再び戦いが本格化するのかと、騎士も兵士も背筋を伸ばし、緊張の面持ちであった。しかし、これから説明される作戦の内容を知っている副隊長たちは、違う意味での緊張に硬直していた。
「作戦は単純だ。敵を国境で挑発し、国内へ誘導する。敵がホーラント国土から離れて我が国内へ入り込んだところで背後から襲い、人的補給ができない状態の敵を殲滅する!」
今ひとつ理解ができないのか、兵士たちはただ立っているだけだが、作戦を始めて聞いた騎士たちはお互いに顔を見合わせている。
「隊長、質問をよろしいでしょうか」
「なんだ」
「国内へ誘導するとの事ですが、この村まで敵をおびき寄せるのですか?」
この言葉に、兵たちにも動揺が見えるが、スティフェルスの言葉はもっと強烈だった。
「いや、この村を更に通り過ぎ、ミュンスターまで退く」
兵たちがざわめき始め、騎士たちからは困惑の言葉が出始めた。
「それでは、村の者たちやミュンスターの住民が危険ではありませんか?」
「村の者は避難させる。ミュンスターの街へ迫れば、領兵が防衛に乗り出し、ホーラントの連中を止めるだろう。我々が背後からそれを襲えば、挟撃することができる」
ここまでの説明を聞いて、騎士たちや兵たちも落ち着きを取り戻し、逆にスティフェルスの作戦を賞賛し始めた。
「素晴らし智謀と言わざるを得ません!」
しかし、にこやかにスティフェルスを誉めそやす兵士たちと違い、一部の騎士たちは苦笑を隠せない。
彼らは知っている。この作戦には続きがあり、背後からホーラント軍を撃破した後、そのままの勢いで領主館もしくは戦線へ出てきているビロン伯爵を急襲し、殺害するつもりなのだと。
「まずは村人を避難させろ。近隣の別の村へ一時避難させるだけでいい」
指示を受けた騎士が、数名の兵を連れて村長へ説明をするために隊を離れた。
「では、他の物は戦いに向けて準備をするように、一時間後には出発する!」
スティフェルスの号令に、兵たちは声を揃えて応えた。
第二騎士隊が作戦準備を行っている頃、第一騎士隊は馬でミュンスターへ向かっていた。早朝にまとまって村をでるまで、リベザルはほとんど話すことなく、捕縛されていたはずのベイレヴラはリベザルの侍従として付き添っていた。
隊員たちは訝しんだが、それよりも自分たちが今からどういう道を行くべきかの方が重要な関心事であり、中には隊を抜けて首都へ帰ることを考えるものも少なくなかった。
「リベザル隊長、我々はこれからどう動くのでしょうか」
一人の隊員が不安げに馬を寄せて聞いてくるが、リベザルは視線を向けることもなく、抑揚のない声で答える。
「ミュンスターへ戻り、街のそばで野営を行う。いずれ第二騎士隊が戻った際に再度合流を打診する」
それだけをスラスラと話し、後は黙ったままだった。
仕方がないので隊員たちは無言で従い、胸中に不安を抱えたまま馬を進める。
リベザルの馬の横を歩くベイレヴラは、誰にも見えない位置でほくそ笑む。
(第二騎士隊の連中は何か考えているようだが、ホーラントの兵はどうせ使い捨ての洗脳兵しかいない。第二騎士隊とやりあっていなくなっても問題無い。後はリベザルを使ってビロン伯爵を殺害すれば、別の軍を送り込んでミュンスターを奪える)
この策がうまく行けば、ホーラントの監視から情報が上がってベイレブラはホーラントで新たな地位を与えられる約束になっていた。
(戦争は頭でやるもんだ。騎士や兵隊は頭を使う奴に消耗させられるだけという事を、身をもって知るがいいや)
「義兄さん、お呼びとのことですが」
ビロンの執務室へとサブナクが入ると、そこには見慣れない痩せた兵士が直立していた。疲れた様子を見せてはいるが、しっかりと足を揃えているあたりは熟練の雰囲気を思わせる。
サブナクをソファへ座らせ、ビロンはデスクから動かぬままに立っていた兵を紹介した。
「彼はハックという領軍の兵でね。情報収集が得意で、とても頼りにしているんだ」
ビロンの言葉に、ハックという兵はビシッと背筋を伸ばした。
「情報収集......何か動きがあったのですか?」
サブナクの質問に、ビロンはハックから説明させようと言った。
「では......」
ハックは居住まいを正してサブナクの方へ身体を向けた。
「第二騎士隊長スティフェルス殿は、国境付近へ展開しているホーラント軍を釣り上げ、国内へおびき寄せて戦う策を立て、行動に移しました。国境の村から一般市民は退去させ、村を通過してミュンスターまで敵を引き寄せ、我が領軍との連携を取って挟撃。オーソングランデ国内に孤立させた敵軍を殲滅するという内容です。すでに国境へ向けて進軍を開始し、今頃はホーラント軍と接触している頃かと思われます」
スラスラと説明された内容に、サブナクは首をかしげた。
「挟撃? 義兄さん、第二騎士隊と連携するのですか?」
「いやいや、そんな話は来てないし、受ける気もないよ」
ビロンは微笑みを浮かべて、人差し指を立てた。
「おそらく、勝手にこっちを巻き込んで自分の手柄として主張するつもりだろうね。物語としては、“卑劣な方法で奇襲し、国内へ侵入を許すも、ミュンスター手前でこれを討ち果たした”ってあたりかな」
「そんなこと......」
「作ることはできるだろうね。反対の主張をする者がいなければ」
ビロンはスティフェルスの狙いを正確に見抜いていた。後が無い状態のスティフェルスに取って、第一騎士隊が壊滅に近い状態にある今、一二三に対抗できる戦果を上げることができれば、王子派の筆頭として権勢を得ることができる。
その中で、ビロンを殺害できれば王女派の勢力を削ることにもなる。
「つまり、義兄さんの殺害を狙っている、と」
「君がいる事を知ったなら、君たち第三騎士隊も狙われるさ」
王女派の証言が無ければ、戦争の流れを証明するのは第二騎士隊だけとなる、とスティフェルスは考えているはずだとビロンは指摘する。
サブナクは目頭を押さえた。フォカロルもこっちも、頭が痛い事ばかりだ。
「それで、義兄さんはどうするのです?」
まさか、スティフェルスの策に乗ることは無いだろう、とサブナクは訪ねた。
「当然。先日話した策もこういう時のためだよ。さて、我がビロン伯爵家は第三騎士隊へ正式に依頼したい事があるのだが」
「お伺いいたしましょう」
真面目な顔になったサブナクに対し、ビロンはいたずらっぽく笑った。
「ミュンスター住民全員の護衛を頼むよ。街の外で」
「......は?」
スティフェルスは。ミュンスターへ残しておいた伝令の兵からの報告が無いことに苛立っていた。
この時、すでにビロンの命によってミュンスターに残した第二騎士隊所属の兵は全て拘束されていたのだが、そのことをスティフェルスが知る術はない。
「仕方ない。街の門へと敵が殺到すれば、いずれにせよ領兵を動かさざるを得まい」
既に副隊長が率いる挑発部隊に国境を攻めさせており、手はず通りであれば間も無く敵を引き連れた部隊が村へと戻ってくる予定となっている。
敵が見えた時点で、スティフェルス率いる本体は慌てて撤退するように見せ、街道をミュンスターへ向かってタイミングを合わせて退いて見せる。
街の入口前で兵士たちは左右に別れ、大きく迂回して門にいるはずのビロン領兵と交戦するホーラント兵へ左右と後方から攻撃する。
ただ、騎士隊だけは門へ残り、領兵に混ざり込むようにして防衛に参加する。領兵を無理矢理に戦闘に巻き込むのだ。
そうこうしているうちに、大勢の足音が地響きを上げて迫ってきた。
「......来たか」
国境側を見ると、見慣れた鎧姿の騎士と兵士たちが、大量のホーラント兵に追われてこちらへ向かってくる。
「しかし、いつ見ても気味が悪い連中だ」
ホーラント兵は、突撃の時も声をあげたり顔を強ばらせたりしない。ただただ気の抜けた顔をして、無言で走ってくるだけだ。
今はそんな事に気を取られている場合ではないと、スティフェルスは首を振った。
「敵が来た! 予定通りに作戦を遂行する!」
号令に合わせ、最初はゆっくりと、第二騎士隊と兵士たちはミュンスター方面へと動き出す。
(これでビロンは終わりだ。リベザルがあの
様
「これはどういう事だ!」
激怒するアイペロス王子に、侍従も護衛の兵も、お互いに顔を見合わせるだけで誰も答えることができない。
ビロンが用意した館で自堕落に過ごしていたアイペロスが、戦線を冷やかしに行こうと館を出た時、すでに街の中には人が存在しなかった。
動揺したのは王子だけでなく、侍従たちも同様だった。
食事などは街の物に運び込ませており、酒と女にうつつを抜かしていた王子とその取り巻きたちは、街の様子など意にも介していなかった。
その結果が、この状況である。
「誰か説明しろ!」
怒鳴り散らす王子に、一人の影が近づき、さっと跪いた。
「アイペロス王子殿下、御前に」
「おお、リベザルか。良いところに来たな。スティフェルスもおらぬからな。まったく、肝心な時に役に立たん奴だ」
それで、これはどういう事かと問うアイペロスに、目を伏せたままリベザルが答える。
「スティフェルスは間も無くここへ来るでしょう。ホーラント兵に追い立てられ、こちらへ逃げてくる見込みです」
「なんだと! あの男、あれほどの大口を叩いて置きながら負けているのか!」
見苦しく地団駄を踏む王子に目もくれず、リベザルは続ける。
「この街をビロン伯は放棄しました。今は住民を連れて街道を王都方面へ逃げております」
「ビロン伯もか! しかも僕を置いて逃げただと!?」
顔を真っ赤にして怒り狂うアイペロスに、侍従たちはただオロオロとするばかりだ。
「ですので、私がお迎えに参りました次第で」
「そ、そうか! こうしてはおれん。すぐに街を出て王都へ戻るぞ!」
「それには及びません」
いつの間にか、第一騎士隊の隊員が周りを囲んでいる。誰もかも、生気を失ったような呆けた顔をして、剣を提げてゆらりと佇んでいた。
「......どういう事だ?」
「こういう事です。やれ」
リベザルの号令で、第一騎士隊の持つ剣が侍従や護衛たちに振り下ろされ、アイペロスの周りは一瞬にして血の海へと変わった。
立っているのがやっとという状況で、足を震わせて後ずさるアイペロスを、リベザルは遠慮なく捕まえ、背後から羽交い絞めにする。
「や、やめろ! 無礼な! ぼ、僕にこんな事をして......」
アイペロスの正面に、隠れていたベイレブラが近づく。その手には、リベザルや他の騎士たちへ取り付けた魔法具が握られている。
「誰だ貴様は! それは何だ!? や、やめろ......」
「なぁに、痛みはありませんし、付けたあとは、痛みどころか何も感じませんよ」
「や、やめ......」
高価な服を捲り上げられ、脂肪の厚い胸に押し付けられた魔法具は、内蔵された管を次々と体内に侵入させていく。
最初はビクビクと痙攣していた王子だが、すぐにぐったりとして動かなくなった。
横たえられたアイペロスに、ベイレヴラが「立て」と命じると、フラフラと立ち上がった。
その瞳に、既に光は見えない。
王子を生け捕りにしたうえ、文字通りの傀儡と出来たのだ。この成果はどれほど評価されるだろうか。ひょっとすると、貴族の地位すらも期待できるのではないか。
生ける屍のような騎士隊を従え、ベイレヴラはさらなる成果を得るため、街を逃げ出したミュンスターの領主たちを追った。
However, the vice-captains, knowing about the strategy that will be explained from here on, stiffened in tension for a different meaning.
"The operation will be simple. We will provoke the enemy at the national border and lure them into our country. We will then attack the enemy, who will be cut off from Horant's territory after they entered our country, from the rear. In a situation, where they won't be able to replenish their troops, we will annihilate the enemy!" (Stiffels)
As the soldiers are just standing there as if they aren't able to comprehend the mentioned things, the knights are exchanging looks with each other having heard about this strategy for the first time.
"Captain, is it allowed to ask a question?" (Knight)
"What is it?" (Stiffels)
"You tell us to lure them into our territory, but are we luring the enemy up to this village?" (Knight)
Even the soldiers can be seen to be agitated by those words, but Stiffels voice was more intense.
"No, we will pass this village and withdraw till Munster." (Stiffels)
The soldiers began to stir and words of bafflement started to appear from the knights.
"Then, aren't the people of this village and the citizens of Munster in danger?" (Knight)
"The villagers will evacuate. Once the enemy draws near the city of Munster, they will probably be stopped by the defense of the territorial soldiers. If we attack from the enemy's rear, it will be possible to launch a pincer attack" (Stiffels)
Listening to the explanation up until here, the knights and soldiers regained their calm and in reverse began to praise Stiffels' strategy.
"I can't help but to declare this as magnificent ingenuity!" (Soldier)
But, different from the soldiers, praising the smiling Stiffels, a part of the knights can't hide a bitter smile.
There is a continuation for this operation. After crushing Horant's army from the rear, using the momentum, they will assault Earl Biron, either in the Lord's mansion or at the front, if he appears there. It is a plan to kill him.
"First, have the villagers take refuge. All they have to do is to temporarily escape to the different villages in the vicinity." (Stiffels)
As the knights received their order, they took a part of the soldiers and left in order to explain the situation to the village headman.
"Well then, take care of preparing the other things necessary for battle. We will depart in one hour!" (Stiffels)magic
All present soldiers answered in a chorus towards Stiffels' command.
Getting ready in the early morning, they left the village. Beirevra, expected to be a prisoner, accompanied Ribezal, who almost didn't talk at all, freely.
Although the order's members were suspicious of him, their major concern was as to what road they should take from here on out. There weren't few amongst the order who also considered to leave and return to the capital.
"Captain Ribezal, how will we move from now on?" (Knight)
As a single knight drew his horse close and uneasily asks him, Ribezal answers in a monotonous voice without even turning towards him.
"We will return to Munster and make camp in the city's vicinity. Sooner or later the Second Knight Order is going to return. At that time I will once again sound them out about joining hands with us." (Ribezal)
After smoothly speaking those lines, he once again became silent as before.
Obeying him in silence since there's no other way, the order's knights precede on their horses while bearing anxiety within their hearts.
Beirevra, walking next to Ribezal's horse, chuckles at a spot invisible to everyone.
(It seems the guys from the Second Knight Order are suspecting something, but Horant's troops include nothing but disposable, brainwashed soldiers anyway. There isn't any problem if they vanish in a competition with the Second Knight Order either. If we later kill Earl Biron by using Ribezal, we will send in another army to snatch Munster.)
If this plan was to turn out well, Beirevra had been promised that the observation by Horant would be lifted and that he would be appointed as feudal lord of the new territory of Horant.
(You lead wars with intellect. Using their head is something only wasted on knights and soldiers. It's better for them to experience it the hard way.)
"Brother-in-law-san, I'm told you have called for me." (Sabnak)
Sabnak, entering Biron's office, saw an unknown skinny soldier stand there uprightly.
Biron introduced the standing soldier to Sabnak, who sat down on the sofa, without moving from his desk.
"He is a territorial soldier called Hack. His strength lies in gathering intelligence. I am relying on him quite a lot." (Biron)
The soldier called Hack straightened his back with a snap due to Biron's words.
"Gathering intelligence... is there something you are interested in?" (Sabnak)
Because of Sabnak's question, Biron had Hack do the explanation.
"Well then..." (Hack)
Hack turned his body towards Sabnak, who corrected his seated posture.
"The Second Knight Order's captain, Stiffels, moved on to the next stage of his plan of drawing in Horant's army, spread out in the vicinity of the border, lure them onto our territory and stand up against them in battle. Evacuating the common villagers at the border's village, they will pull the enemy up until Munster by having them pass through the village. He plans to do a pincer attack in cooperation with our territorial army. He wants to annihilate the enemy army isolated on Orsangrande's ground. Those are the details. They have already started marching towards the border. I think they should be coming in contact with Horant's army right about now." (Hack)
As the details were explained smoothly, Sabnak tilted his head to the side in confusion.
"Pincer attack? Brother-in-law-san, are you going to cooperate with the Second Knight Order?" (Sabnak)
"No, not at all. I haven't heard anything about such talks. It's unthinkable for me to follow that plan." (Biron)
Expressing a smile, Biron thrust up the index finger.
"I guess most likely they intend to claim the achievement for themselves dragging us into it on their own accord. The story should go like "
"Such a thing..." (Sabnak)
"They will be able to fabricate this, I think, if there isn't anyone to take an opposing opinion." (Biron)
For Stiffels, who has his back to the wall, he will be able to gain power as the head of the prince faction, if he manages to obtain military gains counteracting Hifumi as the First Knight Order is currently in a state close to destruction.
Amongst that, it will also be possible to whittle down the influence of the princess faction if Biron is killed.
"In other words, he is planning to kill Brother-in-law-san." (Sabnak)
"If he knew about the matter of you being here as well, he would likewise aim at all of you from the Third Knight Order." (Biron)
If the princess faction has no evidence, there will only be the Second Knight Order to verify the flow of the battle, is what Stiffels should be thinking, Biron points out.
Fokalore as well as here, there are only things giving him a headache.
"And, what will Brother-in-law-san do?" (Sabnak)
Certainly, I don't think he will go along with Stiffels' plan
"Naturally, the plans, I mentioned the other day, are for such occasions as well. Well then, there is something our Earl Biron household wants to officially request from the Third Knight Order." (Biron)
"Let's hear about it." (Sabnak)
Biron laughed impishly towards Sabnak, whose face became serious.
"I want to entrust you with the guarding of all citizens of Munster. Outside of the city." (Biron)
"... Ha?" (Sabnak)
Stiffels was irritated by unusually not receiving any reports from the messenger soldiers left behind at Munster.
At this time all of the soldiers affiliated to the Second Knight Order, left behind at Munster because of Biron's order, had already been restrained, but Stiffels had no means to know about this fact.
"It can't be helped. Once the enemy floods the gate of the city, the territorial soldiers won't be able to move anyway." (Stiffels)
The provocation unit, led by the vice-captains, has already attacked the border. If all goes by plan, they can expect the unit, dragging the enemy behind, to return to the village soon.
At the time the enemy becomes visible, the main force will show a rushed withdrawal led by Stiffels. They will match their timing of heading towards Munster along the highway so the enemy can see it.
In front of the city's entrance the soldiers will split to the left and right. Making a large detour, they will attack Horant's soldiers from the left, right and back while they should be battling with Biron's territorial forces at the gate.
However. only the knight order will remain at the gate. They will make sure to participate in the defense by blending in with the territorial soldiers.
Meanwhile numerous footsteps, causing the earth to tremble, approached.
"... They came, huh?" (Stiffels)
As there were the familiar armored appearances of the knights and soldiers when he looked towards the border, they were chased by a massive amount of soldiers from Horant as they headed towards this direction.
"But, no matter how often I see this, that lot is giving me the creeps." (Stiffels)
The soldiers from Horant don't raise their voices and neither do their faces stiffen.
, Stiffels shook his head.
"The enemy came! Execute the strategy as planned!" (Stiffels)
Following his order, the Second Knight Order and the soldiers, albeit slowly at the beginning, move in the direction of Munster.
(With this Biron is finished. Ribezal is in such a sorry state. The influence within the royal castle will greatly slant towards us. Once Prince Ayperos is enthroned, I think I will aim for an even higher position.)
(Stiffels)
"What's this about!" (Ayperos)
The chamberlains as well as the guarding soldiers, just looking at each other, none of them is able to reply to the raging Prince Ayperos.
Ayperos passed his time in depravity in the mansion prepared by Biron, but at the time he left the mansion in order to move to the front for having a look, there wasn't any people left within the city anymore.
Not just the prince was trembling. The chamberlains were likewise.
Having their meals and such brought in by the people of the city, the prince and his followers, having indulged in booze and women, didn't even feel like caring about something like the circumstances in the city.
The result is the current situation.
"Someone explain it to me!" (Ayperos)
A single shadow approached and quickly kneeled in front of the raging prince.
"Your Highness, Prince Ayperos, I'm at your service." (Ribezal)
"Oh, Ribezal, huh? You came at a good time. Even Stiffels isn't here. Good grief, this fellow isn't useful at crucial times at all." (Ayperos)
As Ayperos asks "So, what's this about?", Ribezal answers him with his eyes cast down.
"Stiffels will probably soon come here. Driven away by Horant's soldiers, I expect him to flee in this direction." (Ribezal)
"What are you saying! That man, has he been defeated while previously bragging to such an extent!?" (Ayperos)
Without even turning his eyes on the prince, who is unsightly stamping his feet, Ribezal continues.
"This city was abandoned by Earl Biron. Currently he is leading the citizens escaping towards the capital on the highway." (Ribezal)
"Even Earl Biron?! And he even left me behind while escaping!?" (Ayperos)
The chamberlains are nothing but flustered due to Ayperos having a fit of anger with a deep red face.
"Therefore it is I who came to receive you as soon as possible." (Ribezal)
"I-I see! I won't have to worry then. Let's leave the city right away and return to the capital!" (Ayperos)
"That won't be happening." (Ribezal)
Every of them, with a befuddled face as if partially having blacked out, stood still and relaxedly held their swords.
"... What's going on here?" (Ayperos)
"That's what's going on. Do it." (Ribezal)
Following Ribezal's order, the First Knight Order swung down their swords at the chamberlains and guards. Ayperos' surroundings transformed into a pool of blood in an instant.
Ayperos, backing off with quivering legs in a state of barely remaining standing, is easily seized by Ribezal and has his arms being bind behind his back.
"S-Stop! What rudeness! D-Doing such a thing to me..." (Ayperos)
In his hands he is grasping the magic tool that was installed on Ribezal and the other knights.
"Who are you bastard!? What's this!? S-Stop it..." (Ayperos)
"Don't worry, you won't feel any pain. Far from pain, you won't feel anything at all after having it attached." (Beirevra)
"S-Stop..." (Ayperos)
Rolling up the expensive clothes, the magic tool was forced into the abundantly fat chest. The built-in pipes penetrated the interior of Ayperos' body one by one.
At the beginning the prince was afraid and spasmed, but before long he became limp and ceased moving.
Upon Beirevra's command [Stand up]  the lying down Ayperos stood up unsteadily.
There can't be seen any light in his pupils anymore.
Isn't it even possible for me to expect the position of a noble?
Accompanied by the living-corpse-like knights, Beirevra escaped from the city and chased after the feudal lord of Munster for the sake of gaining even more accomplishments.
Summoned Slaughterer
呼び出された殺戮者
https://www.novelupdates.com/series/summoned-slaughterer/
Action Adventure Fantasy Martial Arts Mature Psychological Romance Shounen
Adapted to Manga Aristocracy Arrogant Characters Average-looking Protagonist Beastkin Beautiful Female Lead Betrayal Calm Protagonist Clever Protagonist Cunning Protagonist Dark Demi-Humans Demons Determined Protagonist Different Social Status Dwarfs Elemental Magic Elves Enemies Become Allies Enemies Become Lovers Evil Protagonist Fantasy Creatures Fantasy World Fearless Protagonist God-human Relationship Gods Kingdom Building Kingdoms Knights Love Interest Falls in Love First Magic Beasts Magical Space Male Protagonist Marriage Monsters Nobles Obsessive Love Overpowered Protagonist Politics Power Struggle Protagonist Strong from the Start R-15 Royalty Ruthless Protagonist Samurai Schemes And Conspiracies S*aves Strong Love Interests Strong to Stronger Summoning Magic Sword And Magic Sword Wielder Transported to Another World Underestimated Protagonist Unique Weapon User Unique Weapons Wars Yandere
https://ncode.syosetu.com/n4399ci/
井戸正善／ido