第２２１堀：意外な交渉 (Part1)
**Chapter 221: An Unexpected Negotiation**
Sorry, I couldn't get to the story about the nudists.
While I was writing, I came up with something more interesting, and this is how it turned out.
Well, just take a look at the content.
I say "interesting," but that's only inside my own head. No guarantees.
Well then, here you go.
***
**An Unexpected Negotiation**
**Side: Joshua Being, Enaria Reinforcement Collapse Rescue Army**
"This is..."
I stopped in my tracks, overwhelmed by the situation.
Normally, I should immediately occupy the collapse site, eliminate the Zilba army currently monitoring it, and head to support General Prism. But...
I have fought across battlefields alongside General Buris Wuri, a man of legendary tactical brilliance.
I had confidence that I wouldn't be easily rattled, and I believed I had accumulated enough experience to handle most things, but...
"Wooooooooh...!!"
The roar wasn't coming from the army I led.
No, could one even call that an army?
Yes, standing before us, with the collapse site at their backs, was...
A horde of monsters.
"Joshua, what do you think?"
Hein-dono, the veteran general who had supported General Wuri for years and accompanied me here, asked the question.
I have always held the utmost respect for Hein-dono’s support. He is a magnificent man who handles the messy, behind-the-scenes work of logistics perfectly, ensuring there are never any delays.
Even though I am his superior in rank, I never fail to show him the proper respect.
Or rather, it happens naturally. That is just how incredible he is.
That is why, even in the face of such an abnormal situation, his ability to immediately ask for my opinion is something few could manage.
"...I am sorry. Honestly, I do not know. I have never encountered a situation like this before."
"Mm. Honesty is a virtue. If you were to claim you understood when you did not, and then built a strategy upon that, it would lead to great casualties. Joshua, you are already a fine general. Whether we fight or retreat in this battle, I will not stop you. I shall fulfill my role as your assistant until the very end."
"...Understood. For now, nothing can begin until we grasp the enemy's objective and strength. Scouts... no, I would like to attempt a dialogue first."
"Hmm, I see. Even if they are monsters, they maintain a proper formation and show no signs of attacking us blindly. You believe there is someone with a certain level of intellect leading them, then?"
"Yes, that is my judgment. I do not know if words will reach them, but I believe it is dangerous to fight blindly against an opponent that displays such discipline."
"That stands to reason. I shall go and ascertain the truth myself."
Without a hint of hesitation, Hein-dono declared his intent.
I was stunned for a moment, but I had to stop him.
"It is too dangerous for you to go yourself, Hein-dono!!"
"It is precisely because it is dangerous. Even if we try to understand them, they are monsters. If ordinary soldiers approach, there is a high probability that they will draw their weapons and the situation will collapse into a skirmish. The same goes for the young knights. No matter how much they are ordered, they might return without hearing a word if the enemy shows even the slightest strange movement. The only ones here who can carry out Joshua’s plan are those of us who have heard this discussion. Selecting someone else would be a waste of time and meaningless."
"...Since you put it that way, I have no choice but to agree. However, please, return safely."
"Haha, there it is—that is what makes a fine general. Do not worry. I’ll come back even if I have to lose an arm or a leg."
Hein-dono laughed as he prepared himself.
He is as stubborn as ever.
It wouldn't be strange if he were leading an entire army on his own.
"Prepare to act immediately should anything happen to Hein-dono. 100 cavalry for the rescue, 300 archers for suppression. We will pull them out in one go and put distance between us. Understood?"
"Yes, sir!"
Then, I must prepare to mobilize my subordinates at any moment, no matter what happens.
"Main unit, if the enemy pursues, hold them off until Hein-dono returns. I will take command. Stand firm without fear and block the enemy."
"Yes, sir!"
However, I recognize the Orcs and Goblins... no, that is all I recognize.
Most of the army that appears to be monsters before me consists of creatures I have never seen before.
But among them, there is one spot that exudes a distinct, exceptional atmosphere.
It is the center of the monster army.
That is likely the main camp, and standing there is a creature with the head of a bull, nearly four meters tall.
"...That must be the commander."
I have never seen such a monster, but that form appears often in stories.
A legendary monster said to have destroyed entire nations, using its immense strength to crush enemies, kidnap women, and violate them.
A Minotaur.
"...My judgment is not wrong. Hein-dono believed in it, too."
I have my anxieties, but I cannot act like a fool who believes in old fairy tales.
They might be friendly. We must not act rashly and make a mistake.
For the sake of our allies who might be behind that army.
"Hein-sama, we are departing!!"
At that voice, I stopped looking at the army and turned around.
There stood Hein-dono, unarmed to show his intent for dialogue, with ten guard knights behind him.
"I leave it to you."
"Aye, leave it to me."
Hein-dono mounted his horse and headed toward the monster army.
"Now, our job is not to wait idly. Are you prepared!!"
"Oooooh!!"
...Please, stay safe.
**Side: Mino-chan, Collapse Area Suppression Force**
"Mino-chan Taisho (General), a few enemy horsemen have broken away from their lines. What shall we do?"
"Hmm. What do you think, John?"
"No, you're the Taisho, Mino-chan."
"I know that. I'm asking what you think as the Vice-General."
Even though Yuki-anchan appointed me as the general, I'm not *that* unstable, you know.