74 - The Revealed Truth
The Laurel Kingdom army shifted its operational objective to the capture and annihilation of the Undead Legion, which was running rampant in the rear. However, the results were not as expected. They remained unable to fully pin down the Undead Legion.
Still, Sieg, the commander-in-chief, did not feel the same impatience he had at the beginning. The sluggishness of the Demon King's army allowed for that.
"It is not that we have achieved absolutely no results. At the very least, we have managed to protect the supply lines."
Sieg replied with composed words to his subordinate's report, which once again stated that they could not capture the Undead Legion. Of course, it was not that he felt no impatience at all. He simply had the mental composure to keep it from showing.
"Yes. The supply of materials to the front lines is continuing. May I consider this a result of the strengthened defenses?"
"Yes, that is correct. The Undead Legion is targeting bases with weak defenses. That not only means they are outmaneuvering us, but it likely also means they are avoiding danger."
"In that case, has the threat diminished considerably?"
The prospect of protecting the supply lines had become clear. His subordinate thought that, if so, there was no need to fear the actions of the Undead Legion.
"No, that judgment is a bit too hasty. They are not targeting the supply lines, but that does not mean they cannot achieve their objective."
"What do you believe they are targeting?"
"Their goal remains the same. To seize our materials. However, instead of cutting off the supply lines, they are attempting to achieve this by causing the materials themselves to run low."
Even if the supply lines are protected, it is meaningless if the materials to be transported disappear. Sieg believed that this was what the Undead Legion was aiming for.
"...How do you intend to deal with this?"
"It is not difficult. We gather them on the heavily defended supply lines."
"If they attack there... no, is that why you are strengthening the defenses?"
He corrected himself in a hurry, but the subordinate lacked the conviction that they could absolutely protect the site from an attack. He feared that if the concentrated materials were stolen, it could become a fatal failure for the Laurel Kingdom army.
"That is not it. Among those, the bases with the weakest defenses. Those will become the targets of the Undead Legion's attacks. No, I want them to become the targets."
"Surely, you are letting them attack on purpose?"
"Exactly. If we annihilate the Undead Legion, the supply lines will be protected. Conversely, no matter how firmly we guard the supply lines, as long as the Undead Legion exists, the threat will not vanish."
"...Yes. That is true."
There are no absolutes in war. No matter how much one solidifies the defenses, there are times when one cannot win. The subordinate had feared that from the start.
"However, even if we succeed in luring the Undead Legion, it is meaningless if we cannot defeat them. For that, we need time to devise a tactic."
This thought was also the reason why impatience had vanished from Sieg. Far from rushing the subjugation, he now found that he needed time.
"I am investigating everything that can be investigated."
"What is known at this point?"
"The strength of the undead soldiers depends on the ability of the caster."
The information Sieg sought was for the purpose of considering anti-undead tactics. This was knowledge that the Laurel Kingdom army lacked.
"Explain it more specifically. Are you talking about individual strength? Or something else?"
"The answer is that it applies to every aspect. Not only individual strength, but the number of undead they can control also depends on the caster's ability. In that regard, although it is only within the scope of existing records, the Undead Legion seems to be abnormal."
"By abnormal, do you mean the numbers?"
"Ah, my apologies. Both individual strength and numbers. Also, regarding the numbers, it is not just the total count, but the fact that many undead soldiers moved in perfect unison without a single mistake."
"...Normally, such movement is not possible?"
"It seems so. Orders to undead soldiers are extremely simple. If instructed to move forward, they each move forward as they please. The same goes for 'fight.' They each fight as they please. However, the reports stated that the Undead Legion was different and moved in coordination."
Casters who could manipulate the undead were rare, and there were almost no examples of them being deployed in war. This report was based solely on what remained in the records of the Laurel Kingdom.
"The fact that they have such control means the caster's ability is superior. It is the same as commanding a unit."
"That is correct."
"And did you find out what the crucial weakness is?"
He had not been gathering information to admire the superior points of the Undead Legion. It was to win the battle against them.
"What I mentioned first is the weakness. The strength of the undead soldiers depends on the caster. It is the caster, specifically."
"We just need to kill the caster. I understand that. But that is the same as killing the commander of a unit. It is not easy, is it?"
If a commander could be easily killed, they could not possibly win a war. While some commanders go to the front lines, in most cases, they stay in the rear, and to kill them, one must defeat the soldiers in front.
"That is true, but even just preventing them from concentrating on commanding should significantly drop the unit's power. They are different from normal soldiers."
"...I see."
Undead soldiers—at least in the case of normal, slow-moving undead—are not that much of a threat as long as one does not waste time being frightened or letting their guard down. In many cases, people lose their lives when they are blindsided after letting their guard down, thinking they had defeated them.
"We will use bows and magic from a distance to concentrate attacks on the caster. If the enemy caster's concentration is broken, the movements of the undead soldiers will slow down. Then, we break through the weakened undead soldiers and approach the caster. I believe this is one of the optimal methods."
Tactics for the Undead Legion. The Laurel Kingdom army had been researching them.
"...Not bad. But the problem is whether we can get close to the caster."
"Yes. The enemy primarily uses cavalry. The problem is whether we can capture the caster who is mounted. However, the possibility of success is not low."
"The reason?"
"The skeleton cavalry are fast, but what about the caster? Unlike skeleton soldiers, the caster has a normal weight, so the speed of the caster's horse should not be different from our own cavalry's speed, should it not?"
If the horse speeds are the same, they can be cornered. And if they can corner and kill the caster—or even if they cannot, if they can make the caster lose the composure to manipulate the undead soldiers—they can win. That was what the subordinate believed.
"...True. If it becomes a battle between cavalry units... no, if that were the case, why have we been unable to catch up to the enemies we discovered until now?"
"I believe the problem was not just the speed of the horses, but rather a matter of endurance. Even at the same speed, it seems our army's horses weaken first."
"Hmm... even so, we need to close the distance all at once at the beginning."
They cannot catch up at the same speed. They must get close enough for attacks to reach during the initial contact.
"It would be good if we could set an ambush."
"Think of a way to make it possible. Reinforcements will also come from the royal capital. If we can use the power of numbers, we should use it."
"Understood."
The subordinate left the tent. He would now work on planning the operation again with his comrades. Sieg had not denied the contents of today's conversation, but next, he would have to report a more concrete operational plan. The hard part started now.
"...Finally, things are becoming a bit clear."
Sieg muttered while watching the subordinate's back. They had been slaughtered by the Undead Legion until now without any means to fight back, but he finally saw a path toward a counterattack. Sieg felt that response.
◇◇◇
While General Sieg was devising a plan to subjugate the Undead Legion in the rear, the front lines of the battle against the Demon King's army were spending their days in tranquility. Of course, since it was the front line of a war, there was a sense of tension. However, that tension had diminished considerably compared to the beginning. Rather than their spirits slackening, they had simply grown accustomed to it.
Furthermore, the Laurel Kingdom army, which had significantly reduced the number of people at the front, did not launch any active offensives. The enemy, the Demon King's army, also did not launch any offensives against the Laurel Kingdom army, for reasons unknown.
No combat had occurred for some time.
"...I'm bored."
No matter how much they might feel the same way internally, these words did not come from the mouths of the knights or soldiers. The one muttering was Fumiya.
"Why don't you practice your swordplay?"
Hinata suggested training to such a Fumiya.
"I have no partner."
"That can't be true."
Other knights were also training within the camp. Not only so their bodies would not grow dull due to the lack of combat, but also for the reason that they, like Fumiya, had too much free time.
"I have no partner I can fight on equal terms."
Fumiya knew it would be better to practice his swordplay. However, there was no skilled person suitable as a practice partner. Or rather, that was his convenient excuse.
"Geel-san is here. He is one of the Three Pillar Knights, isn't he?"
Hinata thought this to ensure she didn't allow Fumiya to make excuses.
"He'll just refuse. He's probably afraid of losing to me."
It was Geel who had been avoiding being Fumiya's partner. Of course, the real reason was not that he was afraid of losing. From Geel's perspective, no matter how strong Fumiya was, a bout with him seemed boring.
"I wonder if there's anyone else?"
"...Do you really want me to practice my swordplay that badly?"
Being urged so persistently made him feel as if he were being treated as a nuisance.
"Because you said you were bored, Fumiya."
"There are other ways to kill boredom."
"For example?"
"Let's see... shall we talk about something fun?"
As he said this, Fumiya tried to lean closer to Hinata. The talk was just a pretext. The method to kill boredom in Fumiya's head was something else.
"...I have studying to do."
Not subtly, but quite openly, Hinata moved to a place away from Fumiya. She had a book in her hand. It was not a lie that she was studying.
"...Just reading a book won't make you learn anything."
"That's not true. Magic requires various types of knowledge. There are many things I must learn."
This was also not a lie. Memorizing incantations and becoming able to use magic. For a mage, this was a given. If they couldn't do it, they weren't a mage to begin with.
On top of that, regardless of whether they could use them or not, a mage had to know the effects of various spells, and further, memorize countermeasures and defensive means for when they were attacked. Furthermore, there was knowledge for manufacturing magic tools. As Hinata said, there was a mountain of things to learn.
"Hinata, you're so serious. But I think you need a break once in a while."
Despite being avoided by Hinata, Fumiya did not give up. For Fumiya, this act of wooing Hinata also served as a way to kill boredom.
Once more, and this time more boldly, he sat down right next to Hinata.
"...Fumiya. I want to study."
"Why? You don't have to do it right now, do you?"
"I want to do it now."
"I want to talk with Hinata right now."
Fumiya reached his hand toward Hinata's shoulder. He decided to push through all at once. It was a decision born of boredom, though.
"...Stop it."
"Hinata. I'm just saying let's talk. Come to think of it, we used to talk together often before. Since coming to this world, we've hardly had such opportunities."
"............"
It was true that they had talked together often in their original world. Remembering that made the current situation feel like a dream. She found herself wishing it were a dream.
"...Hinata. Sorry for leaving you alone. From now on, I'll make more time for you."
Putting strength into the hand around her shoulder, he pulled Hinata close.
"...Stop it."
"That's why I said sorry. It's not that I forgot about you. I was just desperate to be recognized as the Hero, and I didn't have the mental leeway."
"I don't need such excuses."
"Don't pout. Like I said, I'll make more time for just the two of us from now on."
"Get away from me already! I'll call someone!"
Pushing Fumiya's body away with all her might, Hinata stood up and shouted loudly.
"Eh...?"
Fumiya finally realized that Hinata genuinely disliked it. He was bewildered by the unexpected reaction.
"What are you thinking? This is a battlefield, you know?"
"...N-no, well, that's true, but you don't have to get that angry."
Embracing on a battlefield was improper. Fumiya felt a bit relieved, thinking that this was what Hinata was thinking.
"Come to think of it, things like this happened in the original world too. Fumiya, no matter how close we are, there are things that are permissible and things that are not. What you're doing is sexual harassment."
"Sexual harassment?"
"Yes. Forcing something a woman dislikes... because it's me, I'll let it slide with this, but if you did the same to another woman, it would be a crime, wouldn't it?"
"...A crime?"
Sexual harassment, and even being treated as a groper. Fumiya had never expected to be told such things.
"The three of us ended up coming to another world. Actually, Ray-kun was with us too... but for now, this is fine. Since there are only three of us, I want to cherish our current relationship. I don't want things to become fragmented."
"I'm fine regarding Akemi. She doesn't like me anymore."
"...Why do you say things like that? I said I want to cherish our current relationship."
"No, I mean, it's not like we'll end up in a love triangle."
"Of course not. A love triangle would mean that I fall in love with you, right? That's never going to happen. We're friends."
"............"
The unexpected truth. In Fumiya's mind, they were already in a love triangle. Ever since they were in the original world.
"Fumiya? Are you listening to me properly?"
"...A-ah. I'm listening. You're right. No matter how close best friends are, different rules are needed between a man and a woman than between women. I had forgotten that."
He couldn't say that he had been mistaken. Fumiya played along with Hinata.
"I'm glad you understand. Good. Make sure you make up with Akemi-san too."
"...It's fine. It's not like we're fighting."
From the current situation, where should he head next? Fumiya was unable to decide. As a result, he left his relationship with Akemi ambiguous. In reality, the relationship was ambiguous, so this might be correct, though.
"I'm going to continue studying. Can't you practice your sword alone?"
"I guess so. Maybe I'll go do some practice swings."
For Fumiya, who wanted to leave this place as quickly as possible, Hinata's words—despite being the same as before—became a salvation.
Fumiya went outside with his sword. Without even seeing him off, Hinata dropped her eyes to the book in her hand and immersed herself in her studies.
"...Well, that was a pretty interesting little play."
This voice of Geel, muttered just outside the tent, didn't even reach her ears.
"Eavesdropping is in poor taste."
Cecil cautioned Geel, who was listening in with an amused expression.
"You heard it too, didn't you?"
"Yes. I heard it. I did not try to listen."
It was an appeal that she had not been eavesdropping.
"What a tedious woman."
"Not at all."
"Oh?"
"...What is it?"
Cecil glared at Geel, who was looking at her with a smile. Without realizing that this reaction would turn Geel's suspicion into conviction,
"What are you angry about?"
"I am not angry."
"No, you are. I know the reason. You're probably wondering who that woman Hinata likes, aren't you?"
"Why would that make me angry?"
"Because you suspect it's Ray."
"...What a tedious man."
Those words admitted that he had hit the mark.
"You don't need to worry, do you?"
"Why do you think so?"
"I heard that when they were in the original world, Ray was an ugly man. Don't tell me that looks aren't everything. That's just a formality. Besides, I can't imagine that woman doesn't care about looks."
"That is true, but..."
She wanted to say that Ray's merit was not his appearance, but she could not deny that Hinata was not a woman who ignored whether appearances were good or bad.
As a result, Cecil ended up agreeing with Geel's words. It was a strategic victory for Geel.
"Moreover, that Ray guy doesn't think anything of her."
Since coming to this world, Ray had never shown affection toward Hinata. This was a fact.
"He couldn't possibly think anything of her."
"Then there's no need to be angry, is there?"
"That is true... but I believe it is better to nip the buds of calamity in the bud while they are still small."
It didn't matter what Ray thought. Cecil could not forgive the feelings of those who tried to approach Ray.
"...And how?"
"............"
"No, seriously, you're scary. Targeting the Hero—are you part of the Demon King's army?"
Geel took Cecil's silence as sincerity. When it came to things involving Ray, Cecil was abnormal. Geel did not understand why it became like that.
And probably, she herself did not understand it either. That is what he meant by her being crazy.