Otherworldly Summoning Day 166 [War Begins] Part 2:

'What? So you're asking me to march on Iraklion!

Mertina's voice echoed in the early morning conference room.
The meeting to break up the impending situation began at dawn.

'Why so suddenly? As I recall, when I asked you before, you were expecting a decisive battle that would draw your opponent to Piraeus?

Mikhail also questioned.
That would be just as well.
Between the royal capital, Piraeus, and Lord Gerhardt's stronghold, Iraklion, there were two difficult places, the Forest of Erechshua and the River Thebes.
The Forest of Erechshua was a vast forest area, and a single road cut through the middle of it.
There is no problem for ordinary travelers and merchants to come and go, but the road is too narrow for an army to march on.
It's not impassable, of course, but the line is longer and slower, and the trees are thicker, making it easier for the troops to lie low.
And when you pass the forest of Ereksure, the Thebes River comes into view.
This river, whose source is Mount Oulu, located on the border with the Kingdom of Zaruda, runs through the Kingdom of Roseria from southwest to northeast and supports the agriculture of the Kingdom of Roseria.
Thanks to this river, the Roserian Kingdom is able to survive as an agricultural kingdom, but from the point of view of moving troops, this river is a hindrance.
The river is nearly 500 meters wide and it is impossible to build a bridge over it.
The water is quite deep and cannot be crossed on foot.
In that case, it is natural to use a boat.
There were a number of ferry boats on both sides of this river for the river crossing.
However, the crossing of the Thebes would not be such a big problem for ordinary people, but when it came to a river crossing on a military scale, it was a different story.
First of all, there is no such thing as a large boat that can hold hundreds of people at once.
Even the largest boat would be full to capacity with twenty people on board.
They would also have to think about transporting supplies.
Spare spears and harnesses.
Horses to feed the troops.
Medicine for the wounded.
There was no end to the list.
All these things would have to be transferred to ships and carried to the other side of the river.
It could be expected to take quite a long time.
Moreover, he couldn't transport all the troops at once.
Then, they would have to put a small number of troops on a borrowed ship and send them back and forth.
This is a problem.
They would only be a target to be destroyed one by one.
Incidentally, in the past, the Roserian kingdom had fought a war with the Mist kingdom via Iraklion.
But the situation is completely different now than it was then.
In the time of war with the Mist Kingdom, the battlefield was near the border between the two countries, and security was guaranteed as far as Iraklion.
Because of the security of the border between the two countries, there was no problem in dispersing the troops and transporting them to Iraklion.
But this time the enemy was Lord Gerhardt.
It could be said that the area east of the Thebes was completely under the influence of Duke Gerhardt.
It's not a situation where you can cross the river at your leisure.

That's why Ryoujin had proposed to Princess Lupis to draw Duke Gerhardt into the royal capital, Piraeus, for a decisive battle.
He would draw the opponent's large army into his territory and cut off the supply line.
That was what Liangzhen was aiming for.

That's why everyone in the meeting was surprised that Ryoma had changed his strategy after all this time.
The only one who wasn't surprised was the Malfist sisters who had been listening to the conversation last night.

''I see.......as expected of you, Ryoma......you have a good understanding of the other side's mind and situation.''

Although surprised, he must have understood Ryoma's aim.
I'm not sure I've ever seen such words come out of Elena's mouth.

''What do you mean by that?''

It's easier to invade their territory now. ''Your Highness Lupis.''

I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work.
I'm not sure why it's easier to attack now.
Ryouma explained as politely as possible to all the people present at the meeting.

''I first proposed to bring the enemy into the royal capital because it was difficult to invade the enemy territory.

The fear of being attacked by the other party while passing through the difficult place was the reason why both Princess Lupis and Duke Gerhardt had decided not to invade the other party's territory, but now they didn't have to worry about it.
At least for the past two or three days.
Why?
This is because General Hodram has joined up with Lord Gerhardt.

"I don't think it's the least bit of a problem that General Hodram has joined up with Lord Gerhardt. Rather, I see it as a blunder on the part of the other side.

They were the kind of people who had been in a power struggle to begin with.
And both of them are arrogant and snooty people.
They are not the kind of people who would compromise with the other side.

If they were to join forces, who do you think would be in charge?

The important thing in war is the command authority.
No matter how large an army is assembled, if a general does not have firm command authority, he cannot win.
This is proven by a lot of history.

It may be easy to understand if you think of it in terms of a company.
For example, if a manager and a general manager give conflicting instructions, which one would you give priority to?
Normally, we give precedence to a higher-level department head's orders.
So what if it's the president and the director?
They would put the president first.
So what would happen if there were two presidents?
They are both your own bosses.
What would you do if those two men gave you conflicting orders?
Everyone should be confused.
Because they can't decide which order to follow.
And the same is true this time.
If Lord Gerhardt was big enough to entrust the command of his troops to General Hodram with his superior military abilities, or if General Hodram had the grace to follow Lord Gerhardt, who had a larger number of troops, understanding that he had only a small amount of strength, then Ryouma would never have known that they had joined up with him. I wouldn't have been optimistic.
Their low humanity, narrow-mindedness, and arrogance.
It was because he understood those things so clearly that Ryoma decided that he could attack them now.

''So that's how it is........''

The fire of understanding finally lit up on Princess Lupis' face as she listened to Ryoma's story.
The people around him seemed to understand what Ryoma wanted.

''But that won't last forever, will it?''

The Earl of Bergston poses the question.
Certainly they are arrogant and narrow in their degree.
But they are the highest authorities in the land.
They are not fools.

'That's why we have two or three days to make the most of it.

It's only now that they have joined together that there is an opening.
If a discussion is held between them and an agreement is reached, this window of opportunity will disappear.

Isn't that too late?

Count Zeref's point is obvious.
Any opportunity is meaningless if you can't seize it.
But Ryoma is well aware of such things.

''It's certainly impossible to mobilize an entire army. But a small number of people, specifically a cavalry formed of about 2,000 knights and mercenaries, will be enough to make it in time.

The seven days Count Zeref said included knights on foot and militia.
If only those who can use the Dharma technique were to march on horseback, the horses' rest time could be ignored by using the healing Dharma technique.
And if there were no people on foot, it was only natural that the marching speed would be faster.

'But... if we crossed the Thebes River at 2,000, what would that do? They have more than 60,000 men, what can they do with 2,000?

Mertina was worried about what would happen after they crossed.
It was true that with 2,000 cavalrymen, it would be possible to reach the Thebes River within three days.
But once they crossed the river, they would be under their opponent's influence.
She could only think of it as a mere act of suicide.

''I'm thinking about that. Of course we can't take 60,000 at 2,000 seriously. If we leave the royal capital immediately after the cavalry departs, the entire army can reach the Thebes River in seven days, and even with two thousand troops, we can hold out for a few days.

Liang Zhen's words made everyone in the room twist their heads.
Ryoma seems to be confident that 2,000 troops will prevent 30 times as many enemies.
It's not so easy to agree with.

''You have a plan, don't you?

Ryouma nodded deeply at Princess Lupis' words.
I don't think I can fight him properly and prevent him from doing so.
But at the same time, I don't think we should miss this opportunity.
If this opportunity is missed, there is a chance that a cooperative relationship between Lord Gerhardt and General Hodram might be established.
Even if it's a little reckless, the flow of attack is now.

The room was silent.
And the gazes of all the people in the room gathered on Princess Lupis.
Because her will decides everything.


(Can we really attack and win?

Princess Lupis just keeps thinking about Ryojin's words in earnest.
Because she fully understands that the decisions she makes will determine the future of this country.

It was Elena who broke the long silence.

And he's right, I think it's time to go on the offensive.

Elena I understand. I'm going to leave you with 2,000 men to lead the advance team. You must defend it until the main army arrives!

Hearing Elena's words, Princess Lupis finally made a decision.

I understand. I'll leave it to you.

Ryouma bowed deeply.


I'm sure you'll be able to find it.

Lyonne smiled as she said that.
I'm not sure I'm as condemning as my words.
After Princess Lupis's decision to go to war and the meeting was broken up, Ryoma, Rionne and Bortz gathered in one room.
They and the Malfist sisters and Mikhail, who are not here, are the members of the advance team.

''Well, if you can attack it, it's better to attack it.

As Elena-sama said, we can certainly attack it now.

Hearing Ryoma's words, Boltz also nodded.
I'm sure you'll be able to find the best way to make your life easier.

I'm sure you'll be able to find it. How can you defend against 60,000 soldiers with 2,000 men?

Bolz asked modestly.
He had deep respect for Ryojin, but never with unconditional blind faith.
At 60,000 to 2,000, the game is usually obvious.
If you have a plan to make that possible, it is humanity that needs to be heard.

Well, that depends on the skills of Mr. Voltz and his team. I've asked the two of you to do a few things for me, and it's up to you to do them.

Huh! Is that it? It's true that those things are amazing, but are they really going to prevent that from happening?

You'll be fine. I've done everything you asked.

Bolz paled, but Rionne looked cooler.

'The newly hired people are okay too, right?'

Oh. They were all confused at first. You know, I gave them all a head start. You can rest assured.

Rionne's chest heaved in response to Ryouma's question.
Ryoma's order must have been quite special to the mercenaries of this world, but Rionne seemed to have accomplished it well.

''I don't think that's a problem then, Boltz-san.''

Hearing Ryoma's words, a slight smile returns to Bolz's face.

I'm sure you'll be able to find something for me to do.

What is it?　It.

Well, we won't be using that until after the defense.

At Ryouma's words, Rionne said as she looked around.

''Hmm... so those kids aren't here?''

''Yes. It's not good if you don't make sure they are brought to the camp.

That's true. Well, you've taken your chances with the kid. The only thing left to do is to hope that you will not be disappointed.

Lyonne's tone was playful, but her eyes were serious.
It's not only because she is the head of a mercenary group, even though she is a small number, but also because she understands the responsibilities of a person who stands above others.

''Well, I guarantee you won't be disappointed.''

Ryoma could only answer that with a shrug of his shoulders.
Because he was an ungodly man, and he couldn't be sure that he would win.


Let's go!

""Departure!"

Starting with Ryouma's voice, the company commanders marched their troops forward.
The Malfist sisters were right alongside Ryouma's riding horse.

''Ryoma-sama. I've finished arranging the items as you instructed.

'I understand.'

Ryoma nodded lightly at Laura's words.

I've found the other one you asked for.

Ryoma's eyes narrowed as he heard Saara's words.

'Were you mixed up with the mercenary troops?'

'As you say. He was mixed in with the newly hired mercenary group.

''Well you haven't taken your eyes off them, have you?

Okay. I've been very careful in that area.

Do you know which hand I'm dealing with?

Saara shook her head at Ryouma's question.

'Well that's fine. Let it swim for now. I'm sure you'll have a use for it eventually.

'Awe, sir.'

Saara nodded and advanced her horse towards the mercenary group.

''Ryoma-sama. Wouldn't it be better to take care of him first?

No. The more cards you have, the better. And if you get rid of them poorly, another one will just come along.

Ryoma's eyes become thin and sharp as he answers Laura's question.
It's not just a matter of time before you get to the point where you'll be able to see through the enemy's form.