Reincarnated as Nikolai II

He was currently the army's one and only engineering general.

While cavalry and infantry generals could number over ten, traditionally there had only ever been one engineering general.

While this was due to peacetime organization, for Roman it was truly the optimal opportunity and environment.

No one could refute the engineering doctrine Roman put forward.

Because there were no ranks within engineering to refute it.

No one could oppose the defensive battle aspects Roman advocated.

Because his military achievements in the Russo-Japanese War were too overwhelming.

Let's turn back time to recall the Russo-Japanese War era, partly to revisit memories.

"Why did so many Japs die at the Yalu River?"

"Are you asking me?"

"Well, who else would I ask? General Brusilov said you would be of great help if used well."

"Commander, I did not participate in the Battle of the Yalu River. And currently I am just a division commander."

As Kornilov seemed to try to slip away under the guise of modesty, Roman shook his head.

"I know nothing about offense. No, as someone who has spent a lifetime just digging earth and piling stones, I don't know how to make bold decisions like General Brusilov."

Yet there was not a trace of shame on Roman's face as he said this.

"Still, there's no commander in this country who has killed more enemies than I have. Strangely, enemies always flock to where I am. So I never need to go looking for them."

"Oh, is that so."

"You served as chief of staff of the 1st Infantry Brigade during the Russo-Japanese War. So answer my question. Why were the island monkeys' casualties so high at the Yalu River?"

Stepping closer and grabbing his shoulder to prevent escape, Kornilov found himself in a situation where he had to answer.

"... Because the terrain was too rough for flanking maneuvers, so they had to attempt a frontal breakthrough of the Roman Line while accepting casualties?" Discover exclusive tales on empire

"Hmm, a bit lacking. I'll give you 50 points."

Finally releasing his shoulder, Kornilov anxiously rubbed where Roman's hand had touched while waiting for additional explanation.

"The enemy had a time limit for their offensive back then."

Winter, when the Yalu River's water level was low and frozen making it easy to cross, and when Vladivostok port was frozen.

War expenses they couldn't handle after failing to sell bonds.

Orders from headquarters in the rear constantly demanding advance.

From the Yalu River to Port Arthur fortress, there wasn't a time when the enemy commanders weren't under time pressure.

"And they tried to buy that time with blood. Yes, they were willing to accept it."

But what was the result?

In the end, their reckless efforts were driven back by a single battle on flat ground.

"Is there a time limit on this massive front too?"

"My, didn't you see those vast fields while advancing here?"

In August, golden fields spread across all of Poland's fertile land.

That's why on August 15th, both central and southern Poland celebrate the Feast of the Assumption, and on the autumn equinox of September 23rd, there's the Dozynki harvest celebration and nationwide festival.

And this Assumption Day, the Polish people were too busy evacuating.

They abandoned all their grain, and considerable areas of land still gleamed golden, unharvested.

"... Food."

"Yes, General Kuropatkin said if we just hold here, they'll starve to death."

Currently in the Russian Empire, though there are regional variations, food prices are generally on a downward trend.

They had been declining for the past decade or so, and now with exports cut off, the decline became even steeper.

But what about Germany? What about that country that lost these fertile Polish lands?

"The time limit has already begun. Either they starve to death, or they charge at me."

There was a reason the Tsar ordered the advance into Poland as soon as war broke out.

If there had been a delay of a few weeks, they might have harvested all the fields of Poland.

But even now, these fields are swaying in the wind, creating a magnificent sight.

"Ah, just looking at it makes one feel full, doesn't it?"

"..."

"General Kornilov."

"Commander, I'm still just a colonel-"

"Major General. You're a Major General now."

Naturally, ranks rise easily when war breaks out.

It would be strange if a division commander who stood at the forefront of the offensive force and repelled the enemy didn't get promoted.

"Major General at forty-four is comparable to my... well, not quite, but still fast. Anyway, General."

"Ah, yes."

Kornilov, momentarily distracted by the pleasing sound of 'General,' struggled to compose himself.

"The enemy will come. We'll probably face them within two weeks. Unfortunately, we don't have the time or resources to build fortresses now. So what should we do?"

"Given the forced march of the past month, we should take this opportunity to reorganize, rest, and prepare to respond to the enemy."

"Not enough."

It was the same during the Russo-Japanese War.

Before terrifying firepower, humans become infinitely weak and must fall back even when just grazed by bullets.

Weapons with increased range now begin to kill enemies from unseen locations.

Just like the artillery hidden behind the Yalu River defense line.

"The earth, you see, always tells us answers we don't know."

Currently on the Western Front after the Battle of the Marne, French and German forces are extending parallel to the North Sea.

Why can't they break through the enemy and instead stretch the front sideways?

The enemy approaches.

They probably came up with a counterattack plan no less aggressive than General Brusilov's offensive, grinding their teeth.

Until his appointment here, Roman hadn't received any intelligence reports from the Okhrana.

With no information about the enemy, and conditions attached that they couldn't retreat from here.

A fortress was needed. One that could cover this massive front.

"The easiest fortress to build. That's a trench."

Since the Crimean War in 1853 when trenches were used to avoid enemy fire, their effectiveness had been proven in Russia.

Even the Japanese army trying to capture Port Arthur approached by digging trenches bit by bit. That says it all. They actually lost part of the fortress because of this.

"I don't know who the enemy commander is or what methods they'll use. So I'll hide in a fortress and wait."

Roman, the empire's only engineering general.

He ordered picking up shovels instead of guns first.

"Then they'll come to me naturally."

"If the enemy tries to flank..."

"I told you."

The enemy always charges at him anyway.

This was as good as an absolute principle in his life.

"A fortress that can't be flanked. That's what a trench is."

Didn't Port Arthur's fortress exceed 40km? Ah, this time we should start by digging about 400km of ground first.

Then they too will have no choice but to charge in eventually.

Just like at Port Arthur.