第１０２０堀：どこでも必要なもの (Part1)
**Chapter 1020: What is Needed Anywhere**
**Side: Seraria**
"……Honestly, what a sickening story."
Upon hearing about the Nodal Kingdom amidst the reports regarding the Zurable Empire’s marching route, those were the first words to escape my lips. Did they truly think that burning their own citizens would stop an enemy army? Perhaps it was meant as a warning—a message of "this is what will happen to you, too"—but that’s just throwing oil on a fire.
With the Zurable Empire possessing Magic Gear, the Nodal Kingdom was wiped off the map in less than a year. Honestly, I think incinerating people like that was the right call.
"There’s even less reason now to side with the Hain Empire."
"Agreed. Still, I’ll wait for word from General Wave. If nothing else, the fact that the Hain Empire hasn't made a move is, in itself, strange."
"……Well, if you want to investigate, go ahead. It’s better to have fewer unnecessary sacrifices. But those pieces of trash should be burned clean."
I stated it clearly. Above all, I cannot forgive those who oppress their own people. The Intercontinental Exchange Alliance we are building exists precisely to prevent such vile acts. If there are people suffering under unjust treatment, we provide protection. If we were to turn a blind eye just because they haven't joined us yet, it would undermine the very reason for the Alliance's existence.
My husband’s reaction to this was...
"Yeah, I know. Well, it’ll be Emperor Eupia who actually brings down the hammer, anyway."
You’re as calm as ever. Still, what he says is reasonable. If we were to openly involve ourselves in that war, it would undoubtedly lead to all sorts of complications.
"……Then, shouldn't we send a tank squadron to Eupia as a modest token of support?"
Of course, I said this fully understanding the implications. If a tank squadron—thirteen iron giants—were deployed, there would be no way to deal with them unless the enemy used terrain manipulation to immobilize them. The enemy would be pulverized, guaranteed. My husband understood exactly what I meant, giving me a wry, weary smile.
"Seraria, you’re reacting too strongly to the word 'citizens.' Keep that up, and you’ll get tripped up one of these days."
"I know that. But those who would burn innocent people alive deserve no mercy. You’re here with me, and we have traps and everything else at our disposal; we’ll tear them apart."
If I were alone, I wouldn't say such things. But I have my pride-and-joy husband by my side, and I have my allies. I have no intention of recklessly charging into danger, but if the opponent wants to pick a fight, that’s a different story.
"Anyway, putting that aside, the Zurable Empire has chosen the northern route, then."
I said this while looking over the map spread out before us. Yes, the marching route had been decided during the meeting my husband had just attended. They would likely adjust the route as circumstances dictated, but the fact that they discussed their military plans so calmly in front of the consort of another nation shows just how much they trust him. Well, we have pulled various strings to earn that trust.
"Yeah. Leaving aside the fact that they’ve moved away from the route through the northernmost mountain range, we couldn't protect the cities outside the invasion path if the Hain Empire raided them. It was decided that if the Second Army is on a route that’s easier to reach, the enemy will either bite at that, or if they don't, it’ll be easier for us to send reinforcements."
"A sound strategy. Personally, I was hoping to witness the legendary wisdom of the Great Strategist..."
That part is a shame. I wanted to see the true ability of the strategist who bears the name of a legendary tactician from another world, but what they came up with was a solid, reliable approach.
"No, 'sound' is the safest. Strange schemes and clever tricks are only necessary to overcome a disadvantage. If you can win by being thorough from the start, there’s no need to gamble."
"I suppose you're right. On the battlefield, what you want is a certain victory with minimal casualties. It’s just a pity; if that’s the case, we might not get to see the true brilliance of Show's grand strategy."
"That’s for the best. If Show has to rack his brains to come up with a plan, it means we’re already in a critical situation."
As my husband says, if a strategist has to resort to tricks that no one else could think of, it means they’ve been backed into a corner. The most important thing is to avoid such a situation in the first place. Prepare thoroughly and win as a matter of course. That is what matters.
...Wait, isn't that the strategy my husband always uses?
"I understand. So, the period until the operation begins is about three months. Shall we spend that time investigating the dungeon Taizo proposed?"
"Yeah. For the areas where we lack manpower, the Zurable Empire's Fourth Army will help with the investigation... or rather, we’ll be the ones helping them, technically."
"A matter of appearances, then. Fine. So, where are we investigating?"
"Information hasn't been gathered yet, so I can't say for sure, but I think we’ll be investigating this spot right in the middle of the marching route. Show's unit is scheduled to investigate the other nearby dungeons."
The place he pointed to was indeed right in the center of the Zurable Empire's path. This would be the place requiring the most vigilance. However, there is no guarantee that enemies won't emerge from the dungeons on all four sides.
"What about the possibility of being surrounded?"
"……Of course, the possibility isn't zero. But among them, the one most likely to function is this central dungeon. And if we can secure this place..."
"It means that even if something happens, our rear won't be completely cut off."
"Well, it depends on the numbers. But if they could commit that many forces, they wouldn't normally invite the enemy into their own country in the first place."
"That’s true. If they had that much power, it wouldn't be strange for them to have thrown it at the Third Army waiting at the border."
The Third Army is already deployed at the border. If they had control of the dungeons, they should have been able to easily unleash an army of monsters. The fact that they haven't done so...
"Hey. Don't you think the Hain Empire side might not actually be controlling the dungeons?"
Yes, the lack of movement is truly suspicious.
"I mostly agree with that. Still, there are types like me out there. We’ll still be conducting a thorough investigation."
"Right. Let’s make sure we do that."
If the opponent is planning to use the dungeon itself as a tool against a large army, just like my husband does, it would be a disaster. The moment the Zurable Empire steps in, it would be the end.
...But.
"If they were that kind of opponent, you’d think they would have made contact sooner."
"That’s why we’re going in ahead to investigate, right? And we’ll be the ones to secure the target dungeon. At the same time, we’ll be launching a 'dungeon attack'—or rather, deploying our own dungeon—to support the Zurable Empire and observe the enemy's movements."
"If we go that far, they’ll have no choice but to move, won't they?"
"If they still don't move after that, it would be truly incomprehensible. Well, for now, we don't need to worry about the immediate future."
That’s true. Once we turn it into a dungeon, the area will be under our management. Information gathering will be easy, and we can respond if the enemy makes even the slightest move. I have no idea what they are aiming for, but our safety will be secured.
Just as I was feeling satisfied with that conclusion, my husband quickly handed me a piece of paper.
"What is this? Did you forget to give me a document?"