Chapter 186: 186 CHAPTER VIII Duke's Conference 2

We will now have our regular annual meeting of the Dukes. Now, the main topic of discussion will be the division of labour between the houses of the war effort in three years' time. The chairperson will be Diorc Forster.

When the Emperor arrived and took his seat, the meeting began with my father's words.

Then, Your Majesty, you may begin.

"Gentlemen, thank you for traveling all the way. As I have informed you beforehand, the main topic of this meeting is a request for specific support for the war effort: ...... But before we do that, let me brief you on the operations of the war.

Operation?　Why not just defend it on the western border?

Sure, a detailed strategy may be necessary, but is there any strategy that you want to talk about here for a simple defensive battle?

Well,...... the best thing to do is to hold off the kingdom at its western border. However, it is unlikely that we will be able to repair the destroyed walls ...... in time to make it a defensive base in three years. Moreover, there is no food stockpile in the former Philibert territory. Under these circumstances, fighting on the border isn't good for us.

I see. ...... Indeed, it's quite costly to transport food to the border area ......

That's right. The shortest domain is mine. There's not enough food in Philibert to spare.

So you'll have to go to .......

"Luring the realm's soldiers into Mladin territory?

José's father asked the emperor for me.

Maybe the emperor wants to use Myrddin's lands as a defense position.

He's right. I believe that if the realm were to invade, the lowest objective would be Mladin. Taking the desolate old Philibert lands would be a waste to the kingdom. Surely, they'll fall for the offer.

I didn't expect the trolling I did here at ...... to take effect.

What kind of future would have awaited me if I had turned away the kingdom soldiers with different hands?

"And this invitation has something else in mind. We can wear out the kingdom's soldiers by transporting them to Mladin territory. We'll keep them on their toes by launching several ambushes along the way. If we can exhaust the enemy's food supply before Mladin territory, we'll be fine.

Well, I guess so. It's just a long and exhausting expedition.

If we don't give them time to rest, we'll have a lot of people dropping out.

If we can do this successfully, we won't have to force our opponent into a protracted battle.

I see. ...... So we'll have to have a surprise force as well.

'About that, I think I'll leave that to Leo. My transference skills couldn't be more effective in a surprise attack.

Whoa, it's me. Well, I guess that's not so bad if you have a transition.

If you want, we can create a monster and have it attack us.

I see. ...... But wouldn't that be a burden on Lord Leons?

Don't worry, it'll only take a little magic.

I'd like to leave the surprise operation to Leo, who will cover the area within four days' walk of Myrddin's territory, and let the rest of the house handle it.

I'm fine, though: .......

Well, it's not a good idea to not have a commander in the defense base just before a collision.

Then that job is mine. Then that job will be taken care of by House Forster, who can afford it.

Yeah. Well, then, the Forsters can help.

Next, I'd like to leave the supply force for a long war in the hands of House Baudelaire, which is relatively close to Myrddin territory.

I don't want to turn this into a long war, but I'll be ready for it, too.

From what I've seen of the kingdom, you're a really good leader.

Yes, sir. And we can bring our own supplies as well.

Hmm?　You know what the equivalent of supplies in war is, right?

Are you sure?

"Yes, sir. I am in debt to Lord Leonce.

No, no. I didn't do anything.

That's, uh, thanks to Frank.

Yeah. All right.

Finally, the remaining Lefebvre family would like to ask for a supply route.

Supply routes?　Yeah, to keep us from being targeted in the war.

Hmm?　If that's the case, you can go to .......

'I'm sorry. I beg your pardon for the remark.

I don't mind.

About the supplies. I was wondering if it would be okay if I brought them in myself.

As soon as I get my bag and the transference, it'll be over.

We don't have to risk anything.

"No, I've thought about it, but the commander can't leave the field of battle. Maybe there will come a time when Leo is stuck in command. War is unpredictable, so we have to do something inefficient but certain.

I guess that's true. You have to realize that I'm the boss this time.

'I see that's what you mean: ...... Sorry about that.

Don't worry about it. So, is the Lefebvre family okay?

''Yes, sir. That's right: ...... Please leave it to us to request cooperation from neighboring nobles who might be able to use it as a supply base and to build a base.

I appreciate that, but wouldn't it be a burden to do so ......?

Don't worry, Mr. Baudelaire. I just want to pay my debts, just like the Baudelaires.

So I'm not doing much of anything: .......

'Right. . I asked each of you to do the preparations.

"Which brings us to the next item on the agenda. I need you to tell me the current condition of the kingdom. You infiltrated the kingdom until half a month ago, Ser Vals, can you do that?

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It's finally here: ....... Please, please don't make the emperors as uncomfortable as possible, okay?

"Yes, sir. First, the kingdom is focusing on siege weapons. The idea is to make a quick hole in the wall and storm inside.

Hmm?　Who are you?

I turned around in surprise, and sure enough, it was Vals speaking seriously.

This guy can even talk in a normal way: .......

"What kind of siege weapons?

''I've invented a big magic gun that is capable of releasing advanced magic called a magic cannon. However, the amount of magic required is so great that if he had accumulated magic power for the next three years, he would only be able to fire five shots.

I've recently confirmed that the Demon Cannon that Master was talking about is incredibly fuel-efficient.

Even so, its power to drill a hole in the city wall with a single shot is terrifying.

''Well, if you're ......, we can let it run out near the border.

Yeah. That'd be nice.

If you're going to lure me in originally, I'd appreciate it if you could use a few rounds of light resistance.

Sure. Well, I'll take care of that on my own.

I can think of no one better to do this than me.

"Just the Mirdines?　Wouldn't that be reckless?

No, it was me. I'll let the cannon run out on my own.

If you want, you could reduce the number of enemies there as well.

No, that's not a good idea: ......

I'll be fine. I have a soldier in the golem that won't die.

Now, let's stock up on Red Golem for the next three years.

The materials are fine. The dragons were overharvested last time.

"I see. ...... Okay. The Empire will pay for it.

Yes, sir.

But you won't get it.

It would bankrupt the empire to pay for so much dragon stuff.

And what do you want to tell me about the brave men?

Yes, sir. Currently, our brave men are getting stronger and stronger. That's right. ...... In three years, he'll be on par with Damien-dono.

'I see. ...... So why don't you fight Leo then?　No, it's not a good idea for a commander to be on the front lines.

It's all right. My knights can be as strong as my uncle's in three years. And there's no need to fight him one-on-one.

I've been training in hell, every day. Three years and Hermann and his men can fight.

I turned to look at Hermann diagonally behind me.

Hermann was a little surprised, but he nodded vigorously.

"I see. And what about the succession issue?

Ah, that topic: ....... I should have talked about this alone with the Emperor first.

Princess Elemenane is almost certain to do so. Eighteen months from now, on her eighteenth birthday, she'll be having a big wedding with a hero.

''I see ...... then we need to send the royal family ...... Sherry as an emissary. Quite simply, I can't say no before war breaks out.

Yes, that's right: ....... Kingdom, you definitely let them get married at this time on purpose .

Is it just harassment or is there some kind of agenda ......?　As expected, even Barth didn't seem to understand that much.

If that's the case, would it be best to ...... have Lord Leons accompany you as an escort?　If something were to happen, you'll be able to come back soon after the transfer. However, there is a possibility that it could interfere with the preparations for war in Myrddin territory. ......

It's okay. I'll make it work. I can think of no one better to do it than me: ......

I can't leave Sherry to anyone else.

I'd have to go out of my way to go with her here. .......

I see. I'm sorry to put you through the ringer.

No, I hope you don't mind.

So you get a chance to find out what kind of guy he is.

And there's a lot more I can do if I go in person.

My gerbil ...... doesn't seem to be attached to Varus for some reason.

"In fact, the kingdom will want to make sure Master Leons is as strong as they say he is before the war. I'd say they're wondering if Master Leons is as strong as they say he is.

As much as I care about the brave men, the kingdom cares about me: .......

''I knew it. It's no use. I can't help but feel the kingdom made me do it. I'll leave it up to Leo to decide whether to intimidate the kingdom with a show of force or to hide his power and let them down on their guard.

Yes, sir.

I think right now we should just go with "no plan".

We'll think about it when we get there.

"So that's the end of our war talk. Next, let's talk about the Empire's budget: ......

And then I sat out the discussion and listened to what the other four had to say.

As expected, there was nothing I could say about the country's budget.

Just then, it was decided that thirty percent of the empire's budget for the next three years would be used to support the Myrddin territory.

It might seem like too much, but I'm grateful.

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