第８３０堀：いつだって唐突で (Part1)
Chapter 830: Always So Sudden
Always So Sudden
Side: Vilia
"Haaah!?"
I couldn't help but cover my ears at Dressa’s shout. She really is loud. However, I couldn't bring myself to scold her, as I understood the source of her surprise. After all, it was a mock battle.
No, it wasn't that we hadn't done mock battles before. But this time…
"Onii-sama, asking us to suddenly conduct a naval battle is impossible."
Exactly as Hiiro said. A naval battle on our own is fundamentally impossible. Fighting with artillery or the ship’s electronic warfare systems is just…
"Y-yes. If Onii-sama and the others were with us, maybe, but just us alone… we wouldn't know what to do…"
"No, you’ve had lectures on naval combat, haven't you? And practical training, too. Steve and his team will be there to support you."
"That’s not what you call a mock battle! Boarding an enemy ship? What is this, some ancient war? You can’t do that with an aircraft carrier! What, are you saying we should just launch the carrier-based aircraft and blow the mock-battle opponents to smithereens?"
"I’d prefer you didn't do that."
"Then how are we supposed to fight? We can’t use firearms either, right?"
"Obviously. I don't want to create any grudges by having people die in a mock battle. Besides, you can board an enemy ship without needing to ram them, can't you?"
"Huh?"
Dressa tilted her head sharply at Onii-sama’s strange question.
"Um, Yuki. Why would we be boarding enemy ships directly in a naval mock battle? I mean, sure, with our physical abilities and magic, boarding is easy. But that defeats the purpose of a naval battle!"
She’s right. As Dressa said, that would just be close-quarters combat training. Why would Onii-sama call that a naval battle?
As I was thinking this, Dressa was suddenly struck by the paper fan Onii-sama produced.
*Whack!!*
*Thwack.*
*Smack.*
"Ouch!?"
"Ow."
"H-heu."
For some reason, the three of us were all struck by the fan.
"Calm down, all three of you. This won't be an ultra-long-range engagement involving artillery or Tomahawks. And obviously, there won't be any air superiority battles with squadrons. You understand that, right?"
"Well, obviously! The opponents don't even have that kind of technology. If we used that, it wouldn't even be a contest."
"Exactly. That’s why we’re matching their level. I want you to perform thoroughly so that Dressa and the others aren't looked down upon in the future."
"Oh, so that’s it."
"Ooh. I get it."
"So that’s what this is about…"
I see. Onii-sama is telling us to show off our strength in this mock battle so that Sea-Cyph will acknowledge us.
"You said earlier that your current position felt unsuited to you, didn't you?"
"Ugh. I did say that, but…"
"Then you just need to become suited for it. Fortunately, we have opponents willing to engage in a mock battle right now. You might get hurt if you’re careless, but if you clearly demonstrate your power here, the people of Sea-Cyph will acknowledge you. It’s far better to work with people who respect you when facing the sea monsters to come, isn't it?"
"That… is true."
"…Muu, I suppose you’re right."
I see. Onii-sama is also thinking about how to make things advantageous for us as we continue our activities here. Well, we are still at an age where we could be called children, so perhaps that kind of recognition is necessary.
"Anyway, we’ll be boarding with you. Leave the ship’s defense to us. Oh, and Dressa, since you’re the commander and captain, don't go boarding the enemy ship yourself."
"Wait, wait, you’re not saying Vilia and Hiiro are going to suppress the enemy ships all by themselves, are you?"
Eh? Are we really going to take on enemy ships alone? No, that’s impossible… before I could even say it, Onii-sama continued.
"Yes, that’s the plan. The enemy formation seems to be a fleet of three ships. Think of it like a cavalry or fighter squadron unit. It’s different from Earth’s fleet formations, but that’s the era I’m familiar with."
"Don't compare that era’s formations to this land’s… well, I get the point. You want us to board one ship each?"
*Phew*, if that’s the case—wait, that doesn't make me feel any better at all! Why is Dressa nodding in understanding?! There’s no way I can suppress an enemy ship all by myself!
"U-um…"
I tried to speak up to stop this nonsensical plan, but…
"That’s how it’ll be. I’ll leave it to you to decide how to handle the remaining ship."
"…You’re so cruel. You want us to break their spirits, don't you?"
"Who knows? They might end up admiring you and cooperating in the future."
"The people who started a fight with us without even listening to their superiors aren't going to suddenly flip their attitudes and want to be friends."
Onii-sama and Dressa continued their conversation, leaving my anxiety behind. Somehow, it was already decided that two enemy ships would be taken down!
"D-Dressa?"
"But I can't just send Vilia and Hiiro to the enemy ships alone. Yuki, I know this is meant to be training, but as a captain, I won't let them do something that dangerous. As the commander, I’ll attach Steve and the goblin squad for safety. Is that alright?"
"That’s a surprisingly reasonable request. I thought you’d ask to use air support or fire Tomahawks."
"…I wouldn't do anything to undermine or ruin Yuki’s intentions. Besides, if I’m allowed to use Steve and the others, I don't need to panic. So, what’s your answer?"
"Fine, I suppose that’s acceptable."
"Great! That settles it. Right, Vilia, Hiiro?"
"Eh? Oh, yes. If Steve-san and Britt-san are there…"
"Yeah. If Steve and the others are there, it’s fine."
Oh no. I accidentally agreed to it! But there was no atmosphere left to say it was impossible. Before I knew it, I was heading off to the pre-mock-battle greetings…
"Ho. So you are the captain and officers of that giant ship?"
"Yes. I am Dressa, captain of the aircraft carrier Lilish. These are my adjutants, Vilia and Hiiro."
I bowed in greeting as Dressa introduced us. Perhaps this was for the best. I never expected the Queen of the Sea-Cyph Kingdom herself to be present at the pre-battle greeting.
I mean, usually, Onii-sama handles the greetings, so why are we the ones taking center stage?!
"Hmm. Yuki-dono. I was the one who asked to meet you, but is this really, truly it?"
"When you say 'truly,' what do you mean?"
"Are these young girls the ones in charge of that ship? I don't doubt that you would lie, Yuki-dono, but I wanted to confirm."
See? They don't believe us at all! Because we’re just kids, we’re dragging Onii-sama’s reputation down. But it’s our own fault for not looking the part. What should I do… as I worried, Onii-sama answered without a hint of concern.
"Yes. There is no mistake. They are, without a doubt, the captain and officers of that ship."
"Hmm… I see. Well, the Weed officer system is quite unique, isn't it? Even your guards are all women, after all."