The king of Agartha, Rinos, is looking out over the lake of the city, humming a strange melody that I have never heard before. His hands are folded behind his back and his body is swaying as he continues to play this strange sound, but there is not the slightest hint of anger or hatred in his appearance. He seems to be truly enjoying the spring that has finally arrived.
However, beyond the king's gaze are the ruins of the former castle of the Kingdom of Juka, now a huge rock, and as he looks down, he sees something suspicious floating all over the lake. The normally beautiful surface of the lake is now greatly spoiled by this object. Those who knew the Jukan Kingdom would be outraged at the sight of this object.
"It's spring. It's spring. I love spring. After all, I don't have hay fever! I guess it's the climate of this world. Maybe it's the environment. Is it my body? But I've never seen anyone with hay fever. Is there no hay fever in this world?
King Agartha is mumbling to himself, listing words he does not understand. He sometimes mutters these incomprehensible words to himself. The people around him are concerned about the king's daily hard work and try to keep a warm eye on him during these times.
A shadow approaches behind the king. His steps show no sign of reserve, without any particular concern for the king.
"Oh, general! How are they doing?
"Ah, Gen-san. It's bigger than I thought it would be. And I didn't tell you to make it this big. It's going to be a year before these guys disappear. Never mind. I'll think of something when I have enough. Thank you."
"I mean it! You can never have too many! Because it's built tough, you know? It won't break just a little bit!"
King Agartha smiles and politely thanks the man who, despite the cold weather, is still wearing a loincloth and a half-coat.
When I returned to my office, I saw a faerie dragon outside the window. When he sees me, he knocks on the window with his nose. I open the window and let him in.
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With that, I open the window. Immediately after that, the faerie dragon disappears.
"What the hell are you trying to do this time of year? I can't stand it.
With these words, I closed the window, rang the bell on the desk, and told them to gather Lafayence and the others.
About an hour later, Lafayence and ten others gathered in the conference room.
"Perhaps this is the army that will invade Agartha again," he said.
Lafayence put his hand on his chin and looked at the map spread out on the desk.
I agree with you. I think they are going to bypass the Banzavi Mountains and reach the Irbezi River as they did last time, and from there, they are going to advance northward to Agartha.
Knogen explains his prediction, pointing to the map.
"Really...they are going to attack Agartha now?"
"What do you say, Lord Rinos? We, the Agartha army, are ready to intercept at any time. Even if you were to ask us to attack right now, we would be fully prepared to do so.
Lafayence beams.
"As for food, we have no problem at all. We have enough food in stock to feed the people of the city for a year, even if the city is besieged in the worst case.
Ruara explains the current situation to me.
"Okay. I guess so. I'd like to check the enemy's equipment. Maybe they're developing something new."
"No, Mr. Linos. I'm worried about the Imperial Guard's rations.
"The Imperial Palace has always been short of food. And yet they move their army before the spring harvest is even finished. There is a possibility that they are going to take food from the village of Daitus.
"Well, that's one possible explanation. All right, let's start by checking the equipment and course of the Lamarong forces. It won't be too late to decide on a strategy after we know that.
With these words, I called up Sadakichi, the chieftain of the Fairy Dragon.
Meanwhile, Commander-in-Chief Koenig, who had departed from the Imperial City of Ramallon, arrived at the city of Rainey, northwest of the Imperial City, by night, having spent almost an entire day marching.
"No, indeed, the march is very fast with all the cavalry. With infantry, we would have arrived at midnight, but we arrived in half the time. It's a good start."
Koenig is in a good mood because he has reached the city of Rainey ahead of schedule.
"That's just what I expected from the Commander-in-Chief," he said. "As you can see, the capture of Agartha will be completed ahead of schedule.
His second-in-command follows, bowing reverently.
"No, the battle will not go as planned. I have that much insight myself. First, we will absorb the armies of the various regions here in Rainey. We leave in two days. After that, it will be a series of mountain crossings and encampments, so tell your men to get plenty of rest. Oh, and get me Commander Almond."
"Commander Almond?"
That's right. Call them as soon as possible."
A short time later, Commander Almond came to Koenig's room.
"I was told you wanted to see me, sir."
"Yes. Did you hear that in two days we are going to leave for Agartha with the whole army?"
Yes, just now. Someone came to call on me and told me so.
"Oh, yeah. Oh, well, that's good. Mr. Almond, you're not coming with us.
"...what do you mean?"
Tomorrow, I want you to take the 5,000 men I left with you to Mount Banzavi.
I don't understand what you are talking about.
Almond replies with a blank expression. Koenig sees this and, striking a pose of "Oh my God," continues speaking.
"You know what? I'm trying to adopt your plan, you know. It's rude of me to suggest a plan and then not understand what I'm talking about, isn't it? Hm?"
Koenig tilts his head and stares at Almond with wide eyes.
"There has been no strategy meeting for the Agartha mission. Therefore, since I have not been given the opportunity to speak on this operation, I do not understand the intention of the Duke...the Commander-in-Chief, when he says that he will adopt my plan. However, I have just received an order to lead my troops to Mount Banzavi tomorrow, and I will carry out that operation.
Almond did not show any emotion, and his tone was calm. Koenig let out a grin at this.
"You're not at all... cute and honest, are you? Oh well. If you understand your orders, that's all that matters. But when I told you to go to Mount Banzabi, I didn't tell you to attack the village of Daitus, so make no mistake about that, okay?"
"What do you mean!"
"We can't go so far as to attack Dytas Village. It would be a waste of time and effort. You can lead your army to the foot of Mount Banzavi and check the village of Dytas. You may interrogate anyone who tries to enter the mountain to go to Ditas village, or who comes down from the mountain to go to another town. In any case, until my messenger arrives, you are to stay at the foot of Mount Banzavi."
"..."
Almond looks at Koenig with cold eyes.
"That's all I have to say. You may step back."
Koenig motions with his right hand to the room to ask them to leave. Almond bowed and left the room without changing his expression.
"We should try to minimize waste as much as possible..."
Koenig mutters to no one in particular. Then he sits down in his chair, smiling happily, and imagines in his mind the policy he will pursue after the invasion of Agartha is completed.