***Arc 7 One Who Bare Their Fang on Reason, Chapter 158 Unity of Will***

As if sandwiching the Kingdom Marshal Selene Christand and her assistants Eluga Faren, Alberinea――Krische Christand sat in the back middle seats.

Behind them stood a map of the kingdom pasted on a steel plate, to which a number of magnets had been attached by Gallen.

A strategic map for the upcoming defense of the Kingdom.

This was one of several meeting rooms in the royal castle.

As usual, the squire were black-flag specials――the content being discussed here was an extremely important military secrets.

Even in the royal castle, not a single servant was present there, and apart from the three corps commanders under Krische and Quinez, the head of Eluga's independent corps, the only people gathered here were basically only the generals and their adjutant.

If anyone inadvertently leaked the contents of what was said here, even if it is a general, they will be dismissed from they’re post, and if it is malicious, their head will literally roll off their shoulders.

Everyone here was serious except for Krische, who was enjoying the tea.

The seriousness of the central generals, who had not joined either side in the civil war, was even stronger than that of Selene and the others.

To be allowed to attend such an important meeting also means that a certain amount of trust was placed on them.

They were also relieved.

Although the punishment after the civil war was lenient, Kreschenta was surrounded by people from the former queen's faction.

For those who thought that they might be left out of the loop considering the recent purge, their participation in this conference was a very big deal.

This was a chance to regain her trust.

There was no way they will be absent, and were all are very motivated.

“The above is the basic strategy for the defense of the kingdom. Any questions?”

Serene was also satisfied inside as she watched their expressions.

The attempted assassination of the queen had led to the whip being used too much.

She was concerned that it might gave them too much fear.

However, looking at their condition, there was no need to worry about that.

It seems that their gears had switched, and they were here to fulfill their duties and to produce results here.

Serene was secretly relieved that her first concern had been resolved.

"Your Excellency Marshal, may I?"

"Please, General Gokhals."

The man with the blade wound over one eye and the tiger mustache was a man of good physique and manly appearance.

He was probably the man with the most say among the five remaining central generals.

Gokhals stood up, saluted, and said while looking at the map.

“It seems that your Excellency Marshal only envisioned a simultaneous invasion from the three countries. I understand your intentions and concerns, but isn’t this response too timid?”

What was planned this time was to reduce and rebuild the defense line focused on the central area of the capital, and conduct an internal line operation through that.

By temporarily abandoning the eastern, southern, and western territories of the kingdom and shrinking the defense line, the plan was to strengthen cooperation with the center of the kingdom and to endure against enemy offensives.

The Kingdom of Alberan is relatively rich and can be said to be economically and militarily powerful, but it does not have the strength to take on two countries simultaneously.

Even if they could gain the upper hand against one country, they would be at a clear disadvantage against two countries, not to mention three countries at once.

This was the reason for giving up on the defense of the entire region from the very beginning.

“The other parties must also have different motives each. It is a relationship that cannot be said to be on good terms, even if it is a flattering statement. Even if they form a temporary alliance, I don't think they will necessarily take a complete joint step forward. I think it would not be a bad idea to first completely crush the invasion of one of the countries.”

As he said, it was not a bad suggestion.

At least Gokhals was not a stupid general.

“General Verreich to the east, General Garhka to the south, and General Keithriton to the west. They are all intelligent and brave men. If we can support them with a force from the center, it will not be impossible to defeat any one of them.”

Selene smiled and nodded.

His words were brave and full of motivation.

With her elegant golden hair swinging, Selene nodded and opened her mouth.

“You are brave. It is reassuring to have a general like you on our side.”

"Yes ma’am"

“Your proposal is very attractive, What you are concerned about is that the kingdom will be driven into a corner due to the decline in national power due to the loss of territory. Right?"

"Ha. You're right, Your Excellency Marshal."

Selene's beautiful face was satisfied.

Her look was too young to sit on top of the table, but her air of grace more than made up for it.

"Of course, if we can have a head-on decisive battle, the method General Gokhals proposed is wonderful. However, if the opponent does not accept the invitation, there is a possibility that much of our force will be nailed there while holding a vast defense line in that direction. In this situation, we can't take any measures without certainty."

Concentrate on one country and invest your strength in it, then it will be a decisive battle.

If they could defeat one country first, then that choice would bring the best results.

However, if the opponent did not respond to the decisive battle――in other words, if they withdrew their troops and went into an attrition war, that would be a major problem.

The other side could show their willingness to attack and stuck their forces there, and wait until the remaining two countries attack the other two directions and break through, or until our endurance reaches its limit.

Or they could ask the other two countries to cooperate in launching a flanking attack.

“If it comes to a battle of endurance, it will be three against one. The advantage will go to the other side. The objective of this operation, the first step, is to drag the enemy's forces completely into the Kingdom's territory. ...Gallen”

"Yes ma’am"

Behind Selene――Garen moved the magnet that indicated the enemy on the map.

To lure them all into the Kingdom's territory.

“Since the other side has stepped into our territory, they will have no choice but to inevitable to use a part of their force to occupy it. At least they won't be able to choose to withdraw easily."

Officers would be dispatched from place to place to occupy the enemy territory.

Merchants and officers running around to establish local logistics.

The reason they gave up their vast territories was to bind the enemies to the land.

Once in motion, there was no way they could withdraw their troops just because the situation is a little bad.

"Without a fight, we've taken possession of the territory, and Alberan is nothing to be afraid of——both the enemy's soldiers and the populace will shout for further invasion. That's what we're aiming for."

People are not so quick to let go of their gains.

The wise may be concerned, but many are not.

And the collective cannot resist the flow.

“General Gokhals, you said that our respond was a bit timid, but in fact it’s quite the opposite,. As brave as you think you are, this is a strategy that will surely entangle the opponent and surely return the favor. Only the means are slightly different. ”

Krische proposal for an internal line strategy.

Based on that, Selene, Eluga and the others spent many days working out this idea.

"... to retaliate"

"Yes, in the end we will regain all the lost territories. Against the three countries."

The Marshal’s arrogant smile was somehow cute, yet powerful.

"This is surely a major battle that will go down in the history of the Kingdom——no, this great decisive battle will remain in the records of all the surrounding countries. Your names here will forever be engraved in the war history of each country. As the heroes who led the cornered Alberan to victory."

As a soldier, she was a young girl of 15.

However, she continues to look at the skilled warrior as if challenge them without being afraid.

"Fufu, what do you think? Are you interested in the continuation?"

Beautiful, yet wild like a bird of prey.

The mismatched appearance was somewhat similar to that of the now-deceased hero..

Gokhals also responded.

He smiled pleasantly, saluted, and nodded.

"Kuku, the name of Thunder never dies. What a beautiful blow. Are you saying that my careless remarks have already been taken into account since the beginning?”

Selene's smile deepened, and Gokhals did the same.

"But what you say is really intriguing. Will you continue, You Excellency Marshal Christand?"

"Yeah, of course.... Faren."

“Yes ma’am”

Eluga smiled a smile that was etched on his evil face and stood up.

Selene's role was to grab hold of them.

Against the three kingdoms, it was necessary to hit them with everything the Kingdom had, but the problem was the rift created by the civil war.

Unlike Christand, who fought alongside Kreschenta, they were neutral.

There was no doubt that they felt that the Queen did not trust them, and if they saw Selene, who was appointed as a general by her own people, they would felt that they were being slighted.

Naturally, they would not place their trust in Selene.

The wounds created by such an awareness would become gaps, and in a state of war, these gaps could become decisive ruptures.

The reason why they deliberately created a gloomy atmosphere in the meeting and made the respond look weak was to invite them.

The reason for this was to make them realize that they were part of the same royal army that was participating in the meeting.

And to turn that awareness to the young Marshal, Selene.

Gokhals was a great speaker in that respect, and Selene caught the air beautifully.

Eluga nodded with satisfaction that it was a good flow.

And from here on, to compensate for her youth.

As an experienced assistant, Eluga opened his mouth to confirm her words.

"Just as Her Excellency Marshal said, this is a lure. It's a trap to ensure that the opponent is killed. They will inevitably use it as a foothold to invade the royal capital――and in order to block our movement, they will build a strong shell around the road to the royal capital.”

The line of defense that protects the royal capital――Eluga showed three areas that will be the entrances to the royal capital area, including Wulfenite.

“We will have to break through that shell before we can make our move, but conversely, this means that we can definitely drag the enemy's main forces into a decisive battle.”

Each city outside the royal capital area was bait.

Even if the occupied areas could be occupied without bloodshed, there is always the danger of rebellion.

It was absolutely impossible to leave them unattended.

They need to disperse their forces and public order through force..

If they crushed the army that made up the shell that is right in front of them, it would be possible to annihilate them by defeating them one by one.

Naturally, they will also be afraid of this, and therefore will strengthen their shell.

And the stronger they make their shell, the greater the blow they could inflict to the enemies when they break through it.

“The Kingdom’s Central Army will be divided into two. One is an army whose only purpose is to break through the enemy’s shell, led by Krische-sama, and the other is an army whose purpose is to maintain and defend the front line. You guys will first deal with this side."

“Are you saying that all we have to do is maintain the front line?”

Gokhals and the other generals frowned, wondering if they were still not trusted.

Maintaining the front lines――that alone is a very bland job, with no honor whatsoever.

But Eluga distorted his evil face.

“You are jumping to conclusions, General Gokhals. First of all. It will rather be you guys who will be the ones to do the fighting."

"...us?"

"Yes. The four armies under the direct control of Alberinea and the east, west, and south, the four armies aim only to break through the enemy's main force and release the shell. You will quickly break through the hole so created and penetrate the enemy's rear at once――destroying the enemy's rear forces individually and extending the military gain. Your role is to deal a fatal blow to the enemy invasion force. Rather, in this battle, the supporting attack will be made by Krische-sama, and the main attack will be made by all of you.

The exact opposite of before.

‘Ooh’, the generals looked at each other, but only Gokhals made a frown.

"It’s an Honorable role——but is that fine? So much——"

“In times of national crisis, we must be united. I am sure that Serene and Cliché, who are here, will agree with me.”

There is no more rewarding work than expanding the military gain.

In addition to always having the upper hand in the battle, a defensive battle such as this one will bring the admiration of the liberated city to them.

The fame and honor gained from the populace is not something a warrior could easily discard..

Gokhals was therefore perplexed and looked at Eluga.

"All we want is victory. We are the sword of the kingdom, of Her Majesty the Queen, and that is all the honor we need. First and foremost, we will do our best to win and take it. For that reason, the size of the achievement is trivial. Everything is about winning, that's just the official stance."

Eluga laughed and looked around.

“You all must be very dissatisfied with the post-civil war appointments. Before the civil war, I a mere corps commander, am now a vice marshal, and the Marshal is still only 15, and I'm sure that even though you think it's inevitable, on the inside you’re still unconvinced. ...right? General Gokhals.”

"Kuku, you sure speak frankly."

Like Eluga, Gokhals, who was questioned, looked at his surroundings——the Central Generals, and nodded at him.

“I would be lying if I said I had no feelings for you. I have no doubts about your ability to lead Her Majesty the Queen to victory against Her Royal Highness. I even admire him... but, reason and emotion are two different things. At least I regretted why I didn't take part in that civil war."

Gokhals jokingly opens his hands, and Eluga nodded in satisfaction.

Then he continued.

“We are more than happy to be trusted by Her Majesty the Queen due to the civil war, and she is tempted to monopolize her favor, but what we have gained is too much. ……We should not be arrogant that we alone can shoulder the future of this kingdom. For the future of the kingdom, we need companions who will take the sword together with us――”

Eluga said, matching his gaze with each of the central generals.

The eyes sharp and intimidating.

The old man with the evil look was filled with a vigor that belied his old age.

"――This is a contract for after the war. For the purpose of inviting you all to join us on the same ship. If you prove your power in this battle, we won't question your position during the civil war in the future. And I ask Her Majesty the Queen to treat as such in the future as well. I swear by this name, and promise to reward you guys."

Saying that far, Eluga lifts his cheeks.

It was an endlessly wicked and powerful smile.

"Originally, Noble is a warrior. Not a political position, respecting and valuing martial arts above all, and competing only for beauty as a sword. Some may suspect that there is more to it than meets the eye, but it is simply a matter of restoring what has become distorted and deranged over time to its original form. At least that's all I expect, and I hope you guys believe it. …How about it?"

It was Gokhals who once again answered.

Gokhals closed his eyes slightly, then saluted.

"Certainly. At least until the end of the coming war, I will forget the trivial matters and serve Her Majesty the Queen as a selfless sword. I swear by this name."

Eluga returned the salute and turned to the others.

The other generals also stood up, one by one, unevenly, some looking bewildered, but eventually saluting.

Serene, who had been watching the scene, nodded in satisfaction and stood up to salute them――followed by the corps commander, with only Krische sitting down with a cup of tea, looking at Eluga with admiration.

Unity of will is the most important thing in a military organization.

It is the common conception that connects each individual that maintains a world where even lives are turned into numbers.

In particular, the biggest problem this time was not so much defeating the enemy as it was internal, but from what she saw of the central general, that area seemed to have been resolved to a great extent.

Considering that they jumped over their heads and got promoted, they couldn't be in a happy mood.

They were dissatisfied with many dissatisfied elements, but both Selene and Eluga seemed to have done well.

While thinking that it would be nice if Krische could do something like this well, she sipped her tea without joining in that atmosphere. She filled her cheeks with sweet tea.

Mia and Kahlua, who were watching her from the side, looked at her exasperated, wondering if the day would ever come when she would be able to do this kind of interaction in the future.

From there, they explained the general movements and the division of forces.

Talking about what should be emphasized in which a situation, and then they ended the meeting for the time being.

At a later meeting, they would probably have some suggestions concerning strategy.

Many of the generals in the center have little experience on the battlefield itself, but they were all from great noble families that have received a rigorous military education from an early age.

Their knowledge and wisdom were not something to be scoffed at, and she had some high hopes for them.

After the event was over, they left, and their faces were not bad.

Selene nodded her head in satisfaction, and then she sat down on her knees and pinched Krische’s cheeks, playing with them from side to side.

"While things are calm, I'd like to pack up measures to deal with various situations."

"Right. Let's work out the details for the assumed situation at the next meeting. However... I underestimating him as a central general, but General Gokhals is not bad. He's someone you can rely on."

"Yes. Thanks to you, I was saved."

Gokhals was a general who had never been in a big battle.

However, he had a stable war record.

Although he had been dominant in many battles, he had won countless victories in minor battles.

Although there were still doubts about his ability, Eluga nodded his head and said that he was sure he could handle the situation.

“I hope he will be able to lead the center.”

“I hope so. Shall we talk to him directly at a later date?"

"Please"

Selene said and lifted up Krische.

And Gallen called out to her.

"Selene, can I borrow Krische for a bit?"

"Huh? Yes... I don't mind."

Selene tilted her head and Krische asked Gallen ‘what is it?’.

"I need to talk to you. If you don't have anything to do, please come with me."

"Um... Yes, Grandpa. Are you talking about the military?"

"Well, including that too."

Gallen answered, and Selene frowned worriedly.

I couldn't afford to take care of Selene, but recently Garen has always had a difficult face.

Selene had no time to spare and could not pay attention various things, but Gallen always looked difficult these days.

"Um, Gallen -sama, what happened this time――"

"Once again, I just want to talk to Krische. Don't worry about it.... Krische."

“Yes.”

Gallen walked ahead, and Krische followed, staring at Garen.

Selene quietly whispered ‘I wonder if it was all right’ troubledly.

"... Gallen-dono seems to be strict with himself and others, well I’m sure it’s fine. He loves Krische-sama very much."

“...I hope so.”

"He have known Krische-sama longer than anyone else. Don't worry about that."

Lightly tapping Selene's shoulder, Eluga gently distort his evil face.

Mia, who saw it, leaned back――Dagra hit her on the head.