第１３８８堀：さあもう一つの解決へ (Part1)
Chapter 1388: Toward Another Resolution
Side: Enola
We had just finished crushing the Kinauf Kingdom army that had illegally occupied Suacania, a town in the eastern part of the Suls territory. We hadn’t even had a moment to relax after the captures before we were already on the move again.
That said, it wasn’t as if we were truly exhausted; it was just the lingering fatigue of travel.
Though we called it a war, the magic bombardment from the Royal Guards had settled things almost immediately, leaving the enemy with no real chance to counterattack. I had expected to be punching arrows out of the air as I charged forward, but the whole affair had been a bit of a letdown.
Well, I suppose if I thought about it, it made sense, but I couldn't help but feel I’d been a bit too hyped up for nothing.
Setting that aside, however...
"The Dark Guild, huh?"
"Yeah, the Dark Guild. I think you heard about it from the start, but we need to be careful as we engage and investigate from here on out."
Agil relayed the policy decided by Yuki and the others.
Fundamentally, our mission remained the same: supporting the Suls Kingdom. We were simply there to kick out the remnants of the invading Irinau Kingdom. However, we had also received orders to investigate the Dark Guild, which might be pulling the strings from the shadows.
"So, if we don't move quickly, they'll destroy the evidence, right?"
"Exactly as Kagura says. The international investigation team is moving, too, but the scale is just too large. It’s questionable whether they can conduct a thorough investigation in a country outside the alliance, especially during wartime. Besides, that team is only composed of members from the major powers. We can’t have the Dark Guild catching wind of them and fleeing, so since we’re already heading in for negotiations, it’s less suspicious for us to handle the covert investigation into the two countries."
"So, since we're going for negotiations, it won't look unnatural. I'll do my best, Micos-chan!"
"Right. Yuki said he’s counting on you, Micos, since you seem to have a sharp nose for this sort of thing. But, he warned that since you’ll be sticking your necks into something messy, you must always move in pairs. That goes for everyone, not just Micos."
She’s right, of course.
No matter how strong we are, there are countless ways to restrain our actions. Taking hostages, for instance. We don’t intend to be caught that easily, but the possibility isn’t zero, and we need to remain vigilant.
"However, what is the status of the information regarding the Irinau Kingdom before we deal with the Dark Guild? That is our next objective, isn't it?"
Ah, Jessica is right.
Before the Dark Guild, we have to resolve the crisis looming over Suls. Unless we eliminate that threat, there’s no point in investigating the two countries.
"For now, based on the drones and familiars, it looks like they’ve secured the area around the river."
"The river? Aren't they at the Spirit Spring?"
"Ah, that was just a simplified explanation. To be specific, they’ve set up camp along the river about two kilometers away from the Spirit Spring. Remember, they said their goal was to secure the water source?"
Now that she mentioned it, I did recall something like that.
But...
"Why haven't they taken any action? They want the water, right? Shouldn't they start construction immediately?"
I voiced my honest question.
The Kinauf Kingdom had rushed to secure the eastern town because they wanted the grain. They intended to establish effective control and then seize the harvest. If the Irinau Kingdom wanted water, it would make sense for them to start construction, too...
"They probably intend for that to be their base of operations. It’s their equivalent of the eastern town for the Kinauf Kingdom."
"?"
Micos and I tilted our heads, but the others seemed to understand.
"Taking back water is simple. You just have to dam it up. That’s why they’ve stationed troops at the junction to build a stronghold," Samantha explained.
"Ah."
Samantha’s answer made it click.
True, drawing water is a matter of construction, but if you don't leave a defense, it’s easily taken back. In fact, just blocking the waterway would be too simple. The Kinauf Kingdom had said they wanted cheap grain, but they knew that just coming to steal it would only lead to the enemy fortifying their defenses, so they chose to seize the town instead.
In that sense, I suppose it’s the same.
"As Samantha said. But unlike the eastern town, there’s no pre-existing base there. They’ve placed troops there to secure the junction first. If they hold the Spirit Spring, they’d have to defend the junction as well, which would spread their forces too thin. That’s why they’ve camped in the place that needs defending from the start."
"So, we just have to kick those guys out, then."
I said that, lightly punching my palm to make a sound.
"No, no, negotiations first. We’re in a state of war with the Kinauf Kingdom, but that doesn't mean the Irinau Kingdom will necessarily reject our negotiations. As an alliance, it would be bad form to handle it poorly, so Enola, stay calm."
"Ugh. I know, I know."
I replied, but Kagura and Micos were looking at me with suspicious eyes, and the others were smiling wryly.
"However, while I won't go so far as to say we should just 'kick them out' like Enola suggests, the Kinauf Kingdom already showed us their stance. I believe we should be fully prepared for anything."
"Agreed. We saw how the two countries joined hands to act that way. Do you really think they’ll just back down obediently?"
Jessica and Stasia were right.
That’s true. The Kinauf Kingdom was incredibly belligerent, and I can’t imagine the Irinau Kingdom, who is working with them, will listen to reason. Which meant, in the end, a physical resolution was likely the only way.
"That is a possibility. But we must not abandon the path of dialogue. We are an alliance that judges fairly for the sake of peace on this continent. We must not recklessly intervene and resort to violence. That is the beginning of a new war. You understand that, right?"
"..."
I understand what he’s saying.
We aren't to be the ones to start the conflict. It’s crucial that we maintain a stance that prioritizes dialogue above all else.
"However, that doesn't mean it’s okay for us to get hurt. Yuki would be sad. That’s off the table. With that in mind, if they lay a hand on us, respond with everything you’ve got."
"Understood."
Our voices were perfectly in sync.
Naturally. We are Yuki’s wives. There is no way we are going to let any random riff-raff lay a finger on us.
"Good. Then, I’ll explain the details regarding the forces deployed along the river."
After explaining the fundamental premise, Agil began to detail the specifics.