It seems this isn’t a simple matter, but as Lefin and I remained silent, Bosuro began to speak.

“There are two strategies: continue to endure and wait for an opportunity to counterattack, or launch an offensive ourselves.”

Bosuro folded his arms and continued to address us.

“Even if we launch an offensive, it’s difficult to commit a large force while defending. This battle is one where we can’t expect reinforcements. Therefore, if we attack, what we can do will inevitably be limited.”

“However, it seems you’re not really considering merely enduring, are you?”

Lefin said. Bosuro nodded as if it were obvious.

“Everyone is concerned that if we just defend, we will eventually be breached… We are considering holing up in the castle and enduring, but the opponent is the Demon Race. If we don’t bring it to a swift decisive battle, there’s a high possibility we’ll be overwhelmed by sheer numbers.”

With demonic power, it’s possible to create a certain number of monsters overnight. Especially this Demon Race was a being that excelled at creating monsters. Moreover, if the Alastin Kingdom side cannot expect reinforcements…

“So, you’re targeting the enemy’s commander?”

Bosuro nodded deeply at my words.

“As a result of gathering information from nations invaded by the Demon Race, we’ve learned that if the commander leading the monsters is defeated, the monsters’ movements become extremely sluggish. This likely means that the commander is given some authority to control the monsters. Therefore, if we cut them off, our victory will be closer.”

…In the game, if the commanders of the eastern and western armies were defeated, the monster units remaining in the vicinity would disappear. This undoubtedly meant their collapse—what Bosuro was saying was correct, and in the game, it was expressed as the units themselves disappearing.

“Therefore, the strategy we have devised is as follows: first, I, who guards the North Gate, will hold back the main force from the north. During that time, we will defeat the commanders leading the monsters from the three directions excluding the north. Finally, we will attack the northern region’s army in cooperation with the eastern and western knights… There is no information that the commander’s authority shifted during the war. The Demon Race side probably cannot do that either. So, if we just defeat the commander…”

Bosuro’s plan is the same as the one shown in the game. First, the eastern and western knights defeat the enemy commanders. At this point, either Shelk or Atire, the knights defending the east and west, will die in battle… Anyway, the remaining forces will begin moving to the North Gate after defeating the commanders.

The battle at the North Gate is defended by the General… After defeating the enemies in the east and west, they will move. The details of the strategy were not clearly explained in the game, but based on the knights’ movements, Bosuro’s described strategy is certainly correct.

“The problem here is the forces in the east and west.”

Bosuro continued to address us.

“I can confidently say that they are elite guards. Since the opponents are kobolds, there should be a good chance of victory. However, the enemy commanders will not be easy to deal with.”

“…So, General, are you trying to say this?”

I predicted what the General wanted to say and opened my mouth.

“That you want us to provide that support?”

“Yes. Rather than protecting the knights, I want your cooperation in defeating the enemy commanders.”

—This, in a sense, aligns with my ideal. Originally, I had envisioned fighting near Atire and Shelk, in a protective role. While this differs in that I would be the main attacker, there’s no doubt I can act with the knights.

“Lord Ruon, what do you think?”

“…Just to confirm, you assess that we have the ability to do such a thing, correct?”

“Of course. Not only Lord Ruon, but I have also judged that the other swordsman possesses sufficient power.”

I see… However, that makes me more worried about the General.

I haven’t confirmed how the allocation will be, but I’m almost certainly going to be assigned to either the East or the West. In that case, the General… no, the General won’t die until the East-West battle is over and we go on the offensive. Can I make it if I hurry…?

Since we’re fighting in the same structure as the game, there’s a possibility the battle will be similar… I’ll send my Familiars around to scout the situation and then move.

As for the strength of the Monster Commanders in the East and West… Sylvie and Kuuza, who are stronger than the recommended level for this battle, should be able to handle them.

“Understood. So, how should we move?”

“First, Lord Ruon and the other Swordsman… I want both of them to split between East and West. The Monster movements are currently from three directions, excluding the South. There’s a high possibility they’ll attack from the Southern Region, but for now, we’ll reinforce the defenses in the East and West.”

“Understood.”

“As for the remaining two… I’d like to consult with you about something.”

–I inwardly sensed that the real problem was actually starting now.

“Regarding the male Magic-user, I’ll leave him to you. But as for the Princess–“

“You’re specifying a location?”

“Indeed… I wish for her to guard the North Gate.”

This was an unexpected statement. I thought Bosuro, knowing Sofia, would move her to a safer place instead.

“Lord Ruon, just to confirm, did you tell the Princess what I understood?”

“I told her.”

“Then she should find this proposal strange… However, I recognize that she is not the kind of Princess who would simply nod and say yes when instructed to hide in a safe place.”

“In that case, what’s the reason for placing her at the North Gate?”

“First and foremost, I will protect the Princess with my life. And I promise that until the battles in the East and West are over, we will observe the enemy’s movements and try to remain as still as possible.”

His words sounded like he was trying to convince me. That’s probably because I had previously expressed concerns about the General.

“Depending on the Demon Race’s movements, if the front line collapses, I will instruct the Princess to defend the Castle and retreat.”

“…Regarding Sofia’s movements, I apologize, but please let me confirm them as well.”

“Very well. In fact, I think that would be better for me as well.”

“And why Sofia?”

“Thinking about the future.”

Bosuro’s words were quite heavy.

“Eventually, the Princess will also be at the forefront of the War with the Demon Lord.”

“…The General himself will teach her about that role?”

“It won’t go as far as teaching. I merely thought of letting her see what it means to lead troops… by my side. But I think it’s necessary, what do you think?”

–I could understand why Bosuro said that. No matter how strong one becomes, that’s merely a matter of individual ability. It doesn’t connect to the ability to lead an Army, rather than just commanding one.

By this battle, to show Sofia what it means to fight and convey that to her–is Bosuro doing all this because he has high hopes for Sofia?

“……From now on, as we continue to fight the Demon Race, the Human Side will have to gather its strength.”

Bosuro continued to speak to me and Lefin.

“Battles like this will surely exist. That’s why I thought she should experience it. Of course, since I’m not teaching her tactics themselves, it might be meaningless–“

“No, I think it’s necessary.”

Here, Lefin began to speak.

“Acting alongside the General… I believe it will hold great significance for Princess Sofia as well.”

–Lefin had previously mentioned that Sofia was unsure about what she should do in the future. He likely thought that telling Bosuro it was “necessary” would help her make a decision.

Immediately after thinking that, Lefin turned to me.

“I, too, will do my utmost to protect Princess Sofia. Amaria and Rokuto will also do the same.”

“……Understood.”

I nodded. Besides, if the Princess is nearby, Bosuro will also keep the promise he just made to me. In that case–

“General Bosuro, I’m counting on you.”

“Indeed, Lord Ruon, I’m counting on you too.”

Bosuro responded to me, almost pleadingly.