Side: Joshua Being

Enaria Reinforcement Rescue Force at the Cave-in Site

"This is..."

I found myself stopping in my tracks at the unbelievable sight before me.

Ordinarily, we should have immediately occupied the cave-in site, eliminated the Jilva forces monitoring it, and proceeded to rescue General Prism.

But...

I had fought through countless battlefields alongside General Boolis Wooly, one of Enaria's greatest military geniuses.

I had believed that no ordinary surprise could shake me.

I had both the confidence and the experience to think so.

Yet...

"""OOOOOOOOOOOH!!"""

The roaring echo did not belong to the army I commanded.

No... Could that even be called an army?

Directly before our eyes, deployed with their backs against the cave-in site and confronting our host, was...

A horde of monsters.

"Joshua, what are your thoughts on this?"

"Hein-dono..."

Hein-dono, a veteran general who had supported General Boolis for decades and accompanied me to this front, voiced the question.

I have always held immense respect for Hein-dono's support. He manages the agonizingly complex nightmare of logistics behind the scenes with utter perfection, ensuring that supply lines never experience a single delay.

Therefore, even though I held a higher official military rank, I consistently treated him with unwavering deference.

Or rather, it came naturally. That was simply how remarkable of a man he was.

Thus, even when confronted with an anomaly of this magnitude, his ability to calmly ask for my tactical assessment on the spot was something very few men could manage.

"...My apologies. To be entirely frank, I do not know. I've never encountered anything like this before."

"Umu. Honesty is best. If a commander pretends to understand what he does not and formulates a strategy upon that lie, it will inevitably lead to catastrophic casualties. Joshua, you have already grown into a fine general. Whether we choose to engage or withdraw in this battle, I shall not stay your hand. I will fulfill my role as your advisor to the very end."

"...Understood. First, we cannot accomplish anything until we grasp our adversary's objective and overall strength. Scouts... No, I believe it would be better to attempt negotiations first."

"Hmm, I see. Though our opponents are monsters, they maintain a tight, disciplined formation without making any mindless moves to attack us. Therefore, you suspect there is a leader possessed of considerable intelligence commanding them from the rear?"

"Yes, that is my assessment. I do not know if words will reach them, but launching a reckless assault against an opponent capable of demonstrating such strict discipline would be dangerously foolish."

"A reasonable conclusion. Then I shall go assess them myself."

Hein-dono declared it without the slightest hesitation.

For a second, I stood dazed, but I quickly realized I had to stop him.

"It's too dangerous for Hein-dono to go personally!!"

"That's exactly why I must go. They are monsters. If ordinary soldiers approach, there's a high chance they'll attack and it will immediately turn into an all-out battle. The same goes for young knights. No matter the order, they might return without listening if the other side makes any strange move. The only ones who can carry out your plan right now are me, who heard the discussion, and the knights around us. Selecting someone else would be a waste of time and meaningless."

"...When you put it that way, I have no choice but to agree. But please return safely."

"Haha, that's exactly what makes you a fine general. Don't worry. Even if I lose an arm or a leg, I'll come back."

Hein-dono laughed and began preparations.

He really is the same as always.

It wouldn't be strange for him to command an entire army by himself.

"Prepare so we can act immediately if anything happens to Hein-dono. 100 cavalry for rescue, 300 archers for suppression. We'll extract him in one go and create distance. Understood?"

"""Yes!!"""

Then I'll prepare so I can move my subordinates at any moment if needed.

"Main force, hold out until Sir Hain returns if the enemy pursues. I will take command. Stand firm without fear and repel the enemy."

"""Yes!!"""

Still... I can recognize Orcs and Goblins... Or rather, those are the only ones I can recognize.

The vast majority of the beastly host arrayed before us consisted of creatures I had never laid eyes upon in my life.

Yet, amidst that horde, there existed a single location emanating an overwhelming, distinct atmosphere.

It was the very center of the monster army.

Presumably their main headquarters, standing tall in that spot was a humanoid figure reaching nearly four meters in height, bearing the head of a bull.

"...That must be their commander."

Though it was my first time laying eyes on such a monster, its form was one that appeared frequently in ancient fables.

A legendary beast that used the immense power generated by its massive frame to sweep away enemies, abduct women, and ravage the land—a monster so mighty it was said to have brought about the total ruin of an entire kingdom.

A Minotaur.

"....My judgment is not wrong. Hein-dono also believed in me."

I have anxieties, but I can't act like a fool and believe in old fairy tales.

They might be friendly. We cannot make a hasty mistake.

For the sake of our allies who might be behind that army as well.

"Hein-dono, we are ready to depart!"

At that call, I tore my eyes away from the enemy army and turned around.

Standing there was Hein-dono, completely unarmed to signal an intent for peaceful dialogue, flanked by ten escort knights behind him.

"I'm counting on you."

"Yeah, leave it to me."

Hein-dono mounted his horse and headed toward the monster army.

"Now then, our job isn't to wait leisurely! Are your preparations complete!!"

"""Yes!!"""

...Please return safely.

* * *

Side: Mino-chan

Neutralizing the Cave-in Interception Force

"Commander Mino-chan, a small group of enemy riders is riding out toward us! What should we do?"

"Muuu... John, what do you think?"

"Hey, aren't you supposed to be the Commander-in-Chief, Mino-chan?"

"I know that! I'm asking what you think as my Vice Commander, okay?"

Just because Yuki-anchan appointed me as the Commander-in-Chief doesn't mean I'm going to get all unstable!

I've been through a lot with Yuki-anchan, so I don't think I'll make a mistake in judgment over something like this. But he always said that listening to the opinions of those around you is super important.

"Ah, I see. In that case, I think we should just listen to what they have to say. It's not like Mino-chan or I are going to be taken down by a simple surprise attack anyway."

"That's true! Alright, don't raise a hand against them. Wait for their move. If they demand to speak with us, bring them straight through."

"Yes, sir!"

After issuing that order to my subordinate, I turned back to face John.

"Is there still something else?"

"...There's a chance this turns into a proper negotiation."

"Yeah."

"So for now, stop eating that cucumber."

"Eh?"

"Don't look at me with that puzzled expression. And don't you dare offer any to them either!"

"W-What are you saying!? T-These cucumbers are..."

"Why're you getting so worked up? They don't even make good snacks with tea."

"You idiot! Pickles count as tea snacks too—not just sweets!"

"That's a raw cucumber you're holding!! Stop talking nonsense!!"

"Oh? OH!? You wanna go, Mino-chan?!"

"That's exactly why you weren't chosen as commander! Your boiling point when it comes to cucumbers is WAY too low!"

"It's not just cucumbers! I possess a deep, profound love for all other vegetables as well!"

"You vegetable idiot!!"

"Shut up, you country bumpkin!!"

The two of us immediately found ourselves on the verge of throwing punches.

As usual, this vegetarian...

What kind of move is he going to pull? Is he going to leap at me? A leg sweep?

John seemed to be pondering his options as well, carefully timing his strike.

"...Um, sorry to interrupt while you're in the middle of something, but they said they wanted to talk, so I brought them over... Should I have waited?"

When the two of us looked toward the voice, the subordinate who guided them and the Enaria guests were looking at us with awkward expressions.

"Pardon us! Please, take a seat over here!"

"A-Ah, thank you for your kind hospitality..."

guided the dignified, middle-aged gentleman who appeared to be their leader to a seat.

However, even though this gentleman clearly looked like a seasoned veteran who had survived countless battlefields, he was visibly on guard against me.

I guess Minotaurs really are scary to normal people...

"The knights accompanying you are welcome to sit as well."

"N-No! We are his bodyguards, so standing here is fine!"

Hmm, I wish my own subordinates would learn from this level of dedication to duty—especially this one orc who does nothing but munch on cucumbers all day.

"...Hmph, only at times like this do you speak normally."

"...I'll destroy your cucumber field."

"...Go ahead and try."

Unable to watch any longer, one of our lich subordinates finally spoke up.

"Sigh... If you two don't cut it out right now, I'll report this directly to the Boss."

""WE'RE VERY SORRY!!""

Getting scolded by Yuki-anchan would be a total nightmare!

We reflexively apologized on the spot.

"Then please get back to work immediately. You're keeping the guests waiting. Ah, would tea be acceptable?"

"Ah, yes. Thank you very much..."

"We have various blends available, so I took the liberty of selecting one for you. Please forgive us if it doesn't suit your palate."

"T-Thank you again for your exceptionally polite hospitality..."

Wait a second... Could the reason this gentleman and his knights are trembling so much be...

"Hey... aren't they terrified because of Lich? I mean, he's a literal skeleton, right?"

"You think so too?"

Even back in Weed, there weren't many Skeletons around, so maybe they weren't stiffening up because of us?

"Hooh... this is delicious. Sorry, but could I have some for my subordinates as well?"

"Yes, of course. You rude superiors over there—I will be making a detailed report about your conduct later."

""Geh!?""

"Nahahaha!! I was nervous thinking they were monsters we couldn't communicate with, but it seems you all have your own hardships too."

While we were having that conversation, the old gentleman burst into hearty laughter.

"No, it is only natural on your part! Just as we were terrified of you, it seems you were equally wary of us. My sincere apologies for making you go through the trouble of performing such a comedic farce just to ease our tension. I am deeply grateful! Lich-dono, was it? Forgive me for tensing up at the sight of a skeleton as well."

"No, since I fundamentally look like this, even my own allies get startled by me—especially at night."

"Hahaha! That cannot be helped then! If it were me, I would have fallen flat on my back!"

After laughing like that, the gentleman's eyes suddenly turned sharp.

I guess this was his true face as a military officer.

"Now then, I suppose I should get down to business as well. To put it bluntly: we would like you to vacate the cave-in site."

"That certainly is direct. May I ask your reason?"

Well, the reason is obviously to rescue their allied forces, right?

"I do not mind telling you. We came here after receiving reports that 100,000 of our Enaria military personnel are trapped inside the cave-in site, with the sole intent of rescuing them. Therefore, if possible, we would like to request your cooperation. We will not pry into who or what you are. We simply wish to save the lives of our comrades. Though both of our sides brought massive armies and raised our guards, as long as our rescue operation is not interfered with, we have zero reason to fight you."

Well, that was pretty much as expected, but it was still surprising! I thought they would come at us in a head-on clash! At this rate, unless we launch an attack ourselves, we won't be able to seize their supplies!

For someone like me who usually maintains public order, launching an unprovoked attack is really troubling...

"Ah, my apologies! That was entirely one-sided of me. It is unfair to state our desires without first hearing your circumstances and wishes. If you do not mind, could you tell us why you are stationed here in the first place?"

Uhh, I can't say "Our original plan was to beat you up moderately and plunder your supplies like bandits!"

Well, we'll just have to adjust the plan!

Or rather, I'm just glad this looks like it'll end way more peacefully than expected!

So, I...

"Um... We are residents living in the ancient ruins located at the cave-in site. The people who wandered inside wouldn't listen to reason and started causing a rampage, so when another large group like you showed up, we naturally raised our guard."

"Ah, I see! Well, they are quite young, after all... Wait! Are you saying those women are safe?!"

"Yes. We'd like to kick them out as quickly as possible, but if they come back, it'll be a pain, and right now they're eating up all our food inside. We can't exactly let them leave for free after that."

"...That is entirely reasonable! So, what must we do to have them..."

" Well, we'd like you to reimburse us for the food they consumed without permission."

"...Err, the total number of personnel on their side is around 100,000, correct?"

"Yes."

"And they have been in there for a little over a month... That is... a quantity far beyond what I can decide on my own authority, so I will need to consult my superiors..."

"That's understandable. At any rate, clearing the cave-in site will take too long, so please take them out through another exit. Even when we try to guide them, they attack us on sight, making it impossible to lead them out."

"...For that... well... I am truly sorry..."

"Anyway, having more trouble inside our home is a nuisance, so if you could just take them off our hands, that alone would be a huge help! We'll provide guidance, so as long as you settle the food matter later, that's fine."

"...You have my deepest gratitude!"

The old gentleman named Hein-dono bowed deeply, bearing an immense weight on his shoulders as he departed.

Hmm, was asking for 100,000 people's worth of food reimbursement a bit too harsh?

"...Hey, Mino-chan."

"What is it?"

"I feel like we're doing something way more villainous than just scattering them in battle..."

"Yeah... Wanna hear Yuki-anchan's prediction?"

"I'm scared, but tell me anyway..."

"It's terrifying, you know... What Yuki-anchan said..."

* * *

Side: Yuki

"Listen well, Mino-chan. At worst, your unit at the cave-in site is going to end up fighting Enaria's rescue army."

"I know that, but I'm really not suited for that kind of stuff..."

Well, Mino-chan usually looks after the kids at the school, so he doesn't like fighting.

However, the fact that he's a Minotaur is the most critical asset for this negotiation.

If an opponent who matches the legendary Minotaurs of this continent stands before them, the enemy won't be able to ignore him.

"However, on the off chance that the enemy proposes a negotiation, a gentle guy like you is the absolute best person for the job. That's why you're the Commander-in-Chief, Mino-chan."

"The enemy... negotiating? To them, we're just monsters. The only ones who treat us like friends are the people of Weed..."

Mino-chan shook his head lonely.

Well, even within Weed, there were a few people who avoided Mino-chan, so I'm sure he's gone through a lot.

But my friends need to grow bigger than that.

Well, I'm not saying he should become that, though.

"Mino-chan, the world is vast, so go out and see more of it. Somewhere out there, there are definitely people who will call you their friend."

"You really think so?"

"Of course! I came from another world myself, didn't I? And we get along great! Anyway, setting that aside, here's how you handle it if they try to negotiate."

"Got it! Teach me, Yuki-anchan!"

"Demand reimbursement for expenses. If they're the ones initiating negotiations, they won't be able to refuse outright, and that will completely drain their supply budget, making it impossible for them to fight. We get what we want without even having to plunder them—an absolute win-win!"

"Expenses? What kind of expenses?"

"The enemy came to rescue the troops inside the dungeon, right? Just tell them those troops ate up all the dungeon's food stores! Furthermore, if you tell them you're willing to hand them over safely, there's no way they can say no. See? Reimbursement for expenses!"

"...As expected, that's a terrifyingly devious strategy..."

"Heheh! Call it 'a method to settle things without fighting.' Besides, my wives are planning to rampage around in their own way, so I can't just sit back and do nothing. This is perfect—it gives us a hassle-free stepping stone to investigate Enaria. Ah, but if they attack you midway through, feel free to wipe them out, okay?"

Now then, I wonder what move the enemy will make next?

Will they launch a charge and lose, or negotiate and retreat?

Either way, since we'll be taking hostages as collateral, the ultimate outcome won't change.

Whether they get captured by the Jilva Empire in a completely resourceless state, or get taken in by Mino-chan's group as collateral for the expenses—that's the only real choice they have.

Though there'll definitely be a massive difference in how they're treated. Personally, I'd prefer to handle everything on our end, so it'd be great if they talk things out with Mino-chan.