第１３１掘：配置発表 (Part1)
**Dungeon 131: Deployment Announcement**
**Side: Yuki**
Now that I’ve explained the general outline of the strategy, all that remains is deciding who goes where. If I mess up the distribution, it could lead to painful losses. Well, in terms of levels, everyone is already in the top tier, so I don’t have to worry too much. Still, I want to minimize casualties as much as possible. I absolutely refuse to let any of my wives die.
"Alright, I’m going to talk about the schedule from here on out. Is that okay?"
Everyone nods.
"For now, since no objections have been raised, we will proceed with my strategy as the core. Let’s hammer out the details."
I point to Weed first.
"First, the departure formation. The elites from the three nations and the elites of Weed will depart from Weed. The commanders and escorts for this group will be Liliana, Zargis, Leia, Seraria, myself, and Eris. And the commander-in-chief will be Elju."
There is no one better suited for commander-in-chief than Elju. Her presence will boost the morale of our troops, and her status adds even more weight to our cause. It shows the soldiers just how serious we are. I start writing on the whiteboard.
"Of this group, Seraria, Eris, and I will be going ahead with Liliana to handle sabotage and the infiltration of the Demon King’s Castle. During that time, Qual will act as the deputy administrator, and Zargis and Leia will take over for Liliana."
The five people mentioned nod.
"As you know, the elites from each country are as follows: Ares and Lester from Roschur; Lowell and Higil from Gartz; and Crack and Dest from Riteria. Every one of them is a capable commander. They are aware of our internal circumstances, so they will coordinate with us."
With this, there shouldn't be any issues with the allied forces' advance.
"By the way, to minimize our side's casualties, we are supplying Weed-made equipment, crafted by Narjia. Depending on the outcome, we’ll decide whether to have them returned, gifted, or sold. This will also serve as a promotion for Weed’s gear."
"You’re quite shrewd, Brother."
"Well, military operations cost a fortune to move around. I have to make ends meet somewhere."
"That’s true. We were the ones who requested this elite deployment, and we’ve already spent a significant amount on preparation funds. We have to make up for that somehow."
"Ratz, you’ve been stocking up on gear and portable rations in anticipation of this gathering, haven't you?"
"Of course. I never miss a business opportunity."
Exactly. The swift deployment of these elites wasn't due to the charity or self-funding of the other nations; it happened quickly because we covered the costs. We paid the upfront expenses. While there might be support or aid later, if we didn't put up the money now, the ministers—if not the kings themselves—wouldn't have been convinced. In a sense, this proves the practicality of the Gate, showing that we can form an alliance instantly.
"The army will begin its march in two days. Before that, we will secure the route through the dungeon, and I’ll leave the slime and goblin units to Surakichi-san to clear out any wild monsters."
I circle the route on the map and mark Surakichi-san’s deployment point.
"Everyone else who wasn't mentioned as waiting behind will participate in the Demon King’s Castle raid. That said, since we’re using the Marauders for transport, you can leave the drivers behind and continue dungeon operations as usual. However, you must respond to any summons immediately. This is also an insurance policy in case rumors spread that we’ve defeated the Demon King."
"Ah, I see. I was wondering why we couldn't just stay behind if we weren't working."
"If we do that, even if rumors spread that we defeated the Demon King, we’ll have proof that we were actually in Weed, so there will be no problem."
"Exactly. We have Doppelgangers acting as dummies, but they aren't perfect at information exchange. Or rather, everyone in Weed can tell the difference between us and the fakes."
We’ve used Doppelgangers as bodyguards until now, but the information exchange isn't perfect. Handing over work is fine, but there have been slip-ups regarding who said what to whom. Since then, I’ve taught the upper management of Weed a specific tell to identify the Doppelgangers.
"Considering the distance, it’s a four-day trip by Marauder. I can’t drive during the march, so I’m counting on Ratz and Kaya to handle that."
"Understood."
Those two drove without any issues when we went to Gartz, so it should be fine.
"Stop one kilometer before the Demon King’s Castle and set up a teleportation point using the dungeon functions. Then, we’ll storm the castle all at once."
I point to the Demon King’s Castle. We’re halfway through the plan now.
"Liliana, Zargis, and Leia are drawing up a map of the interior of the Demon King’s Castle. There’s a one-in-a-million chance we might have to go in, so please keep this in mind."
Everyone stares intently at the map of the castle interior I pulled out.
"I’ll distribute copies later. After we raid the castle, we’ll protect Liliana and negotiate with the guards to turn them to our side. That’s our mission."
"Once we get that far, we can finally catch our breath."
"That’s right. After that, the allied forces will arrive at the barrier, and the members who joined the march will help take it down, followed by the Demon King’s Castle. As for the remaining members, the business with the Hero of Ranks should be settled by then, so we’ll hear from Kiyu and respond accordingly. I won't be there, but we can use Call, so I’m not too worried."
I look at everyone after saying that. Did I get my point across?
"Oh, right. I remember now," Ratz says.
"That’s right," adds Milly.
The others look surprised and nod.
"What’s wrong?"
When I ask, they look at each other and turn to me in unison.
"We completely forgot about the Ranks problem."
I nearly fall over at their response.
"Hey, hey..."
"Well, it just lacks impact, you know?"
"That’s true."
"...It’s not very prominent."
"And what they’re doing is just a civil war anyway."
They start laughing and making light of it. Oh, poor Ranks. My wives have all collectively decided that Ranks doesn't matter anymore. Just then, one person raises a question.
"Um, excuse me. Is it... is it alright for me to come along?"
It’s Ria, who serves as my attendant. I haven't told her yet that she is a Hero, but she has already undergone forced leveling in the dungeon. She’s reached level 120 and can fight reasonably well. But she must be wondering why she’s allowed to participate in a major operation like raiding the Demon King’s Castle.