Chapter 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!"