第１７３９堀：情報の差異とすりあわせ (Part2)
"Yes. By the time we initiate our move, the hostages will already be approaching the northern town alongside our vanguard. I would like you to provide support and facilitate their entry."
"I have no issue with receiving them, but if enemy soldiers are surging in behind them, that would be impossible, wouldn't it?"
Indeed, if the enemy army is tailing the hostages, we cannot simply throw the gates open. However, knowing Yuki-sama, he has already accounted for this.
"Ah, I suspect the enemy is in such a state of disarray that they won't have the luxury of attacking or pursuing us. At most, they might manage some sporadic arrow fire. Our vanguard will handle that, so you need only open the gates to welcome them."
That sounds about right. He’ll surely pull it off.
"...If it is truly safe, then it is fine. But are you certain?"
Even after hearing that, Tsunai-dono remains skeptical. I understand his concern, but there is no choice but to see it for himself.
"As I said before, you will have to see it to believe it. But consider this: we save the hostages and eliminate the enemy. It’s nothing but a win for you."
"I suppose..."
Hmm, Yuki-sama’s casual way of persuading others can be somewhat unsettling, but there is no denying that his "casual" approach is consistently effective.
"Now, that is our request. We aren't asking you to deploy your troops in front of the gate, after all."
"Pardon? Then, how exactly do you intend to repel the enemy?"
"We have a means to strike while remaining within the walls. We’ll use that to attack the enemy’s main force."
"I see... are you planning to climb the ramparts and use long-range magic?"
He looks as if he’s wondering what on earth I’m talking about. I had the same reaction before I was familiar with Weed's technology. Back then, I couldn't imagine any other way for an attack to reach them. One would never expect there to be a way to fire indirectly without ever setting foot on the battlements.
"Well, just think of it as that kind of thing. Oh, it seems we are arriving at the northern town. To prevent any confusion on their end, could you send a messenger ahead from your unit, Tsunai-dono?"
Ah, we’ve already reached that point? Since there is no vibration, it’s difficult to tell whether we are moving in a vehicle or standing still.
"Already? That soon?"
"Look, you can see the town's defensive walls over there, can't you?"
"Indeed. My apologies. I shall send a messenger."
With that, Tsunai-dono exits the bus. Once he is gone, we turn our gaze toward Yuki-sama.
"Um, Yuki-sama. Is this really okay? I mean, we only have two hundred people here, plus Steve-san's unit, right?"
Ryushi voices her doubt honestly. I don't believe there will be any issue regarding our combat prowess, but from Ryushi and the others' perspective, it is a classic case of being outnumbered. No matter how skilled one is, the sheer weight of numbers is a threat. Ryushi and Orelia haven't experienced open warfare, so they are naturally anxious. Well, I suppose they had some experience at Holly and Suurus? Though, one could argue they were just staring at monitors in the back.
"If it’s impossible, then that in itself is valuable information. It serves to gauge the enemy's strength, and the hostages won't hold out any longer anyway."
True. In the end, if we don't act, nothing will change. Seeing that Yuki-sama has no intention of backing down, Ryushi and the others nod.
"Understood. We will protect you with our lives, Yuki-sama."
"Yes~, that was the plan from the start~"
"Leave it to us!"
"I’ll heal any injuries!"
It isn't that their fighting spirit has waned; they are simply worried about Yuki-sama being on the front lines. While I don't think there is much to worry about since we are attacking from within the walls, to them, it is still a dangerous place to be.
"Well, I’m here, Holly is here, and Tori came to support us too, so it’ll work out."
Exactly as Enora says, this time not only am I here, but Tori has also been mobilized as a beastman for this emergency. It was the result of a game of rock-paper-scissors against Riel and Kaya, but in this situation, she is the best choice given her superior command ability.
"Yes. Leave it to me, Yuki-san."
"Right, I’m counting on all of you. Now, Steve, how are the preparations?"
And so, we finalized our preparations to begin the battle in the New Continent. Words are truly a matter of how you use them. It feels like a game of semantics—finding the loopholes in the text.