After the audience of the lords with Ceylan.


　A rough estimate of the number of troops gathered in Narwhalond was given.
　The defeating force consisted of 5,000 noblemen, local monarchs and other lords, and 50 of Ceylan's own bodyguards. The number of troops would have increased further if he had recruited people from the surrounding areas, but he decided not to do so because he expected reinforcements from the center in the future. So far, there was no shortage of troops, probably due to the presence of Rastinel's vassals and their soldiers, who were renowned for their strength and incomparability.


　On the other hand, Nadar's army was...


"Kachan, Nadar's army is called 15,000.

"That's ...... three times as many as ours, the Earl of Nadar must have overstated his numbers.

That's right. It's impossible to collect that many.

That's true. As long as the surrounding nobles are not on our side, even if we hired mercenaries from the flow, the number would be impossible.


　Apparently.
　In the man's world, some protesters sometimes exaggerate the number of people gathered at a rally by ten times or more. In the days when television and radio were the main means of gathering information. The masses had no choice but to believe the numbers so announced, and most people assumed that they were true.


　If they believed the stories, the soldiers would get carried away.
　If you misunderstand the numbers, it will affect the operation.
　In this world, it is difficult to even know the exact number of the other side.
　Even such a simple exchange of bluffs can become a part of strategy.


"I'm looking forward to the battle.

"Yes, I am. It's been a long time since I fought.


　I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do it, but I'm sure I'm going to be able to do it. ...... The number of opponents doesn't seem to matter much to these battle-mad men, who are smiling fiercely with hunting lust as they talk.


(Scary. They're laughing while talking about something noisy. ......)


　(They're talking and laughing like crazy. I wonder if those two would be laughing like this even if the number of enemy troops was exactly what they said it was. I can't help but feel that way.


　Anyway, what was unexpected was that there was one national mage in the defeating army.


　Kuro hair, cut short.
　He was dressed in all black from top to bottom, with no ornamentation, and his appearance was too simple for a nobleman.
　The man's age is not clear at first glance.


　The mage, Roheim Wrangler, who goes by the name of "Waterwheel".
　Arx remembered him well because he had asked the most important questions when he presented the magic meter.
　The Wrangler family has been the royal family's magic instructors for generations.
　That's why he was accompanying Ceylan on his inspection.


　I met him right after the audience with Ceylan was over.


I haven't seen you since that announcement at the Mages Guild.

"Yes, sir. Thank you for all your help.

"No, I've benefited from it myself. Thanks to it, I've been able to improve some of my magic, and the transmission of spells to my students has been smooth. I'm the one who should be thanking you.

I'm glad to have been of assistance to you, as a mage.


　...... After that exchange, we didn't get to talk for very long because of the other party's circumstances.


　　　I'm not sure what to say.



　At present, a military conference is being held in the strategy room of the castle in Narvalondo.


　In the strategy room, there are square tables, each occupied by a major noble or lord.
　Seiran Crosselrode is seated a short distance away.
　Count Euled Raine, the young hero who oversees the Kingsguard, the third seat for the national mage, and Roheim Wrangler, the waterwheel mage, flank him.
　Louise Rastinel, the second highest-ranking lord after Ceylan, is close by.
　All the people who are in a position to move the troops in times of war are here.


　And for some reason, Arx is there as well.
　Since he was not in a position to move the troops, he could not take a seat with them, but he accompanied Noah to observe while standing. I'm not sure if you've heard of this, but I'm sure you've heard of it.


　...... Kazi, by the way, is not interested in this kind of thing, saying it's a hassle. He seemed to think it was out of place to participate in a military conference and quickly found another job and went there.


　Anyway...
　Aside from Diet who is the son of the great lord Louise, Arx was wondering why he was being treated so special.
　Even though he had made a great contribution to the Dauphin's escape from Nadar, he was still the son of a lowly nobleman and had been disinherited.
　The offer to have him stay by his side during the war was also an unparalleled treatment.
　Normally, he would not even be allowed to listen to a military discussion like this.
　However, when Ceylan told him to listen, he had no choice.


　He feels awkward, aware that he is out of place.
　On the other hand, Ceylan, who has given such an order, is listening to the contents of the military discussion, making objections, and voting on the proposals of the lords.
　He does not interfere in every detail, but occasionally asks for confirmation of the objectives.
　I have the impression that he is well in charge of the military council.


(What was that?　The most senior person should not interfere in the planning of the operation.


　It was written in the most famous book of military law in the world of men.
　According to the book, in order to win a war, the sovereign should not interfere in the strategy made by the general.


　Suppose that the sovereign actively participates in military discussions.
　Naturally, the sovereign, who has the greatest power, takes precedence over the general, and if he interferes every time, it will create discord between him and the general who is making the strategy, and even if the sovereign makes the strategy, it is likely to fail because the sovereign is not an expert in military strategy in most cases.
　For this reason, it was written that it was strictly forbidden to interfere with the beak.


　On the other hand, the Crosselroads were originally a military family, so they were experts in their own right, just like the lords.
　If they are well educated in military affairs, they will not cause discord even if they disagree with the strategy, nor will they propose strange measures. Rather, although Ceylan participates in the military council, he respects the opinions of the lords, which gives the impression that the council is proceeding smoothly.


　Anyway, as for the military council itself...


"Is there any chance that the Empire will take advantage of this opportunity to deploy troops?

I don't think so. The Empire currently has two fronts. We probably can't afford to add any more fronts, either in terms of manpower or supplies.



"What's the exact number of troops on Nadar's side?　I've heard reports that they've outnumbered the strike force so far.

Are you sure?

Considering the number of conscripts and mercenaries we've hired, I think that's about right.


　Starting with a confirmation of the current situation, the discussion eventually turned to the actual operation.


　--How do we attack then?

　--How about establishing a foothold here first?

　--How about waiting for reinforcements from the center?


　While the nobles were discussing the matter.
　Ceylan presents the first strategic objective.


First, it will be essential for our forces to take Tabu Fort at the edge of Nadar territory. For now, we must do what we can, one thing at a time, in order to make solid progress. Do any of you have any ideas about that?


　Fort Tab.
　This is the first fort that you will come across when you enter Nadar territory from Rustinelle territory.
　Ceylan gave a rough idea of the target, but his aide, Euled, added to it.


But we've received reports that the Nadar army is moving faster than expected.

"Oh?

"If the Nahdar army maintains its current speed, we may not be able to take Tabu Fort in time.

Even if we send an advance party?

"Even if we can destroy the garrison and take it, it will only be temporary. Even if we could defeat the garrison and take it, it would only be for a short time. The main force would take it back immediately.

"I see. I would have preferred to take the fort while the defenses were still in place, but ......, if we advance our forces, where will the clash be?

I think the Nahdar army will set up camp at Fort Tabu as we approach the Mildare Plains.


　While the assembled lords were shouting "too early" and "that's it? ......", Ceylan asked Eulide.


The first battle is in full swing. "So you're saying that the first battle will be a full-scale assault on the fort?

I'm not ruling out that possibility.


　Fortification. When that possibility is suggested, some of the nobles let out a grunt.
　Some nobles groaned when the possibility was suggested.
　If the main body of the Nahdar army were to mount a full-scale assault on the fort, the attackers would need an adequate number of troops, and their losses would be severe. Lower-ranking nobles, such as barons and quarter-barons, who have fewer troops, may not be too happy about this.


I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that. ......

It's a good thing it's not Nadar's main castle. ......


　...... The attack on the castle itself should have been expected, since the objective was to defeat the enemy, but when it was opened, this was the result of the moaning. I thought that military men were naturally well versed in tactical and strategic knowledge, but judging from this scene, it seems that this is not the case.


　Then, I suddenly remembered the day that brought me to the Rustinelle territory.
　When I left the store with Suu and she talked to me about strategy.


　--What?　What?　Did Raytheft have such a strategic manual?


　When I made a comment suggesting the existence of such a book, she said something to the effect of, "That's impossible.
　If her perception is correct, there is a possibility that even the military family is not very knowledgeable about such things.
　In the first place, such books are not sold even in bookstores.
　In this case, I should say that the man's world was a strange one, where books on the secret art of war were in common circulation.


　Count Bow, who was listening to the reluctant murmurings from the table, opened his mouth.


There's nothing to be afraid of. There's nothing to be afraid of. We have a full complement of soldiers. We can destroy all those who stand in our way by force. Don't you agree?　Men.


　Hearing the Count's brave statement, a few people appeared to agree with it.


It's true that we have more troops than you.

There will be no problem if we attack them head-on.


　Then Ceylan speaks up again.


"Let me ask the lords assembled here. How would you attack Fort Tab?


　When Ceylan asked the question, the senior nobles raised their voices.


"Your Highness. Your Highness, I think it would be a good idea to move our siege weapons and mage troops to break down the fort and then attack at once. It's also a good idea to create a showy effect in the first battle to give the opponent a psychological pressure.

That's true. It might be a good idea to get into the demolition business.

Haha. Your Highness could become the best demolition contractor on the continent.

Your Highness. Your Highness. If there is no hope of reinforcements from the other side, it may be a good idea to take your time. Surround the fort and let Polk Nadar dry up.

That's ...... going to make for some good dried fish.

"It will be interesting to see if they come out with dried pigs or dried frogs. ......


　When the nobleman who offered the plan said this, there was laughter.
　The type of humor may be skewed toward the black side, but this kind of thing may serve to loosen the atmosphere. Ceylan's willingness to joke made it easier for the other nobles to come up with a plan.


"Your Highness.

"Count Bow. Do you have something to say to me?　Tell me.

What? In this case, I don't think there's any need to play any tricks. As I said earlier, we're outnumbered. All we have to do is to prepare for the attack on the fort and attack as per the rules.



"Hmm.

"The trail left by our predecessors runs deep, and the certainty is obvious. It's a good idea to move our troops accordingly.

Hmm. It's also the way of the soldier to use sound strategies. I'll be able to show my firmness to the lords who are not here.

"Haha!


　...... Eventually, after the nobles had presented their plans, Ceylan turned to Louise.


"Louise. What do you think?　You can give your honest opinion.

"Well... If you are going to attack the fortress, it is essential that you use all possible means to draw your troops out. I think the first step we should take is to make the soldiers and commanders feel that they don't want to stay in the fort.

"Hmm. How about using the siege weapons and mages that were mentioned earlier?

If we use siege weapons, the amount of work and cost will increase, and if we use mages to destroy the fort, we will lack the ability to attack at the critical moment. If you want a picture-perfect victory, you'll need to do some calculations and reorganization.

"Then how about drying them up?

"Considering the wear and tear on our troops, it would be a good move. However, the cost of maintaining the army while waiting for it to dry up will be high, and it will be a great burden on the lords below the rank of viscount. Also, I think you should think about how the victory of this battle, if it takes a long time, will affect the reputation of His Highness.

"That's true. There are many things to consider.


　Ceylan listened to Louise's opinion and examined the suggestions.
　But Louise was good at what she did. She doesn't outright deny the other noblemen's plans, but rather addresses the positive aspects, raises concerns that are easy to understand, and leaves the final decision to Ceylan.
　In this way, the noblemen who proposed the plan would be able to maintain their dignity, and there would be no conflict. The Rastinel family has the best track record among the military families gathered here, so the other families will have no choice but to listen to the opinions of their leader.


"Just .......

What's wrong?

"Those opinions are based on the assumption that we're going to attack the fort.

Hmm?　Do you have any thoughts of your own?

"With all due respect, sir. I have a few doubts as to whether or not this will simply be a fortress attack .......


　This is a great way to make sure that you get the most out of your time with your family. I'm not sure what to say.


Louise, my lord. If Nadar is attacking us, it is only natural that we should first secure the fort and hunker down. What makes you think so?

"Oh, a hunch. Intuition.

Well, what's a hunch? ......


　Did Count Bowe think he was being mocked by the military council, and by extension himself, for his unreliable statement? His face quivered with a surprise that could not be described as anger.
　But Louise, on the other hand, kept a cool face.


"Oh?　You see, intuition in battle is not as foolproof as you might think.　But you can't make decisions based on intuition.

"But!　But you can't just talk about intuition in a military meeting!

You're right. But there are other people who have some sort of uncomfortable feeling about it, don't you think?　Isn't that right?


　"You're right, but there are others who are somewhat uncomfortable with it, aren't there?


Louise.

"Well... I'm sure you'll agree with me.


　...... Despite Louise's concerns, the discussion continues in the direction of attacking the fort.
　The discussion is going smoothly - but I can't help but feel that this is not a good trend.


　Then, I think.
　First, let's look at the movements of Nadar's army.
　If the story I mentioned earlier is correct, then the Nadar army is attacking us.


...... Are they advancing on us instead of hiding in Nadar's main castle, which is easier to defend?

It seems so.

It's weird, isn't it? ......


　Noah's hand is met with a ragged exhale.
　If I were in Polk Nadar's position.
　If you were in Poluk Nadar's position, you would not normally take such action if you knew that the army was going to attack.
　If you know you are going to be attacked, the first thing you should do is to fortify your defenses.
　If you stay in the castle of Nadar, which is the most well-defended main base, it will be easier to intercept the vanquishing army.
　If you can survive the attack of the vanquishing army and call for reinforcements from some other country that is hostile to the kingdom, you may have a chance of victory.
　Since Nadar is thought to have contacts with the empire, he would certainly take such a course of action. If he wanted, he could just rely on his contacts and run away.
　But in reality, that's not the case, which is strange.


　--So that means...


Mr. Arcus. Did you come up with something else?

What?　What's that?　I want to hear it, too.




　Noah looks back as if he's interested in Deet as well as Noah.


No, it's not that I came up with the idea, it's just that I'm trying to figure out why they're being so aggressive.


　And then he says.


"Normally, in a situation like this, you would stay in the main castle or try to defeat them individually before they gather their forces.　I'm sure you'll be able to figure out how to get the best out of it. I don't know what he's trying to do here.

"Don't you think they're attacking us because they know they'll lose if they take too long?

If that's the case, why don't we fight somewhere else instead of near the Mildare Plains where there's a lot of flat land?　How about ...... defending the Tab Fort?


　Deet seemed to have some knowledge about it.


I'm not sure if that's a good idea or not. It can be used as a base, but there are better facilities further back, and the number of people it can accommodate is limited. ...... I wouldn't choose it. I'm sure that's why Kachan is so vexed about it.

If that's the case, it's best to hide in the deepest part of Nadar territory. The reason why they don't dare to do so is because the Nadar have their own reasons for not doing so.


　The ...... tab fort is unsuitable for defense, and east of it, there is little but flat land.
　And fighting on the plains is all about numbers. We are at a disadvantage simply because we are small in number.
　For the current Nadar army, which does not have the numbers, fighting on the plains is a situation that should be avoided at all costs.
　Still, the fact that they are forcing their way up here like this...


"The Nadar side must attack the vanquishing army quickly. No, we can't do that anymore. The Nadar side needs to attack the defeating army quickly. ...


　Secure forts in your territory.
　Capturing the enemy's important bases.
　Even though we don't have such a main strategic objective, we're attacking as quickly as possible as if we're in a hurry.
　This is a completely unreasonable attack. In a world where solid military methods and doctrines are not widespread, it can't be said that it's not because the opponent is too stupid, but would a nobleman who is in charge of a frontier really take such a foolish measure?


　If so, there must be some meaning to this forced attack.
　If Poluk Nadar is in a hurry, it means that time is running out.
　The only disadvantage that the passage of time would bring to him in this situation would be the reinforcements from the provinces to the defeating army.
　The more time he spends, the thicker his army will be.
　So what will be limited for Poluk Nadar? What will he be unable to do?


　Defeat the strike force?

　--No, no. No. It will be difficult for Nadar's army to defeat them on its own. Without reinforcements from elsewhere, or other factors such as the defense of the base, we should not be able to fight the vanquishing army on equal terms.


　Then we should seize the important bases.

　--That's not it either. According to Deet's story, Fort Tab is not suitable for defense and can only hold a small number of people. There is no solid base in front of Fort Tab, so it is unlikely that they are choosing a place to set up camp.


　So, what is it all about?
　The thing that Count Polk Nadar wants the most right now.
　Something that will be out of his reach the more the defeating army grows.
　If it isn't the defeat of the vanquishing army or the seizure of key locations...


"...... His Highness' head?


　I muttered these words to myself.
　I suddenly noticed that the lords who were discussing the war were looking at me.
　As I froze, even Ceylan, who was sitting on the top seat, turned to look at me.
　Immediately after, the room was filled with a swift and swift atmosphere.
　Are the lords angry with me for my selfish comment?
　No, the lords are being swallowed up by the atmosphere.
　Otherwise, they would have been cautioned or reprimanded.
　The only thing that controls this place is the majesty that Ceylan Crosselord radiates from his body.


"Arx.


　The call was flat, intonationless, and even cold.
　Hearing that voice, I realize now that I have made a fool of myself.
　I had proceeded without permission, and then I had mentioned His Highness' head, and then he had heard me.
　It would have been considered disrespectful, no doubt.


　--I've done it.


　Even if I regretted that I should have stopped thinking about it halfway through, it was too late.