Chapter 144 – Psychosocial (2/2)

Due to the words he finished saying, the assistants whisper amongst themselves.

“However, to hold one of that level, for me that’s very…”

“Who told you guys to go up there yourselves? It will be fine if that’s done by the soldiers, won’t it?” (Hifumi)

“Ah”, due to Gaap having such expression, Hifumi was seriously troubled.

“Do you really don’t think about such things as application or amplification of utility?” (Hifumi)

From then on Hifumi extends his explanation to things like magic application for long distance communication with wind magic and excavation with water currents, on top of that physical communication methods inside a building which used speaking tubes and the general concept of sensors.

Although it was sudden, Gaap and his assistants asked many questions while trying to comprehend the very interesting theories and techniques. They stared with high concentration at the scribbles drawn with by Hifumi.

“Umm… I know it’s kind of late for that, but why is it acceptable for you to teach us these things?” (Gaap)

At the moment the lecture, which had continued until late at night, reached a point where they could take a pause, Gaap asked that timidly.

“Ah, so, in a few days, Orsongrande’s army will probably come here. If aren’t prepared, it will be one-sided, I guess. Then it won’t very interesting.” (Hifumi)

“Huh?” (Gaap)

Just like a rust-eaten machine, Gaap turned around and Kuzemu nodded as if having given up.

◆◇◆

And then, a few hours later, a messenger letting them know about the situation at the border arrives. Adolameruk rushes into all-night defence preparations.

While many people were driven into preparing under Gaap’s instructions, Hifumi vanished before they realized.

☺☻☺

“Nelgal-sama, I will make use of you as a shield in the operation this time.” (Imeraria)

Imeraria, Nelgal, Sabnak, Biron, Vaiya, Alyssa, Origa and the beastmen came together at the war council’s location. Origa and of course the beastmen as well weren’t originally scheduled to participate, but since Origa declared 「I will come along, too」 and seeing that she is Alyssa’s superior, the reason for not having the rest join vanished. It was beyond their power to tell anyone to take their leave as Origa brought them along.

Due to them becoming irregular council members, it turned into a wait-and-see situation while everyone greeted and mingled with each other for a while, however due to the declaration of Imeraria who suddenly got down to business everyone was surprised.

“… I’d like to be told about Your Majesty’s intention in detail.” (Nelgal)

Stopping a guard, who stood in the back trying to file a protest, Nelgal asks Imeraria.

“On the occasion of the current invasion of Horant, we will advance the troops towards the capital city Adolameruk in one go. We will have them take only a minimum amount of breaks and on top of that take the largest war potential we can currently move.” (Imeraria)

“Won’t it turn into serious damage for your and my country in that case? If I enter Horant, it will possible to use me as a restraint against the soldiers. Won’t it be possible to solve the situation with only that much?” (Nelgal)

Sabnak and the others expressed their thoughts of approval by nodding towards Nelgal’s opinion.

However, Origa stays silent and Alyssa follows her in that as well.

“And what will we do if you went missing on the way towards the capital, Nelgal-sama?” (Imeraria)

“Hmm…” (Nelgal)

“I’m not well-informed about the person who is steering the current Horant, but is your return beneficial for that person, Nelgal-sama? Even if you returned to the royal castle for argument’s sake, he will be able to seize the power just like they have now by just acting as if you haven’t returned yet and spreading “he has gone missing” before many people become aware of your arrival.” (Imeraria)

Listening to Imeraria’s argument’s Nelgal muttered “I give up.”

“It’s just as said by Her Majesty. While it’s disgraceful, the current man in power within the military of my country… is very likely Prime Minister Kuzemu. I don’t know whether there are spies who were slipped in by him.” (Nelgal)

“Therefore this is also a method to widely spread the news to the masses that you returned before reaching the capital, Nelgal-sama. Being informed boldly and flashily about your return is also a means to hinder assassins who dislike public attention. That’s also the reason for taking many defensive forces along.” (Imeraria)

“A large army for standing out and not as war potential… you say? Though that’s what you are saying, it can be considered as daring strategy that doesn’t suit its appearance.”

“… It’s just a young girl being desperate to recover her lost points.” (Imeraria)

Imeraria’s murmuring wasn’t even heard by anyone, but there was no one who would react to that either.

“However it’s also an extremely dangerous plan, too.” (Biron)

Biron opened his mouth.

“The enemy side… although they would be the ones doing it, we have to also consider the possibility of them coming to crush us with force while deliberately ignoring Nelgal-sama being on our side.” (Biron)

“Besides, is it necessary to hurry this much?”

Agreeing with Biron, Sabnak proposed a conservative theory, but Imeraria doesn’t nod her head stubbornly.

“It’s indispensable to make haste. For one the person, who is pulling the strings in Horant, will be allowed some margin accordingly if we drag it out. And then there are Hifumi-sama’s movements.” (Imeraria)

She sends a fleeting glance at Origa, however she shows a smile without reacting in any way whatsoever.

Although it’s no more than that, there are parts which worry Imeraria in reverse though.

“The probability for that gentleman to be in Horant is very high. If that man makes a move, the sacrifices, which usually would finish with one, will end up turning into 10 or 100.”

“… However, aren’t those victims on our Horant’s side?” (Nelgal)

“It’s not something Your Majesty has to mind”, Nelgal says uneasily.

“I have to disappoint you though.” (Imeraria)

Imeraria shook her head towards Nelgal’s anxiety.

“I’m unable to regard it this optimistically.” (Imeraria)

“Such foolishness”, Nelgal searched for approval in the surroundings, but Sabnak, Vaiya, Biron and no one else denies the “possibility of victims appearing on Orsongrande’s side due to Hifumi.”

“I-Isn’t Origa-sama, who is Earl Tohno’s wife, here as well?” (Nelgal)

“Oh my, thank you for worrying about me.” (Origa)

Being addressed by Nelgal, Origa replied with a smile.

“However, I’m afraid to tell you that from the beginning of my husband’s generosity and support I haven’t accepted anything except being a target for elimination as apparently expected. I believe my husband harbours the same thoughts as well. In that aspect Her Majesty’s thinking is splendid. It’s a method that is beneficial towards both, offence and defence. And she will be able to lead the files and ranks heroically by herself as well, right?” (Origa)

“Eeh?”

“Of course. A person who relaxes in a safe place by herself while exposing Nelgal-sama’s life to danger, shouldn’t be able to become an opponent as desired by Hifumi-sama either.” (Imeraria)

Dissenting opinions appeared one after the other, but Imeraria shut up her opponents.

“How about it, Nelgal-sama?” (Imeraria)

“… It can’t be helped that I’m against it. The current me is nothing, but in the current matter I shall give you my highest gratitude once things settled down.” (Nelgal)

Due to Nelgal bowing respectfully after standing up, Imeraria nodded generously.

Sabnak, who regarded this as correct behaviour of a ruler, naturally bows after standing up as well.

“And, Origa-san and Alyssa-san, I’d like to ask you for the cooperation of Fokalore’s soldiers.” (Imeraria)

“You are jesting. Haven’t many of the royal army’s forces been gathered here? What kind of role do you plan to assign to us who are no more than a small army force?” (Origa)

Imeraria returns a smile, without retreating even a bit, towards Origa who looks at her coldly and says that while laughing scornfully.

“It’s no joke. This is also something I was taught by Hifumi-sama. Origa-san and Alyss-san, you, who understand Hifumi-sama well, and the soldiers of Fokalore who are able to deal with situation after being coached by Hifumi-sama as soldiers. It’s not about numbers. I want to borrow your knowledge. The things you know. How important that is, I was taught personally by Hifumi-sama.” (Imeraria)

“I-Is that something to oppose Hifumi-san?” (Puuse)

When Puuse asked with a trembling voice, Imeraria clearly denied that with a 「No」.

“This is the “homework” I risked my life to obtain. Even if cut down the lives of other, I have to prove it. That’s my answer.” (Imeraria)

“I will go as well!” (Viine)

Once Viine declares that after standing up, Gengu and Malfas agree with her, too.

Due to those words, Imeraria looks at Origa without answering. That’s because she has entrusted the decisions about them to Fokalore.

“If it’s about this, I will have all of you beastmen promise to help Her Majesty to the best of your abilities. You are amateurs at war, but I’d like you to show me how much you are able to do nearby.” (Origa)

“However, as sovereign, I will conversely teach you that you can not end a war just by killing.” (Imeraria)

In the middle of the tingling mood, only Alyssa said “Buu buu” while pouting.

“I’m the one in charge of the forces though.” (Alyssa)

After deciding that the departure would be the next day, the battle, which will be the first directly led by a queen in Orsongrande’s history, was triggered by obstinacy of the queen herself.