Chapter 83
Once I had finished thinking things over alone, I went straight to Rays-sama and voiced my concern that Golbel might be about to make a move.
"Oh? Why do you think so?"
When Rays-sama asks a question like that, it usually means he has something of his own in mind.
"As I told you before, I believe the events at Eren's village and the battle at Haksha were part of a series of schemes devised by a strategist named Sacri. Since both were moves aimed at securing a bridgehead in Ludeck, I don't think they'll end here."
"I see. Go on."
"If we think of the two schemes as preliminary battles, then perhaps the main battle—a large-scale military advance—will take place somewhere."
"What made you think it would be soon?"
"Snow will be falling soon. Once it piles up, marching will become difficult. If anything is going to happen, it will likely be before the snow becomes deep. And if they move, it will probably be at the Zetta Plains."
"If Golbel were to mobilize a large army, the Zetta Plains would be the only option. But after failing at both Eren and Haksha, would Golbel still mobilize a large force?"
"They may be working on another scheme even now."
At that point, Rays-sama muttered, "Well, that's about it."
"I, too, felt uneasy about letting things end there. If I had been the one devising schemes like that, I would have prepared another move or two. I agree that, if anything is going to happen, it will be before the snow piles up. We've already been conducting concentrated reconnaissance in that area. Though only slightly, activity at the fortress on Golbel's side of the Zetta Plains seems to be increasing."
"Then shall we make a move as well?" Granz-sama, who had been listening to our conversation, stepped forward.
"No... This is where we wait for the enemy to move first. We'll lull them into thinking our preparations are incomplete, then go on the offensive. The Fourth Knight Order is currently at Kitsal Fortress and... Eren's new fortress, correct?"
"Most likely." Granz-sama nodded.
"The Second Knight Order is at Yufe Fortress, correct?"
"When I went to greet them, yes."
Rays-sama took out a map and placed pieces at each fortress. Kitsal Fortress was a large fortress overlooking the Zetta Plains. The fortress converted from the abandoned mine in Eren's village lay a little north of Kitsal Fortress. Yufe Fortress was not far away either.
"Then we'll send letters to the Fourth and Second Knight Orders warning them to be on alert. They should be able to assemble at Kitsal Fortress immediately if anything happens. We will also secretly divide the Tenth Knight Order and station detachments in the smaller forts around Kitsal Fortress. The operation will last until the snow begins to accumulate. If Golbel makes no move, so much the better. Once the snow sets in, the operation ends. Also, have Roa's unit enter Kitsal Fortress first. Golbel won't be too wary of a unit as small as Roa's. If Golbel makes a move, use your mobility to act as liaison between the various forts."
"Understood."
"Good. First, we'll ask the king for permission. Tell both the Ryuzel and Frein units as well. I'll have them depart as soon as permission is granted."
"What about Lufa?"
"Lufa will move with the main force... No, wait. Have Roa take Lufa along as well. If Lufa is already at the fortress when something unexpected happens, they can remain at Kitsal Fortress."
With Rays-sama's instructions, the Tenth Knight Order's immediate course of action was decided, and we called it a day.
The next day, King Zeurasia summoned Rays-sama and me.
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"Hello, Roa. It's been a while. I'm sorry about our meeting regarding the bottled goods. I had an unavoidable matter to deal with."
"Ah, no..."
"Nelfia has probably told you, but I have approved your request. If you need anything, just say the word. I will accommodate it as far as I can."
Come to think of it, I had been granted the right to request an audience with the king.
"Yes... Um... why was I summoned today?"
"Ah, Roa, you fought Rays at the recent ceremony for inducting new recruits and put up an even fight, didn't you?"
Wait, had it looked like an even match from the outside? In reality, I'd already lost before the fight began.
"No, I was completely defeated."
"Don't be modest. Whenever Rays was the one overseeing it, I found it boring because he would overwhelm his opponent. This time, it was worth watching. I enjoyed it."
What is Rays-sama up to...? Ah, I could more or less guess, even without asking. I was gradually figuring it out, but this man is incredibly competitive.
"Which brings me to a favor I would like to ask of you... No, Rays has told me that you're heading to Kitsal Fortress soon. News of Golbel's movements has reached my ears as well. Your assessment and Rays's seem sound to me. With that in mind, could you spare me a little time?"
Completely unable to follow what was happening, I looked to Rays-sama, but he maintained a perfectly composed expression. Then I looked at Nelfia, who was also attending, but she avoided meeting my eyes as well. Apparently, her role today was to serve as the king's scribe.
"If Rays-sama has no objection, I don't mind..."
Hearing me, King Zeurasia clapped his hands as if he had gotten exactly what he wanted.
"That would be a great help. Then let me introduce you. Come in!"
A great help? An introduction? Before I could grasp what was happening, the doors to the audience chamber opened.
There were two children beyond the doors.
The taller child was looking at me with an insolent gaze.
The smaller child kept their eyes lowered, refusing even to look at me.
Hmm. Children who can enter a place like this can only mean...
"Let me introduce you. My foolish son, First Prince Zelando, and his younger brother, Ural."
Huh? Could this be some kind of trouble?