第１０４１堀：進攻開始 (Part2)
If that were the only concern, it would be manageable, but there is also the possibility that they might attempt to cut off our rear once our main force has departed.
If that happens, we face the risk of total annihilation.
"Indeed. You may trust in this. It appears the town's regular soldiers have departed for another location, leaving behind only a skeleton crew of one hundred."
"Another location? Besides, in a town of that size, one hundred regulars is..."
It’s quite unconventional—or rather, an impossible number.
According to our preliminary research, the town’s population is around thirty to forty thousand, with people gathering primarily due to the dungeon.
With only one hundred regular soldiers, one has to wonder who is maintaining public order and how.
"Ah, it seems the shortfall is being covered by the vigilante corps and the Adventurer Guild’s security force. Furthermore, it appears the majority of the regular soldiers have headed toward the position held by General Mirabelle of the Third Army. Toward the border of the Nodal Kingdom, that is."
"I see, so they were lured away in that direction."
"Indeed. It seems the Hein Empire issued the order. They were deployed, leaving the town undefended."
"The fact that the Hein Empire was pulling the strings from behind the scenes is significant."
"Indeed. Truly significant. They have finally realized the gravity of the situation and seem to have abandoned the idea of repelling us as a single nation. That said, it is quite foolish of them to be lured by a mere decoy. Thanks to that, we were able to secure the Forma Kingdom’s stronghold with ease."
"We haven't fully secured it just yet, though."
Still, as Yuyu says, the fact that the Hein Empire has made a move is a major development.
"Indeed. Vigilance is required. Now, Yuki-dono, what of General Wave? A considerable amount of time has passed since he returned to his home country, has it not?"
"Ah, about that—we haven't heard a word from him since."
That’s right; there has been no contact from General Wave since that day.
Is he wary of information leaking back to us?
Well, since we can track his movements around the royal capital via his transmitter, it’s almost meaningless.
Fortunately, it doesn't feel like he’s been imprisoned. While he isn't exactly our ally, it’s never a pleasant feeling to know someone you’ve had a proper conversation with has been captured.
In places with strong authoritarian rule, that sort of thing tends to happen.
For now, once we finish taking the Forma Kingdom, I’ll either try to make contact or send Kirika to investigate.
The fact that there’s been no contact suggests that he likely cannot reach out to us from his end.
Or, perhaps, he simply has his hands full.
"That, too, warrants caution. Ah, a follow-up report has arrived from Vol. They have decided to station two thousand soldiers in that town to maintain order, while we secure the rear. They are prepared to withdraw immediately should anything happen. Well, even if they tried to blockade our rear, the town’s current strength wouldn't be enough to do so. Besides, if the monsters you fear, Yuki-dono, were to swarm in large numbers, we would receive advance notice and could turn back to break through them easily."
"That’s true. If we’re going to do it, now is the greatest opportunity."
"Indeed. You understand well. In truth, the enemy attacking our rear is not their best move. A surprise attack while we are in the midst of mutual negotiation is the superior tactic. After all, the orders they have been given are to neither harm nor provoke the opponent. They cannot fight recklessly until they receive new orders. Therefore, they have no choice but to flee."
Exactly. The moment they are forced to make a judgment that requires ignoring their orders is the very moment a military reveals its weakness.
An army functions only by adhering to its orders. That is precisely why they cannot bring themselves to attack those they are currently negotiating with.
And because they won't do that—though we cannot know exactly what the enemy is thinking—the possibility of the Zurable army being routed has significantly decreased.
Of course, since the surrounding dungeons are already under our control, that won't actually happen anyway.
"Milly, what about the local lords?"
"Yes. We have received reports from our surveillance. They have reached a consensus that as long as their current status is maintained, there will be no issues. Most of the people remaining in town seem to have heard rumors about Zurable and are afraid, but the leadership seems unbothered. Well, that makes sense, doesn't it? Spies from Zurable had been coming and going, negotiating with the town’s upper echelons beforehand."
"True enough."
Exactly. Despite all the talk, this situation was a fixed game.
"Indeed. We had already discussed that if our army were to approach this town, they would quietly submit to our control. Shou must be quite pleased that our objective in those snowy mountains has been achieved."
The skill to build diplomatic channels so that negotiations can be handled properly.
As expected of the Great Emperor.
"Achoo!"
"Oh? A cold?"
"Ah, perhaps. It’s terribly cold here. More importantly, I wonder if the Emperor and the others were able to take the town safely."
"I haven't received any such word from Milly yet... well, let’s just wait patiently and stay warm."
"Besides, the groundwork was laid out thoroughly, wasn't it? There’s no need to worry. If anything, our concern is..."
"Let’s have a snowball fight!"
"Let’s do it!"
" " "Anything but that." " "
The Zurable army finally begins to move. How will the Forma Kingdom respond? And what of the Hein Empire?
Will the town remain quiet as it is?
The situation is unfolding right now!