第１０４８堀：決戦の真意 (Part1)
Chapter 1048: The True Intent of the Decisive Battle
Side: Show
“...And so, I would like the Zurabl army to engage within this range.”
The location Yuki-dono pointed to was a corner of a plain that was, frankly, unremarkable. Yet, this would be the site of our final decisive battle.
“I have no objections. We will have the support of Weed’s gates, so there is no reason to refuse. What say you, Vol?”
“I am also in agreement. Above all, this eliminates the fear of being caught in a pincer attack. It is fortunate that the enemy has accepted this plain as the field for our final confrontation.”
Both His Majesty and General Vol nodded readily at Yuki-dono’s proposal. Indeed, if gates are to be installed to provide combat support and monitor the surroundings, it is a tremendous advantage. I, too, have no complaints. With this, our victory over the Hain Empire has become unshakable. Yes, our win is already guaranteed.
And that is precisely why a doubt arises in my mind.
“Show. What is it? Are you still uneasy? If there is something on your mind, speak freely. This is a military council.”
“...No. Yuki-dono’s proposal is a great boon to us. It can even be used for a retreat if the situation turns dire. This could be called an ideal battlefield.”
Yes, it is *too* ideal. It is almost too convenient for us. That is why I cannot shake this sense of discomfort.
“Hmm. The problem is not the battlefield itself, then. What is it that bothers you?”
“Yes. To be honest, I cannot fathom the intentions of the Hain Empire and Emperor Hans in accepting this proposal. Our strength should be clear to them through the reports of General Wave and the war situation in various countries. Why, then, would they go out of their way to challenge us?”
As for the enemy’s strength, even if the Hain Empire army led by Emperor Hans is decent, the rest are nothing but a rabble. In contrast, we have battle-hardened veterans who have fought through this unreasonable world, a monster unit utilizing Magic Gear, and—though the Hain Empire may not know it—the support of Yuki-dono and the people of Weed. There is no element here that would lead to our defeat.
In other words, Emperor Hans is…
“Are you thinking that this is tantamount to suicide?”
“Yes, well… or rather, it feels as if we are being lured out by them. The Hain Empire surely knows that plain better than we do, and there is no sane ruler who would willingly march out to fight a losing battle.”
“I see.”
Indeed, who would step forward into a battle where defeat is already certain? If they agreed to this designated battlefield, one would have to assume the Hain Empire has a hidden trump card, but I simply cannot conceive of what that might be. What is most mysterious is that His Majesty, Emperor Eupia, shows no sign of worry whatsoever.
“Your Majesty? Is there some error in my reasoning or deductions?”
“Hmm? No, what you say is perfectly logical. You think there is a trap. However, Yuki-dono is the one who designated the location. That means the area is under the control of the Dungeon. Any surprise attacks from the enemy will not work.”
“That is certainly true. But an Emperor who would bring damage to his own country and commit suicide… and this is a country that once unified this continent! Do you truly believe they will accept defeat just because they lost a single ‘decisive battle’? I am sure Your Majesty is well aware that many cling to past glories and refuse to yield.”
Yes. By speaking it aloud, I become even more convinced. Losing one’s position is a terrifying thing. People want to believe—and insist—that their status is unshakable. Especially for those who have boasted of prosperity for a long time, that was the norm. They cannot simply let go of it. That is why the Nodal Kingdom resisted until the end and did not easily bow to our country.
His Majesty cannot possibly be unaware of such a simple truth. Yet, before me stands His Majesty, looking not the least bit confused—in fact, he looks strangely serene.
“That is true. Those who cling solely to past glory are often like that. But, Show, have there not been those who held true ‘pride’ even in such times? Is that not so?”
“Pride, you say… Certainly, there have been such individuals. Like General Vol and General Mirabel…”
These two generals, who now form the core of our army, were once our enemies. They knew full well that their countries were rotting, yet they declared that a warrior must serve their nation and maintain their loyalty, standing proudly before us. They claimed that was their way of life. That the country would not perish. That if they did not believe in it themselves, who would?
“Exactly. Even in a corrupt nation, there are those who hold onto their pride and fight to the end. It is the same everywhere.”
“In other words, Your Majesty believes Emperor Hans is one of those who possesses such pride?”
“Indeed. After speaking with him, I understood. He is, quite literally, an Emperor. He is aware of the many burdens he carries and bears the name of ‘Emperor.’ Even when I spoke, he did not utter a single word of denial from beginning to end; he simply accepted the declaration of war with dignity.”
It is true. Even when facing His Majesty, with his youthful appearance, Emperor Hans did not show surprise or contempt; he simply proceeded with the talks calmly. I, too, felt that there was no falsehood in his demeanor. Yes, I also thought that he was, in his own way, an ‘Emperor.’
But…
“Even if the Emperor himself is convinced, those around him will not be. That is how it goes.”
Even if he is the Emperor, the country itself does not vanish just because one man is convinced. Ah, I understand now.
“I see. Even if Emperor Hans intends to lose, he plans to whittle us down as much as possible at the decisive battle, and then strike us with a hidden main force while we are distracted by our victory.”
That makes sense. We are invading the enemy’s home territory, so our supply lines are not easily maintained. If they ambush us with hidden troops while we are exhausted from a major battle, they could annihilate us. Perhaps they intend to broadcast the ‘heavy damage’ inflicted upon the Zurabl Empire to other nations, causing those currently allied with us to waver?
“Hmm, hmm. That is indeed logical. I do not deny that possibility. However, have you forgotten the support of Yuki-dono? In reality, we are free to resupply and retreat as we please. Well, we must do so discreetly, of course.”
“It is true that if we fight within the range Yuki-dono specified, we will not lose. But there is no victory without moving forward. True victory comes only when we finally take the Imperial Capital of the Hain Empire. Even if we win the battle on that plain, it is meaningless if we are stalled at the capital. We know well how sturdy the Hain Imperial Capital is, and not only that, there is a large-scale fortress nearby. There is no reason for the Hain Empire to leave the capital to fight a ‘decisive battle’ when they have such defensive advantages.”
That is exactly it. Since they have such a perfect place for defense as their base, leaving it is inherently meaningless. I concluded that they accepted the ‘decisive battle’ on the plain solely to lure us into carelessness. But for some reason, His Majesty and Yuki-dono are wearing subtle expressions.
“Um, is something the matter?”
“No, what you say, Show, is perfectly logical. That possibility is not zero. However, Yuki-dono and I believe that possibility is low. Or rather, almost non-existent. Isn’t that right?”
“Indeed.”
“Why? If the Hain Empire loses, they lose everything. People who cannot accept that should be fighting us with their lives on the line. It is impossible that they would surrender everything just because they lost a single battle.”
No matter how I think about it, I cannot be wrong. It is impossible for them to accept or acknowledge such a foolish thing—losing everything over a single failure.