His Highness' guiding principle of attacking Zirconia's strongholds across the canal and across the border has been set forth.

　However, there are a few things to worry about. Knowing the situation in this fortress, did the military headquarters in the royal capital really not try to take any effective steps?

''Our country has a cause to attack Zirconia. Since the Isle Rose Fortress was built, they have never once invaded our territory from us. We all know how often we have been invaded from Zirconia.
...... But the danger is greater to attack than to defend ....... If the enemy intercepts our troops with a large army, carrying water on their backs across the canal, ......

　One of the attack captains seemed to know it was rude, but he couldn't help but give his highness an opinion. The other one next to him was trying to control it, but he hadn't been able to act.

''Originally, we should make a staging point between the royal capital and this Isle Rose Fortress and have two to three thousand troops stationed there. However, the request I've sent out to the center since I was posted to this fortress has been largely unacceptable.
"Ugh, so that's ...... and already, as of now, this fortress is ......
'The one who sent me out on an ...... errand is not returning from King's Landing. Some of them are grasping at my remarks before they reach His Majesty the King. But if I said that out loud, I would have pointed out that it was treason, and the situation would have been worse.

　Even though he was treated unfairly by the second queen because of the issue of the succession to the throne, he defended his country without saying anything - the members of the knightly order have respected and obeyed His Highness Astina and put their lives on the line.

　However, there is a limit to that as well. There are people in the heart of the country who are enemies of this knightly order - if they are left unattended for any length of time, sacrifices will be made.

''Bridget, you originally wanted to be a Knight of the Kingsguard. For you, whose dream was to serve His Majesty, my decision this time may be difficult to accept. But I want you to believe me. I have no intention of betraying His Majesty. I am trying to fulfill the duties of the Order so that the Western Domain will continue to be a part of the Kingdom of Raiseneire.
"...... His Highness Astina ...... no. General Astina,...... I am very sorry. I have forgotten the debt of gratitude for finding me as a mere swordsman, and have been easily distracted by the fact that I have been distracted by the ...... shame of living in this life, and after the proper battle, I will use my own sword ......!
That's what you call not thinking straight. If you're asking me, I'm not doing it for you.
'd*mn ......, I know. But I can't think of any other way to take responsibility: ......
'If you can't think of anything, I'll tell you. I pledge my allegiance again to your highness, and if you can't do that, then put down your decorative sword and go back to the country.

　Mr. Deethe had some poignant words for the attack captain, who was called Bridget. Ms. Raquel raised her hand and controlled any further words.

''Brigitte, you will defend this fortress along with Chloe and Solfa. In this operation, only a select few will cross the river and infiltrate into enemy territory.
"Whaaat, do you expect us to defend this fortress with ...... the Knight-in-Chief of Raquel himself, crossing the river ......!
'Yes. Me, Presha, and Dite have been taught by Glass that we can use our magical powers in battle. His Highness is the same ...... This is what His Highness wanted. If a small number of men can change the course of the battle rather than a large number of men clashing with each other and losing their lives, they should do so.
"Depending on the forces the enemy has in place, it may be difficult for us to shut down the base by ourselves. At first, we will try to find a way to cross the river without the enemy's knowledge. If we send a secret agent to the other side, it will surely be the one who can survive.

　The people who can do that are Raquel-san, Presha-san, and Deite-san - but it's risky for the knight captain and attack force leader to be the knight captain himself.

　If he is committed to a desertion move when he feels danger, the survival rate compared to ordinary soldiers may not be comparable, but even if it happens, he shouldn't take the risk.

　What we need for that is information from the Zirconia Army. That's what we can get at this stage.

'Your Highness Astina, may I have my say?

　When I raised my hand, it attracted the attention of everyone present. Being timid here won't help, so I only looked at His Highness' face and waited for permission.

''...... Glass, do you have any other means of obtaining information other than infiltrating a small number of people into enemy territory?''
'Yes, sir. Mr. Deethe's troops are taking the survivors of the enemy soldiers who were operatives last night as prisoners. We didn't interrogate him last night because of the heavy loss of blood from the arrows, but I think it is very likely that he has information about the enemy's base.

　It was Presha-san who reacted the most to my statement. Her eyes shone as she looked at me, as if she had found a treasure - although I don't think she should look like that since this is a military council meeting.

'Yes, that's right, Your Highness: ......!　Dr. Glass can definitely get information out of even the most tight-lipped POWs. If you do that, I'm sure you'll find a way to strike!
...... So, you're that good at torturing people: ...... For all your kindness, people are not always what they seem.
'Lord Bridget, I think you're mistaken, but that's not true. You can draw information out of them without making them suffer.

　Preciousha-san seemed proud as if it was her own business. Seeing that, Bridgette-san as well as the other attack captain, Chloe-san, and the archer-in-chief, Solfa-san, also seemed to have changed their perceptions of me.

　The hypnosis caused by Alraune's pollen is not a panacea either, as it can leave an after-effect on the opponent if it is added or subtracted incorrectly. But it's much more reliable than causing pain and making them spit out information.

...... Glass, may I be present at the interrogation of the POWs? I don't think it would be a good idea to say this now without being present the other day.
'No, no, ......, if your highness wishes to do so.
Now, we're going to patrol the fortress area. Bridget, Chloe. Brigitte, Chloe, we're going to be patrolling the area around the fortress, so you'll have to do your homework. Come with me.
Ha!
'We will go up to the walls once. Solfa, let's go.
'Yes, yes ...... Deethe sister ......'

　Raquel-san and the four captains leave. His Highness Astina, who remained in the round table room, gave her a few words to her entourage before coming over to me with Presha-san.

''After I finish my interrogation, I have something I want to discuss with you.
'It's ...... your highness, you remembered the divine tree?
'Of course. Originally, I don't think we should leave the fortress now ...... but we can't put it off either. If so, I thought it was best to visit the divine tree now. Because the possibility of losing consciousness in the midst of the battle cannot be ruled out.

　His Highness has already made up his mind. He is going to visit the divine tree today.

　I'm sure Raquel-san and the others will protect me from being away. Perhaps sensing my thoughts, Presha-san nodded vigorously to me.