第１７５１堀：我が家の魔王様について (Part2)
The scene shows them unleashing arrows and magic against the warnings issued by Steve’s subordinates.
"Well, they likely have some food on hand. They’ll probably keep this up for another two or three days."
"Hm? If they don't eat, shouldn't they be able to last a week?"
"They’d only be *lasting*. In four or five days, they’ll barely be able to move."
"Fair point."
"Besides, there’s no water."
"Water? That sounds like they’ll hit their limit in two or three days, then."
Unlike food, if people can't drink water, it’s questionable whether they can even last two days.
"Though, they probably have some reserves, so I expect it’ll stretch for a few days. We destroyed all the water barrels in their supplies, which is why their counterattacks were so fierce, but we’re returning the favor with our own attacks."
The footage further shows them launching magical strikes and deliberate arrow attacks.
"This will force them to treat the wounded, further exhausting the army."
"That’s fine and all, but why arrows? Wouldn't bullets be better?"
In terms of efficiency and lethality, that is.
Arrows are easily blocked by armor. Bullets, on the other hand, pierce through standard armor without issue. If the goal is to inflict injury, they are far superior to arrows.
One might think, *but wouldn't that kill them?* Surprisingly, not necessarily.
When dealing with troops wearing armor and shields, the only places an arrow can find purchase are the exposed areas—namely, the face. The casualty rate in those cases is, needless to say, quite high.
Conversely, with bullets—attacks from firearms—they penetrate regardless of shields or armor. That allows for precision targeting of non-vital areas.
That is why the use of arrows seems so strange.
"Is this, perhaps, a test for one of Narjia’s 'interesting' bows?"
I suggest this, recalling a fascinating possibility.
"Ah—that’s a plausible reason for a performance test."
"That tone suggests that isn't the case."
"Exactly. Or rather, Narjia-san has already stopped trying to compete with guns using bows."
"Well, in terms of rate of fire, accuracy, and power, guns and bows aren't even in the same league."
"It’s become a bit of a niche novelty weapon."
"How sad."
"Still, she does make improved bows for situations where guns can't be brought in. Eris, for instance, uses a bow as her main weapon."
"Ah, you mean those ones that don't need a quiver, right?"
"Exactly. But, getting back on track—the reason they’re using bows is that it’s the wish of the local soldiers, the Ohe side. We can't exactly go around lending them firearms, after all."
"Is that how it is? Is the cause resentment?"
"Pretty much. Since arriving at the northern town of Ohe, the damage hasn't been massive, but it hasn't been zero, either."
I see.
Well, I can imagine there were several skirmishes by the time they reached the northern town. After all, they declared war out of the blue, took hostages, and burned fields; it would be strange if no one were angry about that.
"Thanks to that, we’ve been secretly firing guns and using magic to ensure we hit our marks, so we’ve been increasing their number of injured without issue. Their medical supplies must be limited, and tomorrow, we plan to launch long-range attacks on the commander class."
"What? You haven't attacked them yet?"
"Yeah, so far we’ve only been targeting the ones near the pit traps. We’ll strike the commanders in the center while they feel secure. Once the chain of command collapses, they’ll start fighting over the remaining medical supplies and food, of course."
"I knew it, but as always, it’s either ruthless or simply a sign of foresight."
Usually, one would fear such a cruel strategy, but since he anticipates that the enemy will eventually surrender, one could also call it merciful.
"This time, the goal is to exhaust them."
"Hm? Ah, that’s your true intention?"
"Exactly. When people are pushed to their absolute limits, they lose the luxury of lying. It’s an interrogation technique. If you give them breathing room, they’ll lie. Well, there are many methods, but we have a lot of subjects."
Yuki says this with a laugh.
Thinking that the higher-ups in that army should probably prepare themselves, I begin to discuss my own upcoming movements.
Deryu remains on standby in Weed, serving as a mobile unit capable of acting in emergencies.
Of course, there is also the intention that as a human, she might stand out among the demi-humans of Ohe.
Deryu herself, being an elder, is being quite considerate about various things.
Although she isn't fond of Eris’s accounting department, she performs her work diligently, and because of that—and her personality—she is well-liked by the rest of the staff.