第９３９堀：実力の証明 (Part2)
"Yes. They are currently waiting outside the royal capital. I brought them because they are the elite of my army, and I believed they would demonstrate power sufficient to satisfy Emperor Eupia and everyone else present. Well, rather than spending a thousand words, I think it would be faster to see it for yourself."
I said that quite honestly.
Yes, it is true that I intentionally kept them hidden, but it is also a fact that even if they saw them, they wouldn't understand what they were looking at.
In a world where nations clash with swords, spears, and magic, the concept of mechanized warfare—firearms, combat vehicles, and fighter jets—would be beyond their imagination.
"That is a convincing explanation, but it could put my person at risk. You are asking me to stand before the army of another nation. Can we not do something about that? Besides, I would be reluctant to deploy my own army as a sparring partner, and I imagine you feel the same, do you not?"
Emperor Eupia’s point is valid.
Asking an Emperor to stand before an unknown army to witness their prowess is inherently unreasonable. Furthermore, to demonstrate the strength of an army that fights in formation, one naturally needs an opponent.
In this case, the role of the opponent would fall to the Zurabl Empire, but one cannot simply mobilize an army and expose them to danger just to gauge the strength of a non-hostile force.
If it were me, I would gladly accept to measure an enemy's strength, but since they are still embroiled in wars here and there, they surely want to avoid losing soldiers carelessly.
However, that only applies if we are talking about a charge in formation.
The Weed army has a way to demonstrate its power in a visible form without needing to do anything of the sort.
"Emperor Eupia. There is another way for you to witness the strength of my army. If you could designate a target that is acceptable to destroy, we can simply observe it from a distance. Is there a suitable location?"
"You do not need an opponent? And you want an alternative target for destruction? In that case, the forest currently undergoing reclamation would be suitable. How about that?"
A stroke of luck.
If the forest is the target, I can demonstrate our capabilities even more reliably.
Yes, what I am about to perform is a live-fire exercise.
Shoot, shoot, and keep shooting.
It is an essential part of military training.
I have been scolded by Eris every time I’ve done this in the past, but this time, I have a justifiable cause!
"..."
Eris is already glaring at me from over there with a cold, judgmental look, but this is unavoidable.
If this live-fire exercise makes the Zurabl Empire realize that it is not in their best interest to cross swords with Weed, it will prevent unnecessary conflict in the future, which is ultimately economical.
In other words, this is a necessary expense.
It is an important move for avoiding war.
So, this is a live-fire exercise for the sake of world peace.
No one can complain about that.
Well, since we aren't firing guided missiles, the budget is actually quite manageable.
...Though, we will still be using enough shells to pay for a house or two.
They say the military is a money pit for a reason. Hahaha.
Well, let’s finish the exercise quickly before Eris’s eyebrows arch any further.
With that, we immediately confirmed the location of the forest under reclamation, received final permission that the land could be "plowed," and verified that no people were in the area. One hour later, with preparations complete, we moved with Emperor Eupia to the top of the imperial capital’s walls, overlooking the forest in the distance.
"...Yuki-dono. Is this truly alright? I can see the forest slated for reclamation, but it is quite far away, is it not?"
"Yes. There is no problem."
Watching from up close would be a suicidal act. We might get caught in the shelling.
No, our proficiency isn't *that* low, but it is only natural to take safety precautions when you don't know what might happen.
However, Emperor Eupia and the members of the Zurabl Empire, who lack the very concept of artillery, were all tilting their heads in confusion.
Well, that is only to be expected...
"...Yuki-dono. Forgive me for asking again, but I do not see the Weed army anywhere in the vicinity..."
"Ah, they are over there. Please, take a look through this tube."
I handed the telescope to one of his aides, and after confirming it was safe, Emperor Eupia took it and peered through...
"Ohh!? What is this!? I can see the distance so clearly! This would be perfect for reconnaissance! And that is the Weed army, then. Those goblins seem well-drilled... but are they going to charge from that far away? Wouldn't that take too much time? Or is that the rear guard, and the vanguard is already on the move?"
Such surprise and questions arose.
Of course, I had already anticipated this.
"No, that is their fixed position. We are about to attack that forest, so please, watch closely."
I said that, then theatrically picked up my transceiver.
"First Company... commence shelling."
"Understood. First Company, commencing shelling."
And thus, the Weed live-fire exercise began, targeting the forest near the Zurabl Empire’s royal capital.
If this were Earth, conducting a live-fire exercise in another country's territory would be a massive headache...
First, the proof of our individual capability was complete.
Quar was truly strong!
She doesn't serve as Seraria's adjutant for nothing!
And the sheer joy of being able to spend money openly in front of Eris, the keeper of the purse strings!
No, it’s a necessary expense, I swear!