history, pushing our nation to the brink of extinction.”

Belinsky walked up to Olga and together they looked into a large dressing mirror, making eye contact through the reflection.

"Moreover, during the defense of Agreskov, your brother, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, and Rokossov’s father, the old Duke, both died in battle on the outskirts of Agreskov.

"Also on the same day, Rokossov left his homeland with its black soil behind.

"Don’t you think, this kind of correspondence almost seems predestined?”

Olga: “What do you mean?”

"My meaning is, after discussions at the College of Cardinals, we plan to sanctify Rokossov as a Living Saint of the Secular faction; his all-around performance is exemplary, undoubtedly a devout disciple of the Secular faction.”

Olga: “That means, even if no one can crown him as Tsar in the future, right?”

Belinsky smiled, “Oh no, wise Your Majesty, even if someone wanted to crown him, Rokossov would refuse. I have tested him numerous times; he is as steadfast as Saint Andrew himself.

"In fact, if not for our Secular faction’s opposition to the doctrine of reincarnation, I might have suggested to the College of Cardinals to declare him a reincarnation of Saint Andrew.”

Belinsky turned and walked to the window, looking out at the rising sun on the horizon: “Your Majesty, times have changed, haven’t you noticed?”

Olga nodded, “I have noticed; rest assured, Grand Patriarch. When the time comes, I will make the right choice. I believe it will also be the choice that better suits the Antean people.”

Belinsky smiled, “I am very pleased to hear the word ‘people’ from your mouth. Then, I shall take my leave now.”

On the morning of August 5, on the outskirts of Agreskov.

Wang Zhong’s jeep sped past a column of marching infantry.

To avoid the infantry recognizing him, he did not display the Red Flag this time.

It was only after the vehicle had passed that the infantry belatedly realized that the jeep was carrying a general with five stars on his shoulder.

Not knowing how long he had driven, a motorcycle suddenly sped from ahead and stopped in front of Wang Zhong’s jeep.

The driver slammed on the brakes and then cursed loudly, “Idiot, don’t you watch the road? Do you know who I have in my vehicle?”@@novelbin@@

The motorcycle rider shouted, “I know! I came specifically to find the General! General, with the guidance of a fellow villager, we have discovered the graves of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and the old Duke Rokossov!”