第１９５１堀：最前線の町の中 (Part2)
It seems reckless to be in such a dangerous place, yet given the state-sponsored nature of the initiative and the concentration of military might, it is hardly strange that people feel safer here than in less fortified regions.
It appears that this was the very intent behind the policy.
Well, as we discussed earlier, without people, there can be no defense to speak of.
"Moving on to the military situation: the local lord—or rather, the national army—has deployed regular troops rather than private militias, and the rear-guard medical support is robust. Human casualties seem lower than anticipated."
"True. I expected the place to be overflowing with the wounded, but the Cleena Church seems to be operating effectively, providing steady treatment."
"And they are contributing their own combat strength as well. The support for the Cleena Church here is absolute. For the time being, I find them trustworthy."
Whether it is surprising or merely to be expected given our time in the North, the members of the Cleena Church stationed in the town of Ioa-And are, quite literally, virtuous and fighting with immense bravery.
After all, even the healers are taking up arms to join the fray.
Though, it seems they are scolded and told to stay back every single time...
Hmm, it reminds me of a certain Archbishop.
"The adventurers are cooperating well, too. Or rather, their main role is subjugation around the town. There is no shortage of smaller monsters."
"We weren't able to handle them ourselves, but there are quite a few goblins and orcs roaming about. It seems the fortress troops are handling the major threats—the sheer numbers and the powerful monsters—while the adventurers deal with the rest. Though, of course, those who pride themselves on their skill seem to be heading toward the fortress defense."
The adventurers are essentially acting in a supporting capacity.
Well, in the North, there is a prevailing perception that adventurers are less capable than the military or the Cleena Church, so this division of labor is appropriate.
"Naturally. While the bulk of the monsters are at the fortress, that doesn't mean there aren't any in the surrounding areas. It is strange, though, that they are so concentrated there. There are other potential breach points, after all."
"Isn't it obvious? From what we can see, that fortress is simply the primary point of entry. The other locations are deep in the forest or narrow ravines tighter than this one, making it impossible for them to deploy in large numbers. It seems there are soldiers stationed to keep watch there, too."
I understand Nina’s skepticism, but from a strategic standpoint, I believe Kishua is correct.
Wait. Something about that bothers me.
"Kishua. That logic implies that behind the enemy lines, there is a commander calling the shots, doesn't it?"
Exactly. As Sia said, there must be a commander.
"Hm? Ah, I suppose so. Though, the opposite is also possible, isn't it? If you force a massive number of troops into a narrow space, they become impossible to stop. It’s possible they are just mindlessly throwing them at the fortress like a bunch of idiots."
"If they are idiots, that makes things easier. But does that mean there is a possibility the fortress is merely a diversion?"
In that case, we cannot rule out the risk of being caught off guard, with monsters flooding through the other narrow passages before our defenses can react.
"Which is to say, we cannot afford to be optimistic. But Yuki has already deployed drones and familiars to maintain a surveillance network."
"As far as surprise attacks go, we won't be caught on the back foot. We just can't operate openly, that's all."
"That is the crux of it. If we could move openly, our activities in the North would be much easier. That applies to the defense as well."
"Then, shall we proceed with our initial plan: to open a dialogue with the Adventurer's Guild and the Cleena Church?"
As I said this to confirm, all three nodded.
"Yes. There is no point in waiting any longer. Let's head to the Adventurer's Guild, talk to them, and have them facilitate an introduction to the Cleena Church."
"With Archbishop Dodona’s name, it should go smoothly. We have the letter, after all."
"But we must be careful not to incite them to turn their anger toward the Central region, just as Archbishop Dodona did. That requires caution."
"Haha, indeed. It would be a massive problem if they all decided to march on the Central region together."
"..."
At my words, everyone falls silent.
"...For now, I will seek instructions from Yuki."
"Agreed."
"In the worst-case scenario, we will have to stop them ourselves."
*Ehh...* I wonder if I can hold back?
Probably... y-yes, it’ll be fine.