第２３５掘：やったね、到着だ！！ (Part1)
Chapter 235: We Made It, We Arrived!!
The title is inspired by "You Did It, Tae-chan."
Well, I don't know who it's a flag for.
We did it, we arrived!!
side: Yuki
"…I see, as expected of Mist-sama. Your strategy is magnificent. I am learning a great deal."
"No, Princess Miffy, the fact that you understand this is proof that you studied diligently at the knight academy."
Before my eyes, the Princess and Mist were discussing troop deployment methods.
…Yeah, I suppose that's how it works when you form ranks and charge.
No, strictly speaking, modern warfare isn't that different from the old days.
Catch the enemy by surprise, break their formation. Achieve your objective.
That's the fundamental principle.
Well, the difference is whether you clash as a large group or split into small platoons to strike at vital points.
Before doing that, you need to properly assess the situation, gather information, and not miss your chance to win.
…Though there's the fundamental premise that it changes depending on the weapons used.
On one side, swords and bows. On the other, guns and missiles.
Man, back in the early days, I used to have goblins wield swords as their main weapon.
But now, led by Steve, the monsters dislike swords and bows; they find firearms more convenient.
I can understand it, but I don't think that's something people from a fantasy world should say.
Let's dream a little, aren't you inspired by heroes who cut down enemies with incredible sword skills?
Well, I'd probably take them down with a sniper shot.
"Lord Yuki, what do you think of Mist-sama's strategy?"
As I was thinking such things, Princess Miffy turned the conversation to me.
Even though I was just leisurely looking out the carriage window.
No, I was thinking about how ruthless the technological gap is while listening to the strategy discussion, but…
Ah, right, I need to reply to Princess Miffy…
"Mist-dono's strategy is logical. However, I believe the important thing is to not forget that the objective is to achieve your goal, rather than just the combat itself."
"What do you mean by that?"
"Well, defeating the enemy is merely one means to achieve your objective."
"Defeating the enemy is one of the means?"
The Princess tilted her head.
Hmm, is it hard to understand?
How should I explain it…
As I was thinking this, Jessica, who was sitting next to me, started to speak in my stead.
Ah, Seraria and the others are in different carriages, but Lia and Jessica are with me as my guards, riding with the Princess.
"Princess Miffy, since you studied at the knight academy, Lord Yuki's words might be a little difficult to grasp. The knight academy likely focused on troop and army deployment methods, as well as honing individual combat skills."
"Yes, what Jessica says is true. I was taught that the ideal knight defeats enemies and protects the people."
I see.
In that sense, defeating the enemy is considered good.
It's simple, which is nice.
In Japan, you can't even properly arm yourself.
There's also the idiotic talk about how the police can't shoot back even if they're shot at, and the use of force is minimized.
"Indeed, that is the way of a knight. However, it does not mean to needlessly sacrifice one's life on the battlefield."
"Needlessly? Isn't it an honor for a knight to fall on the battlefield? To have been the sword and shield of the country until the very end?"
"Certainly, if one has taken to the battlefield, it is an honor to wield one's sword and shield until the end to carry out orders. However, if there are ways to win the battle with minimal or no bloodshed, simply saying 'defeat the enemy' is merely indulging in one's own idea of being a knight."
"That is…"
"We knights and nobles engage in activities called hunting. We aim at prey with bows and shoot them down. However, a hunter only shoots down prey when they encounter it. Normally, a hunter sets traps for the prey and then goes to check them. Do you understand, Princess Miffy?"
"...Both are hunting, and neither is wrong, but the difference lies in the objective, is that it?"
"Precisely. Warfare is the same. However, for some reason, many knights place importance on pride. Warfare is about defeating the enemy. However, it is not about taking lives. We do not massacre surrendered enemies, and that is not an honor."
"Yes."
"Therefore, it is not wrong to strike down the enemy's commander with a small unit and urge the enemy to surrender."
"That is… true. …I see, indeed, Mist-sama's strategy is not wrong, but the important thing is to utilize it while not forgetting the objective of minimizing damage and achieving victory swiftly, isn't it?"
"Yes. However, Yuki isn't just trying to say that."
"?"
Huh? What do you mean, Jessica-san?
Everything I've said so far is mostly correct, isn't it?
"Princess Miffy, you will be married to Enaria, but that is not the end. Even after marrying, there will be people living there, and you will become the wife of a lord who protects them. You will support your husband, further develop the territory, or perhaps, you can use your ties to the Zilba royal family to engage in favorable trade. …Do you understand?"
"...Even if I am no longer a knight, my desire to protect those I wish to protect, my objective, does not change. …The reason I became a knight was to protect the people and maintain peace."
"Yes, as long as you do not forget that feeling and aspiration, you will never stray from your path. And, we are also acquaintances of Princess Miffy. We will rush to your aid immediately if anything happens. Conveniently, I have a mercenary for a husband, so I am unburdened."
"...Jessica, thank you."
Ah, I see.
If she puts it this way, it will be easier for Princess Miffy to do various things in her husband's territory later on.
Well, it's probably Jessica's genuine feelings too, though.
"...And, is that Enaria's royal capital?"
As I unexpectedly turned my gaze outside the carriage, I could see a castle in the distance.
"It appears so. There seems to be an escort party."
Mist said so, and as I looked along the road, I saw a group clad in armor heading towards us.
They haven't drawn their swords, so it's likely an escort.
We only have a few guards to ride in the carriage.
Well, I wonder if having mercenaries as guards is appropriate, but officially, she's royalty.
Being royalty is convenient, isn't it?
Should I talk to Roschur's father about it?
As I was thinking such things, Enaria's escort surrounded the carriage, and General Prism and General Agil, who appeared to be the representatives of the escort, stood before the carriage.
"Princess Miffy and her party, we have come to escort you."
Not too loud, not too quiet, but their voices clearly reached us in the carriage.
I see, I've only seen them on surveillance screens, but I can vaguely feel that they are worthy of being generals.
For now, I have to be the one to lead the carriage out.
If it were an intra-country movement, attendants like Sebastian or the Super Maid would come from the next carriage, but unfortunately, there are no maids.
Therefore, as the person in charge of the escort, I have to do it.
With no other choice, I got out of the carriage.
Lia and Jessica followed me.