第１０４８堀：決戦の真意 (Part2)
"Calm yourself, Great Strategist Shou. Do you truly not understand? Are we merely slaughterers who kill every last one of those we hate? Are we berserkers pouring our deep-seated hatred into every sword and arrow?"
"That is not the case. We fight for the future of all the people living on this land. To ensure that hatred... does not grow any further. So that no one goes hungry and everyone can live in warmth..."
"Exactly. And that Emperor understands that as well. He knows full well that a quagmire of war would only place a heavy burden upon the people."
"He even said himself that 'there are times when one must lose.' Honestly, that surprised me."
The Emperor himself said such a thing?
"...Is that so? Indeed, I seem to have been overly agitated and confused."
Emperor Hans said that? In other words, he acknowledges his own shortcomings and those of his nation? And assuming he fully understands the disparity in our military strength, his reason for daring to challenge us to this decisive battle is...
"I see. So the goal is to sweep away the obstacles in one fell swoop with this battle?"
"You caught on quickly. As expected of you, Shou. The one I, as Emperor, desired."
"If I may, I have done nothing worthy of praise. I was merely told the answer by Your Majesty. If anything, it is shameful for a strategist to have missed it."
"There is nothing to be ashamed of. I am the Emperor, and Yuki-dono is as well. But you are, first and foremost, a strategist. It is precisely because your position is close to ours that you can see things others cannot. You have never been an Emperor yourself, have you?"
"Indeed. That is true."
"No matter. Now, shall I hear the details, Great Strategist? Why did that Emperor accept this decisive battle? Is it a trap? Or is there something else?"
He dares to ask me that question? Well, given the state I was in just moments ago, it is only natural he would want to confirm my resolve.
"Then, to put it briefly: there is no doubt that accepting this decisive battle is a 'trap.' But it also carries many other meanings."
"Oh? A trap, and yet it holds many other meanings?"
"Yes. Regarding the trap, it is effective both against us and against the 'poisonous insects' within the Hain Empire. In this decisive battle, the complacent upper echelons of the Hain Empire will seize the opportunity to move toward our annihilation. After all, they are people who cannot even conceive of the possibility of losing. On the other hand, those who suspect they might lose cannot refuse to go to the front lines because it is the Emperor's order. Above all, they would lose the Imperial Capital if they did nothing. They have no choice but to come out to defend it."
"Is there not a strategy of holing up in the Imperial Capital? You mentioned that yourself, did you not?"
"If they simply hole up, the Hain Empire would be waiting for reinforcements or waiting for our supplies to run dry. However, it is doubtful whether other nations would continue to obey them quietly if they see the Hain Empire cowering in the capital. Furthermore, it is conceivable that other countries might invade to seize key trading hubs during that time."
That is correct. Considering the situation of the entire continent, hiding in the Imperial Capital would only shorten the life of the Hain Empire. Therefore, it is better to strike out in a decisive battle, crush us—the Zuraburu—and show the other nations that the Hain Empire is still standing. Moreover, with the Emperor's order, anyone who still refuses to come out would be branded a traitor. Thus, the Hain Empire has no choice but to commit its full strength to this battle.
"In this decisive battle, we will strike down the true enemies who have allowed this continent to rot under the Hain Empire's rule. This is why it is effective for us. Even the citizens of an enemy nation will rejoice at the defeat of those who indulged in vice. We have done this many times before, after all."
"That is true. And by accomplishing this, we will be recognized by the people of the Hain Empire, and the soldiers, having fought fair and square, will likely acknowledge their defeat. Well, it won't be that simple, but the rest depends on our own skill."
"Yes. If we cannot manage that, then we have no right to rule this continent. That Emperor is surprisingly cunning."
"Well, I suppose if one cannot pull off a feat like that, they have no business being entrusted with the management of this continent."
"Indeed. Now, Your Majesty, how do you intend to proceed with this battle?"
I ask His Majesty for the policy of this battle. Yes, the enemy is pouring everything they have into this single clash. And in response, His Majesty...
"Naturally, we shall fight head-on, fair and square, and emerge victorious. Well, I will make use of the Magic Gear forces. Tell General Vol. We shall use the dungeon transport to bring the Mirabel elite, and I shall join the fray as well."
As I thought.
"In this battle, I cannot afford not to be there. Only by stepping forward myself will the others follow. And that Emperor desires it as well."
Under normal circumstances, it would be unthinkable for an Emperor to head into battle himself, but this is the 'decisive battle' that will settle the score. The turning point of this continent. His Majesty standing there himself and seizing victory carries great significance. Therefore, I...
"Then, I shall protect your person with my life."
"Mm."
Now, with morale and supplies replenished before the final battle. Emperor Hans, we will not lose. Well, as long as Yuki-sama is here, there is no chance of us losing anyway. This decisive battle holds many meanings. It will not be mere efficient slaughter, but a battle imbued with understanding and resolve. And I believe that, in the end, it will save many lives. It may seem strange that lives can be saved through fighting, but such times do exist. And above all, it is a matter of mutual pride. Yuki and Tanaka dislike these sorts of things. They are the type to settle matters before it comes to this. But this time, the situation was not one that could be stopped.