--The total number of Nadar's troops is less than the vanquishing force.

　-There's a chance the Empire is involved to a large degree.

　--Poluk Nadar's goal is definitely to take Ceylan Crosselrode's body.

　--The first battle will not be a siege, but a decisive battle on the Mildare Plains.


　The first battle would not be a siege, but a decisive battle on the plains of Myrdor. The above was shared by Ceylan and the assembled lords at the council.
　The strategy and tactics for the decisive battle were adopted on the spot and the council was dismissed.
　At the end of the meeting, Ceylan gave me what seemed to be a compliment. ...... It seems that Ceylan was not the only one who appreciated it, and several lords visited me after I left the strategy room.


　You'll be able to find a lot more than just a few things to do.


"That was a brilliant insight.

"It's remarkable that you're so well versed in military science at your age.

I can see now why His Highness wants you to stay close to him.


　You are greeted by name and praise.
　Some of the lords even went so far as to ask me why I was considered incompetent. I'm really grateful that most of them understand me properly when I tell them what's going on, rather than just insulting me.
　If I continue to raise my reputation steadily, the rumors of my incompetence will disappear someday.
　This time, I think I can see such a hope, though little by little.


Don't get carried away.


　Some aristocrats in ...... came all the way to say such a thing, but whatever.


　It was evening.
　The place where I was assigned to stay was one of the lord's mansions in Narvarondo.
　Since I was originally treated as Louise's guest, I was treated better than the lower class nobles who came to fight.
　Louise suggested that he could stay in the castle if he wanted, but he declined, fearing that he might be the target of jealousy. It's a good idea to take a look at the website to see if you can find anything that might be of interest to you.


　...... A large room of about fifteen tatami mats, with four beds, a sofa, a desk and several chairs. In the corner of the room, there is a shimmering glass with blackout curtains, and it is almost time for it to do its job.


　Now I'm sitting on a chair, savoring the relaxing time that has finally arrived.


I'm sorry about the meeting. I didn't know you were listening.

"No, I'm sorry I wasn't more thoughtful. My curiosity to hear what Master Arx had to say prevailed over my restraint, and as a squire, I know it was wrong.


　I apologize again to Noah for my careless behavior at the military council.
　Noah's usual clear demeanor had disappeared after the meeting. He was not at fault at all, but he must have been aware that what he did was something to be regretted.


　On the other hand, the other squire, who was not present, was now playing chess with Galanga.


So?　So you're very active in front of the crown prince?　I'm not sure what to make of it. ......

"No, it's not a big deal.

Ehh, that was a big deal. It was the sole domain of Arx from the middle of the game, and even after that, my mom praised him.　She's a bitter person. You know?


　Deet turned his head to ask Garanga, who nodded in admiration.


"Yeah. If she praised it, that means it's good enough to use - okay, we'll take the mage.

"Ugh, so that's what I get. ......


　I've been wondering about that.


I just said what I was wondering. ......

I'm sure you'll be able to figure out what's going on. As a result, you even changed the direction of the strike force.

I learned the most from observing the council of war. I thought His Highness was great at running the council, but I was really impressed by what he said about Arx.

The best strategy is not to destroy the enemy or to attack the castle, but to read the enemy's plot and neutralize it. I just followed it.


　If you know the enemy's objectives in advance, and make it impossible for them to achieve them, they will naturally be unable to take military action.
　Because of the nature of this operation, Ceylan must defeat Poluk Nadar, so he cannot take measures to frustrate the enemy's aim in advance, but it is still important to accurately grasp the opponent's purpose.


　It's also important to understand the purpose of your opponent.


I've been in a lot of battles because of my location, but I've never heard of such a war lesson.　I've never heard of such a war lesson. You know?

I'm not sure. You're right, it's not that specific of a war lesson.


　Isn't that a bit too fluffy for its own good?


Is there anything else, like the examples in the annals?

So, you know.

Oh.


　By the way, I remember that there was a description of war in the Annals.
　In the sixth book of the Chronicles, there is a section entitled "The Chronicles of the Emperors" that deals with wars between people. It probably contains information on tactics and strategy.


　Then, Noah said.


Noah said, "I guess the lesson of war is not to be clear about your opponent's objectives, but to always pay attention to what their objectives are.

"Maybe so.


　When I agreed, Kazui gave me a curious look.


I'm not sure. Isn't that a normal thing to do?

No, it's simple if you ask me, but if you don't have it as a war lesson, it's easy to forget.

That's right. I'm sure you're right, but I don't think about it much. When it comes to war, everyone tends to focus on defeating the opponent's soldiers. War is basically won by sheer numbers. The only thing anyone cares about is how to get the right numbers.



"Heh, I got the heavy cavalry.


　Kazi played with the piece in the palm of his hand, looking pleased with himself.
　I've got a heavy cavalryman.


I'm not sure what's going on with you, but you not only know magic, but you know a lot about it too.

Yes, I do. You can find no such books in Raytheft's or Crabbe's mansions.

I've had a look around, and I don't remember finding anything like that.


　Both of them looked at me skeptically.
　I can't face them head on, so I do my best to look away and fake it.


"Let's see, that's .......

"Is that it again?　I've seen that before.

"No, I'm not lying.　I wouldn't have said that if I hadn't seen it before.

That's true, but there's something fundamentally wrong with you, .......

The problem is that we don't have the actual thing. It's not in Raytheft's mansion or in Arbent's mansion, so we can't help but wonder where else you can accumulate such knowledge.


　They both said that, but there was no way they could provide it.
　It's all man's world reading. There is no way to prove it, because there is no way to bring it back.


　As the two men struggled with their questions, Galanga suddenly shouted with authority.


"Okay, I guess I win now!

"......?　I'm not sure what to say.　You made me take that one on purpose!

"Hahahaha. That's what comes of experience. Headmaster of the Academy of Magic?

Aaahhhh!


　Galanga took Kazui's allowance.
　I'm sure Kazi is very good at this kind of game, but when it comes to chess, the other side is much better. He still has a lot of room to maneuver.


But it's great that I know what my opponent is doing. If we had more time, we could set traps on the battlefield.

If only we weren't in this situation.

"Yeah.


　Noah asks Galanga as Deet agrees with him.


"Sir Galanga. "Galanga-sama, do you think it would be a good idea to draw them into the Rustinelle territory?

"If you want a sure victory, I think it's a good idea.　You can take advantage of the land, and if you want, you can even let them attack the castle. But in this war, we have to consider the reputation of His Highness. Do you know what the first thing the kingdom will do after the war is over?

Is it an immediate ...... debate?

Yes. Moreover, this is His Highness' first battle. It will be a big one. It will probably be a gathering of distinguished guests from abroad. Naturally, that's where His Highness' reputation will be tested.

"Then, of course, the focus will be on the actions of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince.

"His Majesty Shinru is particularly strict when it comes to evaluation. His Majesty Shinru is particularly strict when it comes to evaluations, and if he were to display that with a victory that was arranged for him, he might be lambasted by foreign countries. Because of your position, that will not be possible. In that case, being attacked by a castle would not be a good idea.


　In a sense, it would be foolish to go into battle with the goal of defeating the enemy, only to be attacked in the opposite direction. You have given the other side time to attack, and the nobles of the time may take you for a fool.
　It would be ironic for the defeating army to take the lead.


In a way, the monk of Arx has protected his highness from such a situation. If we hadn't been able to detect Nadar's exact movements and had been taken by surprise, even if we had won the ...... battle, His Highness' reputation would have been damaged. You can't be joking when you say you're going to prepare a seat for him.

"It's really amazing. I even want you to come to me when this war is over, ...... though it seems like a bad idea.

What?

No, after that, when I told His Highness that I wanted an Arx, he said 'I already had my eye on an Arx' and refused.

Oma: ......


　You've been working to secure it without knowing it.
　And it seems that Garanga didn't know about it either.


"Boy, have you moved yet?

"Because in a situation like this, you have to move fast, right?　If not, the other nobles and lords would have moved.

"He's ...... always so quick with his hands.

"Of course, they were rejected by his highness like me.


　I'm sure you'll be pleased to hear that," Deet said, grumbling.
　Like him, the nobles, the lords, the Sirens.
　It may seem strange to surround a child who has not yet reached adulthood in this way, but this is a world where, unlike the world of men, special talents are firmly established. That's why they try to secure them regardless of their age.


"Arx, His Highness is pleased to see you. Did you do something?

"Uh, well, various things?

Hmm. Does it have something to do with your visit to Rustinelle?

But, Master Garanga, I'd appreciate it if you didn't read too much into it. ......



I'm just saying.


　But Garanga is smirking.
　...... Garanga is also the lord of a region. If you're looking for the best way to get the most out of your business, you'll want to take a look at the website.


　However, even if the reason is because of the magic meter, there is a part of me that doesn't understand.
　The only thing Ceylan knows is that he is active in magic, and not in military affairs. Nevertheless, he invited her to the military council and even made her propose a plan for future operations.
　If it was only about magic, he wouldn't have invited her to such a meeting.
　So I don't know what's going on here...


But I envy you. "But you're jealous, aren't you? You get to fight so close to His Highness.

"Uh-huh.


　That's what I said to Deet, in a vague voice.
　Then Deet gave him a strange look and tilted his head.


"Huh?　You don't seem too happy about that, do you?

Well, why is ...... Deet so jealous?

Why, of course I'm jealous.　If you're in the presence of His Highness, you'll be appreciated by the royal family and hopefully have a connection with them.　It's not every day you get an opportunity like this.

"Ah.


　Indeed, Deet is right.
　If Ceylan is impressed by what we've done, it will naturally lead to our promotion.
　This is a country ruled by the privileged class. It's a country ruled by a privileged class, and the opinions of those around you are basically determined by the will of the higher-ups. If you are successful in front of Ceylan, it is almost certain.
　In that sense, it is in line with his own goal of "rising to the occasion.


　He looked at Noah and Kazui as if to ask them.


I'm just going with you.

Noah is okay with that?

"I'll follow my master anywhere. That's what a follower should do.


　Noah is smiling happily. Noah is smiling happily. I wonder if he is really smiling because it looks interesting or because he is having fun.

　On the other hand.


"Where's Kazui?

He invaded the Marquis' mansion. I knew from the start that I'd be in for a rough ride with you. Khihihi ......


　Apparently, they're both convinced.
　Then there's no need to hold back now. They are more used to the rough stuff than you are. I'm told that I should be more concerned about myself than about others.


　Anyway, it's been bothering me for quite a while.


"So why is Diet here?

What?　What?　Why is it so late?


　He's occupying someone's bed while saying that, and has been lounging around at will since a while ago. The sheets were already wrinkled, but he looked as if he owned the bed, even though it belonged to someone else.


The sheets were already wrinkled. "Because it's basically all old men except for my wife. There are a few maids who take care of her. There are some maids who take care of them, but it's not so easy there.

So that's why I'm here, isn't it?


　It's a good idea to take a look at the actual information on the web, as well as the information on the internet. He's been playing chess with Kazui, leaving the Lord behind.


"Hey, how old are you, Arx?

"Me?　I'll be twelve this year.

Oh, really? He's a year older than me.

Oh, yeah?

Oh, yeah. Oh!　Can I call you Aniki from now on?　He looks like Aneki, though.

That's too much, too much!


　You can call me Aniki from now on.
　But the problem is the way he calls me "Aniki".


You know, we both have our positions, right?　You know, we both have our positions, even if we don't talk like that.

"Well, that's fine. You're older than me.

............


　Mr. Diet, who hasn't been listening to me for a while now. He is lying on the bed with his arms and legs flapping and his mouth agape.
　I looked at Garanga to see that she wasn't listening to me, but she just let out a sigh as if she had given up.


I'll be fine in a proper setting.

...... Okay.

Nice to meet you, Annikky.


　I'll be fine in the right place. I'd like you to stop this, because it's about to make a mess of my bed.




But it's exciting.

So Diet's into the war.

Because if I do well here, I'll be stable for my generation. I can make a big impression on the people in my territory. And more importantly, my wife will be relieved to know that I'm doing well now.


　Deet said, breathing hard. He's not just a kid.
　He's not just a kid. He has been educated by his superiors and is thinking about what is appropriate for his position.
　As you can see from the fact that he was entrusted with cleaning up the scene when Pilokoro and the others were detained, Deet is so capable that the adults think it's safe to leave him in charge.
　Both in battle and in practice.
　A local monarch has to organize not only his direct vassals, but also the war potential of the clans within his territory. For this reason, unlike nobles who are closely connected to the central government, local monarchs are said to be thoroughly educated.
　The monarch must be able to handle negotiations and political affairs in order to be able to do his job.


　That's why I said


"I'm really grateful to you. I'm really grateful to you. Thanks to you, I've been able to take credit, and I'll have opportunities to take even bigger credit in the future.

Take credit for the heads of the enemy?

Yeah, yeah.


　The people in this world are so bloodthirsty.


(Anyway, war. ......)


　I'm only looking at Diet now, but I'm not a stranger to it.
　I'm about to experience it for myself.
　This is the defeated army, or the government army. Unless something goes wrong, victory is assured.


　...... However, I have some strange thoughts about the operation.
　However, I have a strange feeling about the operation: the defeating forces are not making a thorough effort to separate themselves.
　From what I've heard, the only thing they're doing is sending letters to the commanders of the Nadar side urging them to rebel, and not much else.


　That's why I'm curious.
　That's why I wonder why they don't actively try to drag their opponents down.
　An army is a collection of people. It is nothing more than a group of people colluding to form a fighting group, each working for their own interests.
　The army of Nadar is a collection of conscripted peasants, citizens, and mercenaries, while the army of defeat is united by the prestige of the royal family. The Nadar army is a mishmash of conscripted peasants, citizens, and mercenaries, and they can divide and conquer as they please.


　--Send false letters to upset the soldiers.

　--Sending out false letters to upset the troops. - Sending out information to make the troops quarrel.

　--Sending out false information to sway the troops.


　If you want to sway them with false information, you can do it even if you don't have enough troops.


　Some generals are very ambitious. You can take advantage of that and let them get ahead of you with a hint of credit. Use deception to fish him out.

　One general and another general are at loggerheads. If so, send a secret letter to one of them saying that you are friendly with the other, and the other side will read it more deeply and punish you.

　Mercenaries are even easier. You can bribe them. Unless they value fame, money will be a big factor in which camp they join. One way to do this is to hit them with financial power. It's the most legitimate and cleanest way to end up with a smile on your face and no bloodshed.


　If you want to be more aggressive, you can infiltrate their positions with agents and set them on fire.
　Poisoning the commander is the best way to do this, but you can't ...... do that because it might ruin Ceylan's reputation.
　It is also useful to misidentify the number of troops. If you deliberately make it look like you have fewer troops than you do, and when the time comes to fight, you actually have more, the enemy will be forced to deal with you.


...... That's about all I can think of to do.

I'm sure you can think of something really crazy. ...... Do you have a demon in your head?

As expected of Arx-sama. You think up terrible things with your pretty face. You're a nobleman in that way. I think he's getting steadily defiled.

The squires are still talking nonsense.

But if you do that, you'll get less credit. ...... I don't want you to do that.

"Oh, credit. It's true that you can't go overboard with that .......

Yeah, yeah. I'm sure there will be people who will complain about the loss of the neckline.　Especially the Count.

I'm sure they would. He just came at me like that.


　A military family's major source of income is the rewards of war work. They want to be provided with opportunities to earn them, and if they are deprived of them, they will become frustrated.
　It is true that we can reduce the amount of money before the war if we use trickery.
　But it would also reduce the amount of credit you get during the war.
　I see, and it's because I've never been there that I didn't notice it.
　The military of this world is not a mechanism that cancels out each individual and makes one battle result the achievement of the whole, as in the world of men. A casual sharing of the credit is necessary, and if it is a "winnable battle," it is even more difficult to overdo it.


　Suddenly, Galanga, who had been thinking silently, opened his eyes and said


If all of the measures that the monk just mentioned succeeds, the Nadar army will collapse and destroy itself. Unlike us, they're all conscripts and mercenaries, so they'll desert if things don't go well. And all the credit goes to you, Your Highness.

No, no, no!　I can't have that!　Don't ever, ever tell His Highness about this!




　For Deet, who wanted to take credit and gain the confidence of Louise's direct vassals and the local nobility, such a situation would be unbearable. It would be a shame to lose the opportunity to play an active role.


　It was a time when I learned that this kind of army is not a simple thing.
　Suddenly, there was a knock on the door of the room.
　However, it was Ceylan's bodyguard who came to the room.


　The guard greeted Deet and Galanga in the room and said.


"Arx Raytheft. His Highness is here to see you. Prepare to meet him at once.

"What ......?


　He said this to himself.