第１０２３堀：次へ (Part2)
Well, there’s a possibility they might hide it, but if they do tell us, that would be helpful in its own right.
"We don't have anything particular either. We only just decided on the invasion route at the meeting the other day, after all. I doubt the Hein Empire even realizes which route was chosen yet. Besides, General Mirabelle is acting as a decoy at the old Nodal Kingdom border fort specifically for that purpose."
"So, the diversion is successfully holding their attention, then."
"Yes, it’s safe to assume so. Though, we mustn't let our guard down."
It seems they understand that much, so there’s little risk of them being caught off guard.
"What about envoys from the Hein Empire?"
"None at all so far. How about from your end, Yuki, regarding General Wave?"
"Nothing from him either. Though, he’s only just reaching the imperial capital of the Hein Empire now."
"It seems it might be better for them to discuss things through Weed rather than directly with us."
"No, who knows? An envoy might show up the moment they realize the Zurable Empire is on the march."
"I certainly hope so... but considering what happened with the Nodal Kingdom, it seems unlikely. Well, that is precisely why we chose to invade a smaller nation rather than the Hein Empire itself."
True. While the low number of dungeons was certainly one reason for choosing this invasion route, the fact that it wasn't Hein Empire territory was equally significant.
Given that they didn't even send reinforcements to the Nodal Kingdom, it’s highly probable that the Hein Empire won't intervene. In other words, the target of this invasion will have to face the Zurable Empire’s overwhelming military might entirely on their own.
And if the Hein Empire abandons this country as well, it’s highly likely that the nation will surrender quickly. If that happens, no unnecessary blood will be shed, and the Hein Empire’s credibility will drop even further—that was the consensus at the meeting.
I agree with that assessment. If the surrounding nations see the Hein Empire abandoning this country without sending reinforcements, they will likely follow suit. If we can guarantee their territorial integrity and have them strengthen their dungeon surveillance, we can neutralize the Dungeon Master's rear-interdiction tactics.
Well, that’s assuming they don't betray us. We’ll do our best to seize control of the dungeons ourselves and ensure safety measures are in place. That’s exactly why I agreed to this operation—it allows me to investigate the dungeons openly.
Ah, I was in the middle of talking to Schans.
"What about persuading the surrounding countries?"
"We’ve finally started moving on that front as well. But even now that the Nodal Kingdom has fallen, no envoys have come from their side, so the prospects are dim. Especially with the rumors the Hein Empire is spreading to tarnish Zurable’s reputation."
"So that’s also a factor."
"Yes. That is why we plan to first take the small nation of Forma, which borders the Hein Empire and possesses a dungeon, and use that as a bridge to the other nations."
If they won't listen to reason, we’ll just have to take the countries that *will* listen.
"Until now, the countries were in regions without dungeons, so perhaps they lacked a sense of shared fate. But once a nation that actually possesses a dungeon falls, they won't be able to treat it as someone else's problem anymore."
"I hope you're right... In any case, the first step is the dungeon investigation."
"Yes. Safety first. If we can, I’d like to seize the core and render it dysfunctional, but that depends on how tomorrow goes."
"Indeed. We’ve talked at length about the future, but those plans will change depending on tomorrow’s investigation. Let’s focus on preparing thoroughly to ensure tomorrow’s success."
"Agreed. I shall take my leave now. Let’s hope for good results."
"I hope so too."
With that, I ended the conversation with Schans.
"Kirika, you heard everything, right?"
"Yes. I will begin the infiltration at 0900 hours, blending in with the other adventurers. I will gather as much information as possible before then."
"Good. But make sure you get some rest. It would be a joke if you were too exhausted to move on the day of the infiltration."
"I am well aware of that. Please do not worry."
"Right. And... no matter what happens, make sure you come back. Not just to bring back the information, but above all, for the sake of Aslin and the others."
"Understood. I will return."
With those words, the communication cut off.
Even now, I never get used to sending my own people into enemy territory. No, even with strangers, it’s never easy to throw someone into a place where their life is at risk.
"That is exactly why we must achieve results."
The next target is a dungeon essential to conquer in order to protect Zurable. Will Kirika and her team succeed?