Chapter 206 - 204 Plotting
I asked His Majesty to convene a military council.
I had invited Klaus, the Cabinet Ministers and bureaucrats, my parents, Gale, Ben, the military executives, the executives of Shivans' Guard, and Aristo and the others.
"Everyone, thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedules!"
I gave a bow and laid out a large map.
It was a bird's-eye view, but the topographical map closely resembled the ancient battlefield of Sekigahara.
The only difference was the absence of roads leading to the northern countries or the Ise Highway.
"The enemy will come from the west. Their exact troop strength is still undetermined, but it is expected they will bring at least over fifty thousand soldiers. Furthermore, it is only a matter of time before they attack."
A murmur began to spread.
Then, the Minister of Internal Affairs raised his hand and spoke. "Why do you think it is only a matter of time, Excellency?"
"The enemy also has a desire to attack immediately. While there are matters such as obtaining Cabinet approval and preparing provisions, I have thoroughly provoked them. Furthermore, the enemy has prepared new weapons."
Hearing "new weapons," the murmurs grew louder.
"I see! Understood. Please continue!"
Our fort is located at the position of Mt. Momohai in terms of the ancient battlefield.
It is situated just above a road similar to the Nakasendo.
Then, I positioned the unit accompanied by Vel's dogs and monkeys at the position of Mt. Sasao.
At the position of Mt. Tenman, I positioned the cavalry led by Regias.
The finishing blow would be an attack launched from Mt. Matsuo, led by my Father, the Butler.
"It is a strategy to surround the enemy gathered in the basin and annihilate them through encirclement!"
His Majesty stood up with a pleased expression and applauded.
However, the Finance Minister was not convinced.
"It is not guaranteed that the enemy will definitely come. Besides, only fifty thousand in this basin? Our Imperial Army has eighty thousand right now! Are they sane to think they can attack?"
"What the Finance Minister-kakka says is perfectly reasonable. The enemy has their own circumstances."
The enemy also knows, through Jason's intel, that once autumn begins, the Imperial Army will likely be mobilized for security due to the parties.
"Furthermore, I deliberately let it be known that Lord Windam is not at the fort, and I informed them that our General Yaris is the defending commander!"
"Wh-why would you tell them? That is something that should be kept secret!"
"It will be discovered eventually. If so, the enemy will be pleased, and I thought they would be prone to underestimating us, thinking a young woman is the lord of the castle."
The Finance Minister made a surprised face.
"B-but still..."
"I understand what you want to say. The enemy has developed large cannons, which did not exist twenty years ago. They intend to use these in a siege. It is precisely because they are overconfident in the performance of these weapons that now is our chance!"
As the murmurs rose again, my Father, the Butler, asked a question.
"Are these large cannons more powerful weapons than catapults or the cannons you made?"
"They are merely better than catapults. Cannons far surpass large cannons, and since we have also made hand grenades, there is first of all no element of us losing."
Everyone else also grew noisy at the mention of the appearance of new weapons.
"I see! Then, after we crush the enemy's spirit along with their large cannons using our cannons and hand grenades, it will be our turn!"
It seemed he asked the question deliberately to make everyone around him understand.
If the enemy were to escape, it would be via the southwest path they came from, but there, the guerrilla unit led by Aristo would be lurking in Fujikawadai to launch an ambush. The enemies escaping to the northern mountainous regions would be chased by the dogs and monkeys led by Vel.
I showed the power of the cannons and hand grenades to His Majesty, the Cabinet Ministers, and the bureaucrats, and had the Shivans' Guard and the Imperial Army train with them.
In this way, we meticulously worked out a concrete operational plan and headed out to scout the locations for the magic circle installations.
"From below, they won't be able to see us here."
"I can almost see the enemy, caught off guard by a surprise attack from a large army without being detected, panicking and trying to flee!"
The Imperial Army executives were laughing together.
I also consulted His Majesty, Klaus, and the Cabinet Ministers regarding post-war matters.
"It is expected that they will launch an attack without a declaration of war this time as well. Therefore, in order to ensure war never happens again, we will also need a certain number of prisoners of war."
For the sake of later, I would have them speak of the misery and the intense situation of war.
"While I have the desire to annihilate them... we must make the Duchy of Walujava suffer! Is there any good way?"
His Majesty asked.
"In that case, wouldn't it be fine to behead the Grand Duke?"
When the General Affairs Minister said this, the Minister of State countered, "That is a foolish plan. It would likely earn a great deal of resentment from the people of that country."
"It would be better to simply have the Grand Duke behead the Prime Minister. If we do that, the resentment of the fanatics will be directed toward the Grand Duke. They will start saying things like 'We shouldn't have gone to war' as if it were news, since he is the instigator of the war. And he will leave a bad name for future generations as a bad National Lord who made his subordinates take responsibility!"
As Klaus, looking pale, spoke with a dark expression and a sneer, the Cabinet Ministers trembled.
"T-that's right. I also support Prime Minister Klaus-kakka!"
When the Foreign Minister supported him, everyone concurred.
One month after I finished the escort request, the Academy entered the Summer Training Camp.
"I'm taking first place this year!"
Jeff was burning with passion, but Aristo burned even more, saying, "I won't let you! I will take first place!"
"Me too! Because my life is on the line! Don't get in my way!"
As Chris suddenly joined the fray, the Seven Idols also appeared, sparks flying as they said, "We won't lose!"
Besides them, the men of the wicked 'Shinobi' and the women of the 'Kunoichi' were also fired up.
"Listen! Not within the top 10! First place! Our goal is absolutely first place!"
When Alpha said this to the other four, Beta replied, "Of course! If you say lukewarm things like 'within the top 10,' you'll be tripped up!"
"On the pride of the Koka Tribe!"
"That's right! Considering future matters..."
"We can't lose to them."
As the other three spoke, they looked toward the 'Kunoichi' women.
"Losing to those types who make the front of your pants bulge! It's unthinkable!"
"I know, Anne! If we lose to something like that, it'll be a disgrace for generations!"
Due was in agreement.
"To think we won't even be held... I don't want to think about it!"
"I understand, Trois. It would be pathetic to be held out of pity..."
"Don't be weak, Quatre! We are also aiming for first place!"
Told by Cinq, everyone was thinking of a strategy.
And as others heard that talk, it became a rumor.
"Did you hear? Apparently, if you make it into the top 10, you get a reward from Shivans-sama."
"Seriously! Did you hear what you can get from him? If it were me, I'd want cash!"
"But even children of nobles and the Imperial Family want it, so it must be something incredible!"
This rumor spread in an instant, and everyone started saying "Top 10!", creating a goal.
At the same time, in the Duchy of Walujava...
A butler arrived at the Prime Minister's residence where Shoben was.
"There are two pieces of news, one good and one bad."
"Then let me hear the good news first!"
It was the story of how Windam, who was famous as the Hero, had disappeared. Moreover, it was a story that the fort no longer had any soldiers.
"Is that... true? I heard from Jason that he wasn't much of a guy. If it's true, he's a madman who isn't sane. Was he drugged by someone?"
Hearing that the Shilling Trading Company and the Lechaa Trading Company were also submitting similar reports, Shoben was so overjoyed he felt like dancing.
The butler was somewhat put off, but he cleared his throat.
"Wh-what is the next bad report?"
"That is... the 'Church of Light' has vanished..."
The teacup he was about to drink from fell from his hand, and he asked back with trembling hands, "What... did you just say?"
"Th-therefore, the 'Church of Light's' hideout has also vanished. Nearby villages have disappeared, and all those involved have vanished... just like a disappearance by the gods. The location of the hideout is unknown, the roads have vanished, and we are currently searching various mountains."
"That... how can such a ridiculous story exist! You don't even know the location! Is no one alive? Did the drug under development destroy them? Put more people in and investigate! How much money and time do you think was poured into that place! You think you can just say 'it's gone'? Don't mess with me!"
Shoben went on a rampage, kicking the desk in anger.
"What is the other one! Tell me quickly!"
"The military is eager to go to war. They have neither the Prime Minister-kakka's permission nor, of course, the Grand Duke's permission. The military is in a state of running amok..."
It was one headache-inducing story after another.
"Don't tell me they think it's a chance because Windam disappeared? It might be an enemy trap! To go to war without even investigating—isn't that the height of folly! Is there nothing but idiots there?"
Another report came in there.
"It's terrible! Regarding the fort the enemy built... after Windam disappeared, it seems a female soldier from a local lord became the commander and entered in a hurry! Moreover, the troop strength is only 5,000!"
At that, everyone started saying they could understand why the military was getting excited.
(Is it true? The Emperor of Altmea shouldn't be such a fool. Rather, he should be more excellent than the successive emperors. Even in the previous war with Rhodesia, he was at an overwhelming disadvantage. Yet, he was the person who achieved a brilliant victory. We should investigate cautiously!)
He somehow managed to suppress the military that was about to run amok.
"We must arrange money and food! Besides, we must see if the rumors are true! If it turns out to be a trap and it's a lie, the ones who will be in trouble are not me, but you all!"
"Understood. Then we shall follow your Excellency's instructions. However, it is also possible that it will be too late. Being too cautious and missing the timing—there are many such stories from the old days, you know?"
He could tell the man was cursing him in his heart, calling him a coward.
But Shoben had a bad feeling about something.
I was also busy.
In Port Town Marino, I searched for red dots, captured them, and used [Hawk Eye] day and night to find and capture things in other towns as well.
(Criminals and war never disappear...)
I infiltrated the navy in the port town of the Duchy of Walujava.
I gradually took food and weapons. Of course, I also went to the army in the Ducal Capital and took weapons and food.
The cannonballs of the large cannons used plenty of lead.
(This is what will cause harm later!)
I extracted the lead using alchemy and returned it deep underground using earth magic.
I intended to take the iron and return it to the people of this town.
(It seems they don't mind much even if weapons, cannonballs, and gunpowder gradually disappear.)
Of course, some people notice, but when they say, "It's just your imagination, right? What would you do with something stolen like that? If you're caught, the death penalty awaits," I agree, saying, "Y-yeah, you're right!"
If a large amount disappears, they notice, but if it decreases little by little, they surprisingly don't notice.
When I headed to the Adventurer Guild in the port town, a cute receptionist greeted me.
"It's your first time, isn't it? What is your business?"
"I would like to register as an adventurer."
"Then, please show me something that proves your identity, or tell me your place of origin."
As expected, I couldn't claim to be from the Altmea Empire.
Right. I'll show the plate from the East Empire.
"Would this be alright?"
She stared at it and said, "Please wait a moment," before going into the back.
This time, a person who seemed to be the Guild Master appeared.
"This looks real, but why are you in this country?"
"An adventurer has one or two things they don't want to be pried into, right? Can't you just understand? Of course, it's not for something like crime."
When I said this with a handsome smile, he said, "Well, I suppose so. Understood. But, shall I have you test your skills?" but then he laughed, saying, "No need! You look just like a pampered noble brat! You probably got it through money or power anyway, right?"
"T-this is Goram-sama... Y-yes, that's right..."
"Even if it's H-Rank, just hand it over! Buhahaha!"
I ended up with the starting rank.
The receptionist whispered to me, "He's the son of this town's lord, but he's the fourth son of a concubine. He's a pariah in this town."
"Is that so. Thank you for telling me something useful!"
When I received the H-Rank, the adventurers sympathized with me.
Then, a man holding a beer mug appeared.
"I'm Perkin! Nice to meet ya! Here, drink!"
Since he handed me a mug, I introduced myself, saying, "My name is Shivans," and he asked for a handshake and said, "Let's make a toast!"
"A toast to what?"
"To the lords and the church of this rotten country!"
It seemed I could hear an interesting story.
Perkin said he was a 30-year-old C-rank.
"Why is Shivans in a country like this?"
"I fled after being framed for a crime I didn't commit..."
When I gained his sympathy, he said with a patronizing face, "I understand... you must be a good guy! Come on, drink! Just because you have a good face, some guy who's jealous like earlier must have set you up..."
"By the way, Perkin-san. There are people like the lord's foolish son in every country, but what do you mean by the church?"
"That, huh. I was an orphan. But one after another, my companions were taken away by those 'Church of Light' people from the orphanage. I wonder what they're all doing now. Besides, the priest of the church here seems to be a womanizer. It seems he gathers beautiful women from this town and the surrounding areas and keeps them confined. It's truly lamentable! Is it right for one who serves God to act like that...?"
That was good to hear.
I immediately went to the church on the hill, and there were only old men, including the priest.
When I read their memories and thoughts, they were indeed good-for-nothings. Moreover, if they got tired of them, they would sell them to slave traders and send that money to Shoben as tribute.
(So their intention is to have them help them if they are about to be caught...)
Looking through [Clairvoyance], it seemed two women were chained up.
Thinking I would rescue them at night, I looked for a weapon shop.
As I was looking around, a young girl spoke to me.
"What are you looking for?"
"It's my first time in this town. I'm looking for a weapon shop."
"Then I'll guide you!"
Following her, she said, "I'm home! Father, there's a customer!"
It seemed she was the daughter of this place.
"What do you want? It's a bother if you come here. There's no weapons, no money, and no food here! Go home!"
When spoken to like that, the girl also looked emaciated.
"I just bought this, so if you'd like, won't you eat it? I'm full, so I can't eat it!"
I showed her a basket full of bread and handed it to the girl; she was hesitant, but she took one each for herself and her father and ate.
"Thank you, Big Brother! Father, can I... take this?"
Since her father looked at me, I nodded.
"He says it's fine. Take it!"
"Yeah! They'll surely be happy!"
The girl happily hugged it with both hands and prepared to head out.
Then, her father began to speak bit by bit.
"I can't do anything for that child anymore. The military has seized all the iron. The lord only exploits... and the church tries to take not just mothers, but even daughters! This place is hell!"
As he sobbed, I heard a voice shouting, "Kyaa!"
It seemed to be the girl from before.
"You! Even though you're poor! You have delicious-looking bread!"
"Where did you steal it from? Hand it over to the Lord!"
The ones harassing her were Goram and his group.
I immediately used [Sleep] to make them sleep and quickly abducted them.
"Oh my. You must have drunk and passed out. This won't do. Sleeping in a place like this..."
Then, the people around were saying things like "Is it that guy again..." or "Neither the lord's father nor his sons are any good...", so the abduction seemed easy.
I gave the girl a signal with my eyes, and she said, "Thank you!" and went off clutching the bread. It seemed she was taking it to a disadvantaged child.
(Even though they can't eat themselves... I want to help somehow!)
To avoid being seen, I used [Instant Movement] to toss Goram and his group into my prison. I left all the money Goram's group had and the iron I had at the weapon shop from before.
(Now then, things are going to get busy from here!)
I went to the best inn in this town and said, "The best room, please," and when they said, "It's 100,000G, though?", I paid with a large silver coin.
"Thank you very much! Right this way! It's on the third floor! There are baths and toilets! Please, enjoy your stay!"
That Night.
I sneaked into the military and stole all the weapons, cannonballs, and gunpowder.
Next was the church. I used [Sleep] on the priests and rescued the two women.
"You might not believe me, but I came to save you."
"Really? I believe you! Help us!"
"I thought... I would be violated by the Old Men again tonight... I was scared..."
I took the two to the inn I had taken and used [Sleep] to make them sleep soundly.
Finally, I went to the Lord's Manor and took all the money, valuables, and furnishings. I used [Sleep] on the sleeping servants to make them sleep even more deeply and led them all outside.
(With this, the preparations are complete!)
The next morning.
Screams erupted at the church.
There, the bodies of the brutally murdered priests were found.
Goram and his group were covered in blood, with swords thrust into the priests.
"Damn it! Why won't my hands leave the sword!"
"Me too! It looks like we're the ones who killed them... this isn't a joke!"
I wanted to tell them it was because they were restrained by [Bind].
By the time the Military Police arrived, it was a scene so gruesome one would want to cover their eyes.
"The culprits are you, aren't they!"
It was a situation where anyone could see, but they said it anyway.
"You idiot! When I woke up, it was already like this! We don't know anything!"
"Don't touch me! Who do you think I am! I am Goram-sama, the son of the lord here! Let go!"
As they were being led away by the Military Police, their hands smoothly released from the swords.
And as they were being led away, Goram shouted.
"This isn't a spectacle! I'll remember every single face of the people here!"
The onlookers hid their faces and fled all at once.
And it was the moment Goram and his group left the church.
"KABOOM!"
The church underwent a massive explosion and went up in flames.
Along with the blast, Goram and his group were blown away.
"That hurts... my bones are broken..."
"Me too... someone help..."
Due to the explosion of the church, for some reason, a cannonball flew and directly hit the Lord's Manor. The Lord's Manor also caught fire, and the entire lord's family died. However, the servants were safe because they happened to be outside.
The military, having lost their supplies, charged into the Military Police. This became the trigger that made war impossible for a while, but the cause was quickly identified. However, the navy was forced into a situation where they had to request support from the army.
And the angry navy deduced...
Goram and his group had stolen weapons, ammunition, and cannonballs from the military late at night and intended to hide them in the church. This was because, from their extra-legal position, the church would not be investigated.
However, because the priests made a fuss, they were forced to kill them.
And as the commotion grew, the gunpowder ignited from a candle flame.
"This is the truth! The father who helped you is no longer in this world! What death penalty awaits you? The crime of stealing military supplies is grave!"
The Interrogator announced with a triumphant smile.
"W-wait... we really don't know!"
"Believe us! We really have nothing to do with it!"
"Don't kick me! Investigate more, you idiot! I'm telling you we didn't kill them!"
Called idiots, the people of the military were incensed.
Further violence awaited Goram and his group, who had broken bones.
The church and the Lord's Manor were still burning.
Two women watched them happily from the third floor of the inn.
"With this, no one is left who knows that you were in that church. From now on, you are free!"
"Ufufu! Thank you!"
"Adventurer-sama, you are our God!"
I took a bath with the two of them to clean them up.
"We have to thank you!"
"Don't hold back! We were being defiled by those Old Men anyway!"
It seemed they had anticipated my hesitation.
"It's a good thing we didn't get pregnant with the Old Men's seeds!"
"That's right! We were crying, thinking what we would do if we did!"
Both of them seemed relieved because "that" had come.
However, both of them were former orphans and had no place to return to.
So, I took the land and buildings the lord had held without permission, used [Revive] to repair and improve them. And I decided to donate all the money that was in the Lord's Manor.
"If it's okay here, could you start an orphanage?"
"For us? Is it alright?"
"With pleasure! Please let us do it!"
Since I prepared money and food, they were even more delighted.
When I also called out to the weapon shop man and his daughter, and to Perkin, they happily helped.
The weapon shop man spoke to me with a smile.
"It was you, wasn't it? The one who left the iron and gold?"
"Who knows? I have no idea what you are talking about."
"Wahaha! I like you! Tell me your name!"
"My name is Shivans. Actually, I came from the Altmea Empire. It's a secret, okay?"
He nodded deeply and spoke so that the two women and Perkin could also hear.
"There are still stylish guys in this world! I don't believe in the 'Church of Light,' but I'll believe in you! Gahahaha!"
I saw the completion of the orphanage and bid everyone farewell.
"That person... maybe he wasn't from any country, but was an Angel-sama!"
"I think so too! I really thought that maybe God exists!"
The two women, while touching their stomachs, laughed together, saying, "May a Child of God be conceived!"