第９３０堀：口を開かない理由 (Part2)
The old man is left speechless by my retort.
In the end, it’s safe to say there’s no decent future ahead for these three.
...It’s about time I put the big brother’s plan into action.
"Now then, I have a proposal. If you cooperate with us, I will guarantee your safety. You’re going to die anyway if you stay on this path. You couldn't even defeat the goblin that was in charge before me, so asking to defeat me isn't exactly realistic. What do you say?"
That’s right—it’s the pacification strategy taught to me by the big brother.
I managed to get them to admit directly that they have no choice but to die as things stand.
In other words, they are only steeling themselves out of a sense of military pride; if there were a path to survival...
"…I have dedicated my life to my country, upon my honor. I cannot accept such an offer."
"Then why not be honest and reveal your name and affiliation? Doing so would actually be contrary to your country's will. If you don't report the fact that your army has been wiped out immediately, it will be a crisis for your nation, won't it?"
"..."
"I will take that silence as an affirmation. Well, if you intend to degrade yourselves into bandits in this neighborhood, I’ll make sure to take your lives next time."
When I said that, it wasn't the old man, but the young man who stood up in spite of himself...
"Commander, you mustn't! Accepting this offer is betraying our country!"
Geez, they’ve already betrayed their country at this point, though.
I didn't bother pointing that out, just thinking to myself how young he was.
As expected, the woman stepped in...
"Be silent. That is for the Commander to decide. We are already nothing more than defeated soldiers; we have no standing left to speak of. Honestly, it would be less of a blow to your families and relatives if we were reported as having been wiped out here, rather than returning home in disgrace."
"But!"
"Then what do you propose we do if we are simply released here! Do you intend to become bandits, as Mino said, unable to return home as we are?"
"That’s not... but still!"
The two of them started arguing.
Well, it’s a matter of life and death, country versus their own lives, after all...
Alright, time to land another blow.
"That’s right. Since you seem to be struggling, here is one more thing. If you speak to us as officers of the Zurabul Empire, we swear that we will not hand you over to the Gusdo Kingdom. If that happens, you won't have to worry about being hunted down for revenge."
"…That would mean slighting the Gusdo Kingdom. Are you sure about that?"
"Our participation in this battle was a matter of force majeure. In other words, we originally had no intention of fighting you, the people of the Zurabul Empire."
Well, that’s the truth to an extent, though Seraria-ane and the others are quite furious at the Zurabul Empire for their looting.
However, because the total difference in military strength is so absolute, we have to hold these talks, hear their circumstances, and firmly grasp the existence of their Magic Gear, or the situation could turn into a quagmire. That’s why we’re using this strategy.
As expected of Taizo-san.
Of course, the big brother and Taiki helped think it up, too.
As for the old man's response...
"In other words, you are saying that we had an unfortunate, accidental clash, and that you are merely holding onto our supplies for safekeeping. Is that correct?"
"Ah, yes. How about this: The army was extremely exhausted due to food poisoning or an epidemic, and the person in charge was already dead. Then, you encountered what you thought was the Gusdo Kingdom's army stationed in Aurelia, were forced to engage, and were captured. How does that sound?"
"I see. I would like to say that, but do you think such a story would pass? As you yourselves said, there are those who have already fled."
"If you return with some of your supplies, it will be recognized as fact. Moreover, the ones you fought in Aurelia weren't the Gusdo Kingdom. It was us. Are you really entrusted with the political judgment to declare war on your own, against an opponent whose affiliation and country you don't even know?"
"Is that how it is? Indeed, our orders were strictly to dispose of the remnants of the Gusdo Kingdom. If there is a force from an unknown country that has intervened, it is only natural to seek instructions from above first."
Good, good. It worked.
"Then, let me ask you again: Who are you?"
"My apologies. I am Commander Vol Wheeler of the Zurabul Empire Army, 2nd Area Army. Pleased to make your acquaintance. Now, may I ask for your affiliation, Mino-dono?"
"Yes. I am..."
And so, the discussions with the Zurabul Empire finally began.
Thus, after Yuki’s dirty—no, straightforward—negotiations, we were able to open a dialogue with the high-ranking officials of the Zurabul Empire.
Well then, the adventure is finally about to begin!
Hopefully, this time it will be a proper adventure!