I, the Wizard, Magnus, announced in a quiet voice.

"At last we will invade Teralbart.

　The place is the mayor's office in the town of Leguizam. The conference room.
　The listeners are Sharon and her high ranking brother - Isabella, Zucci, Kate and Tina.
　The others, who were the main members of the Magical Firepower Support Unit under the direct control of the military master, are waiting at the back of the conference room.
　Of course, Chocolat was standing right beside me.

It's no secret that Terralbert is the headquarters of the 'Beast Maniacs'. And the 'Beast Mania' is one of the strongest in the Black Witch Army. It's true that we won the last battle, but that doesn't mean we should let our guard down.
'The last time we met, it was on the plains, where we golem users had the advantage.

　I nod my head in agreement with Sharon's rightful opinion.

But as you know, Teralbart is a large forest that is still dark and dense in the daytime. "This is the home for the chimera used by the beast maniacs. It would be easy for them to hide in the shade of the trees and take you by surprise. On the other hand, the bad roads and trees that line the land are sure to impede the movement of our golem.
I guess you can say the enemy has the advantage, Henri.

　Even though the feeble-minded Kate is prematurely frightened, she is determined not to lose.
　You can see the growth in her, which wasn't there at the beginning of our meeting.

　On the other hand, Isabella, Zucci and Tina have remained clear-faced, or rather cold-hearted.
　They may or may not be listening to us, too.
　As usual, of course, I didn't pay attention to them, and began to explain our plan.

"We will turn this great forest - their home - into a purgatory,
What do you do exactly, Henri?
"A fire gauge. The Demonic Firepower Support Unit will use a barrage of firepower to burn down the entire forest of magical beasts.
Well, there's no shortage of things to burn.
Yes, and our golems are also resistant to fire.

　Sharon and Kate nodded vigorously at the objectives I presented to them.

Sharon and Kate nodded in agreement. "For the next 15 days, the weather will be clearer around Terrobalt, and the vegetation will be drier than ever, and the fires will be more intense. The Chimera will have no hope of surviving, except for those who have the fire resistance.
''Hmm.... Henri had predicted rainy weather before, but you can tell that much more clearly.
Accurate weather forecasts are the way of the Strategist.
Amazing. You're good.

　It is impossible to predict the weather. It's just information from the "strategy book".
　I lied about it outright, but to be honest, Kate's praise was distressing.

In addition, I'd like to request mass production of a magical catalyst to augment the fire support unit's firepower.

　Once the objective is set, the next important thing is careful preparation.
A magic catalyst is a type of valuable alchemy item that only witches and alchemists can create, and by using magic while consuming it, you can raise the power of your magic once and for all.
I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work for you.

"Okay, I get it. So I'll just have to breed fire lizard tongues.
I'll do my best, sir.

　Sharon and Kate responded as willingly as bells that sounded when struck.
　On the other hand, Isabella and the others, who don't listen to people, would normally have listened with a blank stare - but

Alchemy is one of my specialties. I'll show you what I'm talking about, you just have to wait and see.

　Isabella puffed up her ample bosom and stood tall and proud.
　Yes - although it was a proud attitude - this unknowing man was the first to take a cooperative stance with me.

"'Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

　Sharon, Kate, Zucci, and Tina's eyes went black and white with astonishment.
　That's why it was such a surprise that Isabella was willing to cooperate.
　Zucci and Tina, in particular, couldn't hide their dismay.

What the hell are you up to, Isabella!　I don't see the point in listening to this stinking warlord!
"I agree with Zucci.
'Spirits?　I think it's pretty obvious. I hate to lose more than anyone else. That's why I do everything I can to prepare to win. It's only natural.
'I'm not!　We're not cooperating!
"I agree with Zucci.
Shut up!　How long do you plan to be selfish like a child?

　Isabella thundered and Zucci and Tina shuddered as if they had been struck.
　Behind me, Chocolat said, 'Ehh. 'Which mouth says that?' she whispered in a dumbfounded voice, but I silenced her with a 'shh'.

'Anyway, Zucci and Tina, you're going to have to cooperate. Good thing?
Well.....
Good thing?
I agree with Isabella!

　After being nearly thunderstruck once more, Zucci and Tina straightened up and agreed.

　However, thanks to this, we can embark on the attack on Terralbarth with the feeling that we are on a big ship.
Magical Catalysts are precious and difficult to mass produce, but if not only Sharon and Kate, but also Isabella and the others work hard, we should be able to obtain a sufficient amount.

''But what kind of a story is that...''

　I closely observed Isabella's change of heart.
　After the mission briefing was over, she glanced over to the rear of the conference room.
　She looked at Pauli, who was lined up there.
　And when Pauli gave her a small wink, Isabella's cheeks immediately turned rosy.

　　　　◇◆◇◆◇

What kind of magic did you do, Pauli?
Oh, no, no, it's not something for a High Wizard to brag about. I'm just a handmaiden.

　After the dismissal, I returned home with Pauli to the mansion where I was addressed.
　They have Chocolat join them for lunch.
　The head maid is right beside you, and she serves you quickly.

I've told you that I would take care of Isabella, didn't I?
Really great. Terrible guy.

　I look at Pauli's face as she laughs, distorting her large cheekbones, in disgust.

　I'm sure the Kajuu who made an enemy of this guy, that's why they gave him a hard time.
　I'm on your side now, and that makes it easier for you.

"Teralbart is impregnable, but that's why we're winning.
What are your odds, Master Henri?
Ninety-nine percent.
You're not a hundred percent?
Yeah. A fire plan. If I didn't see it coming.
Did I miss it?
If it rains, we lose.

　I told him plainly that facts are facts.
　Without saying a word, I moistened my lips with the water that Milay had poured me a refill.
　I thanked Milay with my eyes, and he bowed to me, saying it was nothing.