第１７７０堀：事情聴取開始 (Part2)
"Assassins to harm envoys, or perhaps just interference with negotiations. That is far more efficient than clumsily deploying an army. Though, even regarding that army, it was remarkably small for a force intended to bring Oue to its knees."
So that’s how it is.
Indeed, to prevent Oue from sending reinforcements, there is no need to pin them down with a military force. Since this is technically a matter between human nations, it is likely more effective to maneuver things so that Oue finds itself isolated rather than making them an outright enemy. Still, I wonder how they are managing to stop Oue from sending envoys in the first place.
"Yuki, how would you stop a trading nation from sending envoys? They aren't surrounded by an army, so it feels like they could just send someone in secret, don't you think?"
"Hmm. I can think of a few possibilities. They could be telling them to wait, claiming they’re in the middle of negotiations that haven't turned into a conflict yet. Or perhaps they’re spreading nasty rumors, saying Oue was the one who started the aggression."
"Those are common tactics in warfare, certainly. Used to avoid intervention from other countries. A subtle way of saying, 'If you move carelessly, you’ll become our enemy.'"
"And nobody wants to get dragged into a war by siding with Oue, right? Unless there’s a compelling reason, 'wait and see' is the safest bet. You want to avoid the situation where a careless move ends up pulling you into the conflict."
"I see. You're right."
It’s a bit late to realize this, but I find myself nodding at what is essentially common sense. It makes me realize once again that Weed’s policies have been more radical—or rather, that their actions are only possible because they possess the overwhelming power to back them up.
Participating in a war is something to be avoided at all costs. It risks the lives of people you hold dear and consumes vast amounts of money and resources, so taking a wait-and-see approach is only natural. You don't just jump into the fray unless you have a very close relationship with the party involved.
"Still, their military strength is pathetic. Well, we can judge the details from the interrogation that’s about to begin."
As Yuki said this and shifted his gaze to the monitor, the interrogation appeared to be starting.
"So, how are you feeling?"
"Ah, I’ve had plenty of rest, so I’m fine. I was given a meal as well."
It doesn't feel like the atmosphere of a prisoner being interrogated. Ah, wait—it’s an 'inquiry,' isn't it? Maybe this is just how it goes.
"That’s surprisingly frank."
"Indeed. When he surrendered, he was quite unsteady, so medical treatment took priority. It seems they grew close during that time. It makes it easier to extract information, after all."
"A lifesaver and a friend, eh? Hopefully, that makes his tongue loose."
If that’s the kind of relationship they have, he’ll likely talk freely. Though, I suppose it depends on what kind of training this soldier received.
"Level 22. Is that a bit above average for that army?"
"Yes. The conscripted civilians are around level 10, so he’s quite standard for a regular soldier."
"He doesn't have any stats or skills related to espionage, so it really does seem like he just surrendered to try and negotiate. By the way, were there any others like him?"
"None so far, which is unusual. Given the situation, I expected some of that type to infiltrate, or at least for them to send someone in to facilitate an escape. Without that, they can't even communicate."
That’s true. I wonder why the enemy is holed up in a place like that?
"I hope we can get some information out of this."
"Indeed."
As we continued to watch the interrogation, the conversation turned.
"So, about what you said when you surrendered—that the higher-ups want to surrender?"
"Ah, about that. I mentioned earlier that you've been urging surrender, but that it wasn't possible, right?"
"I remember. You said there was a pro-war faction, and that you couldn't just surrender carelessly. Are they really that dangerous?"
"They’re bad. When we in the coalition were first surrounded and had no options left, word got out that the higher-ups were discussing surrender. But the leader of that pro-war faction... he apparently executed the superior who suggested it."
"If that’s true, that sounds like the makings of a civil war."
"They’re covering it up as an injury. Naturally, they don't want that kind of chaos. But with the food situation, we’ve reached our limit. This is about acting before we have to declare it to the higher-ups."
Ugh.
They can't even surrender? And to think they’d go so far as to kill their own... what is going on there? I listened to the rest of the conversation, weighed down by these thoughts. It’s that classic trope from stories—the disconnect between the top and the bottom. Usually, both sides have their faults, but in this case, it really feels like the top—the leader—is just plain insane.