Chapter 140 – Preparing the Lightning Offensive

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Translated by Sylph

Read it only at Novelbyu.com & Utoon.net

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“What are we to do about those wyverns and dragons?”

“It is puppet magic, yes? In that case, if we target the magician…”

“As has been said before, the compatibility with the one being controlled and the amount of magic power are what matter here, so they likely cannot prepare all that many of them. For that reason, their numbers should be limited.”

Before I knew it, the discussion had moved on to the next topic. They understood the threat of the Black Sphere, but the topic never turned toward how we might obtain it. Does that mean they still do not yet understand its usefulness?

If I had gunpowder, I could do more than just make guns and bombs. I could use blasting for mining as well. I could probably make modern traps too, and depending on how one thinks about it, it would have all sorts of uses.

While listening to the contents of the meeting and thinking such things, His Majesty glanced at me.

“…As for our advance route, that is about the extent of it. Baron Van. What do you think?”

Saying that, His Majesty asked for my opinion. Before I noticed it, the topic had apparently shifted from the enemy’s strength to the advance itself. I cleared my throat once and opened my mouth.

“This battle is, so to speak, a surprise attack. First of all, the primary point is to send the knight orders into Yerinetta territory through the mountain path as originally planned. However, because this mountain path is narrow and long, if the numbers grow too large there will be a high danger of being attacked by magic beasts during the march. Therefore, what matters is setting up safe temporary bases partway along the mountain path. And for moving quickly and safely, I recommend the armored wagons sold by the Bell-Rango Company, the War Wagons. Right now, we’ll even lend you ballistas for free, so you can take them straight into the battle against Yerinetta.”

As I said that, I looked around at everyone’s faces. Then His Majesty and Panamera both burst out laughing.

“Fuh, ha-ha-ha! To turn even this into business on the side!”

“The boy would probably make a great success of himself even if he became a merchant.”

The two of them laughed, but Daddy, that is, Jalpha, wore a sullen expression and exhaled. Then, once the conversation paused, Ventury spoke to confirm something.

“There is a fortress in Yerinetta territory positioned to blockade the mountain path, but is it really wise to base our strategy on information from enemy royalty?”

He seemed worried that the information drawn out of Unimog might be false. The other nobles nodded as well.

However, at those anxious voices, His Majesty wore a fearless smile and spoke.

“Be at ease. He was a witless fellow, but I pressed him thoroughly. He could not lie.”

When His Majesty said that, several people changed color, while the others simply nodded as if to say, I see. It may be that His Majesty’s interrogations have a reputation in more ways than one.

Incidentally, Freitliner was cooperative from the start, and now says he wants to settle permanently in Seat Village, so he is currently receiving civil-official-style education from Espada.

“Then first, we will purchase these so-called armored wagons from Baron Van and enter the mountain path, where we will make bases. Since the distance is considerable, three bases will be established.”

Saying that, His Majesty explained the locations of the bases on the map spread over the round table.

“Apparently, when the Yerinetta army passed through, it advanced together with wyverns so that magic beasts would not approach, but we cannot make use of such a method. Therefore, the bases will need to be sturdy, numerous, and set at short intervals. For that, the cooperation of adventurers skilled in acting within the mountain paths will be essential.”

Having said that, His Majesty pointed to the candidate base sites marked on the map.

“Next, regarding these bases, I intend to borrow Baron Van’s strength. I would like him to prepare bases that can be assembled on site as quickly as possible and which will not be destroyed even if they are attacked by large magic beasts.”

At those words, everyone’s gaze gathered on me.

Well now, this is strange. Work has suddenly been shoved onto me. And quite an unreasonable demand at that. However, there is a man who can make it possible. Everyone’s idol, Van-kun.

“Understood.”

The moment I answered that at once, several people looked surprised. Heh-heh-heh. That means I will have to make something amusing no matter what. I will make them all gasp.

And with that, the war council ended after only about another thirty minutes. When His Majesty declared that something would be done, the flow became everyone discussing how to make it happen. It seems there are not many who can say no to His Majesty’s words.

No, perhaps that is simply normal in a monarchy.

For the time being, what I need to think about is bases that can be made easily. The relationship between the king and the nobles does not matter right now. The real point to think over is how to make a base that is simple and sturdy.