第９２７堀：敵の情報 (Part2)
"Master," he said, pointing to a single spot on the map the enemy had been carrying.
"I honestly don't know the full situation regarding the Zurabul Empire, but if they've concentrated this many troops just to fight a small coastal nation, it's safest to assume they intend to crush them entirely."
"If their goal were negotiation, they wouldn't need such numbers. They could have saved a fortune in budget and supplies. Yet, the Zurabul Empire chose to go to war with the Gusdo Kingdom and its allies. We have to assume something significant is going on."
I agree with Master and Seraria. It isn't entirely clear what the Gusdo Kingdom or its allies could have done to provoke the Zurabul Empire, but invading a small nation located on such a distant coast is usually an unjustifiable waste of resources. To incur such expenses and risks, there must have been a pressing need to take even a minor nation like this.
"So, our immediate objective is clear. First, we must gather intelligence on the Zurabul Empire, specifically their intentions and background. Second, we need to determine how to prevent their further attacks. I apologize to the Princess, but at the moment, we don't have the spare military strength to liberate the Gusdo Kingdom itself."
"……No, I am truly grateful that you protected Aurelia."
The Princess seemed to realize that she wasn't foolish enough to demand that Master and his forces liberate the Gusdo Kingdom. She clearly understands just how overwhelmingly powerful the enemy is.
"The full extent of the enemy remains unclear. However, there's no need to be too discouraged. It is almost certain that Weed will eventually clash with the Zurabul Empire. In that process, the Gusdo Kingdom will likely be liberated as well."
"……Do you intend to continue opposing the Zurabul Empire like this? Wouldn't it be better to return across the sea with the Sea-Cypho?"
As the Princess suggests, under normal circumstances, rather than intentionally entering a state of war with the Zurabul Empire, it would be wiser to leave Aurelia Port and pretend we never saw anything. We could return later to seek friendly relations with the port once the Zurabul Empire has occupied it. That would be the clever move, but...
"We have our own objectives."
"Is it to rescue the envoys of the Sea-Cypho?"
"That is part of it, yes. But that isn't all."
Indeed, we need to establish a base on this continent. We must investigate the magical depletion phenomenon and track the whereabouts of the Magic Gear brought by the Akue-noki. Furthermore, while it would be ideal if nothing happened, there is no guarantee the Zurabul Empire won't eventually invade the New Continent. For that reason alone, using Aurelia Port as a breakwater has strategic value.
And above all...
"Regardless of the reason, we cannot simply stand by and watch those who would slaughter innocent people just trying to live their lives."
It goes against the very philosophy of Weed.
"……For a reason like that? ……That is an act that will put your country in unnecessary danger."
"Indeed. But that isn't something you, who dragged us into this situation, should be saying. You hope that by ignoring them and leaving, everything will be settled, but do you truly believe it will end there? The enemy forces scattered during last night's battle. Do you really think they left without gathering any information on us?"
"That is……"
Seraria is right. While ignoring the situation is one option, it is unlikely to be the end of it. The Zurabul Empire, having dispatched such a large force, will certainly investigate this defeat. It is hard to imagine them simply giving up on Aurelia Port. It is almost certain that the involvement of the Sea-Cypho will be exposed, and from there, the existence of Weed will be revealed. If that happens, we would likely be attacked by the Zurabul Empire the next time we visit Aurelia Port. In the worst-case scenario, the Zurabul Empire might even launch an offensive against the Sea-Cypho themselves.
"Since we've already become involved, it seems this is the only path left for us in Weed."
"Well, I get the logic, but there's not much we can do from our end right now."
"We don't have the numbers. Invading the territory of the Zurabul Empire is a tall order."
"That's for the boss and Taizo-san to figure out."
Indeed. As Mino-chan says, the future course of action will be firmly decided by Master and the others. We will simply follow those decisions and carry out our duties. Whether the opponent is a hegemon or anything else, if they are our enemy, we will simply trample them.
The enemy seeks to rule. Very well, let us see what kind of king they are. And what kind of battle will Yuki and his companions wage against the Zurabul Empire!? Is it finally time for army to clash against army?
Payback time!