Alea iacta est

**Release Date** | February 20, 2019

**Alea iacta est** is the 11th volume of of the Youjo Senki light novel.

## Short Summary:

The day has begun. In the darkest era of the present world, the Entente alliance has now cornered the Empire in the sea and land but not the air. For the last resort and to gain prestige from their lost, The Empire made a decisive move.

The traitor shall capitulate and the new world order will rise as the Empire take the unexpected outcome.

Tanya and her battalion will now be faced with another burden that will change the course of History.

## Summary

### Chapter 1 : Create a rift

At the moment she enters, Tanya finds the atmosphere being awful. Although they don't show anger on their face, Zettour's ashtray is filled with cigarettes, which reveals that he is utterly impatient now. Tanya feels a bit relieved because the ashtray wasn't thrown or overturned at least. Zettour asks her about the status of her own units. Tanya replies that her tank commander said the new type tank has poor reliability which in fact reduces the combat capability of his armored company to half. Besides, the worrying reserve ammunition, the worsening logistic situation, and the unreliable promise of support from their air fleet. Everything is getting worse as usual. They decide to change topic. Rudersdorf asks Tanya if she can ruthlessly suppress Berun and slaughter the comrades who resist. Tanya shows her confusion despite she gets what he means. It seems her unit is about to be the one which executes the reserve plan. If she really do so, her unit will become very infamous and the chance for her to flee abroad safely will reduce to zero. After she expresses the difficulty of it, the next promotion suggestion from Rudersdorf for her to a regiment commander is also rejected. It’s time for Rudersdorf to have a meeting with the legislators from Council for Self-Governing. He leaves Zettour and Tanya in his office.
After Rudersdorf left, Zettour asks Tanya if she can assassinate Rudersdorf. He knows Rudersdorf’s self-discipline as a military officer keeps him from recognizing the upcoming doom of the Empire. If possible, he will prevent the unnecessary chaos made by the reserve plan and make the Empire do soft landing. Zettour has confidence that Tanya will accept this plot because she is a pragmatist long before he met her at the library of the war college. Hence, Tanya’s rejection freaks him out. In fact, she didn’t oppose killing Rudersdorf, but there are more ways to legally execute him than the infamous assassination. If they claims Rudersdorf as the leader of a coup plot, they can even arrest the potential opposition and replace them with their supporters. They probably only need a company of military police instead of the regular army. After the discussion, they decide to make a plane accident to assassinate him.

### Chapter 2 : Memoir

However, it was denied by Colonel Calandro.
Rerugen as a imperial soldier believed that the empire was only defending because it was attacked.
In fact, it is a correct perception, but the adversary of the empire does not think so.
The Imperial side suggested that they were victims but did not intend to seek damages from the hostile nation. It even says that it will surrender the control occupied territory. Colonel Calandro, on the other hand, told him that it would only provoke the enemy.
Rerugen and Calandro are surprised to learn that there is a conflict between their perceptions. Callandro has been informed that neighboring countries of the empire want the empire to be destroyed.
Calandro is a very kind and honest person.
After hearing the honest opinion of Calandro, Rerugen understands that peace cannot be expected in diplomacy and despairs.
Rerugen who returned to the empire reported it to the Chiefs of Staff.
At the Chief of Staff, the invasion of lldoa was underway in secret.
Colonel Ugar tells Colonel Rerugen that the invasion of lldoa is about to begin.
Rerugen tell Ugar that diplomacy does not allow for peace.
Ugar also thought that the Empire was a victim and was desperate to hear about the news Rerugen told him concerning the surrounding countries views.
They seemed to want to stop the operation because they understood that the situation would not improve even if they attacked lldoa.
But there was no time left to stop it.
Rerugen seem to have even survive after the war.
He seems to have spent days of regret since the conclusion of the war. It seemed that he had been working seriously but was terrified because he believes that they are standing on a sinking ship.

### Chapter 3 : An Incident

This was deciphered by the Commonwealth.
The Commonwealth also intercept and analyzed information that Ruderdorf was on his way to the East.
Admiral Harborgram, head of the Kingdom Intelligence Department, jump from joy. Habergram will execute the Rudersdorf assassination plan.
At visit to the East, Ruderdorf meets with Zettour to discuss his future plans. Ruderdorf aims for victory and Zettour aims to lose well. The discussion ended as a parallel line.
Tanya, who was present, has a stomach ache.
Zettour seems to want to persuade his best friend Ruderdorf. But he failed and ordered Tanya to kill Ruderdorf.
It was a bitter choice. Tanya took the company from 203rd Aerial Magic Battalion and escorted the transport aircraft on which Rudeldorf was riding. According to the plan, Tanya were to drop the transport on which Ruderdorf rides, in the guise of an accident. This is where the Ruderdorf assassination program would be carried out. An Commonwealth aerial mage battalion attacks the transport aircraft.
Tanya intends to use the Commonwealth assassination squad to accomplish her goal. It seems that she did not insist on letting her subordinates kill allies (Rudersdorf).
Rudersdorf, who knew that the transport was being attacked, suspected Zettour first. He was ashamed to have suspected a friend. He was actually targeted by Zettour, but never knew it. Tanya begins a fight to protect transports from the Commonwealth aerial mage squad.
Units sent by the Commonwealth were numerically superior to unit headed by Tanya. The 203rd Air Magic Battalion resisted, but the transport aircraft was shot down. Once they has achieved their goal, the enemy dodges the fight and escapes with the help of allied aircrafts, which brought them to Imperial territory under the guise of a bomb raid.
Tanya manages to contact with Zettour from nearest base. Since the call was made using a general military line, simple conversations were avoided. So Tanya reports that «her mission has failed». At first Zettour was disappointed with Tanya, but she clarifies that the enemy Commonwealth forces have appeared and shot down the transport aircraft (i.e. that the plan was an unexpected success). Tanya and Zettour have realized that the Imperial code has become useless.
When Rudersdorf died, Zettour took power. The General Staff reported that there was no choice other than Zettour to take over Ruderdorf position.
Zettour has succeeded in seizing military command. Colonel Rerugen suspect that Zettour could take part in the assassination Ruderdorf. He couldn't ask a clear question, while Zettour says that he «owe the Commonwealth his thanks». Rerugen stopping at the idea that Zettur could have used thid situation to his advantage, but at least was not directly involved and decided that he will work for the Empire with Zettour.

### Chapter 4 : Turning Point

Zettour discuss a plan mutual defense pact Ildoa with US. Rerugen seemed to understand Ildoa's intention, but Zettur thinks that such a move by Ildoa takes them from the position of a problematic ally they can live with to a potential opponent that the Empire can't afford to keep around. Zettour decided to continue on with the plan invasion to Ildoa, one prepared by Ruderdorf, against that he was often opposed to. But changes it to a more decisive and crushing blow by concentrating the few ground forces of the Empire, moving rapidly along the enemy's roads with air superiority obtained by mustering aircrafts from all fronts and preemptive bombing of Ildoan's railways and airfields. Rerugen assign to the tank regiment be using in the assault on Ildoa.
Rerugen conveyed Tanya her orders from General Staff to participate in the Ildoan attack. Tanya is shocked by the order «murder the mediators», but as solder must carry out the orders are given, no matter how shocking they may be. And she also raises the question: is a mediator really needed if they can negotiate directly with the enemy?
One of the Commonwealth's esteemed commanders Habergram realized that Zettour taking Ruderdorf's place as his successor was an oversight on the part of the Commonwealth Intelligence Agency. Analysts to have expected that the death of Ruderdorf would end the empire in chaos. But Zettour seized the army at the speed of God. Habergram describes Zettour as an Empire-born man with Commonwealth's spirit and skills. He attach great importance to Zettour, Rerugen and Ugar as a exceptional specialists, each in his own field and suspects that they are planning a military operation against Ildoa. But the Commonwealth will be on the sidelines instead of shedding their blood.
Analysts confirm plans for the Empire's invasion of Ildoa and the Commonwealth try, warns Ildoa, but it has no effect. It was because Ildoa had become accustomed to the warning, because Commonwealth has long asserted about the dangers of the Empire.
It is expected that the Empire will win if fighting begins, but they concluded that the Empire would only be able to capture a part of the northern territories of Ildoa before it ran out of strength.

### Chapter 5 : Stage

When Calandro ends the call, he told the upper management that «there is unrest in the Empire». But Ildoa, which was used to peace, interprets that political change will occur within the Empire.
General Staff was restless right before the war with Ildoa. But Zettour was very relaxed. He explains Ugar that this time it's their turn to attack, and the conditions of the battle are extremely simple, so there is no need to worry.
Tanya's Salamander Kampfgruppe will also participate in the Ildoa invasion. Before the war began. They say it's a simple battlefield where they can take control of their own initiative unlike the defense games that have been used up until now. Tanya's subordinates are delighted to hear that the supply will be sufficient this time. Tanya and 2 companies becomes a reserve force under the direct command of Zettour, leaving the command of the Salamander Kampfgruppe in the vanguard to Weiss.
The 8th Armored Division, which was appointed as leading the charge, marching smoothly, but was involved in an unfortunate encounter battle. It seems that there was also a nice commanders in Ildoa, there was a person who fly up the some planes before it was destroyed. These planes flew out for reconnaissance and stumbled upon the 8th Armored Division. They decided to impede to the Imperial Army and dropped bombs on them.
This will kill Lieutenant General Yerk, commander of the 8th Armored Division. Rerugen is one of the highest ranking among the remaining staff. Rerugen understands that advancing speed is essential for the operation, so he will take over the command and continue advancing. This may have been good as a result. To ensure the safety of the sky, the Rerugen called in Tanya, a reserve force. Tanya's units will be escorting the 8th Armored Division commanded by Rerugen. Rerugen is constantly worried that if the enemy is given time, he will be able to organize a defense, the breakthrough of which will cost the Imperial Army the lives of many of its soldiers. So when it becomes necessary to cross the river, instead of waiting for the engineering units in the rear, he forces mages to find boats and then drag them with cargo. This angers Tanya.
The Salamander Kampfgruppe seemed to think they were leading, but this is not the case. They find out that the 8th Armored Division, which Tanya escorts, is pushed ahead them. Weiss and others think it's on purpose and that Tanya is watching the performance of her subordinates. They turn blue at the thought of being scolded by her for being late for Tanya's escorting force. The Salamander Kampfgruppe will do its best to chase the 8th Armored Division.
Rerugen learns that the Salamander Kampfgruppe is following his division on a parallel course. He can't let his tired soldiers slow down or the Salamander Kampfgruppe’s flank will be left wide open. This situation is a coincidence of the death of Lieutenant General Jerck, but the Empire seems to have gained a large breakthrough force.

### Chapter 6 : Impact

Tanya and her two companies decide to throw a party with the supplies they obtained from the Ildoan retreat. Thanking for the richness of Ildoa, they were able to end up with a lavish dinner. Tanya will get somewhat irritated because the subordinates want to drink. She reproaches them for this, but in order not to seem like a completely heartless boss, she asks if the soldiers want anything else. At the suggestion of her adjutant, it ends with Tanya being forced to part with a significant part of her personal stock of chocolate and coffee, hoping that in the future she will be able to replenish it. An urgent call is received from Zettour to Tanya who is enjoying dinner. Zettour has ordered the destruction of the Ildoan battleships.
In the port near Imperial border there are battleships of the main fleet for the Ildoan naval forces undergoing modernization to show that they had no intent to start a war. Tanya wants to capture a battleships and use it in the Imperial Navy, but she didn't have the means to capture it. Considering that it will be awkward when the maintenance is completed and the ship departs, Zettour orders its destruction. The weapon used by Zettour in the destructive operation was the V1 modified by Dr. Shugel. Tanya and others will board V1's and set off to destroy the enemy fleet.
The Ildoan Navy makes a mess of an artillery bombardment over the sky, depriving Tanya of the sight. Despite the fact that visibility is getting worse, the members of the 203rd Aerial Mage Battalion hit the Ildoan battleships directly with V1 rockets. Three of the five battleships were destroyed and two were disabled. The 203rd Aerial Mage Battalion, which has achieved good results, withdraw.
Tanya is inspecting the territory of the occupied Ildoa with Lieutenant Serebryakov. The two are keenly aware that Ildoa is a beautiful place and that Ildoa is wealthier than the Empire. Tanya is thinking about the true purpose of the military invasion that is to be done to Ildoa, which was set up by Zettour. Is the goal to bring the US into total war, and ruin Ildoa's prosperity? Tanya insists in trying to refute his actions. Taking the territory from Ildoa gave the Empire time.
With this, Zettour expects to begin the eastern consolidation. Tanya understands that Zettour is trying to end the war. Though she does not understand the true scope of his intention in doing so. In any case, she think there is no going back to the Empire. The Empire is left without any allies. What is Zettour going to do with the Empire? Is he going to fool the Empire or the world, or everyone for that matter? The die has already been cast; all that’s left is to wait for the results.