Chapter 27 – This is War (1/2)

Because Hifumi’s expeditionary force had to replenish their supplies at Fokalore, they used the time to spend a night there. Deep in the night a group of about 20 people secretly left the city.

It was the third unit led by Alyssa.

For the sake of an advance mission, they went ahead and moved towards the national border.

“So, the reason is to kill the careless border company under cover of the night.” (Hifumi)

For some reason the commander of the forces, Hifumi, was running as vanguard ahead of the third unit.

“I think usually you would wait with starting until both sides gathered their troops, but …” (Alyssa)

The one following right behind Hifumi was Alyssa.

Moreover, three rows side-by-side consisting of the 21 troops of the third unit came after them.

Including them, all of the expeditionary force were given orders by Hifumi to act in three-man-cells.

“Discard the usual way of thinking. It’s not like we have to particularly watch out for some promise. No matter what you do while at war, the victorious side is justified. Don’t forget that the losing side has to yield everything to the winner.” (Hifumi)

“I-I’m sorry …” (Alyssa)

Aiming to suppress any sound, all of them were walking.

Hifumi wore something similar to order-made zouri¹ produced in this world as footwear. For all of the others he came up with the ingenious idea to attach cotton to the shoe sole of their boots in order to restrain the sound of foot steps.

Even so, although the foot steps of the troops were audible in their own way, Hifumi’s practically couldn’t be heard.

“Everybody, listen.” (Hifumi)

Inserting a break during the walking, they had only half of the way left before arriving at the national border as dawn was closing in.

Everyone was breathing heavily. Only Hifumi was lightly breathing and remained calm.

“After this we will extinguish Vichy’s war potential until dawn breaks. Before you are noticed by the enemy, kill them swiftly and in a reliable way. Everybody, take out your knives.” (Hifumi)

Without hesitation all troops followed the order and pulled out their knives from their waist.

The backhand grip of the knives was a custom made article and had a single edge which was new to this world.

Of course, Alyssa took out the same as well.

“Just as you were taught. Predict the visual field of your opponent. Only aim at the throat. Don’t make any sound. Don’t raise your voice.” (Hifumi)

While speaking Hifumi raised for each point a finger. Everyone nodded in silence.

“You were told the strategy before departure, there won’t be any changes. Go!” (Hifumi)

Without using any light, they vanished in turn, 3 soldiers each, in the direction of the border.

“I am off.” (Hifumi)

After making sure everyone left, Hifumi took Alyssa and went towards the border.

Different from the other troops, he boldly charged in from the front.

At the border fortress, there was a pathway going through on the Orsongrande’s side. Two soldiers were standing guard. The shining of the flickering and swaying torchlight could be seen.

Perhaps the rumors about going to war had already reached up to here. While paying undue amount of attention to the boundary to the Vichy side, they appeared to be quite tense.

There was no particular movement on the other side. The previously passing troops obviously had crossed the border without being noticed.

“Good work.” (Hifumi)

When they were suddenly greeted, they couldn’t help it but turn around.

In front of their eyes, Alyssa led by Hifumi appeared without holding any kind of light source.

“In the dead of the night … ?” (Soldier A)

“Maa, there are some circumstances.” (Hifumi)

With these words, Hifumi took out the passport and showed it to them.

It was a new document specifying him to be treated as viscount.

“This is … ! Excuse our impoliteness!” (Soldier A)

Straightening up his back, the soldier apologized. Hifumi lightly waved his hands in response.

“Don’t mind it. By the way, it looks like there is only two of you here, however, is it the same over there too?” (Hifumi)

Hifumi rose his finger pointing at the side of Vichy’s on the other side of the passage through the fortress.

“Huh? Yes, I heard that it is the custom for both countries to place a couple of guards at night-time.” (Soldier A, formal tone)

Given that the border was basically closed during the night, apparently the number of soldiers stationed was at its minimum.

“Is that so? Alyssa, I will take both of them down.” (Hifumi)

“Understood” (Alyssa)

Being doubtful of Hifumi’s and Alyssa’s conversation, the soldiers gave each other a sidelong glance. Steadily they were approaching Vichy’s side.

Before anyone noticed, there was a katana hanging on Hifumi’s waist.

“N? At such late time, who is it?” (Vichy Soldier A)

When the Vichy soldier turned around, his head was separated from his torso.

“If asked by anyone, currently I am an invader.” (Hifumi)

Swinging the katana before the other soldier was able to detect the drawing, he was slain before he was able to show any kind of reaction.

The soldiers, who Hifumi’s group conversed with in the back of the passage just now, watched with a shocked facial expression.

Looking back, Hifumi stored the katana while laughing.

“From this moment on the war has started. Convey this to everyone trying to cross the border. They should be aware that they will be dragged into it and die, too.” (Hifumi)

While Hifumi was violating the national border at leisure, the soldiers in the barracks on Vichy’s side were killed silently.

The three soldiers patrolling the surrounding of the buildings had their throats sliced open and were abandoned just like that. The remaining soldiers died never waking up from their slumber.

At dawn, when the main part of the expeditionary force arrived at the border, everything was finished. Hifumi was leaning with his back on the border fortress and waited for them. (T/N: Orsongrande side)

The other troops boldly took a nap in the border fortress on Vichy’s side.

For the fist time experiencing a night attack, they were uniformly excited about it. Thinking about the influence on the military maneuvers from now on, Hifumi ordered them to get some sleep for now.

Seeing Hifumi’s figure, Origa descended from the carriage and came over in a rush.

“Master! There are no particular problems with the main body of the expeditionary force to report!” (Origa)

“Understood. Well then, prepare for the military maneuvers on the Vichy’s side of the border using the barracks as base. I will leave after eating lunch.” (Hifumi)

“As you wish.” (Origa)

Origa hurried back to her original position among the troops. Together with Kasha, they issued instructions to cross the border.

“Now then … I should take a nap, too, huh?” (Hifumi)

It wasn’t only the troops, Hifumi remembered his inner agitation as well.

However, different from the soldiers, it wasn’t due to the murdering a while ago, but due to the part of the coming battles.

He was preparing himself with the aim to act as violently as his heart desired.

He made a simple plan.

Even if his opponent didn’t move as he wanted, in that case he expected it to become interesting and thus came up with a plan that was as simple as possible.

As he was thinking about such things, Pajou approached.

“I wondered whether you couldn’t give me some information on the progress of the war.” (Pajou)

“The soldiers of Vichy who were at the border, several tens of them, died. Our side incurred no damage.” (Hifumi)

Hifumi answered her question smoothly as she was holding writing materials in her hands.

“I heard they were assaulted at the place they slept, but …” (Pajou)

“That’s the reason why I chose a night attack. Quite obviously.” (Hifumi)

Hifumi told her over his shoulder, as a matter of course. Pajou wasn’t able to say anything else.

Likely, in the future, I think there will be much more happening in this war that exceeds my own comprehension.

Reacting each and every time will only tire me out. Rather it’s better if it’s only getting tired as a single mistake by myself can easily end up with me being “disposed.”