Chapter 51: Anxiety

***Arc 3 The Precious, Chapter 51 Anxiety*** Krische stood up and traced the narrow passage in the center of the Dragon's Maws. "When it comes to capturing the Dragon's Maw, this central strike is the most desirable victory, but the central narrow passage is the problem. It is difficult to concentrate forces there, and if one were to push with force, there would have to be a clear difference in the quality of the soldiers themselves. However, in the current situation where we have not been able to break through for nearly two months, it is undeniable that the Second Corps is lacking in strength. Therefore, this situation is pointless."

"...Krische."

"No, Selene-sama. It's just as Krische-sama said, it's nothing else but a lack of power of my Second Corps. Don't worry about it. It's the fact." Selene was about to interrupt Krische way of speaking which is too franks, but Kolkis held her back. When Krische looked at them, Selene took a deep breath and Kolkis nodded. "If it is impossible to break through the center, then we need to make a breakthrough on either side of the wings. Or a detour. But a detour isn't an option. Since there will be many enemies' reserve troops that can't be deployed because of the central narrow passage. After detouring a long distance and crossing the mountain, an enemy's detachment force will just be directed there, and as a result it failed. It is obvious that the force we sent will be isolated and annihilated. Therefore, the appropriate option would be to break through on either side of the wings. We must be prepared for some loss." The wings breakthrough, as the term implies, is to break through the wing side where the enemy is positioned and then around to their rear. A detour is a more roundabout way of getting around the enemy's rear without fighting. While the wings breakthrough is simply a tactical maneuver, the detour is a tactical maneuver that aims at the enemy's rear but is also a strategic maneuver that includes aiming at the enemy's line of communication. In some cases, there will be a lead in such as tactical detour or strategic detour, but if it's simply called detour at tactical discussion, then it means a tactical detour.

In the Kingdom, strategy refers to the actions of the military, including movement and selection of battlefields, and tactics refer to the means of attack after coming into contact with the enemy. Since the strategy calls for advancing into the royal capital area by capturing the Dragon's Maw, a battle here is inevitable, and therefore, the discussion right now is about tactics. This is different from the previous battle where they could choose the battlefield.

The only one who questioned Krische words is Anne. Bery, who had listened to Selene's education by Bogan for many years, had a reasonable understanding of basic military terminology.

Avoiding combat and aiming for enemy's rear is an excellent way to deal with a superior enemy, but of course isolation is unavoidable. As the mountain rises in elevation to the east and west as it nears its peak, a strategic detour would require traveling a great distance. Therefore, Bogan and the others had dismissed this option from the outset. In the end, their conclusion is the same, breaking through either wings through the mountain. What Krische had just said was the common understanding of everyone present. "Then the question is whether it is possible to break through either wings in the current situation. As we have not been able to break through during this period, the 3rd and 4th Corps strength are not enough. We can only acknowledge that breaking through with individual Corps will be difficult. If we continue to fight for a year, we may be able to get results, but if we take more time, the cost of war will increase, and the situation may worsen. As Bogan-sama (gotoushu-sama; head of a family) said, the advantage to the enemy will be great, and the uncertainty of how the west, the south, and the north will react is also big----a quick victory is required." Krische slided her fingertips from Mirskronia in the west to Bernaich in the east. "We will break through the left flank, the enemy stationed in Bernaich, with all forces except for the 2nd Corps. The 1st, 3rd, and 4th will make an general offensive to break them down, and attack the enemy stationed in the center from behind. And will aid the 2nd Corps' central breakthrough. The 2nd Corps can be said to be the most excellent Corps in frontal combat in Christand at present, so this is the first priority." Then she pointed again to Mirskronia in the west.

"Naturally, the enemy will try to attack from Mirskronia. But when the enemy has gathered to a certain extent, we will burn the whole mountain to the ground. We will spread oil on the mountain and set it on fire. There are weather concerns about whether it will burn well, but at this time of year, the dead leaves are conspicuous, so it will burn well. It's a whole roast. It will be good is His Royal Highness Royal Prince will be burned to death in the process, but."

Krische smiled and sat down when she's finished. The people in the room look at Bogan, their eyebrows furrowed. "...But burning the mountain is..."

"The mountain will grow back eventually. We can think about compensating the nearby villages later. The goal is victory after all." Krische drank the sweet tea and continued. "8,500 reinforcements. Our forces will not expand any further, then the time to attack is now. The three Corps will be in the mountains, and it is possible that some of them will fall, and there may be a fair number of casualties, including those from the fire of Mirskronia. But we can make the enemy bleed even more than that." Bery poured a fresh cup of tea without saying anything. She putted in a generous cup of honey and milk and stirs, 'thank you', Krische thanked Bery. Bery smiled without saying a word, straightened her posture again, and kept her eyes down. "Creating an advantageous situation, one-sidedly throwing the opponent into confusion and finishing them off where they can't counterattack. Victory is what is required of tactics. ....We're not here to defend the mountain, we're here to win the battle and make Her Highness Princess the Queen, right?" Krische replied to Bogan, who expresses concern about burning the mountain. It didn't matter to her. Krische just wants to get it over with. "... I agree, General. With support, we can make the breakthrough. Besides, it's good to be bold. I don't have brains like Verreich, so I prefer something simple like this." It was Kolkis who answered. "If it's the General, I'm sure you're thinking about the post-war situation, but let's prioritize winning first. If you win, you can do anything. After all, the one here is the future Queen."

"But burning the mountain would be going too far." It was Salva, one of the adjutants of the Third Corps. He frowned and glared at the Krische. "Burning the mountain is going too far. A mountain is something that bears fruit and nourishes the people. If we burn Mirskronia, which has been given the name of hero, the infamy will forever be a stain on history. ...I'm aware that Krische-sama is a genius, but I can only say that Krische-sama is still too young, and your way of thinking is too immature. First of all, what will you do if the fire spread endlessly?" Since before this man has always had a resentment towards Krische. He was not incompetent, and the words he spoke now were sound and just, but there was a hint of distrust in them. Krische replied with a blank expression. "The rain will eventually put them out them. Many of the books indicate that great flames create clouds and will cause rain. Besides, it's not endless. Because of the terrain, at best a mountain or two or a forest will burn and that will be it. If we win, we can give them a guarantee as a country, right?"

"But if we don't win------"

"Are we discussing on the assumption that we will lose right now? This is a plan to achieve victory, and nothing is certain on the battlefield, is it?" Krische replied indifferently, and Eluga, the commander of the 4th Corps, opened his mouth.

Certainly. Rather than fighting an endlessly here, it would not be a bad idea to burn the mountain even at the risk of being stigmatized. And the probability of victory is very high. The problem is that a large army need to break through the mountain swiftly. "Starting today, let's move the army under the pretext of reorganization and move some of them upwards. Though it would be the best if the enemy doesn't notice our move." Selene said. In her mind, the conclusion had already been decided. "To hide it perfectly is probably impossible. All of us are the Kingdom soldiers, some spy is certainly lurking around. It will be quite tiring, but if we are going to do it..... hmm, we will have the first and third corps climb the mountain from tomorrow at nightfall and rest lightly. The less fatigued 4th Corps will move first, followed by the 1st Corps, and finally the Third Corps, which has the longest distance to march. It will be fine if we just don't the spy a chance to run to convey the information."

"The First Corps should move up first, focusing on the light infantry that will break through and the heavy infantry that will be fatigued. Krische, what do you think?"

"I think that's good. It would be even better to have the 4th Corps create a vulnerable point."

The Third Corps Commander laughs at the words of the two beautiful maiden and looks at Bogan.

"It seems that all the corps commanders are of the same opinion. There are some concerns as Salva said, but as Agrand said, Her Royal Highness Princess is here." Bogan frowns and looks thoughtfully at Kreschenta. Burning a mountain is not as easy as it sounds. The Kingdom believes in the twelve Gods, but is also tolerant of indigenous beliefs. There are many villages that have mountains as the cornerstone of their faith, and there are concerns about burning down the objects of such faith.

Kreschenta, who received that gaze, is also thinking. Although she only has a rudimentary understanding of tactics, her intelligence isn't so different from Krische. If Krische has made a judgment and reached a conclusion, then it is surely the best plan, that's what Kreschenta thinks. Krische has no doubt that she is superior, and Kreschenta is no different.

She already regarded the post-war affairs as trivial matters. If She is to be the ruler, it won't matter. Kolkis was right when he said that she could do whatever she wanted, and even if a minor rebellion broke out, she could just deal with it. What Kreschenta wants is her own relief and happiness, and Krische is indispensable to that. As long as Krische and her caged friends are happy, the rest doesn't matter to Kreschenta.

Nevertheless, Kreschenta clearly sees the difference between her and Krische's point of view. Krische's proposal------She's looking if there are any problems with it. "Burning the mountain...it's certainly something to be feared. We may be hated for it in the future." Kreschenta slowly opens her mouth. The tent fell silent, and everyone looked to Kreschenta. "But if the war drags on, there will be even more tragedy than that. Many soldiers will die, and the land will be exhausted. And that will create new sparks. 'As those who stand above others, even if one should be resented, we need to aim for future happiness' is what my father------His Majesty the King told me." Selene and Bery had a slight reaction to the words "His Majesty the King", but they didn't show it on their face. Kreschenta made a sad face. It was a princess's emotion that everyone desired and it was filled with a fragile loveliness that arouses the desire for protection. Kreschenta is aware how her voice and facial expressions------how her own beauty affect others. And she had learned how to use them to her advantage. "That word is exactly for times like this. That's what I think." Solemn, but clear voice. She acts and speaks following on what Krische's wanted. Selene and Bery once again relearned what kind existence of is Kreschenta, but Krische, who also know the truth, shows no reaction to it. 'Kreschenta is really a good speaker,' she thought, looking at her with admiration. "Salva-sama's words are correct. As a count in the frontier, you must have some concerns about it. However, I think that ending this war first and foremost is the most important thing for the Kingdom." She looked at Salva, who seemed dissatisfied. When he received the gaze, he hurriedly adjusts his posture. Looking at Salva, Kreschenta once again understood what the source of her flickering anxiety was.

Krische is feared and there are also some who hates her. Despite Selene's concern, Krische has a tendency to take her relationships with others too lightly, especially in the military. It was too inexperienced and dangerous way of dealing with the world. "Some people may not be really convinced. The anguish in your chest is the same for me. However, if it's for the sake of not causing more harm, I will wish for it." However, it is difficult when it comes to how to deal with such people. Kreshenta is suspicious of everyone. Those who want to harm her, those who might harm her, all of them. It was all the more so because Kreschenta isn't as strong as Krische.

That's why, even if it's the army, it's extremely dangerous to trust others and entrust them with something. The only reason She came here was because she had Krische to protect her, and Krische will not be in the fortress. That all.

However, Krische is less cautious than Kreshenta. Perhaps it is because she is confident of her own power, but it's worrisome that she is not so wary of such scheme being directed at her. Kreschenta thought that this is the reason for the anxiety that clung to her.

Crishtand's army is excellent and more disciplined than any other. But that does not mean it is perfect.

It would be better if the concerns disappeared, but it would be impossible under the circumstances to deal with people like Salva one by one and to do that, She would need to find out how many soldiers were loyal to not only Krische, but also to Bogan, Selene, and the various corps commanders. There was no way she could do such a thing under the circumstances, so he had no choice but to affirm Krische's words from the standpoint of a princess.

Bogan closed his eyes and made a decision. "Burning the mountains. It's certainly a good idea if you put aside the emotional aspect. Sometimes we are forced to burn cities and villages in order to protect our land. Today is the same------we can only think of it like that. Salva, accept it."

"......Yes sir." "The battlefield is full of anxiety. I really don't understand why onee-sam can be so relaxed." There were four people in the room. Kreschenta and Bery are sitting on the cot, and Krische is sitting sideways in Bery's lap. Selene sat down on a chair as if she had given up on complaining about it, and Kreschenta, as usual, snuggled up to Krische with a slightly dissatisfied look. Anne remained in the tent where the meeting was held, to greet and tends to Bogan. Half of it was because she was being treated as a nuisance by Krische.

The plan was set, and the allocation of personnel was also settled. Selene will go to Bernaich, while Krische will go up to Mirskronia to see how things were going. Selene is going to Bernaich to organize, and Krische is going to Mirskronia to give instructions for setting up the fire.

The meeting continued for a while, and Terrius, the commander of the Third Corps, suggested that they attack from Bernaich tomorrow. If the information was certain to leak out, it would be better to induce the enemy to attack Mitkronia. The general offensive would take place from midnight to dawn of the day after tomorrow, but they would make a show of taking action tomorrow, inviting the other side to attack, drawing their troops. The outnumbered 3rd Corps will naturally be pushed back, so it is only natural to withdraw the troops in response to the opponent's offensive, then they will set the mountain on fire.

The other side will be wary of attack from Bernaich tomorrow morning or noon, and will naturally fortify its defense, but if it continues until nighttime, they will certainly lose their concentration. Putting aside if it was just a normal defense, if it was a defensive stance against a general offensive, the other side will not be able to have leeway in their defense. And a defensive posture with no leeway will not last long.

Terrius' proposal that it is better to aim for the moment the enemy relaxed rather than aiming for a complete surprise attack is not bad, and the meeting will decide on that.

Since she will leave the encampment and climb up Bernaich tomorrow, Krische will only be able to rest until today. And as if it's only natural she made Bery spoil her. "I know how you feel, but you can't fight a war if you doubt everything."

"That may be true, but..." While reaching out her hand to pet the frustrated Kreschenta's head, Krische said. "Kreschenta, I'll leave Bery to you while Krische is away. If anything goes wrong, Krische will take Selene back, and if something goes wrong, then we'll just take of it when it happens."

"......I'm, when it comes to sword I'm not as good as Onee-sama."

"Krische doesn't think Kreschenta is as weak as the average soldiers, and Kreschenta is also good at using *fuyofuyo*, right? Bery is also skilled, so both of you should be able to run away."

"Um......Calling it *fuyofuyo *seems like a stupid way to call it, so please call it magical power." Kreschenta said to Krische as she was exasperated then she looked at Bery. Bery just laughed embarrassedly and answered without confidence. "For the time being, I have received the sword training from gotoushu-sama (the head of the family), so at least I wouldn't be a burden----"

"Bery mustn't do anything dangerous." She squirms up and brings her face closer to Bery. The jewel-like purple eyes peeked at Brry through the gap in her silver hair. "Bery's hands are meant for cooking, and it would be a disaster if she got hurt."

"......Krische-sama"

"Don't think of anything strange. If Bery must do it, it's only as a last resort. Anything else is an absolute no-no." Bery shook her red hair, smiled happily, and kissed Krische. 'Yes', she replied in a clear but quiet voice. "A......" Bery immediately noticed the stares of the two women around her and stiffened, and Selene opened her mouth and said 'You are really...' in a tired tone. "I've been wondering about this for a while but, Bery. Did your head finally become the same as Krische?"

"......Uu, t-that's" Her cheeks turn red like apples, and her gaze sways from side to side. 'Oh, I thought it was suspicious!' Kreschenta followed. "I think Argan-sama is definitely doing it on purpose. She took advantage of Onee-sama innocence to teach Onee-sama only things that were convenient for her!"

"T-that kind of thing, is..."

"Do you mean to say that it's not! Y-you purposely kissed Onee-sama and showing off to us... what kind of are you...!" Bery blushes more and more, and Krische tilts her head at the three of them, kisses the bright red Bery, and said. "What's there to be angry about? It's an expression of affection. Bery kisses Krische because she loves Krische. Krische also loves Bery, so it's mutual love."

"O-Onee-sama, Argan-sama's love, and Onee-sama's innocent love are definitely different..."

"Fufu, Kreschenta, love is different for each person. Kreschenta may not understand it yet, but that's how it is." Raising her index finger, Krische made a face that seemed as if she understands.

Since coming to the estate, Krische has been in position to be spoiled, but in the village she was known as a caring onee-san who takes good care of children younger than her. Selene aside, Kreschenta is a younger child than she is, so she has a strange confidence that she's the one in right. "Ah, Kreschente, is sulking. It's okay, Kreschente, come here." She beckons Kreschente to come over. Unable to resists the temptation, Kreschente brings her face close to Krische, get kissed, and blushed. "Ugh..."

"Selene too."

"Y-you know..." Selene looks exasperated, but she read the atmosphere. Whatever the case may be, there is nothing that can be done about this. She reluctantly gets up and approaches, and get kissed by Krische.

She couldn't say that there's no sense of rivalry toward Bery, so she just sat down on the chair and sipped the black bean tea roughly to hide my embarrassment

Krische happily rubs Bery's cheeks, Bery is also Bery, she keeps stroking Krische's head even as she blushed, and clears her throat. "I- it was a serious talk, please continue..."

"......who are you trying to fool, really."

"Eh, u, that's..."

"...Oh well, I'll talk about it later." Selene says so and tells Kreschenta that the battlefield is full of anxiety. "How the enemy will move, how our allies will move. Gaining a victory or suffering a defeat in place you didn't expect. There is nothing but uncertainty on the battlefield. All we know is the total number of troops we have against each other, ......no, sometimes we don't even know that." Selene stretched as she pours herself a new cup of black bean tea. Her long golden hair swayed, and her supple body curled into graceful curves. "The battlefield is a world where everything is unclear and chaotic. We have to fill it with plausible information and, as far as possible, make the possible coincidences into inevitability through tactics, assume them, and take control of them. I don't know if Krische's plan is perfect. But we decided to do it because it is the most probable under the current circumstances. Though you don't seem to like those fuzzy conclusions."

"...... I suppose so." Kreschenta looks at Selene thoughtfully and probingly.

"Are you critizing me?"

"If you understand what you've caused, that's fine. I don't have a hobby saying the same thing twice, it's just education." Selene said and tipped her glass. "The Christand are strong. And there is also Krische. But they are not invincible and there is always uncertainty. You should know that there is no certainty in battle. Even if Krische is relaxed, she understood it properly." Krische, who was pointed by Selene nodded even while looking dazedly. "Well, that's true. It's impossible for Krische to lose if both sides know everything, but it's just as Selene said. Krische is just doing something about it with the information Krische knows, even in the last battle." Selene frowned at Krische's confident words that he would never lose, but he said nothing. Because she's just telling the truth. At least in the military chess exercises using the sand board, Krische was undefeated under the same conditions. Even Bogan, former First Corps leader Northern, and tactician Eluga were no match for Krische. Of course, Selene is completely defeated. What she says must be true in her mind. Even so, Selene's still a little annoyed. "It's impossible for Krische to die even if Krische loses, so Krische's not worried about that. But Krische is still worried about Selene, and Bery, so Kreschenta, please protect Bery properly. Krische can't protect them if they are too far away."

"... I understand."

"It's fine as long as Kreschenta understands. We won't know what will happen until we see it, so it's better to just make assumptions, rest the body and do something fun." Krische said and hugged Bery with a sweet kiss. Since she would not be able to come back tomorrow, it was only natural for her to be spoiled and kiss Bery for tomorrow's portion as well. Bery, whose face was still red, hugged her tightly and caressed her.

Selene casts a suspicious look at the melting Krische, and Cresenta pricks her lips.

And so, the four of them spent a peaceful night before the conclusion of the Battle of the Dragon's Jaw.