第９３５堀：穏やかな道中と不安 (Part2)
"If you were to say such things in front of His Majesty, your head would surely roll. Regardless of the circumstances, for one entrusted with an army, claiming defeat without exhausting every possible option is a grave sin. I myself would like to believe that if we had simply gathered enough numbers, we could have managed, but that night, our headquarters was raided in the blink of an eye, and our chain of command was completely paralyzed. Without that, an army cannot resist; there is no way to win."
Ah, I see. So that’s what they took to heart.
Indeed, if the leadership of any army is cut off, they cannot move. Or rather, they have no way to move.
The chain of command is so vital that it must be protected at all costs.
But he’s saying that because it was impossible to protect, victory was out of reach.
Still, it feels far too timid for a soldier. He hadn't even properly measured the enemy's strength.
Well, I suppose I’ll just attribute it to the fact that his life is on the line.
"Well, if you're willing to negotiate, there won't be a problem. That’s exactly why I brought such easy-to-understand items along."
"Yes, they are indeed very straightforward items. His Majesty is a wise man. Once he sees what Weed possesses, he will likely not attempt to fight without cause."
But if that’s the case, another inconsistency arises.
...I might as well ask directly.
"That’s good to hear. However, why would the leader of such a wise empire as the Zuraburu Empire allow looting on the roads of Aurelia Port? Don't you think that if such rumors spread, they might end up being stabbed in the back?"
That’s right. From what I’ve heard, the Emperor of the Zuraburu Empire seems to be a person who can think things through.
The fact that a man like Vol, who can think clearly, acknowledges that wisdom and follows him, makes that a given.
However, the army’s actions at Aurelia Port don't seem to fit a country ruled by such an emperor.
"Indeed, as you say, Yuki-sama, but the true intent is known only to His Majesty himself. We are merely following his orders. Well, the policy is to show no mercy to the enemy, and we have destroyed an entire nation. If we don't hunt down the remnants thoroughly, we risk being tripped up by them later. And that also serves as a warning to those around us."
Well, I understand what he’s saying, at least.
In a war like this, it’s impossible to have no grudges.
Therefore, you kill every last enemy.
It’s what they called "root-cutting" back in the Warring States period.
And it also shows those around them what happens if they defy them.
In that sense, "root-cutting" is one of the correct methods.
At least in terms of showing off one's ruthlessness.
I feel like I read something like that in a book somewhere.
Still, Kagura, who witnessed that looting firsthand, has a look of complete disgust on her face.
On the other hand, Deryu has become completely expressionless, which tells me she’s extremely displeased.
Ah, I see. After thinking about it, I arrive at a certain answer.
"You are aiming for the path of hegemony, aren't you?"
"Yes. His Majesty aims for hegemony. We will discard the old system and create a new country and a new world."
"Even if that path is stained with the blood of many?"
"That is a given by now. His Majesty has already taken half of this continent. We have long since steeled ourselves for that level of sacrifice. Both I and they have."
As Vol says this, he glances at Kasa and Mina, and both of them nod in agreement.
Well, if they hadn't steeled themselves, they wouldn't be appearing on the battlefield as generals.
It’s a point that’s long since been settled.
"So, that’s why the Gusdo Kingdom had to be conquered and destroyed?"
"Yes. It was necessary to monopolize and conceal the Magic Gear."
"Are you sure you should be blabbing about such important operations?"
"There is no need to hide it anymore. In that battle, we didn't even have time to dispose of the top-secret documents. And your words confirmed it. You already know everything, don't you? If so, I just thought I would try to gain even a little bit of trust from you, Yuki-sama, and show the Zuraburu Empire in a better light to serve as a bridge. We only showed our worst side at Aurelia Port, after all. One look at that young lady's face tells me that much."
"Th-that's not true! Yuki!"
Kagura says this in a panic, but that’s as good as a confession.
But putting Kagura aside, I wonder what Princess Parphil, the surviving remnant of the Gusdo Kingdom who is secretly tagging along, thinks of this?
"Well, whether your words are true or not will become clear as we travel. Kagura, you should watch closely, too. Look at how the towns and villages are doing. You can learn a lot from how they are governed."
"Ah, yeah."
Is the Zuraburu Empire just governing through brute force without thought, or are they truly aiming for the path of hegemony?
...Either way, it’s going to be a hassle.
The silhouette of the Zuraburu Empire begins to come into view.
Well, intentionally acting with cruelty is actually a valid method of governance.
It’s written in things like *The Prince*, so you should try reading it sometime.
Perhaps justice and evil are two sides of the same coin, after all.