Koushaku Reijou no Tashinami - Ch 242

Another battlefield

(Iris at the capital of the Almeria's dukedom)

"The battle is yet to finish and they're out of medicine. I'll restock it! And then, let's get more from the trading house too!"

The capital of the Duke of Almeria's territory was far louder than usual, and also had a busy day.

...... I have a responsibility.

Responsible for protecting the people who live in the east. And at the same time, I was responsible for bringing Lyle, Dida and the guards to battle.

But I have no way to fight and protect them directly.

That is why I must do my best to do what only I can do.

Speaking of the truth, there is also a strong feeling of frustration inside me, that make me want to rush to the scene.

Why am I in a position where I can give instructions safely from a desk while my people battle?

If I'am in the battlefield, I can get information more quickly and move people accurately when needed.

However, at the same time, because I stand on the pinnacle, I can not afford to make a mistake as everything will fall apart then.

In other words, I have to devote myself to give instructions and plan countermeasures while asking help of others in what I'm weak at ...

I know about that.

But even if I understand, I can not help but feel depressed.

The situation that changes every moment, and the difficulties of handling it.

I even become ashamed to see the number of injured coming up, after making a decision. 
Ahh.... I am so lonely now....

I look at the materials at hand.

At the same time, on the desk is a map of the eastern territory and the port.

"Is the situation changing again?"

There is no other way of winning than letting Lyle and Dida plan everything.

As there is nothing in these times yet, that allows you to communicate in an instant like a telephone call of modern times. It's a foolish idea to remember this now, and even more so to give instructions when I'm not in the battlefield, I'll end up only causing confusion.

Of course, I have regular reports from the east, but that's not enough to give precise orders.

Anyway, there're people in the battlefield that's watching all, so what I'm being asked to do is look at the whole picture and move people and things according to the situation.

Among the guards or soldiers of the Almeria's Dukedom, except for those who are in the north of the Duke's territory, the other rest have head for the east.

"Yes, I'm leaving the north undefended and moving the people that were on the north, west and the south to the est. Will they arrive at the east on time?"

"I'm worried..."

About Lyle and Dida ... I believe in their power.

But on the other hand, we have to think what about if they were forced to retreat.

How will the enemy invade the remaining lands?

If there is a follow-up, how do we respond?

People's evacuation routes.

And how to deploy the guards? To give more time for people's evacuation.

I summarize my thoughts while keeping a view on the overall picture.

"What's the evacuation situation of the residents? How much progress has been made since the previous report? And then, is the food supply at the evacuation site ready?"

When I read the reports coming up one after another, I will in turn instruct the officers.

They were also running around to communicate and implement them.

"The progress of the evacuation plan for the residents has not changed since the previous report."

"What does that mean ...? Is there a problem?"

"No, that is ..."

The officer stopped talking for a moment.

I stared at him while narrowing my eyes, wondering what he was thinking about.

"We want to work and protect ourselves because it is our city. We dearly care for it." "We don't want to only receive protection from the lady but also to help as well." The young men are doing security chores and transportation, and the women are cooking for the soldiers, doing maintenance to the equipment and acting as guards from the posts... ”

I was shocked to hear those words.

"Well..."

The words that instinctively came out from me sounded more subtle than what I thought myself.

It's not that I'm being moved ... but more like my heart shakes with joy.

"It is a fact ......"

Looking at him, his mouth was also shaking while pronouncing those words.

Oh, it seems he was also about to explode from the emotion.

...... like me now.

Surely he and I think the same.

The people should be protected.

Because they have no way to fight against such powers.

The previous disaster in the whole kingdom is a good example.

They fled rather than do something for the disaster that came down.

It is not to be blamed, it is just the best choice to protect themselves because of their weakness.

... even though all that.

Why this time, the people who live in that town choose to fight?

They didn't give up and run away...

Are they thinking that the town, this territory ... are more important that their lives?.

Are they affirming the path I have walked so far is correct?

My mind shakes at that conclusion.

"Excuse me, milady"

Tanya appeared on the spot and was silent for a while.

"Oh, would you like to report something?"

"... yeah"

Something hot from my chest, stuck my words inside for a moment.

"This is a report from Dida. It says that the Voldic family has cooperated to recapture the port."

"... what does that mean?"

"In order to repay the favor the Lady bestow upon them. Are they not loyal enough to you?"

Tanya smiles, saying so.

It was like I was given a new impact before I could recover from the previous one.

I still remember Grouse.

It makes me want to laugh out ...

He was a horrible man.

But, speaking of him, he looks like a good brother to me.

It is because they love the city and are loved by the people of the city.

I thought we would never cross paths, this was truly a surprise, but I hope that I can work with him again in this way in a future.

"Excuse me. About the issues with the previous product, the commercial guild has solved it. This is the letter about the matter."

"The medical guild reported that a group of volunteer doctors gathered one after another and left for the eastern part. Asking for the establishment of a medical system for disasters relief."

As Tanya's followed, news came in one after another.

Each one of them makes my heart beat faster from emotion.

"Our job is to bring pride. Protect the people, be merciful, and develop richly. Securing the life of the people gives them a sense of belonging to the territory ... I think that's the role of the lord. ”

The words I said in front of the officers will be remembered someday after these events.

The path I have walked. ...... I have always walked wondering whether it's correct or not, or if isn't necessary a reform?

Since I have no answer, I convinced myself that I could only go forward.

But now, the people ... everyone is telling me the answer.

Not only those directly involved with me, but every one of my subjects.

My tears overflow at that impression ... But, I increment my efforts to never let it show.

It is not time to be immersed in emotions.

"... We will need to receive medical supplies and doctors soon! The treatment area will need a little more space, so please list a few possible sites. Immediately call for volunteers, who can stay in the eastern city. Please tell them to give their work to someone on duty, so as to not leave the posts unattended. "

I immediately give more and more instructions based on the previous reports.

"The people have responded. ... Let us fulfill our duties here to protect this territory and the people who live here!"

In response to the call, the officers returned with a loud voice, "Yes!"