"We will now retreat to our dominion. There are those who hate us and want to attack us. However, an attack unleashed will be an attack that will change the fate of all those around us. The choice I have given you is not a recommendation, but an answer to Mr. Hasebe's passion--mercy!　I hope that as many of you as possible will consider the implications of this and choose the wise path.

　I'll give humanity some advice and leave the battlefield with my men.

　Huh ... they're not going to chase us down, are they?

　This time, he continued to fight as fast as he could without thinking about pacing. When I was fighting, I didn't feel tired, perhaps it was the effect of the adrenaline... but once I stopped, fatigue hit me at once.

　However, he couldn't let his fatigue show to humanity.

　--All hands, stand tall and retreat with resolute steps!

　Breathing on his shoulders, he forced his subordinates to correct the posture of their rounded backs on command.

　Now, how many of them will surrender this time?

　He withdrew, feeling a pleasant fatigue that he had given his all.


　◆


"All men, it was a good cause.

　I say to my men in line, "You have three days to make your next move!

"Our next move will be in three days!　The battle in three days' time is expected to be an intense and prolonged one. Get yourselves well rested, and make sure you're in tip-top shape!　--Then dismissed!

　I ordered my subordinates to disperse and I myself went back to my room.

''Sion-san, the next one isn't in 24 hours........but in three days?

　Kanon walks into my room as if it's obvious, and he questions me.

'It's been a series of battles lately. My body is fatigued and I haven't been able to keep up with the maintenance of my equipment. Normally I would like to give them a week's rest, but that's not possible. After consulting with Akira as well........the last minute line was three days.

　Maintaining equipment is mainly the job of Akira and the dwarves. If it's a unique item or a divine weapon that I or my executives possess, it's highly durable, but that's not the case with general-purpose equipment.

　The high quality of the equipment is one of the great advantages of being an anti-human being.

I see........but won't humanity, which is weaker than we are, also recover?
He'll recover.
Then wouldn't it be better to hit them all at once?

　Kanon has a point. But I had another aim in mind as well.

'Kanon, do you think they'll ever try to set you up?'
If this means that the Kanazawa Liberation Army will invade our territory, the chances of that happening are close to zero.
''Then this three-day rest period will be an equal amount of time for us and the Kanazawa Liberation Army's two camps.
"Well, that's the way it goes........　Because the quality of recovery is better than ours........oh, so she's trying to recover from 10, while we recover from 20?

　What does quality of recovery mean?　This is a recovery potion that half forcefully restores physical strength - a recovery potion. It is said that some humans can also create this medicine, but this one is produced in greater quantities than the others. I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work.

　And the best part is........this one is able to replenish its strength with the creation of a subordinate.

　If these are called the quality of recovery, then the Astor Imperials have certainly beaten the Kanazawa Liberation Army.

''Well, that's close to the correct answer.
Does that mean...?
'This is three days of meaningful use to remove fatigue, heal wounds, and maintain items.'
Yeah.
'Do you think there is anyone in the camp of Emperor Astor who is anxious to fight in three days' time?
"--!　I understand!

　Hearing my hints that were close to the correct answer, Kanon seemed to have arrived at the correct answer.

'Ho..... Then say it.
In contrast, the Kanazawa Liberation Army's camp is tormented by anxiety. They are suspicious of the wise men and saints that Mr. Sion has set up first. Humanity surrendered one by one. Even if it's the same three days, while this one recovers both physically and mentally, the Kanazawa Liberation Army's state of mind - their morale drops!　That's what you're after.
Correct.

　Once the battle against the Kanazawa Liberation Army is over, then the battle against the forces of Demon King Kaoru will begin. I've repeatedly checked on Demon King Kaoru and the others who are invading the territory under their control.......they're strong.

　They'll be the strongest enemy since Demon King Arisa, who forced me to use the BP I'd saved up.

　As of right now, Demon King Kaoru's camp has no damage.

　If I were Demon King Kaoru, I would challenge the battle right after the battle with the Kanazawa Liberation Army ended.

　Therefore, this battle will be a long-term battle that will force us to fight a series of battles in the middle.

Canon, if you want to become a military strategist you need to anticipate what's going to happen. Time, strength, timing--calculate various factors and frame your actions ahead.
Uh, yes.
Well rest for now.

　When you lead a large number of subordinates in command, you can't help but say some crummy lines.

　

　I was embarrassed by the words I threw up to Kanon, so I clicked my tongue and kicked him out of my room.

　Three hours after we retreated.

　A large number of humans who wanted to surrender rushed to the front of the controlled territory.

　That number was well beyond yesterday's 70,000 people. Just checking to see if they had been disarmed would be enough. Non-combatant lords, led by Lady Tamura, volunteered to guide the surrendered humanity, but they refused, considering the contingency.

　Nevertheless, only our military personnel can understand the language of humanity. We don't want to disturb the rest of our precious family members.

　Hmmm........what should we do.......

　

　However, in the long run........is this the best way?

　I'm going to call Akira and find out what's going on.

'....What?'
Akira, what are the reserves of materials to maintain the equipment under your command?
I picked up some of humanity's equipment from the battlefield earlier, so I'm fine.
That was smart.
"I'm good at what I do.
Well, you'll be in charge of maintenance.

　The maintenance material that I had feared was unfounded seems to be fine.

　I was preparing to implement the measures I had just thought of.