Chapter 374 - Chapter 366: Combat Preparations
"—Therefore, if this operation ends in failure, those who acted as the separate detachment will have to retreat to the border mountains on their own. While being pursued by the enemy's great army. It is likely that not everyone will survive, and total annihilation is a possibility. Understanding that, I want you to consider whether you will volunteer. I want you to convey that to the others as well."
When Noein finished explaining the plan, Gustav, Alain, Dant, and the platoon leaders of the infantry units who heard it—all of them wore fearless smiles.
"True, if we do that, it seems we'll be able to blow the enemy's minds. It looks like it'll be a fight worth having. I'll do it."
"No way, Alain. I'm the one leading the Claymore of the separate detachment."
"Whaaat!? Why!?"
At Gustav's words, Alain raised a voice of protest.
"We can't both be in the separate detachment. I'm lighter than you, so I'm more suited... besides, there's no way I'd blindly hand such a major role over to a subordinate. This is an order as your captain."
"Damn it! That's cheating!"
While glancing sideways at the two engaging in such childish bickering, Dant spoke up this time.
"It's a pity that I cannot volunteer with this physique, but let's put the smallest among the platoon leaders—this guy—in charge of the infantry. Volunteers should gather quickly from among the soldiers as well. Rather, they'll likely fight over the slots."
As Dant spoke, the cat-person platoon leader he pointed to nodded as if it were only natural.
"It's hard for me to say this since I'm the one who proposed it... but everyone is volunteering without hesitation. Even though it's a plan that could be a one-way ticket to the enemy camp if things go poorly."
"It is a move that allows us to strike down the enemy threatening the peace and development of the Grand Duchy in one fell swoop. For us, it is a mission we want to take regardless of the cost."
"That is correct. I'm almost envious that those who are as small and light as possible are prioritized."
"Maybe I should have stayed thinner."
As Noein raised an eyebrow slightly in surprise, the platoon leaders spoke up one after another while laughing.
At that reaction, Noein also laughed. It seemed the pride of the Grand Duchy's soldiers that Yuri had spoken of was indeed correct.
"Well then everyone, please convey this to your respective subordinates. As I said before, when there are many volunteers, please coordinate within each unit to prioritize those with lighter weight."
When Noein ordered the dismissal, everyone returned to their respective subordinates.
In less than an hour after that, Gustav and Dant summarized the volunteers from the Claymore and the infantry units respectively, selected the personnel, and came to report to Noein.
With that, Noein presented his plan to King Gabriel Revelant as well, gaining the consent and cooperation of the royal army.
Preparations were hurriedly advanced toward the decisive battle against the forces of the Virgo Kingdom.
.....
"Look, Captain Dant. Does it suit me?"
"Now we're splendid mages too."
The small soldiers selected for the separate detachment said to Dant, who happened to be passing by, while laughing and showing off their magic tools for attack magic.
"You idiots. As if mages like you could exist. At best, you're mage-wannabes."
Seeing that, Dant also returned a light-hearted remark with a wry smile.
The interception operation centered on Noein's plan. The preparations were proceeding smoothly. The soldiers were not holding the magic tools for play; they were making the way of holding and moving familiar to their bodies to get even slightly used to handling them.
"...Um."
At that moment, a woman's voice called out to Dant from behind.
When Dant turned around, the person standing there was Princess Helga Revelant—currently Knight Revelant while during military operations.
"Ha. What is your business?"
Though she was formally a knight for now, the opponent was the princess. Dant straightened his posture and responded while saluting.
"Our country's wind magic users say they would like to begin coordination training soon. Could you tell the soldiers of the separate detachment to gather in front of the checkpoint?"
Knight Revelant spoke in a hesitant tone. She had given a haughty impression at first, but since moving the camp to this fortress, she had become strangely meek.
"Understood... Hey you lot, you heard that? Move with your magic tools, quickly!"
"""Ha!"""
When Dant ordered, the soldiers responded vigorously and walked toward the checkpoint, which served as the fortress's command headquarters.
Just as Dant was about to move on to other work,
"A-Ah, um, and... there is something I would like to ask."
He was stopped by Knight Revelant.
"If it is something I can answer."
While stopping and saying so, Dant braced himself internally.
Dant had also heard the story of the turmoil between Noein and her on the first day. He had been instructed to be careful with Princess Helga Revelant, and if she were to get involved, to call Noein or Yuri immediately.
"Thank you. Um... from your perspective, what kind of sovereign is Grand Duke Arqvist?"
"What do you mean by that?"
When Dant let his wariness show on his face, Helga became flustered.
"I-I'm sorry. It's not that... my father told me to learn well by observing Grand Duke Arqvist's way of being."
The flustered Helga did not look at all like she intended to disparage Noein or the Grand Duchy of Arqvist here and now. While wondering what had prompted this, Dant spoke.
"Grand Duke Arqvist is a wonderful person as a sovereign, without needing someone like me to say so. Regardless of difference in race or status, he always thinks and acts to give as much happiness as possible to all his subjects. For that purpose, I have witnessed the figure of His Excellency fighting while risking his own life many times. I have seen His Excellency challenge enemies several times the size of his own army at the front lines, bleeding while prepared for death."
Dant was now a veteran warrior. The pressure he exuded was extraordinary. At the image of Noein told along with that pressure, Helga trembled.
"For the plan presented by Grand Duke Arqvist this time, volunteers gathered immediately from our army's soldiers. Everyone claimed that they should be the one, and those who were not chosen leaked regret. Both humans and beast-people. If it was His Excellency's order, and if it would benefit the Grand Duchy, everyone willingly tried to face the dangerous mission. I believe the attitude of the soldiers can serve as a small piece of evidence to show what kind of person His Excellency is, and how wonderful a country the Grand Duchy is."
"...I see."
Helga answered in a small voice, as if muttering while looking down.
"Then, it is also true that His Excellency treasures that rabbit-person attendant woman."
"If you are referring to Honorary Baronet Matilda-dono, it is as you say. I have seen Grand Duke Arqvist always employing her since the first year the development of the Grand Duchy began. His Excellency always... not as a metaphor, but truly always, keeps her by his side. As far as I know, she has never been away from His Excellency's side for half a day. For the entirety of these eleven years."
Hearing that, Helga trembled again. It seemed to be a tremble with a different meaning than before. She was likely put off. Dant thought he could understand that feeling a little.
"...I-I understand well. Thank you. I am sorry for bothering you while you are busy."
"No, it is my pleasure if I could be of help. Farewell."
Dant saluted and left the area.
Helga, left behind, stood there dazed for a while.