“…Creating a battlefield?”
“Yes. The Lord will likely confront the enemy forces here, across the river, as they come to clear the river blockage. All we need to do is create a quagmire at their feet.”
She traced the Bezren River, which flowed slightly south of the Alzren River, with her finger.
“The southern river, especially around this area, frequently floods, and the entire region becomes a quagmire where the water doesn’t recede easily, I hear. We’ll dam the northern river, which has a higher flow rate, and intentionally cause the southern river to flood, creating a quagmire over a wide area where the enemy will deploy. Just by doing that, shouldn’t we be able to hinder the enemy’s march and the movement of their supply train, and also cripple their troublesome nomadic cavalry?”
Borgan, unusually for this era, valued records and documents, spending vast sums to collect records of past battles, maps, and even disaster records. Most of that knowledge was crammed into Crishet’s head.
Crishet showed up at the training grounds about once a week for military instruction, but anyone who could serve as her teacher quickly disappeared—as a result, self-study by reading Borgan’s collection of books in the military archives had become her norm.
If she memorized the entire contents of the books, she wouldn’t have to go to the training grounds and could spend time with Berry.
Driven solely by her desire to cook with Berry, Crishet, who possessed a prodigious intellect, had already memorized most of Borgan’s vast collection of books, making the knowledge her own.
“…I see. Interesting.”
Borgan did not possess a mind like Crishet’s.
However, precisely because Borgan knew he was not exceptional, he never neglected prior preparations.
Before deploying, he had quickly reviewed the documents related to this area and recalled that records such as Crishet mentioned did indeed exist.
Wonderful, Borgan muttered to himself.
Knowledge is merely knowledge. How to use and apply that knowledge is crucial.
Borgan constantly told Selene and his subordinates never to stop learning, and repeatedly warned them not to be satisfied with merely having learned.
Knowledge, he would say, only gains meaning when it is applied with wisdom.
Crishet embodied this ideal of Borgan’s.
She was the reason he had poured his efforts into establishing the ‘Operations Staff Office’ he had been considering for some time.
Even if it was impossible for one person, by combining the intellects of several, they could achieve strategic and tactical planning capabilities close to Crishet’s.
Each commander’s mind would focus on troop deployment and decision-making, while the staff officers would handle the other aspects.
His idea was that this would significantly boost the overall capabilities of the army.
Nobles were esteemed figures in the military who united people.
This was a relatively common idea, and in an era with many commanders who prioritized advancing matters at their own discretion, Borgan was an extremely progressive reformer.
The system of not overemphasizing individual ability, but rather sharing knowledge and providing education to officers of all ranks, and granting them responsibility and authority commensurate with that, was also a result of Borgan’s long years of effort.
The strength of the Chrishtand army, renowned for its prowess, lay there, and precisely because of this, Borgan Chrishtand was hailed as a great commander.
“…So, first create a topographical advantage and break the enemy’s morale, is that it?”
“That’s right. Harassment, essentially. …The Lord will build a simple fort nearby and prevent the enemy from crossing the river. They won’t just stand by and watch a fort being built in this position, so they’ll be forced to choose a river-crossing assault.”
Crishet traced the river with her finger.
River-crossing assaults, without exception, always demand an enormous amount of bloodshed.
Forcing the enemy into a situation where they had no choice but to select that option was Crishet’s objective.
“Defending against a river-crossing assault from a quagmire should be easy, and it would be difficult for them to send a large army into the relatively steep eastern mountains for a flanking maneuver. Tactically, we’ll be in a very advantageous position, and since maintaining formation during a river-crossing assault is difficult, we can easily create situations of localized numerical superiority.”
Crishet pointed to the base of the river where it was dammed.
“Even if the dammed section is breached, we can force a standoff near the mountain lake and make a show of attempting to recapture it. The purpose of the forces here is to prevent a flanking attack towards our side and to pin the enemy down. It’s currently the rainy season, so it would be even better if it rained.”
Borgan and Garlen exchanged glances and nodded.
Selene glared at Crishet, seemingly vexed about something.
“…A good plan. Creating a battlefield where we can seize the initiative, eh?”
“Yes. No matter how you look at it, for the Lord to single-handedly defeat this northern enemy army and disrupt their rear communication lines would be a gamble. Besides, even if it were successful, a fundamental solution cannot be reached without the strength of the Central Army. Therefore, I believe the most important thing to prioritize right now is how to buy time by first preventing the enemy’s possible actions, until the Central Army is ready to counterattack.”
Crishet pointed to the enemy army and then to their own side.
“The enemy’s logistics are largely maintained by local procurement, but about a month has passed since they arrived here. Even if they are sourcing from surrounding villages, the villages’ resources are nearing their limit, and the enemy should be wanting to make a move soon. It’s likely correct to assume they’ve maintained this month-long standoff to establish supply lines from their homeland and stabilize requisitioning from the surrounding areas.”
The Chrishtand army, in addition to its 20,000 combat personnel, has a logistics unit of 1,000 soldiers.
These units, specializing in resolving logistical problems by hiring laborers, prostitutes, and others from nearby villages and merchants as needed, require specialized mathematical education. While their maintenance costs are high, they achieve a truly stable supply of provisions during defensive battles like this.
The opposing Imperial assault force, by contrast, could be described as unrefined.
When invading, units are formed to carry out plunder as appropriate, and they basically rely on local procurement.
They prioritize deep penetration into enemy territory through lightning invasions and expansion of war gains, rather than logistics.
However, despite being unrefined, a systematized mechanism naturally existed as well.
This was likely the result of repeated major defeats due to scorched-earth tactics where villages were burned and wells poisoned in the past.
While primarily relying on plunder, in the case of a long-term war, a logistics army is organized in the homeland beforehand to establish and stabilize supply lines.
The logistics army supports the core of the assault force and focuses solely on stabilizing the supply of provisions in occupied territories—in occupied lands, plunder is initially carried out to boost morale, but afterward, this logistics army stabilizes plunder into requisitioning.
They gather food and laborers from surrounding villages to improve efficiency.
For this reason, even while committing rape and massacre, the Empire handled supplies related to military logistics, such as wagons and provisions, with relative care during plunder.
After carving out a large swathe of enemy territory, they establish supply lines from both their homeland and the surrounding areas, then build a bridgehead for the next invasion.
That was the basic phased invasion strategy of the Ersren Holy Empire.
The three people present naturally understood such matters.
However, Crishet had a habit of explaining even things that should be common knowledge, if time permitted.
This was a social skill she had learned throughout her life because what Crishet considered “obvious” often differed from what others did. Crishet was so ‘thorough’ that she would even explain the kingdom’s laws to bandits she was about to torture.
All three understood this unnecessary thoroughness of Crishet’s, and even though it wasn’t something that needed to be explained anew, no one interrupted her.
“I believe a logistics base has been established in the enemy’s central area—near Ulfenite—but most of those supplies are likely for the southern invasion. The provisions allocated to the army deployed north against us are few, and if fighting breaks out on the eastern mountain side, they will have no choice but to rely on direct imports from their homeland.”
Crishet continued, indicating the area around the Bezren River that would become a quagmire with her finger.
“By that time, the topographical conditions around the southern river will have significantly worsened, so the enemy will be cornered as time passes—well, that’s roughly the gist of it, I suppose.”
Then, taking a breath, she sipped the sweet black bean tea, moistening her throat.
She smiled contentedly.
“Their southern invasion is an action made possible by a stable stalemate in the north. So, if the Lord can significantly wear down the forty thousand troops deployed in the northern sector, it’s highly possible to thwart their strategy. I don’t know when our central forces will be ready to counterattack, or how long General Garka in the south can hold out, but regardless, the enemy should end up being preoccupied with dealing with the Lord.”
“What do you think?” Crishet asked.
Crishet, believing she had provided a satisfactory and optimal plan, found her thoughts already shifting to her own hunger.
The discussion is over, so now it’s time for food. Work is over, so now it’s time for food. Snacks.
Crishet’s mind was, for the most part, always like that.
In contrast, the three of them were astonished by Crishet’s idea—to counter the enemy’s tactical superiority in troop numbers and deliver a heavy blow to their strategic designs with just a single action: moving the main camp to the east.
“…I am truly glad, more than anything, that I adopted you. That is a truly splendid idea. If there were no issues, I would want to promote you to a position where you could wield authority commensurate with your abilities… I’m sorry. It must be hard for you to be left in such a suspended state indefinitely.”
Bohgan thought so from the bottom of his heart. He lamented her youth and the position that prevented her from fully demonstrating her abilities.
“Um… Lord Head of the House. Even now, Crishet is quite satisfied, so…”
Crishet said honestly, tilting her head. She felt no dissatisfaction whatsoever with her current situation. She did think that power would be convenient if she had it, but that didn’t mean she actively desired to obtain it. Crishet was fundamentally diligent and didn’t shy away from effort, but even so, what Crishet desired was a life of leisurely doing only housework and cooking. With that wish currently fulfilled, her ambition for career advancement was practically non-existent.
“Kuku, well, I figured you’d say that. However, Crishet’s opinions are always helpful. …Captain, it’s a bit late, but let’s summon the legion commanders. I want to get various things moving by tomorrow.”
“Yeah. —Messenger!”
Garlen bellowed with a voice that seemed to shake the tent, and Crishet covered her ears.
“Messenger, entering!” a young soldier immediately appeared.
“Summon all legion commanders and their adjutants immediately. It’s urgent.”
“Sir! Summoning all legion commanders and adjutants, understood!”
“Very well. Go.”
The young messenger glanced at Crishet and Selene before running off. His features were well-defined, and his armor was a scale mail of beautiful, layered steel. He was likely a noble. Messengers conveying information were highly valued, and for those relaying a general’s orders, status was particularly important. Individuals of status were chosen to prevent confusion from false reports and the like.
“Sorry, Crishet, you must be tired, but please participate as well.”
“Eh? …Yes.”
It was nighttime. The meal she was supposed to have eaten after arriving here had not yet been served. Crishet’s gaze wandered, and she lightly touched her stomach. Seeing this, Selene gave another wry smile, stood up, and handed Crishet some bread from the light snacks placed in the tent.
Bohgan and Garlen, seeing this, laughed with expressions of understanding. Crishet’s face was bright red.
“Honestly, if you’re hungry, just say so. No one said you couldn’t eat.”
“Uuu…”
“Where did that genius strategist from earlier go? Here, honey. You like to put it on your bread, don’t you?”
While being fussed over by Selene, Crishet thus had an uncomfortable meal.
One lunar cycle of 28 days formed the basis of a month. Divided into four, 7 days made a week.
One day was divided into twelve koku from sunrise to sunset, and including the night, it totaled twenty-four koku, vaguely demarcating each day, which varied with the seasons. A koku during the day of the summer solstice was long, and a koku during the day of the winter solstice was short.
With the invention of clocks using magic crystals and mechanisms, bells in towns would ring to announce the precise time, but clocks were not easily portable items.
In lands far from such towns, there was no way to know the exact time, and Crishet was tormented by such hunger and sleepiness that she felt it might already be dawn.
Six koku had already passed since sunset. The time Crishet usually went to sleep had long since passed.
“Crishet, don’t fall asleep. Just a little longer.”
“…Uuu, hungry, sleepy…”
Crishet repeated the same explanation to the legion commanders who visited the tent, but naturally, it didn’t end there. Hers was, after all, a strategic proposal, and from there, a meeting concerning subsequent movements—tactics—began. While looking at the map and discussing which legion would take what deployment—around that point, drowsiness overcame Crishet, but each time Selene pinched her cheek to wake her up.
The First Legion, possessing the highest overall capabilities in the Chrishtand army.
The Second Legion, which emphasized pure combat strength.
The Third Legion, excelling in defensive capabilities, including field fortifications.
The Fourth Legion, skillfully employing advanced tactics.
The discussion on how to operate these legions, each with its own distinct character, was quite long, but Crishet was the original proposer of this strategic action. Unable to say things like, “I’m sleepy, so I’m going home,” Crishet had been semi-forcibly made to participate in the meeting until this hour.
Rubbing her eyelids, Crishet was led by the hand by Selene into one of the small tents. A few small items were placed inside, and in the corner was a simple bed made of straw covered with a blanket.
Crishet was made to sit on the bed, and Selene, with an exasperated air, poured soup from a pot she was holding into a bowl.
Sitting next to Crishet with the bread she had brought along, Selene tore off a piece, dipped it in the soup, and pressed it to Crishet’s mouth.
Crishet mumbled as she chewed and swallowed it, then said in a limp, weak voice, “It’s delicious.”
“Here, Crishet, hold the soup. I’ll feed you.”
“Yes…”
Crishet usually went to bed about two koku after sunset and woke up early in the morning to match Berry’s schedule. Having stayed up this late, and on top of that, having performed mental labor in the previous meeting, Crishet’s stamina was at its limit. Furthermore, because the period of not being able to get a proper meal had continued, Crishet’s rationality had deteriorated to an extremely poor level. Also, because Selene, who made her feel at ease, was next to her, Crishet was simply acting on instinct, letting herself be taken care of.
“You’re such a spoiled child, no matter how old you get. Okay? It’s one thing with me or Berry, but you mustn’t show that side of yourself in front of the other soldiers, alright?”
“Mmm… Yes.”
“…Honestly. I wonder if she even understands…?”
Watching Crishet eat her bread happily like a baby bird, Selene nevertheless smiled cheerfully and patted her head. Crishet narrowed her eyes just a little, looking pleased.
After she finished feeding Crishet, Selene helped her remove her cloak, took off her equipment and hung it on a stand, and then simply covered Crishet with a blanket.
“…It’s like I’m a servant, honestly. I’m not Berry, you know?”
“…? Selene is Selene. I’m not… mishtaken.”
“That’s not what I’m talking about, honestly. Just go to sleep quickly.”
When Selene poked Crishet’s cheek, Crishet, despite her puzzled expression, pulled Selene’s hand. Feeling chilly, Crishet needed a source of warmth.
Muttering “Honestly,” Selene also slipped under the blanket, gently embracing Crishet who snuggled up to her, and smiled.
Crishet closed her eyes, looking blissful, and, completely at ease, soon began to breathe softly in her sleep.
“You really fall asleep fast…”
Selene, though exasperated, gave her a light kiss on the forehead and stroked her smooth, silky hair.
She lowered her gaze to her slightly trembling hand and shook her head.
—The other day, Selene had killed someone for the first time.
While running as a messenger to a legion commander, she had been caught in a skirmish and had killed two people.
For Selene, who sparred with Crishet daily, they were easy opponents. At the time, amidst the chaos of battle, she hadn’t been able to dwell on it, but when she tried to sleep alone at night, she remembered and trembled.
The sensation of her blade piercing flesh, and the agonized expressions on their faces.
There were all sorts of voices on the battlefield.
Voices calling for mothers or lovers. Voices fearing death. The anguished cry of someone searching for a lost right hand.
That night, she had thrown up her dinner, and her discomfort continued into the next day.
Garlen had comforted her, but even so, she couldn’t sleep well for several days, and even now, it felt as if the sensation still lingered in her hands.
She looked at Crishet’s completely relieved face, which seemed so very young.
It didn’t seem like the face of someone who had just killed thirteen people.
Of course, she knew this wasn’t the first time for Crishet, but even so, Crishet was far too calm.
In her usual tone, as if explaining what was for dinner that day, she had spoken of killing the bandits and of torturing them.
Rather than feeling scared, Selene felt a sense of sadness.
Had she been like this since birth, or had she become this way after losing her parents?
Selene didn’t know, and that wasn’t the issue.
It was just that she thought Crishet might remain this way forever.
Crishet possessed values different from other people, and sometimes, even when talking, they couldn’t communicate on extremely simple matters.
While she was exceptionally talented, she was also warped.
From Crishet’s perspective, perhaps she felt as though Selene and the others were entirely different creatures.
If necessary, she would do anything.
She wouldn’t hesitate for that purpose, and could even appear utterly cold and heartless.
That was why people feared and shunned her.
When Selene heard that Crishet had been treated that way by the villagers, she had thought, “What horrible people.”
But now she understood the reason, and precisely because of that, she felt an enduring sadness.
“…No matter what happens, Crishet will surely always be Crishet, won’t she?”
Even if hated or feared by others, Crishet was always her usual self.
Nothing changed. Crishet surely didn’t care about such things.
Even if she became ostracized by those she held dear, even if she found herself utterly alone, Crishet would still be Crishet.
And perhaps she would go on living, never even noticing her own loneliness.
Like a clown in a theater, continuing to dance, oblivious even if they were the last one left on stage.
Selene watched Crishet’s face, buried beside her and looking blissful.
Crishet loved to sleep beside others.
Whether it was because it felt good, because it was reassuring, or simply because it was warm, Selene didn’t know the reason.
At the estate, she would cling to Berry, and Crishet would spend her days being doted on by her. They did housework together, cooked together, and she always seemed to be enjoying herself.
But perhaps, even if Crishet were to lose all of that—
“…Haa.”
A soft sigh escaped Selene. To think that Crishet wouldn’t feel sorrow even if she were to lose such happiness was, more than anything, a sorrowful thing in itself.
Crishet was missing something vital, and she remained unaware of it.
Even if something precious were to slip through her fingers, she wouldn’t recognize it as precious.
After two years together, Selene had come to understand Crishet quite well.
The more she understood, the more endearing facets of Crishet she discovered—and the more sorrowful ones, too. And so, she had come to yearn to protect her.
Was it a motherly feeling? Or perhaps that of an older sister?
Selene pondered this, then, deciding it mattered little either way, she ran her fingers through her own translucent hair.
Her former objective—for Crishet to become the heir to the hero Bohgan Chrishtand—had, before Selene knew it, transformed into a desire to protect what she now clearly wanted to safeguard.
Even if Crishet were to become unhappy, she wouldn’t even realize her own unhappiness.
That was why Selene felt she had to protect her, to ensure Crishet never experienced such a fate.
Though she knew it was presumptuous, Selene also felt that she, at least, should be the one to do so.
She would fight to protect the happiness Crishet herself was oblivious to.
『…Crishet-sama will surely fight more valiantly than anyone. She might even become a hero whose name is etched in history. But the Crishet-sama I know loves cooking and is surprisingly fond of being doted on… That’s why I am against it.』
Around the time Crishet had begun frequenting the training grounds, Berry had vehemently opposed it.
Back then, Selene had merely thought of Crishet as a slightly unusual girl, and so, she recalled, she had agreed far too readily.
Only recently had she gradually begun to grasp the meaning behind Berry’s words. But it was only upon hearing Crishet’s words today that she truly, deeply understood.
Ah, she realized.
Berry must have understood Crishet far sooner than anyone else.
Selene now knew that Berry had already been thinking the very same things she was.
“Right now, I’m still a long way off, but…”
Selene whispered,
“Someday, I’ll protect you, so you won’t have to push yourself so hard.”
She pressed a kiss to Crishet’s forehead, and Selene, too, slowly closed her eyes.