Once we left the World Tree Forest, we headed straight to the west of Rosalia to meet up with the 8th Legion.

　Our 8th Legion was supposed to be deploying an army there.
　After three days of riding from the Elven Forest on horseback, we were able to meet up with them.

　As soon as I joined them, Lilith the Succubus came over to me and hugged me, but I gloriously ignored her and asked Jiron the Orc who was at my side.

'Is what I ordered ready?'

　Giron replied amiably.

''Of course, and Günter's husband doesn't miss a thing.

　I boast about it as if it were my own business, but Jiron has the right to boast about it too. It is true that the large ring in front of us was made by the dwarven engineers led by Günther, but it was Jiron who prepared the materials for it.

　He had done a good job of getting it all together in such a short period of time.
　I think I'm getting pretty good at it.

'You get better at getting to the point when you work for your husband.

　Giron tells him.
　Jiron tells a rare old story.

'I used to work for another brigade, and the general was terrible. He was extremely cruel to me. Yesterday, when I told him to gather the troops, he told me to disband tomorrow. If I told him to get food this morning, he wouldn't need it in the evening. That's all I could think of. Well, how do you call that kind of thing in one word?

Maybe it's time for a change of dynasty.

Yeah, yeah. It's a morning and a night. On that note, there is always something to be said for your husband's actions. The order does not end in vain. That's why I'm going to work hard.

　When Giron finishes saying this, Lilith interrupts him.

''Oh yes, this pig says nice things sometimes. If you follow Ike-sama's actions, you will never lose. That's why we generals will fight for our lives.

..........

　I can't help but think that's overrated.
　It's true that the army I lead has never lost a battle.
　But that can't be a guarantee of victory in tomorrow's battles.

　As I told Ferret, Queen of the Elves, and Alistair of the White Rose Order the other day, there is no general who wins a hundred battles by fighting a hundred.

　One day, I will lose too.
　The problem is what to do then, and what to do afterwards.
　If you are down on your luck after losing one game, you will make the same mistake again.

　However, we will have to overcome the ordeal at some point, but I don't think now is the time.

　If my strategy works, we'll be able to defeat the enemy forces that are on their way.

　With a minimum number of troops, we should be able to defeat the enemy with a minimum of damage.
　With this in mind, I called for Anemone, Ferrette's sister, to come over.
　Anemone arrives with great joy.
　As soon as she comes, she opens her mouth.

''Ike-sama, as per Ike-sama's instructions, I have trained the ones that can handle the water spirits.

　He reports in a light voice.
　I feel a little uncomfortable, so I ask.

'Surprising. I thought you'd ask about your sister first. Aren't you curious about what's going on or something?

Oh, you mean your sister. I'm in contact with her all the time. It doesn't bother me. Anyway, you've been annoying the maidservants and Master Ike with your selfishness, haven't you?

..........

　You're right, so I have to answer with a wry smile. Masks come in handy at times like this. It's a great way to hide my indescribable expression.

You can't always tell by just writing letters or using magic. 'I agree. When this war is over, I'll give you some time off. At that time, you should return to the World Tree Forest and see your sister's face.

'Yes. Then we will make your sister sorry for herself with plenty of bragging. That Anemone has been at Lady Ike's side all along, and has been of service to her.

You should go and show off a lot. You'll be the key to victory in this war.

　I said, and gave her an order.
　I ordered her to pour water into a wooden frame made by a dwarven engineer.
　'A lot of water.

'Large amounts of water you are a water spirit for that.

'Yeah, there's nothing you can't make with magic, but this kind of natural object is still no match for a spirit user.

　There were sorcerers in our Eighth Legion as well, but they were no match for the elves when it came to spirit magic.

　The art of using nature's bounty was absolutely no match for the elves who lived in harmony with nature.

It's a good thing that you're not the only one," he said. This time we'll have a little pond built, that's the plan.

Pond?　Is it?

　Anemone asks curiously.

'A water mirror, to be precise. I'll have the water spirit pour water into the frame made by the dwarven engineers led by Lord Günther and have a film of water poured over it.''

'A water film?　Does that mean anything to you?

Master Ike would never do anything meaningless.

　Lilith said, but it's certainly not a meaningless act.
　At first glance, it seems to be a useless act, but it was well calculated.

I'm sure you'll be able to tell me why, right?

　That was the word of Günther, the one who had made the wooden frame.　
　The Dwarf king, with his strong throat and fine beard, asked, "Of course, I will ask you.

'Of course, I will tell you. The plan I have in mind is bold and fearless. Hence, it requires precise coordination work. Soldiers, I must tell everyone.　

　I prefaced this by telling them the details of the mission, the reason for the large water mirror, how to use the Elf Queen's gift of the Fruit of Yizkorha, and how to defeat the enemy army that was about to arrive.

　All my men looked stunned.
　They all looked dumbfounded.
　Günther, the Dwarf King, explained my plan on behalf of everyone.

I've heard that the greatest magician in the Dwarves' army is also the greatest impostor in the Dwarves' army. The enemy must be very happy with him.

　Should I say that I'm afraid to accept the compliment?
　I accepted the compliment with open arms and waited for the enemy army and the earth dragon to arrive.