第１０１８堀：方針の決定 (Part1)
Chapter 1018: Determining the Policy
Side: Labyris
The map spread out under Schans’s direction clearly marked the locations of the dungeons.
That said, compared to what we—or rather, Kirika—had investigated, the number of marked dungeons was quite low. Still, considering they prepared a map of this scale in such a short time, the Zurabul Great Empire is truly something else.
……Well, the map itself is still as rough as a child’s drawing, as usual.
But I can’t exactly complain about it being hard to read or inaccurate and then pull out our own superior maps, so I’ll just have to endure it for now.
"Now, once again. To confirm, the Third Army is currently stationed here, correct? General Mirabel."
"Yes. That is correct."
The person Schans was confirming the placement of the pieces with was... another female general.
Based on the pattern so far, they’ve all been young, talented beauties, but this one is different.
"Our forces are centered around this fortress, waiting to see how the enemy moves."
To my surprise, she was a veteran general, seemingly not much different in age from General Vol.
Catherine of Baide was a bit older, but this woman was clearly in a different league.
On top of that, she carried the air of a "battle-hardened warrior," a type of person I hadn't encountered among them yet.
I’ve seen plenty of men like that, but it’s rare to see a woman on the front lines at that age.
While I was busy thinking about such irrelevant things, the discussion moved forward.
"Hmm. The collapse of the Second Army was, ironically, a stroke of luck. They are currently at the Imperial Capital undergoing reorganization. Therefore, they are in a state where they can be dispatched anywhere immediately. Furthermore, the southern maritime route, which is a concern, is being guarded by Weed at Aurelia Port, so that should be fine. In an emergency, we can send the First Army as reinforcements at any time via the Gate."
The Zurabul Great Empire officials nodded at Emperor Eupia’s words.
Well, if anyone were capable of breaking through the defenses of Aurelia Port, then no nation in this land could possibly defeat them anyway.
Just dealing with the aircraft carriers alone would be an incredible feat...
"I see. General Vol, having grasped and understood this situation, is suggesting that the Third Army should attack without waiting for the Second Army to reorganize. In this situation, it is indeed possible to move the Second Army only after observing the opponent's movements."
"Yes. The collapse of the Second Army was my failure, but in the current situation, I believe we can take the initiative before the Hain Empire makes a move, and furthermore, we can move the Second Army in response to the opponent's actions, allowing us to handle any eventuality."
So that’s how it is.
That is certainly one way to do it.
Yuki seems to be pondering the matter as well.
Well, from our perspective, we don’t know how the enemy Dungeon Master will react, so having them act as a decoy is very helpful... but we can’t allow them to suffer massive casualties.
...If the opponent uses their dungeon in the same way Yuki does, it would definitely be over the moment they stepped into enemy territory.
It wouldn't just be the Third Army collapsing. They would be literally annihilated.
But then again, if they were capable of such strategic dungeon management, I doubt the Zurabul Great Empire would even exist in the first place.
Well, one could argue that it was because of the influence of the Great Barrier of Hairen, but still.
Regardless, this is a matter for the Zurabul Great Empire, and it depends on how Emperor Eupia decides after hearing these opinions, so there’s nothing we can say.
"Hmm. I understand Vol’s opinion. Mirabel, what is your take?"
"Yes. In my opinion, since we cannot read the strength or movements of the dungeons based on the information provided by Yuki-sama, charging in recklessly would be a poor strategy."
Oh, General Mirabel is properly taking the dungeons into account.
"We cannot rule out the possibility that the enemy might use Gates for transport as well. It is true, as General Vol says, that attacking would reveal the opponent's response. However, if the opponent has already prepared countermeasures, we will suffer heavy losses. If we can avoid a futile and reckless battle, that would be for the best."
"…A bold offensive to gauge the enemy, or prioritizing intelligence gathering. Hmm, I understand both opinions. The concern, as revealed here, is indeed the existence of these new dungeons. They could be used as a means to command monsters. We cannot afford to have a Great Stampede triggered."
"I understand Your Majesty’s concern well, but it is a fact that the enemy has not used monsters as their main force in the battles thus far. Isn't that the answer in itself?"
Hmm. I feel like there’s something off about General Vol’s statements in this meeting.
Was this man always this reckless?
I remember him being much calmer, not flinching even when facing Mino-chan, and negotiating quite shrewdly.
"…Hmm, I have decided. Vol. Given your previous failure, your bold offensive stance is understandable, but this time, I will have you hold back. This time, we will prioritize intelligence gathering. The duration will be three months. Within this timeframe, the Hain Empire is unlikely to reorganize their forces and attack based on the information brought back by General Wave. If they do attack, it would mean they are likely using Gates, but we can prepare for that. Therefore, there should be no problem with launching an offensive after we finish gathering intelligence."
"Yes. If Your Majesty says so, I have no objections."
Ah, so that’s it.
General Vol is responsible for the loss of the Second Army at Aurelia Port.
He had to advocate for a bold offensive so that people wouldn't think he had become weak-willed after his defeat.
He’s got it tough, too.
Even if it was just for show, he needed to demonstrate to Emperor Eupia that he was pushing for a bold offensive.
"Hmm. Mirabel, are you satisfied with that as well?"
"Yes. Thank you for adopting my opinion."
"Good. Now, the next question is where to conduct the investigation. Basically, we should focus on the invasion routes, but… Schans, what do you think?"
"If we do it too overtly, it will be like telling them our planned route in advance. Fortunately, our intelligence units are scattered across various regions, so I think it would be best to instruct them to investigate the dungeons in a way that is moderately visible, acting as a feint."
"I see. And in the meantime, we conduct the real investigation. …Yuki-dono, what do you think? Is there anything that concerns you?"
Only now did Emperor Eupia turn to Yuki.
Well, if they listened to Yuki’s opinion too much from the start, people might start calling the Zurabul Great Empire a vassal state of Weed.
If that kind of dissatisfaction led to the collapse of the Zurabul government, that would be a disaster, so this is unavoidable.
So, how will Yuki offer his opinion now that the policy has been firmly decided?
"I see no problems with the general policy."
"General, you say. And where, pray tell, does the problem lie?"