第６８１堀：君に決めた！！ あれ？ 前も言ったか？ (Part2)
The soldiers who received the order scrambled into action, rushing out of the room.
"Marly and the Mist sisters, you say? Magic Sword Users, are they? Do you really think that will settle things?"
"I wouldn't say it's a certainty, but it’s likely. According to reports from both General Yokiel and General Row, the enemy has yet to sortie using Magic Swords. I believe those reports are reliable."
"I see. Have you already sent those generals as reinforcements?"
"Yes. I thought they might come out to meet us if we sent reinforcements, but that didn't happen either. Considering the situation, it means they are waiting for something. In this case, the possibilities are..."
"We’ve already signed non-aggression pacts with the other nations. The only remaining variable would be the R-Magic Sword, then?"
If there is no intervention from other countries, remaining holed up within the city walls is a dead end with no escape. It is only logical to assume they are causing this situation because they have some sort of breakthrough in mind.
"Exactly. I can only assume it’s the mass-produced Magic Swords. Reinforcements from the Six Great Powers are impossible. That leaves some independent group or a small nation. If they possess those mass-produced—what was it, R-Magic Swords?—they could threaten our rear while the forces inside launch a pincer attack. That is the only viable method."
"Indeed."
It’s the only strategy that comes to mind. If they had other powerful weapons, they would have used them already; if they had more troops, they would have deployed them. Their only remaining trump card is the missing R-Magic Sword. Since the small nations are already surrounded by the Zilba Empire’s army, smuggling them in is impossible. Therefore, they have no choice but to form a unit outside.
"That is why. I don’t believe our two generals will struggle against an improvised unit, but there is no reason to waste soldiers needlessly. Furthermore, the arrival of reinforcements might break the enemy's resolve and better prepare us for a surprise attack. After all, these reinforcements are... well, they are genuine Magic Sword Users."
"You’ve thought this through more than I expected. Even if you are failing."
"Hmph. There is no such thing as an undefeated commander. Victory and defeat are common occurrences in the life of a soldier. It is precisely because we fail that we improve for the next time. This failure is merely one of those steps."
He really is a respectable king in that regard. However, with him being this composed, would it be a bad move for me to interfere behind the scenes?
"Do you need any further reinforcements from other nations?" I asked, just to be sure.
"None for now. This non-aggression pact is enough. Well, if this force cannot handle it, I suppose I will have to ask for reinforcements, but if this force cannot handle it, I suspect we have already lost."
He’s right. If the entire Zilba army were to be defeated, the war would effectively be over already.
"Fair point. In that case, you don't need any reinforcements or support from us?"
"I would rather not owe a debt to Weed."
I see, I see. So he doesn't want to be beholden to Weed.
"Then, how about this: General Steve just happens to encounter the enemy while inspecting the Zilba front lines and is forced to engage in combat?"
"Hey, wait a minute."
"You wouldn't ask us to pay a 'usage fee' for General Steve, would you?"
"Ah, how about we just call it a wash? We'll say Steve was wandering around on his own and caused trouble on the battlefield."
"Wait, wait!"
"That sounds reasonable. Well, I’d feel bad if that were all, so I’ll personally award General Steve a medal and a cash prize. That’s acceptable, right?"
"You are free to reward Steve as you please."
"No, no! No matter how you spin it, you're saying I should be a workhorse for Zilba, aren't you!? Getting a medal and prize money just means I'll be used again in the future, right!?"
The man is still trying to wiggle out of it at this late stage.
"He says that, but that is where Fionha’s negotiation skills come into play."
"Indeed. I do not take pleasure in earning General Steve’s resentment. Furthermore, such trouble is unlikely to occur again, so could you please agree to this just this once?"
"Exactly. He says he’ll handle it, and it’s rare for a king of another nation to make such a request. You’ve been hand-picked. Instead of complaining, you should be honored that you’re so highly regarded."
"No, that’s the exact type of working pattern the Boss hates most! I also..."
Before Steve could finish, I cut him off.
"I choose you."
"…I’m not a Pokem—"
"Enough. Get to work."
"…Yes, yes."
And just like that, it was decided that Steve would "accidentally" get caught up in the battle. Well, he’s taking his subordinates with him, so unless something truly catastrophic happens, it should be fine. Still, have I used this pattern before?
*Official Order: General Steve and his subordinate units are ordered to deploy to Zilba for military exercises. The duration of the deployment is one month.*
Ah, isn't trust a wonderful thing? And with Steve’s deployment to the Zilba front decided, it’s as good as solved, right? Now then, I wonder what Yuki and the others will be up to?