第１８４３堀：いま潜り込むのであればだれが最適か (Part2)
"Indeed. That said, that very fact is the opening we can exploit, so I’m grateful for it. Otherwise, the enemy’s numbers would just keep swelling."
"True. Even if we manage to halt the Giadana Kingdom, if other nations join the fray, the collateral damage will be substantial. For Weed to operate in that New Continent moving forward..."
"We need to keep the damage to the northern countries to an absolute minimum, don't we?"
"Or rather, the current situation with the Clearstream Church—or the North in general—is a complete mystery to us."
"We could certainly use any scrap of information we can get."
It is only natural that one cannot act without intelligence. However...
"It is strange, if I’m honest, that such information hasn't trickled down to us until now. I could understand if they were merely restricting it toward Ohe, but..."
"I hear you. But if that was part of the North’s grand strategy all along, it makes a grim sort of sense."
"Indeed. Deliberately withholding information is a standard tactic in warfare."
"Ah, I see. When you put it that way, it only confirms that the North is truly hungry for war."
"Exactly. That’s why Yuki and Seraria want to send a unit—a party, really—to gather intelligence on the North."
To minimize the damage, even if only by a little. And not just for Weed’s sake, but for the sake of our adversaries as well. No, wait—by doing so, we reduce the damage to Weed, too. It is a plan worthy of my brother.
Still, I know it isn't as simple as it sounds; there will be immense hardships. But if Tori-oneesama, Fior-oneesama, and Dressa have judged that this is feasible...
"I understand. I would like to volunteer for the northern reconnaissance mission."
"Are you sure?"
"You don't have to push yourself, you know?"
"I am fine. I grasp the situation, and I understand that I am the most suitable candidate. I will do my best. It’s not as if you’re asking me to head to the North in my own skin, right?"
"Right, that goes without saying. Returning to your Doppelganger form every day to deliver reports is the most important part."
"Indeed. We are sending our precious little sister into enemy territory. If I’m being honest, I’d want to send a thousand soldiers as an escort, but..."
"Haha, that wouldn't exactly be a covert operation, would it?"
Knowing Fior-oneesama’s authority, the fact that she could actually pull that off is what scares me.
Hm? Sending an army? Something about that feels off.
"What’s wrong?"
"Oh, nothing. I was just thinking I should inform my brother about my participation. Or would it be better if it came from you, Tori-oneesama?"
"Ah, I’ll handle that. Once you get his confirmation, could you go and meet with Yuki?"
"Yes, leave it to me."
"And if you need anything at all, just say the word."
"Understood. I shall return to finishing my remaining tasks."
I know they cherish me, but I do perform my duties quite diligently, thank you very much. Then again, to my sisters, I suppose I am just like Hiiro—a little sister who will never grow up in their eyes.
For now, I have work to finish at this southern fortress, so I must prepare a handover for whoever takes my place. The manuals for fortress management and reconnaissance operations are quite thorough, so there isn't much to do, but it isn't zero, so I should get that organized.
After working for a while, I received a summons from Tori-oneesama. I returned to the designated office.
"Ah, you’re here. I’ve made contact with Yuki, and he asked if you could meet him now. Can you go?"
"Yes, I can. I’ll handle the handover once I return."
"Yes, that will be fine."
And so, I set off to find my brother. He generally conducts his business at the military base for Weed’s monster corps. He does head out to the field quite often, but today, he is here as usual.
"Oh, you’re here."
In the office where my brother welcomed me, I could see Nina and the others. Ah, so they are involved as well. Vilia has the appearance of a newcomer, and if she displays her true strength, we can always make excuses. Nina and the others also look to be around Vilia’s age, so it won’t seem out of place for them to be in a team together. Hiiro is far too small; she would only invite trouble, so she is excluded. Hiiro has heard about it, of course, but she knows it isn't for her.