Chapter 64

Based on the feedback that there were too many last-minute changes, I made these adjustments. I look forward to your comments. m(_ _)m

After a while, while relaxing at the villa,

"Lord Rain, Master has returned."

Liza informed him.

"Understood."

Saying this, Rain straightened his disheveled clothes from lying down and headed downstairs to the main hall. Checking with his divine eye, he found Lond downstairs, looking exhausted and frustrated.

"Father, welcome back. Did you find a solution?"

"Ah, Rain, I'm back. We found something, or rather... various plans have emerged, such as attacking from both sides or setting traps on land."

(Well, those are obvious moves that anyone would think of. The real issue is what comes next.)

"The next steps... none of them are decisive."

(What the hell!!)

"If that's the case, why did you come back?"

The situation is urgent. It's a waste of time to come back here when every moment counts.

"Various plans have emerged, and the secretaries are summarizing them. We were told to take them back, review them, and come up with something by tomorrow."

(Hmm? Well, I can sort of understand... Changing the atmosphere might not be a bad idea, but...)

It's still a bit hard to accept.

"Hmm... Don't you think we should consider the importance of the situation more?"

There's no need to make you come back, right?

"Huh? What?"

Oops, I let my guard down.

"Ah, no, sorry, I just..."

"No, no, that's not it. Don't take my words at face value. It's just a formality. I can't explain everything to everyone. The kings are being considerate. They've told everyone that the plan is yours. Without you, it would be dangerous to proceed. In short, they came to hear your plan. I'm proud of you! Hahaha!"

He seemed in a good mood.

While wondering what he would have done if I hadn't come up with anything,

"Hmm... That's good. What would you have done if I hadn't come up with anything?"

I asked what I was thinking.

"That would be fine. We have a plan, as you know, time is short. We can't change it halfway through, so I came to hear your opinion. If there's nothing, the plan will be decided at the next meeting."

"That's right. I did come up with something, but there are many uncertainties..."

"Really? That's fine, tell me."

"Alright."

Saying this, Rain asked if there were any items needed for his plan.

"First, we need ships. How many medium-sized ships does this country have?"

"Medium-sized? Not large?"

"Yes, medium-sized. Ships that can hold about 50 people will do."

"About 250. If we requisition them, we can get 50 more by the time we set off."

(We don't need 300. 250 should be enough.)

"Then I'll explain my plan."

Saying this, he went to the reception room in the villa.

...

"No, that's impossible."

Lond immediately rejected Rain's plan.

"First, there's the issue of ship stability. Also, this plan requires secrecy. Who will keep it hidden? Who will command it?"

"The stability can be maintained by chaining the ships together."

In the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Cao Cao was tricked by Pang Tong into chaining his ships together, leading to a disastrous defeat due to the inability to escape quickly when attacked by fire.

(Using a losing strategy is bad luck, but I can't think of anything else.)

"Ah! I see!"

"Yes, and the most important part is that I need to be on board."

Indeed, this plan won't work without Rain.

"What?! No, wait, that's not good! If anything happens, it won't just be a strategic failure!"

"But there's no other way. Without me, the plan is impossible."

"Hmm, but..."

"Then, if I can escape, there's a way."

"How?"

"Isn't there a winged race living in the north of this country? They should have existed as an air force, even if they have few soldiers."

The north of Pornesia is a dense forest with tall trees, and the country to the north is the territory of the forest elves, surrounded by forests. They have no diplomatic relations with Pornesia and are a completely independent nation. The winged race lives on the border. (In other words, they are Pornesia citizens.)

"Right."

"Two of them should be able to carry me."

The idea is to fly back. I weigh less than 20 kilograms. Two people should be able to carry me.

"Possible."

I have no intention of using this. I'm not thick-skinned enough to abandon all my allies in battle. I might be able to accept leaving some behind, but not everyone except me.

This isn't about being dramatic. I'm confident that I would definitely regret it later and be unable to do anything. So, I should go all out with my support cheat or bet on the possibility of retreat without thinking about the consequences.

"If we start losing, I can fly back. The risk is almost zero if it's just me."

I lied to convince him.

"Alright, then it's fine. It's bad for the soldiers, but there's no one to replace you!"

It's a harsh decision, but as a hero-level character, Rain is irreplaceable.

(If I could use offensive magic, it would be a different story...)

I complained inwardly.

"Also, who will command the operation?"

"Then, I'll command it?"

He asked with a face that said, "Of course, if you're going."

"We need to consider the possibility of failure. If they engage us in a naval battle unexpectedly, we need to escape quickly, which requires your power. The national treasure skill of Pornesia, you know."

"Right... But what about you? You won't be able to see anything during the operation, right?"

"Chaining the ships together will prevent us from getting separated. If we can get someone familiar with the area around the operation site, we should be fine."

There should be maps of the area around Pornesia, and there are magical compasses.

"Alright. Then I'll tell the king right away. Get ready and wait for me!"

Saying this, he quickly left the room and headed to the castle.

"Phew, he's so busy."

I think Father is a bit impatient. Well, I can't really talk.

Then, there was a knock on the door.

"Come in."

Liza and the others slowly opened the door and came in. Since coming to the capital, I've given them some pocket money and rest, so I haven't seen most of them except Liza.

"Thank you all for your hard work the other day."

I thanked Sukuna and the others.

"No, we are slaves. There's no need to thank us."

Sukuna said on behalf of the group.

"It's good to see you haven't changed. What brings you here? I thought I gave you some time off?"

"No, it's enough. What do you plan to do next?"

"Next? Well, it seems we'll be engaging the enemy."

I said in a relaxed manner.

"Understood. Then we'll prepare to board the ship."

"No, it's fine this time. It's a ship, and it's not a good idea to bring people who aren't used to it."

"That's fine! If you're not going to fight directly, we won't be in the way."

"No, this time, stealth is crucial. I can't let others know my abilities. If you come, my identity will be revealed."

"Then, just me! If it's just me, I can hide my face."

"No, but..."

After a long discussion, we decided to take only Kō.

"Then, Kō! Take good care of Lord Rain!"

"Understood! Leave it to me!"

Kō said enthusiastically.