第１０１７堀：軍の状況確認と作戦会議 (Part1)
**Chapter 1017: Confirming Military Status and Strategy Meeting**
**Side: Yuki**
"...And so, Empress Eupia says she wants to consult with you regarding future plans."
I was somewhat surprised to hear the direct report from Labyris.
"I understand the situation, but... you’re telling me that not only Empress Eupia but also the Great Strategist Showu knew about the existence of the Dungeon, yet they didn't take it into account at all?"
It was a hard thing to believe.
"Well, it happens. People who thoroughly research local customs and habits like you do are rare, Yuki."
"That is true. Besides, Weed is far too unique. Guaranteeing the safety of citizens from hostile nations... I can understand it because I’ve learned about the nature of warfare on Earth, but..."
"Normally, they are targets for plunder. Well, in special towns like ports, they might refrain from violence, but that’s not common," Seraria, Deryu, Jessica, and Samantha chimed in, offering their insights to temper my surprise.
Since these members were all leaders in their own right, they understood the realities of such matters.
...I see. It hadn't come up before. Well, that sounds like a typical scenario.
"...Alright. Regardless of the reason, it’s a good thing that I’ve been named as an advisor without them harboring hostility toward us. It’s fortunate that Showu was able to absorb knowledge about the Dungeon while in Weed."
Indeed. I was surprised they didn't have a sense of crisis regarding the Dungeon as a hostile force, but the fact that they accepted our Dungeon so readily was the best outcome. If things had gone poorly, there was a possibility they would have simply labeled all Dungeons as dangerous and turned hostile.
"Yes. Rather than us desperately trying to appeal that we are safe, the words of the people living in Weed carry far more weight, don't they?"
As Ratz said, no matter how much we claimed to be safe, I doubt someone like Showu would have taken it at face value. That’s why we allowed Showu to walk freely through Weed and didn't hinder him from gathering information himself. There is value in letting someone verify things for themselves. Well, I did hide the military secrets, of course.
"So, Yuki. Are you going to accept Empress Eupia’s request?"
"Yeah, tell them I accept. I'll leave the scheduling to them."
"Understood."
With that, Labyris stood up immediately. She was likely going to contact Aslin and the others waiting on the other side. I thought I’d be waiting for the Empress's reply, but Seraria spoke up.
"It’s fine to offer them advice, but what kind of policy do you intend to present?"
"Basically, it depends on their policy. Well, if possible, it would be best if they left the Dungeon investigation to us, didn't advance until we had results, and followed our lead when they do move."
I said something that sounded rather foolish. Seraria let out a sharp, scoffing laugh.
"That would be ideal, wouldn't it? But I don't think they’ll become Weed’s puppets so easily."
"I agree."
We started from a position of extreme disadvantage and managed to repel the Hein Empire on our own. There’s no way they would suddenly follow the advice of a country that just popped up out of nowhere. At best, they’ll treat it as a reference. They might accept it fully if it were just Empress Eupia and Showu, but it’s unclear if that sentiment would reach the lower ranks.
"I’m not asking for such a dream-like ideal. I’m asking what will happen realistically."
"Realistically, huh? Well, they’ll probably put more effort into intelligence gathering, consider those results, and then advance. Honestly, that’s all I can say."
I don't know the balance of politics and military affairs in the Zuraburu Great Empire.
"Well, that’s how it is. Regardless, it’s a fact that we’d be in trouble if the Zuraburu Great Empire fell. We have the situation with Aurelia Port and Princess Palfil of the Gusdo Kingdom to consider; we can’t back down either."
"I know that."
"By the way, what is Princess Palfil doing now?"
"She seems to be based in the Zuraburu imperial capital, working hard to stabilize the former Gusdo Kingdom territory. Though, the only places that actually suffered damage were the royal capital and its military forces."
"Oh? Wasn't the entire Gusdo Kingdom crushed?"
"Don't play dumb. Only the royalty and military in the capital resisted. The only place that actually saw a massacre of civilians was Aurelia Port. Well, we’ve been spreading rumors that they burned everyone, including civilians, for the sake of appearances."
"...So, it’s a display of ruthlessness, cruelty, and terror."
"That’s about it. Man, they’re practicing the 'Great Prince' philosophy without even knowing it. It’s terrifying."
Empress Eupia and Showu are capable of pulling that off. Compiling the war history here would be fascinating. Maybe I’ll talk about that later.
"Regardless, the people of the royal capital, who actually survived with almost no damage, were moved that Princess Palfil, whom they thought had been killed, was alive and well. Since civilian casualties were low to begin with, there’s little backlash against the Zuraburu Great Empire in the former Gusdo territory."
"So they achieved their goal. ...Still, it’s a pity for the Gusdo royalty."
"That was their pride."
Having asked the Hein Empire for reinforcements, they couldn't surrender. So, they fought to the end and fell.
"...Yuki. It’s not my place to interfere in a war waged by the Zuraburu Great Empire, but please, avoid senseless sacrifice."
"I know."
It’s always the people living there who suffer in war. Losing one's home, having loved ones die, being forced to abandon one's birthplace—these are pains too deep for words. Of course, I know Empress Eupia and Great Strategist Showu are well aware of this. But I needed to convey it properly. The words of my wife, the Queen.
"Indeed. I have received Queen Seraria’s will."
"Yes. We do not desire needless sacrifice either."
And so, at the beginning of the meeting, I made sure to convey Seraria’s words before I forgot, and both of them nodded immediately.
"One cannot rule without a heart."
"Indeed. We must never become a second Hein Empire."
Hearing them say this, the dignitaries of the Zuraburu Great Empire who were present all nodded in agreement.
"Then, with those words as the premise of our policy, let us begin the meeting on how to attack the Hein Empire."
"Yes. Before that, I would like to express my gratitude once again to Yuki, the Prince Consort, who has come all this way to serve as an advisor, specifically regarding the Dungeon."
"No, it hasn't been decided that I can be of help yet. But if my knowledge can be of use, please, ask away."
I greeted everyone and took my seat.
"Thank you. Now, I would like to confirm the current status of our military forces. Report from the First Army, please."
As Showu said this, Empress Eupia stood up.