第１９３６堀：陸上戦艦の開発が急がれるということは (Part2)
"Everyone present was well aware of how dangerous the restoration system developed by Narjia and her team is. They likely announced it there precisely because they knew it themselves. They have a habit of slipping in bizarre functions and only revealing them after the fact, anyway."
"Ah, you’re certainly right about that."
The armaments crafted by Narjia and her team are frequently riddled with peculiar, hidden functions. Usually, the only ones who suffer are the users themselves or the enemies in their immediate vicinity, but this time, the scale of the problem is entirely different. Perhaps that is why Narjia and her team felt compelled to report it in the first place.
"Well, leaving that to you and the others, what does Dressa’s schedule look like moving forward?"
"My schedule?"
"Yes, your schedule. There’s something I’d like to discuss with you."
"That’s sudden. Usually, we coordinate our plans well in advance."
"Well, consider this a matter of convenience. It’s highly likely that someone from your group will be involved in the operation of the land battleship."
"Ah. So that’s where this is heading."
The fact that the deployment of the land battleship is all but confirmed means there must be personnel—a crew—to operate it. When asked where those people would be drawn from, we in the Navy are the primary candidates.
"So, judging by the direction of this conversation, are we talking about the logistics for the land battleship?"
"That’s right. If we know ahead of time, we can prepare the necessary supplies. Besides, haven't you already received the interior blueprints from Narjia and her team?"
"Yes, as you said, Ratz, I’ve already received the briefings and the schematics. But I haven't seen the actual vessel yet. Or rather, it isn't even finished."
"Ahaha, that’s true enough. Even so, I have a gut feeling—and I’m not joking—that we might be forced into an immediate sortie."
"…Is that so? How credible is that information?"
I narrow my eyes, seeking confirmation as I realize why Ratz approached me. An immediate sortie isn't entirely impossible, but considering this is our first land battleship, if we have to rush the loading of supplies, the situation must be dire indeed. I am responsible for the lives of my subordinates; I have no intention of letting them be thrown away for nothing.
"The credibility is debatable, but setting aside the wilderness, the northern region that Vilia and Nina are investigating is looking suspicious. You’ve heard the reports from there, haven't you?"
"Yes. Hiiro was laughing her head off while reporting that Vilia had become a hero."
"Ahaha, for those of us who know the truth, that was quite the comedic show. Be that as it may, the follow-up reports from Vilia and her team indicate that the local lords and the adventurers are putting significant effort into searching for the Knightman."
"…I’d like to say that’s only natural, but I take it you see it differently, Ratz?"
It is only logical to want to secure forces capable of turning the tide of battle, but it seems Ratz is hung up on something else.
"Exactly. You’ve heard the report of that skirmish, haven't you?"
"Yes. It was undoubtedly a well-disciplined unit."
With Orcs as the main force, Ogres for siege weaponry, and Goblin Wolf Riders acting as shock cavalry, it was a formation that functioned as a proper army, albeit on a small scale.
"Still, it’s strange that they treated them as disposable. There wasn't even a supply unit, was there?"
"Our drones confirmed as much. If they’re treating a unit like that as disposable without a supply train, it can only mean they’re focused on disrupting our rear, right?"
"Well, yes. Or perhaps it was an experiment."
"I believe they sent them out because they expected to gain some level of results, even if it was just an experiment."
"That, I cannot deny."
No one is foolish enough to commit resources they know will fail. It is reasonable to assume they are testing something. Which means…
"Are you suggesting a full-scale invasion is imminent?"
"Well, it’s just a guess. I believe that is precisely why Seraria and the others—and Yuki himself—authorized the development of the land battleship. They seem to think that rather than trying to integrate into an existing power, establishing our own independent force will make it easier to secure a foothold in the north. I agree with that assessment."
"It would certainly make negotiations with the various nations easier. Very well, I understand. Should I consolidate the supply requirements and send the paperwork over to you?"
"Yes. I’d prefer not to ignore the budget entirely, but Eris should be able to cover it if it falls within general military expenditures. Leave those negotiations to me."
"Understood. Then I shall get to work immediately."
"I appreciate it."
Yes, it’s safe to assume the situation is quite dire. For the time being, I’ll have to leave the command of Weed and Sea-Cypher to Hiiro. I must head to the front lines myself to establish the doctrine, data, and operational fundamentals for the land battleship.
…My, it’s going to be a busy time.
The ability to build a land battleship is one thing, but it requires the people and supplies to operate it. These things cannot be prepared overnight; they require meticulous planning.
And so, it seems Dressa is poised to become the captain of the first "Victory."