第２０５掘：迫る時 (Part1)
**Dungeon Excavation 205: The Approaching Hour**
Yes, yes, a preface is rare, but I have a general announcement to make.
I plan to post this in the activity report as well, but I’ll start here.
It has been decided that "How to Run a Winning Dungeon: There’s No Reason to Accommodate the Opponent" will be published at the end of May.
Due to a media blackout, the publisher and the illustrator are currently top secret.
I’ll announce them once I get the green light.
Also, there will be no "digest" version for Narou.
Even if you asked me to do it, it’s too much of a hassle, so it’s impossible. I don’t have the time.
I’m working a normal job, after all!!
***
**The Approaching Hour**
**Side: Yuki**
While I was busy preparing for the defensive battle, gathering information in the city of Betan, and repeatedly scrutinizing and reviewing our plans, the day that had to come finally arrived.
"Reporting!! The forces of the Holy Kingdom of Enaria are approaching, now only a day or two away!!"
The scout I had sent out rushed into the room, breathless.
"Calm down. We knew from the beginning that the army was approaching. We’ve been receiving daily reports of their advance. This is only to be expected," Horst said, calmly admonishing the soldier.
"B-but, the enemy numbers nearly 120,000. D-does this city even have a chance of winning...?"
The soldier’s voice was thin and trembling with intense anxiety.
"Horst, don't be so harsh. He actually saw the army. It’s only natural to be overwhelmed by such a sight."
"But still, sir. We have been training for this."
"It’s not really a matter of training, is it? We are few, and they are a great horde. It is admirable enough that you didn't run away and came back to report. Thank you for the report; go get some rest. If you want, you’re free to flee or retreat elsewhere, you know?"
I said this to the soldier, but he slowly shook his head as if to deny the suggestion.
"...I cannot do that. I may have said something pathetic, but when everyone else is going to fight, I cannot be the only one to run away. ...Yuki-sama, you believe we can win, don't you?"
"It is my policy not to engage in battles I cannot win. If you aren't going to run, then I’d like to borrow your strength. You can never have too many hands on deck."
"Yes. Even if my contribution is small, I will fight to protect this city."
"Good. Then all the more reason to get some rest. The defensive battle begins tomorrow or the day after."
"Understood. Excuse me!!"
Having made up his mind, the soldier wore a resolute expression, gave a crisp salute, and left the room.
After watching him go, Horst stood by the window and gazed out at the city.
"How is it looking outside?" I asked, catching the eye of Horst, who was watching the streets with a sharp gaze.
"There is no overt unrest for the time being, but the evacuation order for the residents will be issued shortly. Although we have made preparations and given prior notice, we must be prepared for some degree of chaos. ...It is a pity that this peaceful city must become a battlefield."
"Are you not going to blame me for this?"
"Who can say? In truth, there would be no point. And I believe there is no one better suited to protect this city than you, Yuki-dono. In this era of war, it would have happened sooner or later regardless. If that is the case, we must simply accept reality and protect these lands and the property of our people to the very end."
Horst turned back to face me.
"Yuki-dono, I leave Betan and its people in your hands."
"Oh, leave it to me. Now, as much as I’d like to keep sounding cool, shall we get started on the preparations?"
"Hmph, indeed. Nothing begins unless we move."
We shared a small laugh and immediately sprang into action.
"Then, I shall begin the evacuation of the residents."
"I’ll leave it to you. We will begin notifying the military and finalizing combat positions."
Horst left the room with his butler. Once they were gone, I turned to Ria and Jessica, who were waiting nearby.
"Well, the real thing is finally here. Start the combat deployment as planned."
"Yes!" "Yes!"
"After that, everyone gather up. We’re starting the final pre-battle meeting."
And so, the final preparations before the battle began.
"Hey! Carry this to the third defensive line!!"
"Is there any sandbag surplus anywhere!?"
"Hurry, hurry!!"
At the barbed-wire defensive line, the soldiers were moving in a chaotic bustle.
The preparations were already complete, but you only discover the need for fine-tuning once you actually stand in position. The final preparations were noisy.
"Will we make it in time?"
"Most likely," Jessica replied to my question. "We’ve built five layers of defensive lines with barbed wire, and the supplies for the combat positions are already at each line. We can deal with the enemy as soon as they arrive."
"I see. And Tori, Riel, Kaya, how are things on your end?"
"Yes, it’s perfect."
"Everything is A-OK here too."
"No problems."
All three gave me firm answers. They are the commanders of the Goblin unit. The efficiency and skill with which this unit moves will determine the extent of our overall casualties.
"Shera, Aslin, Firia, Labyris."
"We’re ready!" "No problems here."
The little ones seemed to have no issues either.
"What about you, Yuki?" Labyris asked, as if representing everyone.
Naturally, I had my own preparations to finish, and they were done. I couldn't exactly be the only one lounging around while everyone else was busy preparing. Well, in reality, it’s standard for a supreme commander to listen to reports and issue orders, but since I am viewed as the greatest fighting force in this battle, I needed to look the part to put the soldiers of Betan and Zilba at ease.
"Well, you can see for yourself, can't you?"
Yes, my preparation was to dress like a mercenary. As the leader of the strongest mercenary group that defeated the Magic Sword User, I had to look the part.
"Fufu, I’m so happy to see you in your armor, Yuki."
"Yeah, it suits you, Yuki-san. I’m falling for you all over again!!"
"Mm, taking a picture."
"Ah, Kaya, that’s a great idea! I’ll take one too!!"
All my wives started taking pictures on the spot, using their cameras or calling functions.
"I don't see what's so impressive about it, honestly."
My equipment wasn't anything particularly rare. It was just a half-plate armor covering my chest, with guards for my joints, hands, and shins.