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When Fritz spoke, the knob of the office door turned with a clank.

“Whew—, hello, nice to meet you. I have come from the Papal States. My name is Gertrude Evans.” (Gertrude)

The man who entered the office bowed his head and greeted like that.

“Whew. Excuse me, but may I sit down?” (Gertrude)

The man, dressed in a military uniform, wearing glasses, and slightly overweight, stood at the entrance wiping sweat with his sleeve, and looked at the sofa with what seemed like a longing gaze. Fritz’s office was located in a high place within the government building. This was partly to observe the town from the window, but also to make it difficult for suspicious persons to enter due to its depth. For him, climbing the stairs all the way here must have been somewhat hard work.

“Of course, please. Do you need water?” (Fritz)

“Yes. If you don’t mind.” (Gertrude)

Fritz poured water into a glass from a pitcher that was always kept in the room. Normally, the servant would be called to bring it, but that would take a bit of time. For him, it would be better if it were faster.

“Here you go. There’s a little lemon in it.” (Fritz)

“Much appreciated.” (Gertrude)

When Fritz handed it over, the man who called himself Gertrude downed the water in one gulp.

“Phew…” (Gertrude)

“If you’d like, please have another.” (Fritz)

Fritz brought the pitcher over, poured into the glass, and then placed the pitcher on the desk. Gertrude drank halfway through the second glass of water, and then, seemingly satisfied, placed the glass down.

“So… what happened to Epitaph-dono? According to the recent communication, he was supposed to come.” (Fritz)

“He is not coming. This time, I am the acting person in charge.” (Gertrude)

“Is he not coming?” (Fritz)

That was unexpected. He had thought that Epitaph Palazzo held a special grudge against Yuri Hou.

“Well, just between us, it’s a situation where he simply cannot leave the mainland.” (Gertrude)

“… I see.” (Fritz)

I have heard that Epitaph Palazzo is currently in conflict with the Pope and has effectively placed the Pope under house arrest. Pope Pilato II is not particularly popular compared to past Popes, but putting the Pope under house arrest and monopolizing authority is not something everyone can accept. Foreseeing that, Epitaph quickly purged the military personnel who showed signs of rebellion. For this reason, no civil war has officially occurred, but if he leaves Vaticans unattended, there’s a risk of losing his position.

“Even if he doesn’t come, as long as you send reinforcements, it won’t be a problem for us.” (Fritz)

“Do you find 20,000 reinforcements insufficient?” (Gertrude)

“No, I think it’s enough.” (Fritz)

In reality, Fritz thought that the number 20,000 was not a small amount. However, it was within the expected range.

“Why is that? Doesn’t the Galilia Union’s deployable army amount to around 40,000?” (Getrude)

“We have secured reinforcements from Kururuan. Another 20,000 troops will be coming.” (Fritz)

When Fritz said that, Gertrude briefly showed a surprised expression, then curled the corner of his mouth into a grin.

“I see.” (Gertrude)

To put it briefly…

“As expected of Fritz-dono. You truly rose to power on ability alone.” (Gertrude)

Gertrude’s eyes gleamed, and he spoke with what seemed like excitement.

“… No.” (Fritz)

Although his words were rough, this was likely a form of praise. Fritz decided not to mind it.

“More than just the number of soldiers, being able to deploy dragon cavalry is significant. It can serve as a deterrent against the eagles.” (Getrude)

“Yes.” (Fritz)

The eagles were a significant advantage for them. In fact, something that had been used only for reconnaissance and suicide attacks in the past had, in recent years, become a major advantage. Various objects dropped from the sky were still extremely difficult to counter. Recruiting the dragon cavalry, another species whose sky was its territory, was a big advantage.

“However, I heard that Yuri Hou has made contact with the Entak Dragon Kingdom and exchanged letters with the Dragon King. Wasn’t it difficult to negotiate?” (Gertrude)

“That was not a problem. Although the two dragon nations are perceived as brothers, fortunately, due to a diplomatic issue, their relationship has cooled.” (Fritz)

“Ah… I’m not very familiar with diplomacy, but is this the pirate issue that was talked about some time ago?” (Gertrude)

“Yes.” (Fritz)

The diplomatic issue began when the southern coastal region of the Kururuan Dragon Empire was ravaged by pirates. These pirates, who had been marked by the Dragon Empire Navy, were finally discovered one day while returning from plunder.

If they had been discovered by a large fleet, it would have ended with their destruction. Unfortunately for both nations, they were discovered by a single small patrol ship. Of course, it would have been reckless for the small ship to charge at the pirate fleet, so it quietly switched to tailing them. The pirate fleet entered a port town in the Entak Dragon Kingdom, where they conducted trade and resupplied.

Upon receiving a series of reports, the Dragon Emperor believed that the port town’s lord had harbored the pirates and demanded the lord’s head from the Entak Dragon Kingdom. However, the Dragon King of Entak, who had been close to the lord since childhood, refused to hand over his head.

Entak’s claim was that the pirates had hidden their pirate flag when they entered the port, so there was no way to know they were pirates. That was the official story. However, it’s possible that the truth was as Kururuan claimed, that the port town’s lord had indeed harbored the pirates or made deals with them, allowing them to use the port. The true details remain unclear.

The Entak Dragon Kingdom seemed to have tried hard to capture the pirates and present their heads as a substitute, but the pirates were quite cunning and disappeared without being caught. Although it was an incident from five years ago, it had yet to be resolved, and the diplomatic relations between the two countries remained somewhat strained to this day.

“I was a bit worried myself, but it seems there isn’t any atmosphere of withholding reinforcements out of respect for the Dragon King. The name of the Entak Dragon Kingdom didn’t even come up.” (Fritz)

“That’s good to hear.” (Gertrude)

Gertrude nodded repeatedly, as if genuinely pleased by the good news. Many politicians make an effort not to show their emotions, but in comparison, Gertrude seemed to express his feelings more openly.

“So, that means our forces will be 20,000, 20,000, and 40,000, totaling around 80,000 in military strength?” (Gertrude)

“Yes, that’s correct.” (Fritz)

“That number still leaves some concerns. Do we have any estimate of the enemy’s overall strength?” (Gertrude)

In the previous battle, where the Crusaders were annihilated, it was estimated that the Shaalta Kingdom’s forces numbered around 60,000.

“About 40,000.” (Fritz)

Fritz replied. This wasn’t the number of troops currently gathered but was derived from reports collected by numerous spies infiltrated into enemy territory, analyzing the movements of the military forces. While it was extremely difficult to infiltrate the Shaalta Kingdom’s interior on the peninsula they use as their base, there were many Kurans to the east, making infiltration and information gathering somewhat easier, albeit not without casualties.

“However, we should officially declare the number as 65,000. Please let it stand that way for Kururuan’s sake.” (Fritz)

When Fritz said this, Gertrude let out a small, puzzled “Hmm?” and looked at him with a suspicious expression.

“There are various conditions that coincide with the reinforcements. As long as we declare 65,000, they will remain on our side.” (Fritz)

Fritz never expected more than 60,000 troops to actually come.

Two years was too short a time to trust a people who had been mortal enemies until recently as part of one’s own army. Furthermore, the Shaalta Kingdom had grown too large after absorbing the Kilghina region and the city-states. Troops were needed to maintain public order, and although the likelihood of invasion from the Tyrellme God-Protected Empire was low, their border could not be left undefended. Adding up the small forces required for these tasks would easily exceed 10,000.

Even if domestic policies could bolster the number of troops to some extent, it was unlikely that more soldiers could be mobilized than in the last total war. Moreover, this time, the war wasn’t being fought in the heart of their country but on a distant front. The number of troops reaching the front lines would undoubtedly be less than 60,000. Ultimately, this wouldn’t meet the conditions for the cession of Noikilut.

Of course, whether the Kururuan Dragon Empire would accept this was another matter. There would almost certainly be conflicts, and relations would deteriorate, but that was a concern for later. Losing the war would mean the destruction of the country, so for time being, everything had to be focused on winning the war.

“Hmm… well, that’s fine. But 40,000, you say…” (Gertrude)

“Yes. It’s fewer than expected. We managed to bring the situation to our advantage.” (Fritz)

Our forces are double that number. Normally, this would be an overwhelming advantage for the defensive side.

“Fritz, let me tell you, even if the difference in numbers is two or three times, you should not become complacent.” (Gertrude)

Gertrude spoke sternly, as if reprimanding Fritz for his confidence.

“A competent strategist never fights a war they can’t win. If victory isn’t assured, they don’t engage. They only attack when they have created a situation where they can win. Of course, there are times when the situation doesn’t allow for that. For instance, when a king gives a strict order to fight and hold the line, or when abandoning a key position would put you at a severe strategic disadvantage, making it hard to recover. However, this doesn’t apply to Yuri Hou. The country is firmly in his grip, and even if he waits until next year to attack, it won’t be an issue. Yet he’s gathering troops and attacking now because he sees a chance to win.”  (Gertrude)

“…” (Fritz)

Seeing the stout man in front of him speak such logic, Fritz, who had underestimated him, felt taken aback.

“A mediocre commander, leading 40,000 troops, won’t simply scatter them against an army of 80,000. Such a future is a one-in-a-million chance. Do not hold any such expectations.” (Gertrude)

“…Yes.” (Fritz)

When Fritz replied,

“Oh, I apologize. This wasn’t something necessary to tell you, Fritz-dono. Sometimes, when I’m deep in thought, I tend to ramble on like this.” (Gertrude)

“I see.” (Fritz)

“I love thinking about war, though I hate physical activity.” (Gertrude)

I see.

Fritz felt like he understood now. That explained his physique.

“…Being able to focus solely on war is an essential talent. Especially in the Papal States.” (Gertrude)

If this man was truly such a person, perhaps it was fortunate for the Galilia Union that Epitaph hadn’t come. Not because of Epitaph’s competence or lack thereof, but because he might have caused friction with the Kururuan army. Emotions, whether positive or negative, could sometimes override rational judgment.

“Well, yes.” (Fritz)

Gertrude, perhaps feeling thirsty, drank the remaining water in his cup.

“Honestly, I don’t get along very well with Epitaph-dono, who is deeply religious. But he values ability, so I’ve been given important roles. He’s the only one who places me in a position where I can lead in war, so I set aside my personal beliefs and follow him.” (Gertrude)

“…I see.” (Fritz)

Fritz found it a bit odd that he would reveal such personal thoughts.

“Well, that’s how it is. Personally, I don’t harbor any religious resentment towards the Cocolulu faith. I’ll do my utmost to prevent any clashes between our army and the Dragon Empire’s forces. However, minor conflicts are inevitable if we keep them close. I’d appreciate it if you could keep the camps separated.” (Gertrude)

“…Is that so?” (Fritz)

Fritz quickly realized that Gertrude had anticipated his concerns and addressed them before he could voice them.

“That would be helpful. I’ll make sure to arrange the camps at a distance from each other.” (Gertrude)

“Yes, thank you.” (Fritz)

“Could you also provide me with the expected arrival date of the Dragon Empire’s forces and, if possible, a map of the region? While the general of the Galilia Union is the commander of the allied forces, I would still like to prepare a strategy.” (Gertrude)

“Of course. The Dragon Empire’s forces are expected to begin arriving in three days. I’ll have a copy of the map sent to you immediately. For detailed terrain information at the expected encounter site, you can consult with the reconnaissance division of Galilia, who are well-informed.” (Fritz)

Fritz had a politician’s intuition, and it told him that this man would be valuable in the war. Epitaph must have recognized this too, which was why he entrusted him with such important roles.

“Understood. Then, if you’ll excuse me.” (Gertrude)

Gertrude said as he stood up.

“I wouldn’t want to take up any more of your time, Fritz-dono. I’ll be on my way.” (Gertrude)

“Very well.” (Fritz)

Fritz didn’t try to stop him and rose from the sofa as well. He was, after all, quite busy. As he watched Gertrude move to open the door, there was a knock on it. It was sound produced by the newly installed door knocker.

Fritz called out, and the door opened.

A female staff member entered, clearly startled by the sight of Gertrude standing right at the entrance.

“Please excuse me.” (??)

The woman held a position similar to that of Nozette in the past. She walked past Gertrude on her way to Fritz.

“A letter has arrived from the enemy.” (??)

She whispered into his ear, clearly trying to keep Gertrude from overhearing. She placed the folded letter in Fritz’s hand, the wax seal already broken.

“—? Through what channel?” (Fritz)

Fritz immediately questioned. For a letter of such sensitivity, it was unusual for it to reach someone like her without proper protocol.

“It… it was found in the government office’s mailbox. Given the quality of the content, it didn’t seem like a prank, so I brought it directly here.” (??)

“I see. As you already know, keep the contents completely confidential.” (Fritz)

“Understood.” (??)

With that, she quickly left the room. Fritz discreetly opened the letter, making sure it was out of Gertrude’s sight. If the contents were sensitive, he would simply ask Gertrude to leave. But that didn’t seem necessary.

“Gertrude-dono.” (Fritz)

“Yes.” (Gertrude)

“There’s been a request for a meeting from Yuri-Hou. It’s addressed to both you and me. What do you make of it?” (Fritz)

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