Ceylan's seemingly chilling call further lowered the temperature in the operations room.


　Was he offended by such an unintentional remark at the military council?
　In this situation, you would be completely blamed for the fault.
　I froze for a moment when he suddenly called out to me, but the situation would inevitably worsen if I left it at that.


　Just as I was about to step forward to apologize to Seyran, Noah stepped forward first.
　Noah stepped forward first and kneeled down.


"Your Highness. I hope you'll forgive me for indulging in a private conversation in the middle of a military discussion.

"......

Your Highness. If there is any punishment for that, could you please ask me instead of the Lord?

"Noah ......


　Noah did not turn his head to the call that came out of his mouth as quickly as he could. He just turned his back to me. I guess he wants me to take care of this.
　In the midst of feeling sorry and remorseful for protecting him, Ceylan opens his mouth.


...... You're Noah Ingveen, right?

"......!　It is a great honor to be remembered by His Highness.

I know who you are. I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but it's a good idea. I'm not so foolish as to not know someone with such a rare talent as yours.

"Haha!


　When Noah heard Ceylan's words, he bowed his head deeply.
　On the other hand, when the lords heard the conversation, they looked surprised. It's not only that a squire is known to Ceylan, but it's also because it's not often that two national mages are involved.


　There was a ripple of admiration and curiosity in the air, but Ceylan coldly said.


Refrain. I called out to Arx.

"But, sir?

"I admire your auspiciousness in defending your master. But don't make me say it twice.

"......?


　Noah had to agree with this. Noah had to admit that this was a good idea, because if he persisted, the situation would only get worse.
　Noah lowered his eyes apologetically.
　He must be feeling responsible.
　Immediately after that, Deet opened his mouth as if in a hurry.


No, your highness!　What you just said is, um, .......


　The suddenness of the situation must have made it difficult for him to formulate his words. All that came out of his mouth were vague words like "uh" and "uh".


"Dietria. If you have something to say, you'd better sort out what you want to say before you say it.

"Yeah, .......


　In the end, Ceylan blocked it too.
　You'll be able to find a lot more information on the web.
　In the midst of the crisis and the uncomfortable feeling.
　I was about to make a clear apology to Ceylan, when he said.



"What's the matter, Arx? That wasn't the end of your story, was it?　What are you doing?


"What ......?


　Those were the words I hadn't expected to hear.
　I wondered what he meant. I thought that I would be blamed for my careless remark, and even punished for it, but contrary to my expectation, that did not happen.
　He seems to be wondering why I'm trying to apologize.
　In fact, it sounds as if he wants me to say more.
　But it seems he was right.


"Arx. I want to hear what you have to say.

"And?

Hmm. ...... I don't think I need an apology, do I?　Or were your thoughts just now so rash that you had to ask for my forgiveness?

I have no idea.　No, not at all!

If not, then continue where you left off. I think it's important to listen to you for once and sort out the situation.

"Yes, sir!


　Accepting Ceylan's words, I stood up.
　I thought for sure it was a blunder, but it wasn't.
　I looked at Noah and Deet for a few moments, and let out a small sigh of relief.


　Then he regained his composure and opened his mouth.


"...... Well, Your Highness. I hope you don't mind that I'm going to talk about something a little bit different from what we're discussing.

"No, thank you. As I said, this is just a clarification of the situation. Feel free to speak.


　Ceylan agreed, and slid lightly off his chair to face us.
　He looked at Ceylan before him, took a breath, and said.


The focus of what I just said is what Poluk Nadar's purpose is. As I listened to all of you who were present at the meeting, I thought that there must be some reason why Poluk Nadar is attacking us.



"Hmm. Isn't that to fight my defeating army?

No, there is no need for Poluk Nadar to attack at its current speed if it is to fight the vanquishing army. The best thing to do is to be fully prepared to intercept them, since they will attack us even if we don't say anything.

"Indeed. Since Nadar's army is small in number, the best strategy would be to stay in the castle and fight. However, we can only stay in the castle if we have hope of reinforcements. A siege without reinforcements will only exhaust your troops. Once you are surrounded, you will only be reduced to the ground. It's a bad idea in this war.

You're right. But even if Poluk Nadar is aware of the dangers of a siege, he has moved his army too late. At the very least, if you don't start moving immediately after His Highness withdraws from the Rustinelle territory, you won't be able to frustrate the movement of the defeating army, and if you want to destroy them individually, it's too late. ......

That's right. If Nadar's army is not rambling, then this move is not reasonable.


　As far as I can tell, Nadar is acting one way or the other.
　A siege would have been the best solution, but he didn't even prepare for a siege.
　On the other hand, it would be suicidal to make a move when the defeating forces have begun to gather.
　When I shared such information with Ceylan, there was an outcry from the lords.


But that's only if Poluk Nadar is thinking that far ahead, isn't it?

"Yes. If Poluk Nadar is running the army like a boar, it would explain the movements of the army like this.

You're reading too much into it. It is impossible that Poluk Nadar is moving with a plan. ......


　I'm not sure what to make of that.


　...... Perhaps we are overthinking things.
　If they are attacking out of desperation because the Nadar army has no reinforcements coming and they can no longer fight a siege, then there is some explanation for this move.
　However, I think it is too convenient for us to assume that Poluk Nadar is just marching randomly and not pay attention to the case where he is not.


　But most of the lords seem to agree that Poluk Nadar is a fool.


　--That's what children say.

　--It's not worth listening to.


　That's what they said.


"Your Highness, overthinking things can lead you into deep trouble. I suggest you leave it at that.


　Just as one of the lords was about to make such a suggestion.



"Shut up.


　Ceylan said. With that one word, I felt as if a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. Perhaps he thought the nobles' voices were too loud, or perhaps he didn't like that they were interrupting his conversation. The near-physical weight of the room filled the entire room, and the excitement of the debate in the strategy room suddenly became a heavy burden.


...... I'm a little distracted, aren't I?


　Ceylan said, and let the pressure dissipate as if nothing had happened.
　Then, to the lords.


"Indeed, you all have a point. Poluk Nadar is still a foolish pig who took a stand against the royal family, and it's quite possible that Arx's idea was a bit too far-fetched. So here goes. I'll defer to the opinions of those who are particularly bright about warfare. Louise, and my teacher, Roheim. Should you continue this conversation or not?


　I guess you are trying to get your superiors on your side first, instead of ignoring the opinions of the lords and continuing the conversation.
　I'm not sure what to make of this, but I think it's a good idea.
　Surely, with the approval of these two, the lords could not complain.


　First, Louise expressed her opinion.


I think it is important to listen to what Arx Raytheft has to say. If the enemy is foolish and we go ahead with the military discussion, we may be caught flat-footed. I think we should bring everything we can think of to the table for discussion.

"Hmm. Then, my master.

As you know, I have a tendency to go into detail. As with magic, I don't want to proceed with things that remain unclear. At the very least, what he has to say is worth listening to.

"Alright, ......, if this is what these two are saying, then I think it's fine to let Arx talk about it, don't you?


　Both of them agreed. They both agreed.


"Now, where were we? Arx. I believe it was about the inconsistency of Nadar's movements.

What? Why are they attacking us instead of staying in the main castle?

"If you want to get to the bottom of it, can't you just say it's because they have no reinforcements?

Maybe so, but if not, that's a different story.

...... We've just confirmed that there are no reinforcements. All the nobles in the country are enemies of Nadar, and we have already blocked all communication with Nadar. The Empire behind us is in no condition to deploy troops.

But we do have a connection.

Connection ......?


　Ceylan said, tilting his head forward and showing signs of deep thought.


I'm sure that Poluk Nadar has a pipeline to the Empire, since he's been selling silver to them. Then, I guessed that Poluk Nadar had already negotiated with the Empire. What Poluk Nadar would naturally want from the Empire would be security of his person, the promise of a future position, and reinforcements in this war.

If Poluk Nadar were to turn to the Empire, he would demand such things. If Poluk Nadar turns to the Empire, he will demand such things. However, the Empire will reject such an offer in order to refrain from expanding the front.



"So, if the Imperials didn't reject the offer and made some kind of condition to Poluk Nadar... Specifically, if it was His Highness' person.

"Poluk Nadar will work like hell to get my head. ............ I see!　So that's it!


　The half-answered explanation ends with Ceylan's realization.
　But thanks to that realization, Ceylan asked a little excitedly.


"Arks. So you're saying that Poluk Nadar is attacking us because he wants my head?

Arx. From what you've told me, I'm afraid so. The reason why there is no consistency in the movements of Nadar's army is because they were expecting reinforcements from the Empire just before they started to move, and the reason why they are rushing to attack now is because the Empire offered them conditions.

"That's right. If you think about it that way, it would explain the Nadar army's move. ......

"I think it's quite possible that Poluk Nadar was originally trying to trap His Highness. In the worst case scenario, even if the empire's response is not favorable, they can move on to using your person as a hostage to try to break the situation, so I'm pretty sure they have your highness in mind.

"Hmm. Even if you discount the empire, it would be a breakthrough move for Polk Nadar. ......


　That's right. This is the best move Poluk Nadar can make at the moment.
　The deal with the Empire is still in the realm of speculation, though.
　By raising Ceylan's head in the first battle, we will encourage the nations that are hostile to the Kingdom to respond.
　If this happens, the Grandshells and the Han, a different ethnic group in the east, may take advantage of the opportunity.


　Ceylan is not happy about this.
　A few of the lords seemed to have come to their senses.
　The lords who had earlier recommended that they stop talking, and the lords who had agreed with them, looked on in amazement.
　Of course, Louise and Roheim seemed to agree.


　However, there were some who were still not convinced.
　Count Bowe, who seemed to be a representative of this group, interjected in an exasperated manner.


"Your Highness. In the end, we've only clarified our purpose. I think it's something we should discuss again at the military council.


　Naturally, there was a murmur of surprise.


"What?　Are you serious about that?


　"Are you serious?" said Louise Rastinel.


"That's enough for us to make a plan.


　said Euled Raine, head of His Highness' Kingsguard.


　And of course, Cailan.


"Yes, it is. In fact, I'd say it makes it easier for us to plan. Arx. I'm sure it was a good idea to bring you here. I think I've found a way.

"What the ......?


　Count Bowe was dismayed by the continued denials.
　Naturally, the lords who had been impressed by what he had just said were dismayed by Count Bow's words.


　At this point, Roheim Wrangler, who had kept his silence until now, opened his mouth.


Is this your first time to fight in this kind of war?

I've been in one or two aggressive battles myself!


　I've been in an offensive battle or two before!" The Count glared sharply at Roheim's insulting remark.
　I've been in one or two aggressive battles myself!
　The shout of anger he had just raised must have been a spur of the moment one.
　The Count had recently been overwhelmed by Louise and her subordinates, the minor lords.
　There was no way he was ready to face the true monster that was the National Mage head on.


I'll explain it once and for all so that all of you can share the same understanding.


　Roheim said and took his eyes off Count Bow.


"What you just told me, Mr. Arx, is a reverse calculation of the situation, so to speak. Currently, Poluk Nadar is taking unnatural actions, abandoning his defensive advantages. This is despite the fact that he is apparently choosing a bad move. And why is that? It may be because Poluk Nadar is being offered his life or his person by the Empire. Is that clear?


　Each of the lords replied in agreement.


Why does this make it easier for you to make your plans? Until now, because Poluk Nadar's objectives were unclear, we could only choose to either intercept or attack Nadar's army, but now we can take operational actions according to Poluk Nadar's objectives. Now we have more options.

"But, Count Wrangler. Now that you know that, ......


　I'm not sure if you've seen this before, but I'm sure you've seen it.


"Don't you understand, ...... Polk Nadar is trying to kill your highness. In other words, it turns out that Nadar's army is coming to the place where your highness is. So what advantage does that give the vanquishing army?

....... We can choose where the battle will take place.

It's not the only way. ...... Hmm, let's say 50 points.


　You can tactically control the movements of the enemy army to some extent even on the battlefield, but you can't think of that.
　Count Bow, however, seems to be quite excited, probably because he is constantly being pointed out by the people around him.
　Despite the confident tone of his greeting, this man may not be used to such situations.


　Suddenly, Roheim turned to look at him.


"Now, Mr. Arx, I have a question for you.

"Me?

If you can see the situation that well, then you should be able to guess the future movements of the two armies. You'll be able to answer my questions. If your guess is correct, what do you think will happen next?



"...... is . If my guess is correct, even if we continue to advance with our forces, we will not be in a position to attack Fort Tab. As long as the Nadar side is aiming for His Highness' life, it is almost certain that they will attack beyond our expectations. Since they are likely to clash their troops at an early stage, it would be better for us to make preparations to clash with the enemy army at an earlier stage as well.

That's right. It would be a shame if we were forced into a battle in a place we did not anticipate.


　Roheim nodded in satisfaction.
　He asked me a question, and I answered it, just like I did the other day.


　Anyway, on to the subject of surprise encounters.
　This kind of story is especially dangerous when you are on the move or in a camp. Soldiers are not deployed, and in a disorganized situation, they are attacked by well-prepared soldiers. This would be a nightmare for the soldiers. They will be defeated before we can finish our preparations. In order to prevent this from happening, it is important to determine where the armies will clash with each other.


(...... This is also mostly knowledge from the book.


　Thanks to Dr. Sun for that. I mean, what is going on in the minds of the ancient people of the man's world? I can't find any other words than "too genius.


"Arx.

What?

I ask you. Where would you choose for your first battle?


　In response to Ceylan's question, I show you a map and a frame on the table.


I think that the Mildare Plains would be appropriate, since the defeating army is more numerous.

"Hmm, do you have any ideas on where we can blow the enemy out of the water?

No, that's ......

Good. It is the way of the soldier to offer a solid strategy.


　Ceylan seemed to be somewhat pleased with himself.
　However, he soon lost his glee and asked another question.


Then I would like to reduce the number of Nadar forces in advance. What would you do in this case?　Answer.

"First of all, I would try to separate them.

Right. But we've already taken care of that, so we don't need to think about it now.

So you'd use other means?

Yes. Give me an answer.


　After a few moments of silence in response to this order, he said.


"...... I know that what I am about to say will be very disrespectful to Your Highness. If you don't mind, I would appreciate it if you would allow me to speak.

"Good. I will now allow you to say everything you want to say.

"Then with all due respect. First, I will create a force of several imposters of His Highness to operate sporadically in the Nahdar territory.

"What?


　He said something so outlandish and strange that the people around him shouted in surprise.
　I'm sure it's not very respectful to stand up and move Ceylan's fake head.


"You!　You! How dare you speak of such an outrageous thing as setting up a fake of His Highness!


　Count Bowe shouted angrily in reprimand, followed by several other lords.


"Silence!　Have you forgotten that His Highness just said that he would forgive you?

"Ugh. ......


　Euled Raine shouted to stop them and restrain them.
　Anyway.


Anyway, Poluk Nadar will send out his troops as soon as he has a shot at Your Highness' head. If we fish out Nadar's troops and destroy them individually, we will be able to reduce the number of enemy soldiers before the final battle.


　As she finished, Louise spoke up.


But once it turns out to be a fake, you can't fish it out again, can you?

"No. It is a common statement in military law books that if you continue to show reluctance to provocative military action, the hearts and minds of your soldiers will quickly fall away. ...... If Poluk Nadar doesn't have the popularity to keep the hearts and minds of the people, he must be crushed even if he knows it's a trap, right?

"Huh. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're going to be doing and how you're going to do it.


　The Nadar side is currently outnumbered.
　In the event that you have any questions regarding where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site. If that's the case, they'll be on the lookout to keep their numbers up.
　There was a good chance, if not a certainty, that they would take advantage of the provocation.


　When Louise heard the story, she exhaled in admiration, "Ho......".
　Of course, Count Bowe interrupted her.


"This is ridiculous. What will you do if Poluk Nadar moves more troops? What if Polk Nadar moves more troops? We won't be able to destroy them individually.

"Sir. The bigger the army, the harder it is to move. In fact, it must have taken both armies a long time to gather the numbers. To move them to defeat them, it's better to break them up into smaller units.

What?


　After the explanation, Count Bow raised his voice.


　Apparently, this man is not very perceptive.
　I wonder if he really belongs to the military. I doubt it at all.
　It seems that he needs to speak in a clear and concise manner like Roheim did earlier.


The more people in the unit, the longer it will take to move it. As you said, it will be difficult to move a large number of troops against the small units that have appeared in various places. ...... You can think of the defeating army as an example of a force that tends to move slowly, can't you?

"You!　I'm sure you'll be able to figure out what's going on.


(............)


　When I hear a sudden shout, I let out a big, big sigh in my heart.
　It is very difficult to have a constructive conversation with these people. They immediately change the subject to one of putting down the higher-ups and try to make their own flow. This is a disgusting way to divert the conversation.


　But I'm not talking to this guy right now.
　I'm still in the middle of answering Ceylan's questions, and I'm just responding to the questions raised by the lords in the process.
　You should concentrate on your conversation with Seyran.


"Your Highness.

"Mm.


　Ceylan nodded his head in agreement.
　So, ignore Count Bow.


...... There is still some time before the Nadar army reaches the vicinity of the Mildur Plains. In the meantime, I think it would be relatively better to disperse the Nadar army as much as possible to reduce the number of troops and bring it to a decisive battle.


　After he said that, he realized that he was attracting attention from the people around him.
　He was blindsided by the fact that they did not think that a child could come up with such a plan.
　At least it wasn't something that would be laughed off by the lords, which was a relief.


　Ceylan, on the other hand...


"Hmm, interesting. That's interesting.


　He muttered, as if he had just heard a rare story.
　But


But it's only interesting. There is no guarantee that we can catch the enemy troops, and if we adopt that strategy, we will have to re-organize our troops. We don't have the time to do that right now. It's interesting, but I can't adopt it.

"Well. I'm very sorry that I soiled Your Highness' ears with my poor plan. I'm truly sorry.

Good. I said I forgive you.

"Ha!


　I bow to Ceylan.
　Well, it's not that easy to use.
　In the first place, it is an empty theory with no precedent.
　I did not expect it to be adopted lightly either.


　Even with ......, it's hard to have a conversation with a great person. You have to be overly humble at every turn, and you have to put up words for it.


"Hmm, you fool!


　............ Although I'm quite annoyed with Count Bow for cursing me every time.
　He may have caught my attention when I greeted him because he kept interrupting me.
　I'll ask Noah and Kazi to take care of it later.


　...... After that, I was instructed to back off and return to my original position.
　Then Ewlid said.


If they are coming from the other side, why don't you consider drawing them into the Rustinelle territory to intercept them?　If we let them attack the fortifications from the other side, we will be able to fight a solid battle.


　He was probably trying to get Nadar's army to take the low road of attacking the castle.
　But Ceylan did not shake his head.


No, I think a decisive battle on the Mildur Plains would be better. We have called upon the lords to fight a war of attrition, and now we have gathered enough forces. If we stay in the fortress and intercept them, we will not be able to make a good showing.


　After saying that, Ceylan stood up on the spot and declared clearly again.


I'll say it again. This war is about defeating a despicable traitor. It is natural for us to play tricks for victory, but we must not mistake our purpose. We must aggressively crush the Nadar army. Only then will this operation be a success.


　I guess. When Ceylan called this battle a "war," defeating Poluk Nadar was already a "means" and the "goal" was for the royal family to demonstrate to the world that they would not allow traitors to exist in their country.
　Even if it was just to buy time until the main force of the national army arrived, it would sound bad once the fact that the other side had attacked was established.
　If that were to happen, there would be fears that the rumors would pile up that Seiran was a weakling and had no talent for leading an army.


　Especially if he is outnumbered.
　He can't take a passive approach.
　War is a means of politics. It is often said that destroying the enemy is a means to an end, never an end in itself.


　Of course we must not lose this battle, but we must not fight passively.
　If we don't attack and attack and attack to the bitter end, we will not be able to call it victory.
　It is difficult to think of a way to win.


Let me ask you this. Where is the best place for the final battle? If you can think of a better place, feel free to name it.


　...... One after another, words came up suggesting a decisive battle on the Mildare Plains.
　I guess they think that since they have more troops than us, they won't have to resort to any tricks.


　Eventually, Ceylan and the lords agreed on the future course of action and the tactics to be employed in the event of a decisive battle.


　Finally, Ceylan announced the end of the council.


"This council has been very fruitful. From now on, we should have a seat for the Arks.

(............?)


　Finally, he closed with an unfamiliar story.