第９６６堀：未確認国の情報と決断 (Part1)
**Chapter 966: Information on the Unidentified Nation and a Decision**
**Side: Seraria**
"The Hain fleet is currently being tracked, but the number is approximately 30 ships. They were spotted in waters about 500 kilometers further out from the point where we discovered the refitted merchant ship last time."
The goblin delivering the report is standing on a wooden crate to compensate for his lack of height, struggling to spread a nautical chart across the desk to explain the situation. It’s a rather comical sight.
The goblins under Weed’s command are incredibly useful, but their child-like stature is a bit of a drawback.
Wait, no—come to think of it, there should be quite a bit of variation among goblins. Knights, shamans, and even kings—there are some truly formidable goblins out there. And those special types are usually quite large.
"As for the composition of the Hain fleet..."
If that’s the case, then the goblins serving us are exceptionally rare specimens. They are the Army Goblins forged by Yuki. Even Steve is a General, and there are veteran Sergeant Goblins who have been turning down promotions for ages.
...Though they are all uniformly small.
I’ve heard that being small is convenient for military operations, but seeing them like this, I realize they must face all sorts of hardships. Well, I’ll consult with Yuki about it later.
"Therefore, we judge that the forces stationed at Aurelia Port—Weed, Zurable, and Gusdo—are more than sufficient to handle the enemy fleet."
The issue that needs addressing right now is the approaching Hain fleet. Since the goblins themselves have judged that the enemy is no match for us if we deploy our carrier strike group, the threat level isn't actually that high. While we are counting Zurable and Gusdo as part of our forces, they know better than anyone that they aren't truly combat-ready.
However, my husband is seeking a dialogue this time.
Personally, like Princess Palfil, I feel that since their envoy acted the way he did, hostility is already justified. But I also understand Yuki’s opinion that we shouldn't needlessly increase our enemies. We haven't confirmed that the man was a true envoy of the Hain Empire. There is a slim possibility that it was a false-flag operation by spies from another nation.
Well, there’s almost no reason for anyone to do such a thing, but regardless, my husband decided that hearing them out first is important to establish a clear moral high ground. And I agree that if we can settle this through discussion, that would be for the best.
As I was thinking this, the conversation moved forward rapidly.
"Can you identify which one is the flagship?"
"We have not been able to identify the flagship. There are no obvious differences in appearance, such as size or banners, and we do not yet understand the Hain Empire’s fleet formation rules."
At a glance, it just looks like identical ships sailing in a neat line. In the old days of naval warfare, you either sank them with a ram or boarded them, so formations were largely meaningless.
"Understood. Continue gathering information. We should be able to tell which one is the flagship eventually. For now, Show-dono, Princess Palfil, I want to gather as much information as possible before we depart."
"Yes. I will assist with whatever I know."
"I, too, shall spare no effort in cooperating!"
"Thank you. To start, I would like to know about the Hain Empire’s military strength."
Ah, I had completely forgotten, but grasping their military power is crucial. The enemy fleet’s primary tactic is boarding and close-quarters combat—which, to us, seems like a fossilized strategy—but the strength behind it must vary from country to country. Just as the Zurable Great Empire utilized Magic Gear for aerial combat, it wouldn't be surprising if they possessed armaments or tactics we know nothing about.
And above all, having once led an army myself, I find myself—perhaps inappropriately—excited at the prospect of encountering fighting styles I haven't seen before.
Come on, Show, Palfil—tell us the military strength and tactics of the Hain Empire that you know!
I am posing as my husband’s bodyguard and keeping my identity hidden, so I couldn't ask out loud, but I poured that sentiment into my gaze.
"Military strength, you say..."
That’s it, Show. Tell us everything without holding back! Show us the face of the enemy that Weed doesn't know!
"As far as I know, their military operations are nothing particularly innovative. They gather numbers and charge. That is what I have heard of Hain’s military doctrine. Princess Palfil, have you heard anything else?"
But the answer that came back was quite dull. Simply relying on numbers to charge. Well, it’s a standard tactic. If it weren't, the Zurable Great Empire wouldn't have been pushed back this far.
"I, too, have not heard of any particularly unusual soldiers. Ah, if I had to say, I have heard that they possess a unit that protects their mighty Emperor."
"Ah, I have heard of that as well. The elite of the elite that Hain boasts of. Rumor has it that a single unit is easily equivalent to an entire army."
Hmm, is it like the Royal Guard led by Ares Lester in Roschur? In our Weed, that would be the direct units under the Four Heavenly Kings like Steve, or perhaps people like us who are led by my husband.
...Though by the time my husband commands us or Steve to move, the opponent is usually already checkmated.
"Well, units like that exist in every country. I see, relying on numbers to charge. It’s simple, but it’s the most effective method."
I was a bit disappointed, but my husband seemed satisfied, nodding in agreement. Indeed, as he says, if the quality of the soldiers is the same, the only thing needed to surpass the opponent is numbers. Strategy and tactics exist, of course, but if you have the numbers to crush them, that’s all that matters.
"So, what is the total military strength of Hain?"
"..."
The two of them fell silent in unison.
"Is something the matter?"
"No, I can answer regarding the numbers if you are satisfied with rumors, but would that be acceptable?"
"Yes, that is fine."
It’s impossible to accurately grasp the total military strength of an enemy anyway. A rough estimate is fine. ...But putting Princess Palfil aside, there is no way that Show, known as the Great Emperor, wouldn't know that much. Why did they both go silent?
"...From what I have heard, they claim to have 500,000."
"Yes. That is what I have heard as well."
500,000!? That is incredible. I suppose that is to be expected of an Emperor who governs this land. Even in Roschur, 100,000 would be a struggle. The Second Front Army led by Vol of Zurable was 80,000. Come to think of it, my husband once said that Zurable’s territory was equivalent to the sum of three major powers on the Rogari continent.
So, that means Hain has the national power to match that.
...Thinking about Hain’s strength again, I feel that reconciliation between Zurable and Hain will be quite difficult. When you possess that many soldiers and are being toyed with by someone you consider inferior, it’s only natural to think that subjugating them is the right course of action.
I was convinced by that logic, but my husband seemed to think otherwise...