第１０１８堀：方針の決定 (Part2)
"First, it is unclear where we intend to strike with the current strategy. For instance, if we advance through areas with many dungeons, it will involve significant danger and time-consuming intelligence gathering. Conversely, if we choose regions with fewer dungeons, we will need to heighten our vigilance elsewhere."
"A valid point. Though, where we actually march will likely change based on the upcoming survey. What do you think, Show?"
"……I would prefer to avoid areas already confirmed to be dangerous. Therefore, the invasion route may change after this survey. However, the survey period is only about three months. I would extend it if I could, but considering General Vol's position, that is difficult."
"Indeed. If we extend the survey period, Vol's position becomes precarious. There is a possibility he might just charge off on his own like a fool."
Ugh, it’s unpleasant knowing such fools are in our ranks. Soldiers are supposed to follow orders, aren't they?
"As Your Majesty pointed out, there is also the possibility of the Hein Empire making a move. Considering that, three months is indeed the limit. If we extend the duration, the likelihood of the enemy seizing the initiative and attacking us increases. We want to avoid that. Being on the defensive is a difficult position to be in."
Well, Show’s point is also reasonable. Defending is much harder than attacking. That is precisely why I understand General Vol’s argument. He wants to strike first and seize the initiative. He’s saying there’s no need to force ourselves into a disadvantageous defensive battle.
"……Then, we have no choice but to narrow it down. Well, that is always the case. There are rarely battlefields where you can arrive fully prepared. First, we should exclude the border area where the Third Army is currently stationed. The Hein Empire has already massed a considerable number of soldiers there."
General Mirabel stated her opinion. She’s right, of course. The Third Army is currently deployed at the border. Naturally, the enemy knows this and has prepared countermeasures, which is why their forces are concentrated there. It’s obvious that launching an offensive into such a place would result in heavy casualties. In other words...
"Indeed. Either way, it means the Second Army, led by Vol, will be the main force opening the hostilities for this invasion."
"Yes. Initially, it would be effective for the Third Army to act as a decoy to draw the enemy in. Even if they transition to an invasion, it should be after the Second Army has moved. General Mirabel, I am forcing a thankless role upon you, but would that be acceptable?"
"It is fine. After all, if Vol leaves the front lines now, I’ll be in trouble later when I have no friends left to help me secure supplies."
"……Good grief, the amount you spend on alcohol is absurd, but I suppose it can't be helped."
Hearing General Vol reply with a face like he’d just bitten into a bitter bug, General Mirabel smiled broadly, as if to say, "Exactly what I wanted to hear." Ah, so that’s the kind of relationship they have.
"Since both generals are in agreement, the next step is to deliberate on the invasion route. Once that is decided, we will move on to surveying the dungeons in the vicinity of that route."
"First, the southern side is out. The Hein fleet will be swarming near the coast. We cannot afford to have them get behind us. Well, one could argue we could rely on Weed’s power to annihilate them at sea, but..."
"In that case, we would be charging a price for that service."
Yuki said this with a wry smile. That’s right—being relied upon for our strength isn't a bad thing, but we can't act for free. In reality, if we were to properly bill them for moving an aircraft carrier, the Zurable Empire would likely collapse from the cost alone. And besides, receiving more territory would just be a nuisance from our perspective. Well, Seraria did tell me to help if it comes to the worst, but we aren't going to take the initiative ourselves. If we did that, we wouldn't be able to justify it to our other allies.
"That is strictly a last resort. It is true that if Weed joins the fray, victory would be certain and our losses minimal. However, if we were to do that, not only the Hein Empire but even the people within the Zurable Empire might not recognize our victory as the Great Empire's own. Looking toward the post-war period, that is not ideal."
"I understand that well. I merely mentioned it as one possibility. Besides, as I said before, there is zero chance of the Imperial Capital being attacked from the sea. Weed is present on the ocean, after all. That being the case, the path we must take is through the center, or perhaps the north—the far north beyond the mountains."
As she said this, Empress Eupia presented the rough invasion route. These were all routes we had already considered. The final decision will depend on the local conditions of each path. Unfortunately, we didn't have the time to investigate that far. From here on, we shall place our hopes in the Zurable Empire’s intelligence capabilities.
Now, since there is no map, I imagine it’s difficult for you all to visualize, but please do your best to imagine it! Also, the recent incident with the duplicated text was because I was writing while half-asleep.