Volume 3 Chapter 37 Tenhou, I Have A Small Strategy To Suggest
We got a few days off.
During that time, Seirei and I visited her mother's grave.
I silently vowed at the grave, "If possible, I will take revenge for you."
I heard from Seirei about the arrow that killed her mother.
One reason Seirei became a villain in the game world might be the trauma from the archer who killed her mother. I don't think the current Seirei will fall into darkness, but I want to help her live as freely as possible.
If I can defeat the archer who is her enemy, Seirei won't have those strange dreams anymore.
While I was thinking about that──
"Is there a way to unsettle Zeng Taiga's army?"
──I suddenly realized I was suggesting this to my father.
We were in the commander's room of the fortress.
Right now, my father, my brother, and Gaku Kiryuu were having a meeting.
Since I was in charge of reconnaissance, I was participating too.
When they asked, "What does the reconnaissance unit think?" I couldn't help but speak up.
My father and brother looked at me in surprise.
Gaku Kiryuu looked intrigued.
By the way, Crown Prince Rouen isn't here.
He apparently said he wouldn't interfere with on-site decisions.
Crown Prince Rouen is my brother's close friend, so he probably trusts him to handle things. As expected of my brother.
"What do you mean by unsettling Zeng Taiga's army?"
Gaku Kiryuu asked.
"It's about Kou Tenhou-dono. We're not planning a night raid, right?"
"Of course not. We're just reconnaissance officers."
I nodded and said,
"What I was thinking is to give information to the Jinkyo Tribe soldiers to shake them up."
The Jinkyo Tribe's attack was repelled by my father, my brother, Crown Prince Rouen, and Gaku Kiryuu.
Still, they remained close to the border. There was no sign of them retreating.
So, I thought we should try to rattle them a bit.
"May I confirm something, Gaku Kiryuu-sama?"
"Please go ahead."
"I've heard that Gaku Kiryuu-sama defended the eastern position. You commanded the soldiers and perfectly repelled the Jinkyo Tribe's attack."
"It was the subordinates of Kou Kairyou-dono who were excellent."
Gaku Kiryuu said with a calm expression,
"I'm just trying to make the best use of their abilities."
"That's not true, Tenhou. Gaku-dono's command was incredibly precise."
My brother said to me.
Then he looked at my father and,
"I have already reported to Father, but Gaku-dono was... moving the troops as if he could predict the enemy's movements. He sensed where the enemy would attack and countered them right away. He had soldiers hidden in places where the cavalry would charge and set up shields in advance against the enemy's arrows. Gaku-dono was effectively stopping each attack from the Jinkyo Tribe."
"Indeed. I have heard that as well."
Listening to my brother, Father nodded.
My brother continued.
"Moreover, Gaku-dono personally fought with a spear against the strong enemies that approached the camp. The enemy units were so scared of his strength that they retreated. I was truly moved, thinking this is what a great general with both wisdom and courage is like..."
Unusually, my brother had an excited expression.
Gaku Kiryuu's command must have been really impressive.
"Then, Gaku Kiryuu-sama fought at the front lines, right?"
I said to the 3 of them.
"In other words, the soldiers of the Jinkyo Tribe witnessed Gaku Kiryuu-sama leading the soldiers of Aika Country in battle."
"That's right. So what of it, Tenhou?"
"Gaku Kiryuu-sama is from the Bokou Tribe. The fact that Gaku Kiryuu-sama is in charge of a unit in Aika Country means that Aika Country does not discriminate against people from different tribe groups; instead, they value them. Gaku Kiryuu-sama proudly showed this in front of the Jinkyo Tribe."
Father and Brother are nodding as they listen to my story.
I continue.
"In contrast, Zeng Taiga has attacked the moderate faction of the Jinkyo Tribe, which is his own people. On top of that, he only listens to those close to him and has started an unreasonable war. As the moderates said, he is becoming a tyrant."
...The term "tyrant" was a nickname for King Rouen in the game 'History of Swordmaster.'
He was manipulated by the villainess Ryuu Seirei and the cunning Kou Tenhou, creating chaos in the world.
To defeat King Rouen and Kou Tenhou, heroes spread messages to rally the people.
'O people of the world! Now is the time to unite and remove the tyrannical king and the cunning ones!'
The people were excited. Everyone was cooperating with the hero army in the game.
This time, I will use the same tactic.
If I do this, when the heroes spread messages ten years later, people will think, "We've seen something like this before," "Another message?" "Is this a repeat?" The impact and effectiveness will weaken.
I can seal one of the Hero Army's plans.
So──
"How about we prepare a message in places where the Jinkyo Tribe's scouts might come?"
I said while looking around at my father and the others.
"The content could be 'We must remove the tyrant Zeng Taiga.' Or maybe 'Aika Country values Gaku Kiryuu-sama from the Bokou Tribe. Aika Country cares for its people. The Jinkyo Tribe should lay down their weapons and make peace with Aika Country,' or 'How long will you follow Zeng Taiga, who turns his blade against his own and causes his subordinates to die in vain?' Also... 'The moderates in the Jinkyo Tribe are gaining strength. It's better to live with the moderates than to follow a tyrant.' That might work too."
The content should be something like that.
As for the document... I think it's best to write it on paper or carve it into a wooden board.
I know where the Jinkyo Tribe's scouts might come from.
Tougen drew a map for me.
I also know places that are out of sight or where I can sneak through alone.
If we leave the documents in those spots, the scouts should notice them.
Of course, I won't tell my father and the others about the map. I promised Tougen.
So I'll just say, "I placed the documents in a suitable location."
"Of course, this won't be the trump card to drive back the Jinkyo Tribe."
I continued explaining.
"However, it should be able to shake the enemy a bit. There must be some soldiers who sympathize with the moderates. This could be a chance to get those people to turn against Zeng Taiga."
"...Hmm."
"...I see."
"...I think it's a good plan, Kou Tenhou-dono."
Father, my older brother, and Gaku Kiryuu are all nodding repeatedly.
It seems they agree with my suggestion.
Well, what I'm trying to do is just some agitation. I think the effect will be weak.
But, it doesn't cost anything. Plus, no soldiers will be sacrificed.
I think it's a perfect job for the newly formed reconnaissance unit.
"Alright. Go ahead and try it."
After a while, Father gave his permission.
"This is a message that will disturb the Jinkyo Tribe. Then, it would be better to prepare some standard phrases."
"Let's discuss it with my subordinates."
"Please let me join as well. As a fellow outsider, I know words that might catch the Jinkyo Tribe's attention. I believe I can help."
Father, my older brother, and Gaku Kiryuu start discussing seriously.
...Huh?
This is strange. It seems to be getting more serious.
I just wanted to spread some documents.
Ah... I see. Crown Prince Rouen is here at the fortress, right?
I can't just spread weird documents in front of someone from the royal family.
I guess I need to create a properly formatted message.
"Could it be... that I've increased Father's workload?"
I clasped my hands and called out to my father.
"I'm sorry if that's the case. Let's forget about this plan──."
"No, it's fine."
My father shook his head in a flustered manner.
"If I take my subordinates' opinions into account, it's my duty to do everything I can to carry it out. You don't need to worry, Tenhou."
"I'll leave the placement of the proclamations to you. Until then, you should rest your body, Tenhou."
"I agree with the general and Kairyou-dono."
Kairyou-aniue and Gaku Kiryuu echoed my father's words.
Then the 3 of them started discussing again.
It seemed like they all liked the plan to spread the proclamations.
"Understood. Please let me know when you're ready."
I'll leave this to them. I believe my father, my brother, and Gaku Kiryuu will come up with good writing.
I'll just write it down in various places with Shouou and the others.
Taking my brother's words to heart, I'll rest my body for now.
Thinking about that, I left my father's side.
──After Tenhou left, Kou Eishin and the others──
"I have a question for Father."
After Tenhou left the room, Kairyou asked Father Eishin.
"Let's say a document encouraging defection from Zeng Taiga is spread. Zeng Taiga is in a situation where he has the moderate faction as an opposing force. Moreover, he only listens to those close to him and is feared by his soldiers as a tyrant."
"Yes, that's true."
"How would the scout deal with the situation if he found the proclamation?"
"Most likely... he would try to hide it."
Kou Eishin shook his head.
"Zeng Taiga in his current state wouldn't be able to handle a report. It's certain that Zeng Taiga would be furious after seeing the document. He might even suspect that the soldiers around him are being influenced by the proclamation."
"I agree. The one who brings back the document might be killed."
"That's how a tyrant who doesn't listen to others behaves."
"But... is it really possible to hide all the documents that have been spread everywhere?"
"That's impossible. It will definitely reach Zeng Taiga."
"Zeng Taiga will try to erase the documents. But..."
Kairyou gasped.
Did Tenhou think about what would happen next?
Most likely... not.
Tenhou seemed calm earlier. He was probably only thinking about unsettling the Jinkyo Tribe.
But Eishin, Kairyou, and Gaku Kiryuu understood.
The plan Tenhou suggested could shake the Jinkyo Tribe to its core.
It might change the situation decisively and could even defeat the enemy leader, Zeng Taiga──there was a possibility it could lead to such an outcome.
(After all, shouldn't Tenhou be by His Royal Highness's side...?)
Thinking this, Kairyou continued the conversation.
"After learning about the documents, Zeng Taiga will order his soldiers to destroy them as soon as they find them. But──"
"Even if his subordinates say they 'destroyed' them, Zeng Taiga won't believe them."
Gaku Kiryuu said.
"The prisoners said, 'Zeng Taiga only listens to those close to him.' So, even if the soldiers say they 'got rid of the suspicious documents,' he won't trust them. This means he will try to find out who is spreading the documents. Either he will do it himself or use someone close to him."
That was the effect of Tenhou's plan.
Zeng Taiga only believes the opinions of those close to him.
So even if his subordinates say they destroyed the documents, Zeng Taiga will doubt it.
But he can't just leave the documents alone.
It's clear that Zeng Taiga has been failing. The soldiers of the Jinkyo Tribe who read the documents will be shaken. Some might even escape and run to the moderates.
If that happens, it won't just be about fighting Aika Country anymore.
So Zeng Taiga will try to find out who is spreading the documents.
He might use a trusted confidant or do it himself.
In other words, by spreading the documents, Tenhou might be able to lure Zeng Taiga out.
"The Jinkyo Tribe used a fake Zeng Taiga to draw Kei Koshou and Haku Kan out of their base. In response──."
"We can use documents to lure out Zeng Taiga or his close aides. Of course, this is only if it goes well..."
Eishin and Kairyou nodded at each other.
Neither of them expected things to turn out like this.
"Even if there's just a small chance to draw out Zeng Taiga, that's enough. Tenhou's suggestion is truly an excellent plan."
Gaku Kiryuu seemed impressed.
"Zeng Taiga, who has been failing repeatedly, can't ignore the scattered documents. If left alone, some soldiers will likely turn to the moderates. But if he punishes those who have the documents, it will cause unrest in the army. It's quite a clever strategy."
"...If Zeng Taiga trusts his subordinates, then the documents won't be useful."
Kou Eishin sighed.
"To keep his subordinates from seeing the documents... Zeng Taiga would have to stay holed up in his base without sending out scouts. But that would just waste food. The moderates in the Jinkyo Tribe would criticize Zeng Taiga for that."
"If that happens, more people will gather around the moderates... weakening Zeng Taiga's power..."
"Of course, it doesn't guarantee success. It's possible that Jinkyo Tribe's scouts won't come to the targeted area. Even if they do, they might not see the documents. But..."
"We have nothing to lose. All we have to do is place the documents made of paper and wooden boards in areas where enemy soldiers might come."
"Even if things don't go as planned, it will still be a nuisance."
"...Yes."
Kairyou nodded and said,
"Really, it's a clever plan. I wonder why Tenhou thought of something like this..."
"Gaku Kiryuu replied to Kairyou's question. Kou Tenhou-dono has actually met with the moderate faction of the Jinkyo Tribe. He must have had some thoughts during that meeting. Kou Tenhou-dono is someone who observes people well."
Gaku Kiryuu and his father both looked impressed.
(Certainly... Tenhou has traveled and interacted with many people. Maybe that's why he comes up with such unusual ideas. In contrast...)
──I'm only skilled in martial arts and commanding an army.
──I only learned about the Jinkyo Tribe from books. I haven't talked to them directly like Tenhou has.
(I lack something. To continue supporting His Royal Highness Rouen, I need to broaden my perspective. What I can do for that is──)
Kairyou found himself lost in thought.
"I have a request for 'General Skybear.' Could you assign me a cavalry unit that I can move freely?"
Suddenly, Gaku Kiryuu made a suggestion.
"If Kou Tenhou-dono keeps spreading his proclamations, Zeng Taiga or one of his trusted aides might show up. He will need support when that happens."
"Are you saying you can protect Tenhou?"
"Or perhaps, we could ambush the enemy general. Of course, only if we have Kou Tenhou-dono's permission."
If the enemy comes, he wants Tenhou and the others to escape.
Gaku Kiryuu's unit will launch a surprise attack on the enemies that chase after Tenhou.
If they're lucky, they might be able to defeat or capture someone close to Zeng Taiga.
"──That is my target."
"I understand. I will leave the cavalry to Gaku Kiryuu-dono. Please discuss the details with Tenhou. And... please take care of my son."
"I will protect him with my life."
Kou Eishin and Gaku Kiryuu clasp hands.
Watching the two, Kairyou thinks,
"I have a request for Gaku Kiryuu-dono. Could you teach me about military strategy and the Bokou Tribe?"
──Those words slipped out before he realized it.
"I want to broaden my perspective like Tenhou. If I can learn from Gaku-dono... I think I will notice many more things. No... this doesn't mean I deny my father's teachings. I just want to be more like Tenhou."
"I understand, Kairyou."
Kou Eishin nods and says,
"Can I ask you for this, Gaku Kiryuu-dono?"
"Of course. I also have things to learn from Kairyou-sama."
"Thank you, Gaku-dono."
So, Kairyou began to hear stories from Gaku Kiryuu during breaks in military matters, but──
"I want to join in too. It's a short time until we return to Hokurin, but please take care of me."
──Hearing the news, Crown Prince Rouen also decided to receive guidance from Gaku Kiryuu.
He didn't want to miss the chance to learn.
So, Kairyou ended up listening to Gaku Kiryuu's talk together with Rouen── at the same time, a declaration was being prepared to shake the Jinkyo Tribe.
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