第５０５堀：当然のこと 自明の理 (Part2)
"Huh? You can't do it?"
"……Even if we win, we cannot conquer the hearts of the people. It would only drain our manpower for maintaining public order. If they were to conspire and revolt, it would spell disaster for our nation. That is precisely why wars between great powers end with reparations or the annexation of specific, resource-rich territories. It is clear to anyone that even if you seize everything at once, it will only slip through your fingers."
"That’s why Yuki-sama thought of forming a coalition instead of fighting. By having the countries monitor one another, there’s no need to trouble ourselves with the governance of a useless enemy nation."
"……I see. So that’s how it is."
Kagura must have studied tactics, but she wouldn't know the nuances of winning hearts and minds or managing a territory. She’s still a student, and being a second daughter, it’s to be expected, I suppose.
"Still, it’s a surprise. I didn't expect you to understand why occupation is such a hassle. My wives were all saying 'World Conquest!!' at the beginning, too."
"I am not well-acquainted with your wives, but as they serve on the front lines, they understand the reality of the situation."
"Indeed. It is a dream for any monarch to hold the world in their hands, especially if they are royalty from a former great power. It is even more tempting when one possesses such power. Well, it is hardly realistic."
Manpower is in overwhelming short supply. If one were to attempt such a thing, it would be far better to focus on improving one's national image and enriching the country. Few people truly understand that war is a final resort that drains national strength. That is why there is no future for Haiden. Whether they win or lose, only ruin awaits them at the end. I have no intention of following them down that path.
"Well, I believe you now understand the situation in Weed. Our supplies are abundant and ready for transport, so there is no need to worry on that front."
"Worry" is an understatement; we have more than enough. It is unthinkable that they have multiple great powers backing them, not just one. Furthermore, in terms of military strength, Yuki-sama and his group possess enough power to secure victory on their own; Weed’s triumph is unshakable.
However, as I mentioned earlier, crushing Haiden ourselves is nothing but a nuisance. Not only would it cause problems for future governance, but other nations might follow the Empire's lead and scramble to seize territory, potentially escalating into a large-scale war. That would be incredibly troublesome. Therefore, the best outcome is for the Queen, currently imprisoned in Haiden, to become a rallying cry for the old royalist faction to suppress the current one.
"That concludes the briefing. I’d like to say you can go enjoy some sightseeing, but there is one last thing. It’s about the existence of monsters I’ve asked you three about several times."
"Monsters? You mean that?"
"Now that you mention it, you did bring that up."
"What about those fairy-tale monsters?"
What could possibly be the matter with the monsters…… Could it be!?
Just as I realized it, Georgin-dono’s face turned pale. Kagura still doesn't seem to get it, but if Yuki-sama is asking in this manner……
"Monsters exist on this continent. Like this."
Suddenly, the space around Yuki-sama blurred, and a giant snake appeared…… No, strange, grotesque monsters were emerging all around us!?
"Hii!? A-a headless knight!?"
"W-w-what is this massive black wolf!?"
"A human with the lower body of a spider!?"
Before I knew it, we were surrounded by monsters. Each one radiated an immense, suffocating killing intent. I knew that if a fight broke out, I would be a corpse in an instant. The same went for Georgin-dono and Kagura; they were looking around with ashen faces.
Amidst that terror, a voice that felt entirely out of place rang out.
"Alright, everyone. That’s enough."
"No more than this, okay?"
"That's right. You'll make them wet themselves."
"Everyone, thank you for your cooperation."
I recognized those cute, childish voices. The moment they echoed, the monsters surrounding us retreated in unison and bowed their heads. Only then did I notice those girls entering through the door.
"Ah, Firia!?"
"Labyris-sama!?"
"Shera-sama!?"
There stood the incredibly powerful young girls who had been caught up in the summoning along with Yuki-sama and brought to Baide. However, I didn't recognize the child who had spoken first and entered. She looked similar to Aslin-sama, but Aslin-sama is a young girl, not that small.
As I wondered how to address her, Kagura spoke to the Aslin-lookalike with trepidation.
"H-hey. Are you Aslin’s little sister?"
"Unyu? ……Ah, no. I am Aslin. I’m just small like this right now. It makes it easier for Big Brother to carry me, and easier for everyone to ride on me. Yoop."
"Eh!?"
With that, the girl named Aslin hopped onto the large black wolf. The wolf, accepting it as a matter of course, stood up and let out a roar.
*Awooooooo!!*
How terrifying…… The sheer force of the roar made my body freeze!? Even though I was filled with such terror:
"Too loud, Aslin."
"Okay, okay. That’s not allowed, Kuro-chan. You’re bothering everyone else. Bad dog!!"
"Kyu-un."
The wolf let out a pained whimper after being scolded by Aslin-sama(?). It was a natural reaction in more ways than one.
The disparity in national power, technology, military strength, and now these monsters. And finally, the ones who appeared were Aslin’s direct subordinates, the Ten Demon Beasts, Kirika, and Shiro-chan the Shadow Snake.
It’s been a while since I’ve ridden them.