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Chapter 71

Tea was brought out during the break.

I asked if there wasn’t anything to eat as well, and was given some bread.

It was the typical preserved food type.

But everyone stared at me when I was about to eat it, and so I took it and went outside.

It was just as I was finished eating and returned to the room, that the second half of the meeting started.

“I think we heard the general opinions earlier. As for how we can stop their ambitions, that is a different matter. However, I just wanted to know what you all thought. Regardless of how we do it, I’m thinking about accepting the Demon King’s request. Leninoth and Fara. We won’t let either of these Lesser Demon Kings gain dominance.”

Everyone nodded at General Farneze’s words.

She was good at bringing things together.

“Now, I am quite sure the other two Generals would agree with this. We cannot just obey timidly when someone makes a demand. And so let us return to the previous subject. Instead of merely listening to Demon King Tralzard, we must make him compromise. Think about it. And tell me if you have any ideas.”

After that, everyone gave their opinion as they wished.

However, most were unrealistic. Very, very unrealistic.

For instance…

“They are a great country. And so we should borrow some of their soldiers. We can win if we make them do most of the work.”

This was ridiculous.

In fact, if they did just send some of their strongest troops to us, we’d be wise to consider it the first step of an invasion.

What kind of fool would want to accept soldiers from a strong country that we weren’t even in an alliance with?

“How about sending our own men to them, and have them train? They have been warring for years, and our soldiers will be able to learn a lot from them as they grow stronger.”

What kind of idiot…

Why the hell would they pass over their military secrets to us?

Strategy and combat arts were only worth anything once you had experience. Things you didn’t want the enemy to know…there was no way that they would tell us.

And so I mostly just sat there in stunned silence. Waiting to see where things would go…

“We can have them strengthen our troops and then we can work together as friends. Then no matter what enemy we face, we will be able to trample over them easily.”

They went on.

“Idiots.”

I couldn’t help but mutter. However, it was in a quiet voice, and so no one heard me.

“It looks like Golan has an opinion.”

The General suddenly said. Wait, did she hear that?

“Uh…not really.”

“I would like to hear it. As I told you before the meeting started, I want everyone to speak frankly.”

Well, if she was going to say that much, I couldn’t just say that I had nothing.

Besides, from the looks of it, at least half of the others were against the last speaker’s opinion.

But then again, I didn’t have an alternative plan… What could I say?

“There are three countries ruled by Lesser Demon Kings that are connected with our country. First is Leninoth, who is currently continuing his war. Then there is Rous. And then there is Kurulu, who is at war with Lubanga.”

Most of those seated looked at me as if they couldn’t understand why I was telling them this.

“To continue, even if we attacked Kurulu or Rous, Leninoth would use the opportunity to attack us. The only thing that is keeping Leninoth in check, is our three Generals, who each have their role in protecting this country. …In other words, why not have one General remain and protect the castle, and have the other two armies cooperate in order to invade Leninoth?”

Have Tralzard send an army to the east.

Of course, there will be no need to cross the border.

What was important was that troops were gathered and spread out in the east.

As long as the threat of invasion was there, Rous and Lubanga would not be able to move.

Kurulu and Nacti might then use the opportunity to send their armies to Lubanga.

After all, both countries would have their eyes temporarily directed to the west side.

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    The rest of the chapter:

    They would see it as a very rare chance.

    “In other words, we should use Tralzard’s fighting force as a decoy.”

    “A ‘show army’… I don’t know if there is such a thing, but the four other countries aside from Leninoth, that would get in our way, would become involved.”

    Rous and Lubanga were allies.

    They would have to split their forces in order to face the Demon King army that might come from the west.

    And if their east defenses were weakened, that would only strengthen Kurulu and Nacti’s momentum.

    They would never ignore such a chance and attack our country instead.

    In other words, these four countries should clash against each other beautifully.

    And we would be free to hit Leninoth with everything we had.

    “…I see. That is Golan’s opinion. What do you think, Felicia?”

    “I think it’s a good idea. But I have two concerns. The first is that Rous and Lubanga will not move as you suggest. Then it will be difficult for Kurulu to attack.”

    “That’s what she says. What do you think, Golan?”

    “If that happens, I think we should consider abandoning the plan. However, I would think it very odd for them to have an army near their borders, and for them to not respond at all.”

    “Indeed. It’s unthinkable, given how things work in the Demon World.”

    “If that happens, it would either be because there is a traitor here, or with Tralzard. Or they are so pressed that they don’t have the strength to do anything else. Perhaps by searching for the reason they do not move, we will discover a solution to this whole thing.”

    “I see. And what do you have to say to that, Felicia?”

    “I understand. As for the other thing that worries me. The possibility that Demon King Tralzard will just invade us without stopping.”

    “So, Golan?”

    “There is nothing we can do about that. No matter how hard we fight, our defeat is guaranteed if he invades us. It doesn’t matter how many soldiers we leave behind.”

    “…That is true.”

    If we were on equal terms with the Demon King, these negotiations would have started very differently.

    Everyone present agreed about this point.

    “Well, everything discussed here will be useful during tomorrow’s meeting. You can leave the rest to me and Golan.”

    Everyone bowed at the General’s words. They understood.

    Well, I was the only one who wasn’t bowing.

    I mean…me!? I froze while pointing a finger to myself.

    I have to go again?
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