第１７３９堀：情報の差異とすりあわせ (Part1)
Chapter 1739: Discrepancies and Alignment
Side: Stasia
While Yuki-sama is explaining the situation to Tsunai-dono, a steady stream of new information arrives from Steve.
To be frank, the content is sickening.
There are indeed hostages, and while it may be a rational tactical choice, they have been left with so little vitality that escape is impossible. Furthermore, the enemy has been using them as examples, and casualties among the hostages have already begun.
The number of hostages alone has already surpassed one hundred, based on what we have confirmed.
Is the fact that the enemy force is only twenty thousand the only silver lining here?
As I am lost in such thoughts...
"Stasia, what’s wrong?"
Yuki-sama seems to have noticed my expression and asks.
Oh dear, was my face showing too much concern?
"I’ve received a report from Steve, who is scouting ahead. I’m sending the data to you now."
I transmit the data to Yuki-sama, and it is immediately projected onto the table’s monitor.
"Oh, um, what is this?"
Tsunai-dono is startled by the sudden change in the display.
Well, that is a natural reaction, but we don't have the time to explain every little detail, so Yuki-sama begins the briefing.
"Consider this a report from our forward unit. We have identified the locations of the hostages, the size of the enemy force, and their equipment. I would like you to confirm if there are any discrepancies with the information you possess."
"Ah, yes."
Tsunai-dono nods without challenging Yuki-sama’s words.
I feel a bit sorry for him, but for the sake of rescuing the hostages, we need him to answer our questions.
After a moment of verification...
"To have gathered this much information... looking at these images, there is no doubt."
It seems there are no discrepancies between the information Tsunai-dono holds and what we have obtained.
No, if anything, the intelligence Steve gathered is more accurate.
Well, he is Yuki-sama’s direct subordinate, after all.
Even so, the hostages aren't going to disappear on their own, so we must devise a strategy.
"Let me confirm once more: Tsunai-dono, or rather, the Ohe Kingdom side—you wish to rescue the hostages while repelling the enemy, correct?"
"Yes, that is correct. That would be the ideal outcome, but with hostages positioned in the rear as well, it is quite difficult."
"Our forward unit, currently on standby, will handle that. Could I ask for your cooperation in coordinating with the army in the northern town?"
"Pardon?"
"Exactly as I said. We will handle the hostages. While my unit—which I have brought with me—receives support fire, I want you to drive the enemy into a retreat. You can take all the credit for the success."
"No, such a thing is..."
"This isn't a matter of whether it can or cannot be done. If we don't push them back here, the other nations currently watching from the sidelines will likely side with the enemy. The hostages are nearing their limit; if we wait until the casualties mount, we will be looked down upon."
As Yuki-sama says, if we rescue them only after many have died, and then push the enemy back, it won't bring us much prestige.
On the contrary, the Ohe Kingdom would likely gain a reputation for incompetence.
However, if we rescue the hostages and push the enemy back ourselves, it creates a narrative where the enemy took hostages only to be easily defeated.
There would be no point in taking hostages in the future, and it would only serve to boost the morale of Ohe and Weed.
"..."
Tsunai-dono falls silent at those words.
Well, naturally, he wouldn't think it's possible.
But what we are saying is the truth.
There is no doubt that the situation will only worsen with time.
Even if Tsunai-dono were to make a decision here, there is no guarantee the northern town would agree.
In other words, this conversation might seem meaningless, but the important thing is to have him grasp the reality of the situation once more.
"I understand that it is difficult. You aren't aware of our true capabilities, after all. Therefore, as an alternative, we will scatter them ourselves, and you can simply report that the success was achieved through the cooperation of the Ohe Kingdom and Weed."
"What? No, are you intending to do this alone!"
"If cooperation cannot be sought, that is the only path left."
Yes, it is important to have him state that they will not move.
If they won't move, we will simply act on our own.
"But, if you fail..."
"Originally, we were not informed of the hostage situation. We can simply maintain the pretense that we didn't know from the start. Perhaps that is why the Ohe royalty didn't tell us—they might have intended for this."
"...In any case, the situation must be moved?"
"Likely. Well, I will be collecting on this debt later."
I see. Yuki-sama understands that the Ohe royalty hoped we would attack without knowing about the hostages, thereby forcing the situation to change.
By following up on the dissatisfaction caused by the potential hostage casualties, we can earn favor for Weed.
It is blatant, yet it is not a problem that can be solved easily by ordinary means.
I suppose part of the goal is to see how we react when we find out on the front lines.
But the opponent is Yuki-sama, our pride and our husband.
He will step over such difficulties without breaking a sweat.
And as he just said, he will surely demand something appropriate from the Ohe Kingdom for foisting such a difficult task upon us.
In other words, this is actually convenient for us.
"Now, to repeat what I said earlier: has Tsunai-dono been instructed—no, ordered—by your superiors to place any restrictions on our actions?"
"No. I was ordered to provide advice and act as a liaison with the front lines, but I was told to let you act freely as long as you do not do anything reckless."
"That is good. In that case, the responsibility will not fall on you, Tsunai-dono. Besides, if anything is said, we will provide support, so please rest assured."
"Haa... I appreciate that. However, can you really rescue the hostages from an army of twenty thousand with only two hundred people? And without any danger?"
"That is something you will have to see for yourself."
As he says, only those of Weed know the true value of the military strength Yuki-sama possesses.
He won't be convinced until he sees an explanation or a demonstration, and there is no helping that.
"Muu... I am not in a position to say anything. Therefore, as long as there is no danger, I will not interfere with your actions, Yuki-sama."
With that, we have officially secured his tacit approval.
Or rather, telling him in advance is merely an act of our own kindness.
"Then, to avoid any trouble with the army in the northern town, I shall outline our intended actions."
"Are you sure that is alright?"