第１５６５堀：理想の対策と現実の対策 (Part2)
It is frustrating, to be sure, but since unexpected opinions often surface, I believe this process is vital. If this were merely a matter of people tripping each other up, it would be a problem, but as Weed currently revolves around the Master, it is of no consequence.
"I am in favor. There is no doubt that an enemy exists, and it is far better for supplies to burn than for people to suffer harm."
"I agree with Rurua. Well, if we had no prospects for resupply, it would be a matter of life and death, but fortunately, we can replenish our stores with ease. It is hardly a question of which path to choose."
With Rurua and Deryu offering their immediate support, the decision was all but finalized, given that the top representative of the Lithea faction and Weed’s supreme military might were in agreement.
However...
"Hmm..."
For some reason, Lilishe remained silent, seemingly troubled by something. There is no doubt that the success and smoothness of this visit are owed entirely to her. Her silence was unsettling.
"Lilishe, is there something bothering you?"
The Master, having noticed my own unease, asked the question immediately.
"...I don't think you're wrong, either. But... I feel like something is missing. It’s true that burning the supplies would trouble us while sparing the residents from direct harm, but... what do you think, Senal?"
Surprisingly, it seemed Lilishe hadn't quite grasped the discrepancy either, as she turned to Senal. She is a Goddess who once stood against the likes of Zuraburu and Hein; perhaps her mind is better suited for such tactical nuances.
"...True. It is certainly effective. But I wonder if it might be *too* efficient."
"Efficient?"
"Yes. The perspectives of Kirika and Steve are not wrong. It is only natural to consider how to inflict effective damage upon us, but I wonder if the rank-and-file on the ground are capable of such foresight?"
"The rank-and-file..."
Her words gave me pause. The people on the ground, thinking ahead...
"Ah, I see."
Before I could formulate an answer, the Master clapped his hands together.
"In other words, Kirika and Steve thought this way because they are considering the effective damage to Weed, the alliance, and Hinsua—but that requires looking far ahead at the enemy's intent. We have the luxury of a command structure and instant communication, but... can we really expect that kind of coordination in the old Vinosia?"
The Master’s realization hit me like a bolt of lightning. Indeed, we had been so focused on the potential damage to the state that we had failed to account for the actual capabilities of the enemy forces on the ground.
"Um, no, I think communication methods are relevant, but the goal of the people here is to lure Yuki and the others into the dungeon where the treasure is hidden, and to detain those who came to assist the church, right? If they start burning supplies or causing a major incident, wouldn't they normally consider retreating? That’s the fundamental issue."
" "Ah." "
At Senal’s remark, everyone—myself included—let out a dull, collective sound of realization.
"That’s right. Well, there’s always a chance some reckless fool might act on their own, so we’ll stay vigilant. Capturing such idiots is worth the effort, so the operation is approved, right?"
"Yes, I think that’s fine. We know they aren't being controlled as a unified force, and since they might act independently, we need to be prepared. As for other ways they might try to stall us..."
My response had been grand, but there was no guarantee a lone idiot wouldn't try something. Permission was granted, but that left the question of other stalling tactics.
"In that case, it’s easy to imagine. Increasing the number of injured somewhere, spiking the food with mild poison to cause illness, or perhaps the water supply?"
"Ugh, that would certainly be an efficient way to stall. It wouldn't go as far as murder, so the upper echelons of the Dark Guild wouldn't necessarily be held accountable for a grudge, and it could be dismissed as a consequence of poor sanitation. It’s a very fine line."
It is a truly precarious line. And one that is incredibly difficult to prevent. We can manage to secure the food provided to us, but dealing with injuries or the water supply is nearly impossible.
"We’ll have to think on that. Both water and fire are relevant to the fields, so we should seek the opinion of the experts there."
With that, Kaya, who had been silent until now, spoke up, and the strategy meeting continued. It is a matter of balancing the grand perspective with the minute. Neither is correct, and neither is wrong. Therefore, we must prepare for both. Ideals and reality—both are necessary, yet one cannot function by obsessing over or prioritizing only one.