第１７４１堀：現場からお送りします (Part1)
Chapter 1741: Reporting from the Front Lines
Side: Ratz
"Well then, Eris. Is the video feed coming through on your end?"
I am currently in contact with Eris, Rurua, Vilia, and Kagura, who are stationed in the royal capital of the Oue Kingdom. It’s not quite my usual routine, as I have a technical staff member assisting with the transmission.
"Yes, it’s coming through clearly. Can you see our feed on your end?"
"Yes, yes. No problems here. Now, are the King of Oue and Lord Martin able to see and hear us as well?"
I direct the question toward the edge of the screen, where the two of them—or rather, the Oue royal delegation—are standing in stunned silence. One has to account for audio levels, after all. Even if I know they’re just shocked, I still have to confirm it.
"A-ah. I can hear you."
"Y-yes, we can hear you perfectly."
"That’s a relief. Now then, if you don't mind, I’d like to show you what we’re looking at."
As planned, after broadcasting the view of the northern town's gate, I shift the camera to show Tsunai and Daua, who has been entrusted with the defense. Of course, I’ve already briefed both of them, but they still look incredibly tense.
"With that said, I’d like you two to introduce yourselves..."
"A-ah, yes. This is Tsunai. Your Majesty, can you see us clearly?"
"A-ah, yes, can you hear our voices?"
"W-we can see and hear you."
"That’s good to hear. Now, Eris, have you unfolded the map of the northern town?"
"Yes, I have the one you sent over laid out."
"Then we’re all set. From here on, I’ll hand things over to my brother, Yuki. Please, take it away."
Having confirmed that everything is prepared, I step aside for my brother, who is waiting behind me. As the representative of Weed, he is the one who should be explaining the strategy.
"Thank you, Ratz. Now, King of Oue, and Lord Martin, it’s been a day, hasn't it? Eris, Rurua, are you both doing well?"
"Yes, we are doing fine."
"Everyone is treating us very well."
The King and Lord Martin are still too stunned to respond properly, but Eris and Rurua reply as usual. Well, since we keep a line open to the members remaining in the Oue capital at all times, this greeting is a bit redundant, but it’s important to emphasize that we can maintain contact whenever necessary. Rurua and the others were quite blatant about not wanting to let us go, even going so far as to forbid us from heading to the front lines, citing the needs of the pregnant Queen.
While I was lost in those thoughts, my brother began explaining the situation in the northern town, utilizing both the map and the live feed.
"...As you can see, the enemy has established a camp approximately two kilometers out, with a total force of about 20,000. They have pushed those who appear to be hostages to the very front and into the right flank."
It seems he has moved on to explaining the enemy’s formation and the hostages; the screen shows the bound captives. I’ve seen them myself, and it’s not a pleasant sight. Some have already passed away, and many others are barely clinging to life. It seems they are rationing food to prevent escape—a logical tactic, perhaps, but a deeply infuriating one.
"..."
It seems those on the other side of the screen share the same sentiment; I can see their initial shock hardening into anger. Perhaps this was the right kind of stimulation, as I couldn't have them standing around dazed forever.
"Therefore, we intend to use our current forces to initiate negotiations and demand the release of the hostages. If they accept, all the better. If not, we will immediately pivot to a rescue operation and force the enemy to retreat."
"With your current forces? But we have received reports that it has been impossible to recapture the town or drive them back... is that not correct, Daua?"
"Yes, Your Majesty, as you say. To my shame, with our strength, we have been unable to rescue the hostages, let alone push back the enemy."
"Does Lord Yuki truly believe he can accomplish this?"
"Our actions here have already been sanctioned by you, and if this drags on, it will only cause further problems for the Oue Kingdom. We cannot simply stand by and watch the hostages die. Besides, since volunteer soldiers have been dragged out repeatedly, your combat strength and morale will only continue to decline."
"...That is, unfortunately, true."
"In other words, I am taking responsibility for this. It is better to attempt a method with a higher probability of success than to leave it to chance. It is a case of acting while we still have the strength to do so."
"I see. Your Majesty, I support Lord Yuki’s proposal. It is clear that Lord Yuki’s soldiers possess power beyond our knowledge. Their iron vehicles and armaments—we should rely on them now."
Surprisingly, Lord Martin seems to have calmly grasped the extent of our capabilities and accepts my brother’s proposal. If things go poorly, the northern town could fall entirely...
"However, that would put Lord Yuki and his people in danger."
"It will be fine. We will be attacking from within the castle, so we won't be charging directly at the enemy."
"Hm? In that case, won't you be unable to save the hostages? We cannot condone firing upon the hostages as well."
"No, no. We plan to leave the hostage rescue to a separate unit already standing by. Our goal is simply to draw their attention here."
"I see. So, while they are distracted, you will liberate the hostages and evacuate them to the northern town. Honestly, Your Majesty, this is better than trying to muster more numbers."
"Hmm. It seems dragging this out is indeed not the best course of action..."
I see, I see. It seems my brother hadn't mentioned the hostage rescue plan earlier because he thought they would just give up. And, for what it’s worth, they had been trying to come up with their own rescue strategy. Though, it didn't seem like it had a high chance of success.
"I appreciate the King’s concern, but even if we fail, the blame will fall solely on us, Weed. You can simply claim that the Oue Kingdom tried to stop us. There is no guarantee they won't add more hostages, and we must act before more time is lost, one way or another."
"That is true... if they add more hostages, the situation will become even more difficult..."
Exactly. As my brother says, there is no guarantee the number of hostages won't increase. In fact, given the current situation, it’s clear things will only get worse. After all, their tactics are yielding results. I don’t know exactly what they are aiming for, but it’s clear they want to purge the demi-humans, and they’ll keep coming as long as they think they can achieve that.