Chapter 156 (2/2)

What did they do? Kudyastoria wondered. As soon as the fight started, the soldiers flew in the air and crashed into the ground then stopped moving. But the adventurers didn't do anything.

「They pa.s.s themselves off as bow and magic users, but based on my investigation, they specialize in creating traps.」Lawrence whispered into the Princess's ear.

「Traps…」

Kudyastoria realized something. Senkun knew this would happen. So before the fight—not a moment ago, but from way back—they set up the traps.

「Can outsiders enter the training grounds easily?」

「No. But workers regularly come in for repairs and maintenance.」

So they disguised themselves as workers.

「Did you see that, Princess? We won!」

「W-W-Wait! You can't possibly call that a fight!」

「I thought there'd be no complaining.」

The official swallowed the rest of his words.

「So, who's up next? Ponsonia's strongest man right there?」

Lawrence stared at Senkun intently.「Are you a Man Gnome?」the Captain asked.

「So what if I am?」

「Nothing..」

A number of people's expressions changed—those who knew that the King was killed by a Man Gnome. Only a few were privy to the information.

「Princess, the heavy infantry are no match against Sweet Pleasure.」Lawrence said.

「You're right. I understand your point, Mr. Senkun. You wanted to show that a few men can win even against a large army. Your strategy lies in preparations and leading enemy to the battlefield. That, and traps.」

「Whoo! You're smart, Princess. That makes things easier.」

Senkun didn't have to agree to the mock battle. After all, winning wouldn't earn them money. But by showing how they easily led the soldiers by their noses, people would think that perhaps they could do it against the enemy as well. Senkun agreed to the fight so his strategy would be accepted more easily.

「All right, then. I ask you, Princess. Do you want to abandon Pond?」Senkun asked nonchalantly.

Before the officials could grasp the weight behind his words, Kudyastoria answered.「If Pond is deserted, the enemy will surely use the town as a base. You will then trigger the traps you set up there. Is that what you're saying?」

「Exactly!」

「Will the enemy fall for an obvious bait?」

「Of course, a few… hundred people will have to stay behind. You'll have to sacrifice soldiers too. Someone has to play the “cowardly soldiers who ran away” role.」

「H-How dare you suggest we throw lives away! Our soldiers are n.o.ble men!」a military man interjected, finally catching up with the conversation.

Sunken's easygoing att.i.tude suddenly changed. He gazed at the official with cold eyes.「A few hundred lives will destroy the enemy. Or are you saying your plan of fighting “fair and square” won't have casualties? I hate to break it to you pal, but thousands will die at the very least.」

「You don't go to war for gains and losses!」

「What a load of c.r.a.p. Of course it's about gains and losses. I mean, we're getting 200 million from this job.」

Kudyastoria felt just a tad bit irritated at Senkun for disclosing their reward like it was nothing. What he suggested was logical, but lacked heart. To rule a Kingdom, one must have compa.s.sion. You wouldn't get the citizens on your side by ruling through pure logic and reason.

But if the royal capital falls, all this logic and compa.s.sion won't matter anymore…

The choices weighed heavy on Kudyastoria's mind. If she followed Senkun's proposal, there would be fewer casualties and they could deal a heavy blow at the enemy. But problems might rise later on. The new queen treats her soldiers like they're disposable.

In these kinds of strategies, those who were guilty of heinous crimes or received death penalty would be used. But the chances of success would go down. If they escaped and turned into bandits, the public's trust in her would plummet.

But fighting the enemy head-on would result in huge casualties, and the Kingdom's power would greatly decline.

If the only downside is my reputation going down, then the fewer casualties is the better choice…

「Princess Kudyastoria!」A messenger came running.

「What's wrong?」

「Th-There's a messenger from Quinbland!」

Everyone present—not just the Princess—froze in surprise. Are they declaring war too? Kudyastoria's face turned pale thinking of the worst possible scenario.

「Why would they be here?」

「H-He says he come in peace.」

「…What?」

「The Empire wants to form an alliance! Quinbland's Prime Minister is here on Emperor Kaglai's behalf.」

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