第１７７２堀：最後まで戦うのみ (Part2)
In response to that question, Baron Ciana slowly took the sword he had been using as a cane into his right hand and steadied his posture.
"I am Baron Ciana, a vassal of the Budeak Kingdom."
He declared it clearly, then gripped the sword with both hands.
"Splendid. I have truly witnessed the heroic figure of Baron Ciana. Come at me."
Upon hearing that, the Baron’s face softened into a faint smile, and he swung his sword upward... only to have it deflected mid-arc, and he was struck down by the returning blade.
*Thud.*
The sound of him collapsing echoed in my ears. To the very end, he had not given up on living.
Well, it was all a performance, of course.
The goblins immediately hoisted the Baron’s feigned corpse onto their shoulders with rough efficiency, and other goblins emerged from the shadows.
"Alright, let’s clean up. The other idiots are waiting for us."
While taunting the enemy forces, they began clearing away the remnants of Baron Ciana’s unit. Naturally, there wasn't a single fool among the enemy ranks brave enough to seize this opening for a charge. If they had, we could have proceeded without reservation, but as it stood, we successfully recovered the Baron’s forces without a hitch.
"No movement from the enemy. Continuing surveillance."
"Understood. What is the status of the recovered Baron Ciana unit?"
"No fatalities. There are minor injuries from rubber bullets, tear gas, and sleeping gas. A few suffered fractures or cuts from blades due to poor positioning or awkward falls, but none of the injuries are life-threatening."
"That’s a relief. See that they are given proper rest."
"Understood. We will handle the transfer once they regain consciousness."
"Right. Keep an eye out for any signs of rebellion, just in case."
"They are being transported to an isolation facility, so there should be no issues. Returning to my duties."
With that, the communication ended. A wave of relief washed over the command room. If things had gone poorly, it would have ended in a firing squad. I was glad it hadn't turned into a sea of blood.
"Well, we’ve secured Baron Ciana and his men, but what about the enemy’s movements?"
"Infiltration team reporting. Regarding the enemy commanders, it seems they view Baron Ciana’s charge as the execution of a traitor."
"Huh?"
We all cried out in unison at the infiltration team’s incomprehensible report. How on earth could they be considered traitors?
"They were saying, 'So much for not handing over the food and eating it themselves.' It seems they interpreted the failure to offer up their rations as an act of betrayal."
"I didn't know that eating a meal made one capable of deflecting gunfire."
I certainly didn't know that either.
"Well, from their perspective, it can be seen as disposing of subordinates who refused to follow orders."
"And making an example of them, too. Though, they should be nearly out of food by now."
"They are, but they’re just barely holding on. I’d say three days, if they ration strictly. I suppose that’s the result of seizing supplies from the conscripted farmers."
"I’m not sure I’d call that a 'result.' Still, the reason is clear. If they’ve been squeezing that many conscripts, it explains how they managed to last until today."
Indeed, out of a total force of twenty thousand, over ten thousand were conscripted farmers. If they had been stripping those people of their food, perhaps the remaining soldiers could... manage to eat? No, while they could technically survive by rationing, it’s doubtful that those at the top are capable of such restraint. After all, the food the farmers brought with them was meager at best. Not that the combat rations the nobles brought were particularly luxurious, either.
Something about it still bothered me.
"There are still many questions, but we’ll likely learn more once we hear from the Baron himself. Infiltration team, continue your investigation."
"Understood."
And so, today’s grand performance came to a successful close.
"Well then, it will take some time before we can get the full story out of them. Let’s get the departure for the southern region underway."
"Yes, sir!"
And, if you could call it an afterthought, we began the operations for both the support of the southern town and the construction of the fortress, which we had been putting off. Regardless of the circumstances, showing one’s resolve is an important thing. It varies from person to person, but a heart that has truly steeled itself leaves a lasting impression.