第９６６堀：未確認国の情報と決断 (Part2)
"……I see. That number is indeed a threat. However, Shau-dono, Princess Palfil seems hesitant, as if she lacks confidence in that number. Am I wrong?"
Ah, I see. I did think it was strange for Shau to fall silent, even for a moment, regarding such crucial information as the size of the enemy force. While we knew the numbers were high, we had already chosen to fight with that knowledge in mind.
"You cannot hide anything, can you? No, I had no intention of hiding it. To put it bluntly, I—no, the Zurable Great Empire—has never directly fought against Hein."
"I, too, have only ever met one person from Hein, and that was that rude individual."
"““Huh?””"
None of us understood what the two of them were talking about. Sensing our confusion, Shau offered a wry smile as he explained.
"It is true that we, the Zurable Great Empire, have been fighting against the former Imperial faction. And there is no doubt that the Hein Empire is the leader of that faction, which supports the Emperor. However, the nations we have fought against thus far are merely the countries allied with Hein—the nations of the former Imperial faction. We have never crossed blades with Hein itself."
Ah, so that’s how it is. That explains why it was so difficult to answer the previous question. It’s hard to speak on information that is merely rumored or officially claimed when you have no firsthand experience.
"They likely viewed us as nothing more than a common, minor regional rebellion. That is why..."
"Now that you mention it, Father also said that even if Zurable attacked, it wouldn't result in anything catastrophic. He must have been confident because he knew reinforcements from the Hein Empire were coming. That is likely why he refused to surrender..."
I see. They refused to surrender because they had already made arrangements with the Hein Empire. In that case, surrender was indeed off the table. It seems the Gusdo Kingdom was simply struck by a combination of misinformation and bad luck regarding those reinforcements.
"They lost half their territory to the Zurable Great Empire and that was their response?"
Indeed, as my husband said, their handling of the situation seems incredibly poor. I wonder if there really is a country so oblivious to the state of its own borders?
"We only began utilizing Magic Gear a few years ago. Furthermore, while it is half the territory, the lands that have sided with us were originally small regional nations oppressed by the former Imperial faction. Some of those places surrendered through negotiation alone without a single battle. The Hein Empire likely does not even recognize that half of their domain has been seized."
"Is that so? Then, as of now, everything is proceeding according to your strategy, Shau-dono?"
Ah, so this entire situation was orchestrated by the Great Strategist Shau? Should I praise him for being a genius? But...
"……I would like to think so. I devised a strategy where the Hein Empire would lose its allies without even realizing it, only to find themselves surrounded by enemies once they finally caught on. But I fear it may be going *too* well."
I agree with Shau’s sentiment. While it is certainly better for the plan to succeed, assuming that everything is going perfectly is a surefire way to be caught off guard.
"I understand that feeling, and we certainly shouldn't let our guard down. This is a good opportunity. Seeing that Hein’s envoys and fleet have finally mobilized, it means the enemy is getting serious. Let us determine whether they are moving out of genuine crisis or if they are still underestimating us."
"……Indeed. This is a perfect chance to find out why Hein has remained stagnant until now. I may even learn just how effective my strategy has truly been. Perhaps this was simply the moment that was destined to arrive. ……Princess Palfil. After hearing all of this, are you still willing to stand with our country?"
With those words, Shau turned his gaze toward Princess Palfil.
……I see. One could argue that the destruction of Gusdo was the result of the strategy Shau devised. I wonder how Princess Palfil feels about that?
Just as I was thinking this, she lifted her head.
"The current state of affairs is the result of Hein failing to act seriously until now. It is impossible for our Gusdo Kingdom to continue following such an Empire."
Princess Palfil stated it clearly.
……It is a reliable decision, certainly. But is it my own softness that makes my heart ache, knowing that in just one month of meeting us, this once-fragile princess has been forced to make such a resolve?
Very well. Thirty ships of the Hein fleet are approaching. Let us steel our hearts and go uncover their true intentions.