第１８７４堀：各将軍の動き (Part1)
Chapter 1874: Movements of the Generals
Side: Stasia
"...And that’s the situation. It’s not exactly a 'resumption' of the southern investigation, but rather a push into the deeper, unexplored regions."
"I see. If we can identify the root cause in the south, we can focus our strength on the north. Progress is always welcome; it will make for a fine souvenir story to bring back to King Oue."
I replied to Jessica with a nod. I hadn't been present at the meeting Chaea-den had explained, so I was grateful for Jessica’s summary.
"...Is the north—or rather, the northern towns—still as hectic as ever?"
"Not quite as bad as before, but the damage from monsters encroaching into the forests remains significant. The nations bordering Oue seem to be mobilizing more troops than usual to suppress the monster threat, and the burden is by no means light."
"...Ah, so that kind of information is finally trickling in."
"Indeed. That said, with the northern coalition—or rather, the Giadana Kingdom’s allied forces—having been repelled, the southern nations are beginning to find common ground. A considerable number of envoys have been visiting Oue."
"Nations, you say? Speaking of which, what about the envoys from the Jeyaess Kingdom?"
"They passed through the northern towns on their way home just the other day, carrying supplies with them."
"So, the meetings and discussions concluded successfully, then?"
"Yes. They intend to stand firm against the northern nations. However, since we’ve informed them that Weed has already infiltrated Giadana, they are keeping their guard up without making any reckless moves toward an offensive."
"That is for the best. If they were to charge blindly into the northern lands, it would only serve to paint the southern nations as the villains."
As Jessica suggested, the enemy’s intent seems heavily focused on provoking us into an outburst. Even so, I remain skeptical that they have any real plan for victory even if a war were to break out. After all, just as the Giadana Kingdom refused to join them, many other nations remain deeply suspicious of the Clearstream Church’s machinations. The most glaring reason for this doubt is the fact that the coalition force was a mere twenty thousand strong. That’s essentially a suicide mission. Well, they did seem to be conducting sabotage in tandem with the invasion, but even so, the point stands.
For now, the policy is to strengthen our forces while maintaining tight communication to prepare for any further northern incursions.
"In any case, the immediate danger has passed for the time being. However, as I mentioned earlier, a vast number of monsters have migrated into the forests, and there is no doubt they are moving toward the southern nations."
"The monster migration in the south seems to have ceased, but I suppose it’s safe to assume a significant number have headed north?"
"Yes. Every nation has reported monsters emerging from the southern forests. In other words, we can conclude that a number of monsters exceeding even a Great Stampede has moved northward."
"...Hmm. So, Stasia, you believe the number of monsters exceeds that of a Great Stampede?"
"Yes. And you feel the same, don't you, Jessica? Or rather, I’m sure Yuki-sama and the others share this assessment."
That’s right—what truly shocks us is the sheer volume of monsters. Initially, we thought it was a Great Stampede, a coordinated swarm. But the more we investigate, the more it becomes clear: they weren't being led. They were being chased, threatened, or driven by some unknown force, following their instincts northward.
The southern towns were locked in a desperate, grueling defense. The sheer number of monsters was enough to qualify as a Great Stampede, yet there was no commander. Furthermore, it appears many monsters simply vanished into the forests. The fact that reports of increased monster activity are coming in from all over suggests that the total number involved in the Great Stampede—or rather, the swarm that assaulted the south—was truly astronomical.
After all, many of those monsters likely settled into the forests to hide. It’s impossible for all of them to simply march through the woods and attack every nation in their path. Well, I wouldn't say it’s impossible, but it would be a rather lackluster result if their goal was to pressure the nations.
But setting that aside, Jessica’s reply was...
"Indeed. Judging by the reports and what I’ve heard from Yuki and your group, Stasia, I have to conclude that a force greater than a Great Stampede is indeed moving north."
"If even you, Jessica, who only sees the information objectively, have reached that conclusion, then there can be no mistake. Something is definitely happening in the south. In that sense, seeing progress in the investigation is a good thing."
"Yes, I agree. Though, I imagine Seraria and Labyris are worried about them going to such a dangerous place."
"Exactly. When I first heard the plan, I thought I should stop them, but when I consulted Arge, I got scolded."
"How much of a sister-complex can one person be? Honestly, if you look at those two, they might even be superior to you, Stasia-oneesama, when you consider the whole picture. You’ve been too overprotective until now. This is a good opportunity for them to gain experience. Everyone has a first time for everything. They have top-tier escorts, starting with Deryu-sama. It’s almost rude to worry."
"That was the gist of it."
"...Ah, well, that is certainly true."
"Did you not feel that way, Jessica? You’ve known those two longer than I have, haven't you?"
"In my case, I have a troublesome idiot—or rather, a superior officer—named Marly-sama to deal with. I’ve watched those two grow as my younger sisters, and if anything, I thought their progress was rather slow. Their promotion is staggering given their age, but considering their abilities, it’s only natural. The only thing they lacked, as Arge-den said, was experience. I believe this mission will fill that gap."
"I see."
It’s true that while those two possess immense talent, their experience is limited. Well, even so, they have gained more experience than one would expect for their age, but unit command and overall strategy are not things one masters easily.
Above all...
"When Aslin and Firia command the army at Weed, they don't just lead the monster units; they inspire the human troops as well, so it doesn't really count as 'experience' in the traditional sense. They get so fired up, you see."
It’s embarrassing to admit, but when those two take command, their subordinates give everything they have. They carry out their missions with shocking efficiency. They become soldiers who don't fear death to achieve their objectives, often blowing us away with a readiness for mutual destruction.
"It’s startling, isn't it? Even Jessica and I have a losing record against them in total..."
As a result, Jessica and I have more losses than wins in our mock battles against them. If you look purely at the win-loss record, they are incredibly gifted commanders, but... because everyone tries so hard, they lack the experience of making cold, calculated decisions when backed into a corner.