第１３８７堀：上層部の判断 (Part1)
Chapter 1387: Decisions from the Top
Side: Yuki
We had successfully liberated Suacania, the eastern town of the Suurus territory. We were also fortunate enough to capture the enemy forces without a single death. However, the world doesn't end here. The fact that the Kingdom of Kinauf initiated this war remains unchanged, so we cannot afford to let our guard down until it is truly over. Furthermore, we must address the Irinau Kingdom’s army, which is currently closing in on the Spirit Spring in the south.
Now, where should we begin?
"Logically speaking, we should leave the liberated Suacania in the hands of Suurus. As for the prisoners, it would be best if we took them into our custody. It would be cruel to expect Suurus to feed them," Eupia remarked.
"I agree with Eupia. Expecting them to provide for the invaders who attacked them is emotionally difficult. Can we handle this through Litea?"
Alstaire, receiving the gazes of both Eupia and the King of Gartz, nodded. "Yes. I have already made preparations for that. So, Yuki-sama, please arrange the transport."
"Understood. Well, setting that aside, should our next move be toward the Irinau Kingdom army at the Spirit Spring?"
"That is the logical conclusion, but can we move immediately? What was the initial plan?" the King of Roschur asked.
There was nothing to hide, so I answered honestly. "The plan was to move to address the Irinau Kingdom army immediately after repelling the Kinauf Kingdom forces."
Lilishe had insisted that we could not afford to be leisurely, which was why that policy had been adopted. Since there were no human casualties, one would normally proceed with that plan, but...
"Surely moving everyone at once would invite chaos?"
"Indeed. Leaving behind those who don't know the situation is problematic. However, we must avoid a decrease in our combat strength, must we not?"
"If we consider that, the most reasonable approach is to leave two units from the current force and a few personnel who came from Suurus. Well, this force wouldn't be able to stop a large-scale invasion, but..."
"We cannot leave it undefended, can we? Well, we have been conducting reconnaissance in that area, and we have the Gates. We should be able to prepare for the worst-case scenario, shouldn't we?"
"We could, but we would be blamed for installing the Gates without permission. I’d rather avoid that."
"I understand what you are saying, Yuki-dono, but if it comes to that, we must act, or Suurus will not hold."
As the Queen of Emerald said, if the eastern town of Suacania were to be attacked again, we would have no choice but to transport troops via the Gates to defend it. If that happened, the fact that we had installed the Gates without authorization would be exposed, so we would have to cover our tracks with everything we had.
"Is it necessary to think so seriously about it? It has already been decided that we are moving as an Allied Force, and right now, it is just the Weed army acting as the vanguard. We can simply send the organized Allied Force to Suacania, can't we?" suggested King Blade of Roday.
Everyone nodded at his words.
"That's true. It’s not a place where reinforcements can arrive immediately. Even if the Gate is on the other side, marching from there should be sufficient. If the Suurus capital also sends a small force, it would save face."
"Would it? I’ve seen the scale of their country; they’ve likely sent almost their entire army. Even if they left a defense at the capital, it wouldn't reach a thousand. Well, monsters might appear, but that would mean a change in strategy. It would mean abandoning their desire to occupy the town. I don't think they are prepared for that."
King Zilba agreed, and King Roday added more. He was right. Up until now, they were using a human army because they wanted the town intact. If they were to use monsters, the town would likely be destroyed, so as King Roday said, the strategies are too different. Even if they had a two-pronged approach, our drones hovering over Suacania haven't detected any enemy forces within a hundred kilometers, so unless they suddenly build a dungeon, reinforcements should arrive in time.
"Alright, so we are in agreement that the original plan stands?"
Everyone nodded at my words. In the end, the reinforcements were part of the original strategy. The only issue this time was that things progressed faster than expected, forcing us to move before the reinforcements could arrive.
For now, the possibility of the Kinauf Kingdom launching another attack is low. And while it will take about three days for the reinforcements to arrive, we concluded that there shouldn't be any problems. All that remains is to head toward the Irinau Kingdom army moving on the Spirit Spring.
With the discussion concluded, I contacted Agil.
"Agil, can you hear me?"
"Yeah, signal is clear. I can hear you perfectly, Yuki."
"The discussion is over. As originally planned, transport the prisoners to Litea, leave a minimum force in Suurus, and then march to the Spirit Spring in the south where the Irinau Kingdom army is located."
"Understood. I take it the detailed situation regarding the eastern town is a lower priority?"
"Yeah, have the remaining units and the intelligence department gather information on that. First and foremost, as requested by the Kingdom of Suurus, prioritize repelling the invading army. That said, if there was any horrific looting or violence in the eastern town, that would be a different story."
If the townspeople were suffering, leaving without providing aid would look bad for the Alliance. It would become a matter of whether to increase the garrison or have the entire army assist them...
"No, well, there is dissatisfaction over stolen supplies, but it seems there was basically no harm done to the townspeople. I suppose they wanted to avoid backlash since they intended to make it their own. You know that the inspection results showed no dangerous materials, right?"
"Yeah. Then prioritize the movement."
"Understood. I'll issue the orders immediately."
As soon as I received the reply from Agil, a notification came through from Call that orders had been issued to the expeditionary force. Preparations for movement had begun. We have a system in place so that we can see how the battle situation is unfolding. While we prioritize decisions on the ground, we are able to grasp the situation in real-time and provide instructions. Thus, we can immediately identify any changes.
The deployed units began to move instantly. Well, they were just checking their combat equipment and vehicles to prepare for departure.
"Oh, they are agile. And this speed of information transmission... I truly want this. Don't you agree, King Zilba?"
"Indeed. No matter how many times I see this tool, the only word for it is 'amazing.' To be able to monitor the battlefield while sitting on the throne. Like Emperor Eupia, I want it as well."
I suppose those who were at war until recently have a different perspective. Well, they would say it's for national defense, but information is indeed more valuable than gold.
"I do believe that will happen within the Alliance eventually. We just have to consider the rules and the conditions for installation."
"Good grief, are you so inflexible about such things?"
"It cannot be helped. If the Alliance—especially the great powers that form its core—breaks the rules, it calls into question the very existence of the Alliance itself."