Chapter 233
(Kyle Calendar Year 513: Age 20)
The 6th Regular Capital Conference
Translator : PolterGlast
Having completed a comprehensive inspection of the Kingdom's
western defensive lines, our party returned to the Royal Capital as scheduled.
Her Highness, Princess Clarice, who had shown her
resolve to stand on the front lines (officially the Southern Front) as the Legion Commander overseeing the Magic
Knights, was greeted with tremendous popularity. The people of the Royal Capital welcomed her with
thunderous cheers.
"A lovely—? Princess who demonstrates the model of
royalty by leading a legion herself... Politically, the effect is astounding.
It is fortunate that her inner 'muscle-brain' nature hasn't been
exposed..."
The uproar from the capital's citizens was far beyond my
expectations, enough to make me mutter such things unintentionally. And so,
while the cheers of the subjects had yet to cool, the Sixth Regular Meeting was
convened immediately.
In addition to the usual participants, His Majesty the King,
Princess Clarice, Margrave Hastburg, and Margrave Hamish
were in attendance this time. The proceedings were conducted, as always, by the
Old Raccoon, Minister of Foreign Affairs Duke Klein.
"Now then, this marks our sixth meeting, and it shall
likely be the last regular session. I would ask each of you to report on the
current status and the outlook until summer. Let us begin with the East. Lord
Hamish, if you please."
"Yes! Before I present the report on our defensive
readiness, there is something I must convey to everyone first.
The other day, an envoy arrived from the Istoria Imperial Kingdom saying
something outrageous."
『Despite
being under a cease-fire agreement, it is outrageous to subject our country's
prisoners to forced labor in deplorable environments! All prisoners must be
returned immediately. If this is not done, the Kyle Kingdom's inhumane
treatment and unfriendly response shall be made known to all neighboring
nations. 』
"This is what the envoy claimed. We dismissed it,
stating we are merely acting in accordance with the stipulations specified in
the cease-fire agreement, but we surmise this is one of the steps they are
taking toward commencing hostilities."
"Hmm, the remaining prisoners are all Longbowmen,
numbering 1,000, correct? And how is their actual condition?"
"Well, they have spent over three years in our hands,
and we have treated them favorably, following the Demon Territory Count's『Matsuyama Method』.
It would be safe to say that nearly all of them wish to naturalize into the
Kingdom. We would very much like to use them as a military force, but... they
would likely hesitate to turn their arrows against their former brethren. It is
a fact that we are troubled regarding how to handle them."
"What if their opponents were not their brethren? What
if we granted them rights as subjects, imposed the duty of defending the
Kingdom, and offered them a lump sum payment upon release?"
"Indeed. Honestly, we want to keep them as a force, so
we should explore any path to utilize them as troops. Fortunately, many of
their countrymen reside in the Demon Territory Count's domain, and the
opponent there is the Imperial Army. I was thinking that perhaps we
could have them utilized in the South, rather than in the East where they could
become a spark for trouble."
"!!!"
"Ho ho ho, indeed. According to the Demon Territory
Count, the right wing will be crucial in the war against the Empire. It may
seem like a substitute for not being able to dispatch the Royal Capital
Knights, but Demon Territory Count, do you have the capacity to
accept 1,000 new troops?"
"..., Yes, of course. In wartime, I couldn't ask for a
more welcome proposal... though I admit it would be quite the headache during
peacetime. Well, given the current situation, I suppose we don't have the
luxury of worrying about that..."
"Desperate times call for desperate measures—is that
it? We have pushed unreasonable demands onto the Demon Territory Count
until now, and it is no exaggeration to say that today exists thanks to his
exploits. Your Majesty, I believe that we, as the Kingdom, ought to provide our
support in this matter."
Urged on by the Old Raccoon, His Majesty began to
speak slowly.
"Ideally. The Kingdom shall look after their salaries
for the time being, the distribution of lump sums for enlistment, wartime
necessities such as equipment, and their livelihood after the war. Demon
Territory Count, do not worry about the burden; utilize them as a military
force. Minister of Military Affairs, as a replacement of sorts, how
about replenishing Hamish with new forces?"
"As you command. In addition to the support from Margrave Hamish, how about we extract troops from the nobles of the Eastern
Kingdom and placed them
under the Margrave's command to bolster his forces? Following the example of the Southern Frontier Knights."
"Ooh, that is a splendid idea. So, Minister of
Military Affairs, how many can you provide?"
"Since my subordinates will be directed North, assuming
we extract from other nobles, how about adding 3,000 men for this year only,
and 1,000 as a standing army in peacetime, to the border guard? Furthermore,
once hostilities open, each noble shall lead their banner's troops, totaling
4,000, and rush to join as reinforcements."
"Minister of Military Affairs, that is a very welcome
proposal. Adding 3,000 to our reorganized
force of 5,000 makes a total of 8,000! If this number of troops barricades
themselves in the border forts where defensive power has been significantly
improved, we will not waver even if the Imperial Kingdom Army attacks
with a force of 30,000."
"Hmm... then the East is decided. Now, regarding the
check on the North... Minister of Military Affairs, how is it?"
"Yes. The core will be my subordinates numbering 3,000,
plus the 5,000 entrusted to me as Minister of Military Affairs, totaling
8,000. In addition, we plan to deploy 5,000 troops primarily from the central
nobles. The only concern is the movement of Marquis Cocyust."
"Indeed. If you were to advance as far as the border
guarded by the Northern Margrave, you would likely face a pincer attack—nay,
perhaps even a complete encirclement—from the front, the rear, and even from
beneath your very feet. We have no choice but to permit them temporary entry into
the Kingdom's interior. As it stands, rather than positioning forces as a defense
against the North, we shall deploy them under the pretext of reinforcements for
the East. We will watch their movements, and then intercept them."
"Yes, though it is truly regrettable... However,
fortunately, if we are to ambush them in the rear, there are locations
advantageous for defense. Therefore, we can gain the advantage of
terrain."
"Then that is decided. It imposes a burden on the Minister
of Military Affairs, but I ask you to do this. Lord Gouras's First
Royal Capital Knight Army will likely enter as a rearguard depending on the
situation. And now for the West... First, I have something to convey to
everyone."
Saying this, the Old Raccoon looked at my face and
laughed.
"The King of the Fearalt Principality seems to
trust us greatly, perhaps due to someone's influence. A secret envoy visited
the other day making a bold proposal. Should the domestic situation become
unpredictable, he wishes to secretly let his younger brother, the former Second
Prince, and his younger sister, the former First Princess, escape Fairy
and entrust them to our care and protection."
"W-What!"
Everyone present raised their voices in surprise. Of course,
I was one of them. Wait, is this my fault?
Ignoring my gaze as I lightly glared back, the Old
Raccoon continued.
"I do not know how that personage evaluates us, but...
It seems he has decided to cut off future anxieties and resolve himself to
suppress the civil war dividing his country."
For a moment, everyone withheld their words, and a silent
atmosphere flowed. There were many things we wanted to say, but we hesitated to
voice them.
Seeing this, His Majesty spoke.
"I intend to show friendship to that country and answer
their trust. This matter is strictly confidential."
"Father, is that proposal from the Principality not a
pathetic story for a King entrusted with a nation? And I also think it is a bit
too convenient."
"Clarice, my feelings are the same as the Fearalt
King. If anything were to happen to this country, I too intended to entrust you
and the Prince to the Fearalt Principality."
"But, Father..."
"There is the example of the Empire, but in a world
where many nations see siblings eliminating one another, that King is
desperately trying to protect them. If, by any chance, they are set up by rebel
elements, he would have to kill his own brother and sister as the one sitting
on the throne once the rebellion is suppressed, suppressing his own heart."
Indeed, Her Highness Clarice's point is likely
correct. I don't want to hold onto unnecessary sparks; I think so too. If the disgruntled
nobles learn that the figureheads they intend to carry are here, they will
surely come to snatch them back.
But even if not, in the midst of the war with the Empire,
there is a possibility that the disgruntled nobles who have seized control of
the Principality will aim for a windfall and ride the temptation brought by the
Restoration Faction.
Another fear is that if the disgruntled nobles obtain their
figureheads, gain overwhelming superiority, and succeed in the rebellion, it is
certain that this country will fall into an even more disadvantageous
situation.
It is likely a decision made by both Kings in a mutually
critical situation.
"Now then, Your Highness, next is the situation in the
West where you shall deploy personally... The current status was 250 Magic
Knights, an Archer
Corps of 2,000, and 10,000 cavalry of the Royal Capital Knights
Third Army, but the situation has changed a bit in this half-year."
"Oh? What has changed? Have reinforcements been
arranged?"
"Hearing that the Princess herself would lead the Archer
Corps to the front lines, the number of people attending the
archery ranges in the Royal Capital
has multiplied several times over. People have gathered one after another from
inside and outside the capital, volunteering to polish their skills and fight
alongside you. As a result, we have gained an additional 3,000 men."
I knew it... Is this the 'Princess Effect' too? A delicate
Princess, overflowing with mercy for the people, going to the front lines
herself to fight for her subjects. It is obvious how the populace would react
to that.
Even if the actual Princess is completely different due to
information suppression and camouflage... they have no way of knowing.
"Therefore, in addition to the troop numbers mentioned
earlier, we have decided to have those 3,000 accompany you."
There is a
story that something similar happened in Count
Gorman's domain. Thanks to Yuka's exploits, participation at the local archery ranges exploded, and there was
an endless stream of women volunteering, eager to fight alongside her. And I hear that on the battlefield, the morale of the Gorman
troops was extraordinary.
If it is the Royal
Capital, and the Princess at that, the effect is immeasurable. Was that
popularity upon returning to the capital caused by this?
Did the Old Raccoon ultimately approve Her Highness's
personal leadership of the Magic Knights aiming for this? Thinking that,
a chill ran down my spine. But I have something to say as well.
"Minister of Foreign Affairs, may I ask one
thing? Will these volunteer troops actually be useful as a combat force?"
"The Demon Territory Count's worry is justified.
Since the beginning of the year, Lord Schulz's Third Army has been
conducting fierce training and instilling the movements of archers into them.
In a little while, they will become troops who can move reasonably well. There
is no need for worry. So, Demon Territory Count, where will you set the
western defense line?"
"There are two things we must secure in the West. I
selected the location based on those premises. We will be encroached upon
slightly more into Kingdom territory than in the North, but I consider this
unavoidable."
This is to fulfill the request the Old Raccoon made
previously: not to lose, and to minimize that risk. I selected the most
suitable location for defense on the highway leading from the western border to
the Royal Capital.
"The first point is the same as what the Minister of
Military Affairs mentioned regarding the North earlier. The second point is
the selection of terrain most favorable to us to oppose the enemy's Mage
Corps.
The place that combines these two points—closer to Kylar
and safe from the Western Margrave's territory, as well as the
territories of Marquis Aqualart and Marquis Ignisult—is Kleirat,
located two days from the Royal Capital
and at the midway point to the border. We will make this our defensive
stronghold."
"Hmm, that land where the river and swamps spread
out... The country will be somewhat shaken if it comes to that."
"The Minister of Foreign Affairs's concern is reasonable,
but as a strategic key point, and above all to ensure Her Highness's safety and
secure a plan to 'not lose,' this decision cannot be overturned. I would like
to rely on everyone's skill to keep the domestic situation in check. To not
lose, and subsequently to stalemate and maintain the battlefront for a long
period, this is the only place. In the final phase, I would like Legion
Commander Schulz to lead the cavalry in a large detour to cut off the
enemy's retreat, and then launch an all-out attack. Until then, the Archer
Corps will basically barricade themselves in the encampment to
deal with the enemy or strike the backs of fleeing enemies."
"Speaking of Kleirat, it is the territory of Count
Clay. I see, so there is that meaning as well?"
The Minister of Military Affairs's realization
accurately pointed to another of my concerns. It would be unbearable if the
lord of the interception point was hesitant. Land where one can fight with
peace of mind—this is also an important factor. This circumstance is a
well-known fact to everyone present here.
"I suggested a location a little further west, where we
could annihilate the enemy invading the Kingdom in one stroke, but..."
"Your Highness, it must not be done! The enemy
attacking will easily exceed 20,000. Beyond that land, while there are places
easy to attack, if we handle it poorly, there is a possibility we will be
surrounded and annihilated. I say it again, but I cannot yield on this."
"Kuh..."
"Ho ho ho, it seems even Her Highness is no match for
the Demon Territory Count. No, no, it is a good thing. Then for the
West, we shall do as the Demon Territory Count says."
Yes, we must utilize the advantage of the terrain to go on
the defensive, minimize sacrifices as much as possible, and hold out. Because
in the worst case, a situation where we cannot send reinforcements for a while
is fully conceivable.
"And regarding the South, we have held repeated
discussions. The Demon Territory Count has gained 1,000 fresh Longbowmen,
so there isn't anything particular to add now, is there? Demon Territory
Count, what say you?"
"Yes... I have nothing."
Am I being trusted, or am I being neglected? It's a bit
complicated. Well, in my case, there are secret responses I have only conveyed
to a very few. So I suppose unnecessary discussion is not needed...
"Then, after this, we will enter into individual
responses and the Regular Meeting is dismissed. Everyone, do not neglect
preparations for the final decisive battle! Furthermore, Demon Territory
Count, I have a bit of a personal talk with you after this meeting. I ask
you to remain here. If there are no other reports or matters to share, we are
adjourned."
Somehow, this pattern... I have nothing but a bad feeling
about this again.
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