第１５３８堀：本命が動くときは大体決着ついているかも？ (Part1)
Chapter 1538: When the Main Force Moves, It's Usually Already Decided?
When the Main Force Moves, It's Usually Already Decided?
Side: Yuki
"As Deryu said, next is about this operation," I explained the details of the current operation to Ryushii, who was accompanying me as a bodyguard.
Information about overall strategies like this is usually known only to the higher-ups. It's not common for even regular members of the Royal Guard to know the full scope of an operation, as it's unnecessary. In fact, knowing too much can sometimes lead to negative consequences. It's important to filter information as needed, considering such factors…
However, in Ryushii's case, I decided to tell her because not knowing would be a problem. She had transferred to my side from Rurua's subordinates to track the Dark Guild, and she wouldn't have a good grasp of our movements.
Still, Ryushii was determined to crush the Dark Guild, so she wasn't too concerned mentally. In fact, she was quite motivated. However, I decided to explain our plan because if I didn't, Ryushii might try to charge in headfirst.
…If you ask about Hairen, he's on his own. He'll manage somehow. But Ryushii is different. Even with training, she's my confidante and someone I rescued. I can't stand by and let her get hurt unnecessarily, nor do I intend to. Hairen can get hurt for all I care.
"Hey, are you thinking something strange?" Hairen, sensing my thoughts, suddenly approached me.
"Not at all. It's about protecting Ryushii. Unlike you, I'm not skilled in healing magic, and our combat experience is completely different."
"Ah, that's true. Ryushii tends to be reckless, so she should be prioritized."
"Um… I'm Yuki-sama's bodyguard, though?" Ryushii gave a wry smile at being spoken of as someone who needed protection, despite being a bodyguard. I understood how she felt…
"Ryushii, it just means you're still lacking in training. Judging by your past enthusiasm, you were probably thinking of crushing the Dark Guild single-handedly, weren't you?"
"Ugh." Ryushii groaned without hiding it at Deryu's jab.
Yes, she didn't seem like that type at first, but it's precisely because of this recklessness that she was able to build a power base in the village, and it's also why she was disliked by the village chief and others. Indeed, if left unchecked, she could become a ticking time bomb.
"Well, Ryushii, you'll be on my side, using our subordinates. Solo attacks are a last resort. You'll learn that starting now."
"Understood."
"Mhm. Important people have their own ways of fighting. If you sacrifice yourself in a solo attack, you'll just get yelled at later."
"When you say that, it has a lot of depth."
"Depth?"
"I mean, you have experience."
"Ah, yes. I get thoroughly scolded by Souta and Enor."
In that sense, she might be the ultimate evolution of Ryushii. …No, I absolutely don't want that.
"Well, Ryushii, if I charged at the enemy for everyone's sake, would you get angry?"
"Of course."
"Right. Ryushii, you're in the same position. Of course, as a bodyguard, you need to protect me by putting yourself on the line, but that's truly a last, last resort. You understand now, don't you?"
"Yes. I understand very well."
"Why are you looking at me like that?"
Because you're a prime example, or rather, a bad example.
"Well, then, let me explain the current operation. First, I'll explain the departments and units that will be moving."
I projected an aerial monitor onto the table and began my explanation.
"Regarding the departments and units that will be active when we go to Hinsua…"
I listed our main force, the reconnaissance unit Kirika, Steve's unit, collaborators from the Ritea Church, and so on.
"While I've listed many, the ones primarily in action for this operation are Kirika's and Steve's advance units. The others are just supplementary."
"Supplementary?"
"Yes. This time, our main force will play the role of a decoy. We leaked information about the secret treasure using the canary to the Dark Guild and Dungeon Masters. I believe they would have done the same even if it wasn't us. If they defeat, or rather kill, their opponents, they can recover DP. With us, the alliance that resolved the great flood in Surus and stopped the advance of Kinauf and Irina, being a target the Dark Guild wants to eliminate, you understand, right?"
"Yes. I've heard that the Dark Guild cannot expand its influence if things continue like this."
"Right. The Dark Guild's actions were to gain power. We also confirmed who was behind it. But it wasn't successful. In other words, they failed to do their job. This means the Dark Guild will lose credibility in the future. Therefore, when they see us, the alliance, falling for the canary's secret treasure story and coming with a small force, they will surely try to strike."
"…I understand what you're saying, but don't you think they'll consider it a trap? Didn't Yuki-sama and the others repel them once before?"
Yes, yes, Ryushii is thinking carefully.
"That's true. It's not impossible. But the conditions are favorable for them. They probably believe they absolutely cannot lose."
"Why do you think so?"
"Ryushii, you know there's a Dungeon Master on the enemy side, right?"
"Yes. I do."
"Then, do you understand what it means to enter an enemy's dungeon? For example, would you want to enter a dungeon created by me?"
As I asked this, Ryushii finally seemed to grasp what I was getting at.
"…No, I wouldn't enter an enemy's dungeon designed to repel me. There would be no chance of winning. I see, so that's why they think they can't lose?"
"Probably. While a direct confrontation might not be wise due to the difference in scale, they might think they can do it if a small group like us enters. Or rather, it's important for us to make them think that. They'll probably investigate whether they can properly eliminate us there."
"So, you're luring out the Dark Guild?"
"Yes. Although, from a situational perspective, it's entering enemy territory, it's also a lure, as Ryushii put it. This is the overall policy of the operation."
It's strange to talk about luring them out when entering their territory. Well, it's a common tactic. To put it simply, it's like an undercover operation.
"The overall policy?"