第３０６堀：味方の思わぬ動き (Part1)
**Chapter 306: Unexpected Moves by Allies**
**Side: Yuki**
"So this is the world of the sky. How magnificent..."
We are currently on our way back to the royal capital, carrying King August VIII as planned. However, this is far from over. In fact, things are about to get troublesome.
The enemy will likely be waiting for us with bated breath, having set up a perfect defensive formation. They’ll be waiting to turn our forces into target practice and crush us. After all, they have a Dungeon Master on their side. If we engage them on their home turf, it only serves to increase their DP. That, in turn, will only make them stronger—and not just in terms of military might.
If August loses this battle, his next move will be to notify other nations, launch multi-pronged attacks, or attempt to choke our logistics. However, as long as they rely on traditional formations and sheer numbers within Hifi’s territory, they stand no chance against Hifi’s forces, who are armed with firearms. Each one of their soldiers is capable of fighting like a one-man army.
As for the logistical blockade, that won't be an issue if we accumulate enough DP in the first battle. In the worst-case scenario, if we have DP to spare, they’ll likely develop their own aerial forces, like our Wyvern Corps. If the enemy’s power reaches that level, we’ll have no chance of winning.
It’s unclear why the enemy initiated this, and I’d like to ask them their true intentions, but in the current situation, there’s no room for conversation.
"Your Majesty, you shouldn't stay out on the deck for too long; the wind will chill you to the bone."
"Vixen, what are you saying? Having been shown a world like this, I cannot help but feel it. Do you understand? We are truly flying through the sky. This cold wind biting at my skin is just right for cooling my heated heart. Tell me, Laraina, don't you agree?"
The King addresses one of his magic sword users, Laraina of the Wind, who serves as his aide. Coincidentally, she is a wind-attribute magic sword user, just like Jessica’s superior, Marly. She has chestnut-colored hair tied in a light, wavy ponytail and stands about 160 centimeters tall. Her build is slender, and her chest is neither too large nor too small. Her slightly upturned eyes are likely a result of the battlefields she has walked. Vixen, who was accompanying her, must have had a rough time as well.
"Yes, I agree, Your Majesty. The wind high above... for me, this experience is destiny, meant to help me master this magic sword even further."
"Indeed. I want you to embrace this freezing wind, gain even more power, and prepare for the next battle. I suspect that you and your sword are the most effective defense against those weapons."
"Understood. Leave it to me. Next time, I will ensure we block their attacks completely."
Indeed, the reason we suffered fewer casualties than expected against their firearms and cannons was largely thanks to Laraina. She had blown wind to deflect the trajectories. She had intuitively sensed that the enemy’s weapons were projectiles and countered with wind. Her judgment was correct; the primary external factor that causes a shot to miss is the wind. It’s not an issue at short range, but for long-distance shooting, the wind drifts the bullet. That’s why snipers are said to be unable to succeed at ranges over 500 meters where wind influence is significant.
However, there are monsters in this world—people like "13" or the "White Death"—whose abilities are beyond belief. They can hit targets over a kilometer away, even without specialized sniper rifles. They claim they just "aim and shoot." Yeah, common sense doesn't apply to those inhuman beings.
But enough about them. What matters now is what August will do. Based on what I’ve heard, he intends to invade the Hifi Holy Nation. I need to find a way to buy some time...
"However, Laraina, Vixen. I am thinking of sending an envoy to the Hifi Holy Nation first."
Oh? The flow of the conversation has changed.
"Why is that, Your Majesty?"
"Indeed. They have declared war. Our army, our city, and our people have suffered. This is unforgivable."
"True. If the Hifi Holy Nation truly started this war, it is unforgivable. But what if this is the work of another nation?"
"Another nation, sir?"
"Yes. This battle has many inexplicable aspects. First, the fact that the enemy is the Hifi Holy Nation. We have been on good terms with them. In particular, the Hifi Holy Maiden has helped our nation’s critically ill and injured. I cannot believe she would intentionally start a conflict that results in loss of life."
"Indeed..."
...Hmm, the Holy Maiden, huh? It sounds incredibly suspicious, but for now, the trust August’s people have in her seems deep.
"Secondly, the enemy force is less than 1,000 strong. While they appeared from the Hifi Holy Nation and called themselves Hifi, there are simply too few of them. They possessed phenomenal weapons, but I believe they would have retreated eventually even without the Dragon Knight Amanda. That number is barely enough to occupy the fort we were at. It is too pathetic to be a force prepared to take on a major power."
"Now that you mention it, that is true..."
Good. This King doesn't seem to be a warmonger. He is carefully gathering information and trying to make an informed judgment. It is certainly possible that someone is pulling the strings to incite this war.
"Finally, by sending an envoy, if we confirm that the Hifi Holy Nation truly intends to fight, we will have a just cause. Surrounding small nations will likely answer our call and attack them as well. And in that case, it is highly likely that the Hifi Holy Maiden is being held captive. We could rescue her and return the Hifi Holy Nation to her. Either way, we have too little information. As long as there is a possibility of a diversion by another nation, moving the army recklessly is a foolish strategy. It is dangerous for an envoy, but I cannot put the entire nation at risk."
Exactly as the King says, we won't know the truth without going to Hifi. We hadn't ruled out that possibility either, but if August moves his army immediately, we won't have time to verify anything. This battle is still in the middle of an information war. Well, given that our high-altitude reconnaissance by the Wyvern Corps shows defensive lines being built, they seem fully prepared to fight, so it’s almost certainly them.
"But, Your Majesty, whom do you intend to entrust with this high-risk mission?"
"Hmm. That is the problem. We must assume that if Hifi has turned hostile, the envoy could be killed or captured. It would be ideal to have someone we can afford to lose, yet someone capable of escaping on their own..."
If only such a convenient person existed, no one would be struggling. Besides, someone with that level of individual skill who is also fit to be an envoy is too valuable to be considered "disposable." I don't think anyone could be thrown into the heart of enemy territory and escape. Is this "The Great Escape"?
"...If I may, I would like to take on the role of the envoy."
"Laraina-sama! You cannot do that!!"
Vixen panics and tries to stop her. Well, she is a valuable asset. But if anyone has a chance of escaping on their own, it would be her, the magic sword user. The King seems to share my thoughts; he doesn't deny it, but stares intently into Laraina's eyes.
"...I cannot decide this here. However, I will put your name forward as a candidate at the royal capital's council."
"Your Majesty!?"
"Yes. I am grateful."
"Vixen, I understand your feelings, but she is also the daughter of Hausen. It is in her blood. Regardless of the outcome, you must speak to Hausen—to your father—about this. It may be the last time."
"Understood."
"Now, enough of these difficult topics. For now, let us enjoy the sky together."
With that, he ends the conversation and returns to enjoying the view. Hmm. Depending on how we look at this, it might be a chance for us to infiltrate the enemy's core. It would be good for gathering information and potentially confirming the enemy's status. Well, since it’s full of danger, we’ll have to think carefully about who to send. At worst, our Doppelganger control could be stolen. At best, we could wipe out the enemy leadership on the spot. Either way, it’s beneficial for us since we can gauge the enemy's strength. It would be better to intervene in the envoy matter.
With that in mind, I’ve returned to the Weed conference room, and we are currently in the middle of a meeting.
"Hmm. I agree with the point that we can obtain information. August’s envoys have to gather information and bring it back, but we can share information on the spot."
"That’s true. I agree with Seraria on that, but it’s highly dangerous. The question is who to send."
"Indeed. Furthermore, Amanda is essential for this. If we offer our cooperation, we shouldn't pass up the opportunity to use the name and mobility of a Dragon Knight."