Chapter 28: A Lecture
Even if asked where I was going, there were parts that were difficult to explain.
“I have something I need to confirm; I’ll be back within an hour.”
“Unless I hear the reason, I cannot agree.”
I knew it wouldn’t work.
Well, I suppose I should share the story with Getrude.
I told Getrude about the existence of the Stella-Class A.
“In that case, please take us with you.”
“No, there’s no need. I’ll go alone.”
“Why? Going alone is far too dangerous!”
“Because I can catch up without any problems if I’m alone. If the entire cavalry chases after the Stella-Class A, there’s a chance they’ll escape.”
The distance to the Stella-Class A was about ten kilometers, and narrowing this distance with just “Maten” would be difficult.
If they crossed the border as is, I wouldn’t be able to chase them any further.
“…Even if I try to stop you, you’ll still go, won’t you?”
“Yeah, I’m going.”
I told the old soldier with a stern expression.
“Minashiro-sama, please indulge this old soldier’s nagging for a while. Your subjugation of the Naia bloodline was truly splendid. I also understand the circumstances of the existence of an unconfirmed Stella-Class. However, I must say that Minashiro-sama’s sense of caution is severely lacking. When you rendered Barbat incapacitated, why didn’t you immediately behead him? Have you forgotten how many Stella-Class were buried by Naia in the all-out war six years ago?”
“…I prioritized extracting information. Not dealing with Barbat immediately was my weakness. Forgive me.”
From Getrude’s perspective, one’s own life is more important than information, and the spirit is to thoroughly crush Naia when you have the chance.
“There must be absolutely no leniency towards the Naia. Complacency will eventually come back to haunt you. Of course, I understand that Minashiro-sama’s Magical Power Capacity is immense, but there are countless Stella-Class who use tricky tactics like Barbat. It wouldn’t be surprising if a Stella-Class with high Magical Power and extensive combat experience, like Ulgool, were to appear as an enemy in the future.”
“…Indeed, that’s true.”
If I were to fight my grandfather now, who would win?
In a prolonged battle, I would have the advantage, but in a short, decisive battle, there’s a good chance I would lose due to the difference in combat experience.
“Please be aware that Minashiro-sama tends to overestimate your own abilities. Never do such a thing in the face of the enemy again.”
“…Yes, I’ll keep it in mind.”
Getrude told me that in a stern tone.
I felt so chastened that the power dynamic had completely reversed.
After all, someone who can speak frankly like Getrude is invaluable.
However, on the other hand, I don’t intend to change my ways for now.
If I did as Getrude said, there would be information I wouldn’t have obtained, and being destroyed due to ignorance is something that must never happen.
Certainly, Naia is still an enemy that should be destroyed, but information is still the key to preventing unforeseen circumstances.
“Yes, please truly reflect on this matter. I will report all the details to the Marquis, so please be prepared for that.”
“…Eh?”
This has confirmed a lecture from Papa.
Probably the first job after returning to Ortenatris will be attending the “Family Head Meeting.”
Whether I’ll be subjected to criticism or showered with praise is uncertain, but depending on how I handle it, my evaluation within Ortenos should change drastically.
“And I have one proposal. How about we attack Bangwall Fort in the southeast as we are?”
I was taken aback by Getrude’s unexpected proposal.
“Bangwall Fort? Why?”
“The reason for taking Bangwall Fort is that it will serve as a check against the Kingdom of Naia’s army that invades by crossing the Elhoro River.”
“Hmm.”
Certainly, if we could seize Bangwall Fort, which is located on the west side of the Elhoro River, Naia would lose its bridgehead on the west side of the Elhoro River, giving us an explosive advantage.
“It would be more effective to secure it here than to leave it in the enemy’s hands. Besides, with the enemy’s main force currently concentrated here and at Fort Ronchant, Bangwall Fort is lightly defended. We can’t miss this opportunity.”
“I see, but I’ll be temporarily leaving from here on out. What do you intend to do in the meantime?”
“We will return to the Pekion Hills and join up with the citizen soldiers. After that, we plan to head to Bangwall Fort and besiege it.”
I see, so after I deal with the Stella-Class A and return, we’ll join forces and launch a siege together. It’s quite a daring plan.
Only someone as skilled in strategy as Getrude would have come up with the idea of taking Bangwall Fort.
My achievements will increase again, but now that I’ve killed Barbat, one or two more won’t make much of a difference.
“…Alright, let’s go with that plan.”
“Minashiro-sama, please be careful. Please don’t forget what I said earlier…”
“Are you done nagging?”
“Yes, I’ve said everything I wanted to say.”
With that, Getrude smiled like a kindly old man.
Truly a terrifying old soldier.
“Understood. I’ll head to Bangwall Fort as soon as I’m done dealing with things. However, if unforeseen circumstances arise, return to Ortenatris immediately, got it?”
“Understood.”
I grabbed Dolly-chan’s reins and spurred the horse on.
“Dolly-chan, please bear with me, it’ll be a bit of a strain.”
“Neigh.”
I cast the original magic I learned first on Dolly-chan.