Calvine Territory suppression operation
***---***
[ Kent-sama ... talk a moment ... ]
On the night I resumed the return work, Fred, who had returned from reconnaissance in the Calvine Territory, spoke to me.
"What's wrong? Did something happen?"
[ The restrictions on the residents ... have become stricter ... ]
Every winter, the Calvine Territory was covered in snow, making it difficult to travel to and from neighboring realms.
For this reason, residents stockpiled flour and dry ingredients, which were staple foods, before winter arrived.
However, this winter, even the stockpiled food was controlled by the chief executives with Havre at the top, and everything was rationed.
According to Fred, the rations for the populace had been drastically reduced in order to reduce food consumption.
"Is it reduced by that much?"
[ Three meals a day ... became two meals. ]
"Does that mean, it's two-thirds?"
[ It's not just ... there are guys who are exploiting ... ]
"Ehh, so it's less than two-thirds?"
[ Nutrition deficiencies ... pretty serious ... ]
According to Fred, the people who distributed food under the orders of the five managers were using their positions to put money into their pockets.
[ The men who work in the mines ... if they don't eat, they'll fall ... ]
"If it's like that, the output will decrease, won't it?"
[ For the sake of the men and children ... women and old people endure ... ]
"No way ..."
[ If we don't hurry ... some will starve to death ... ]
From Fred, a heartbreaking feeling was transmitted.
It looked like I should hurry.
I asked Mart to watch the house and left for Resenburg.
At the Royal Castle of Aldaros, Camilla was still struggling with documents.
Papers were piled high on her desk.
It looked like she was managing it by herself again.
"Camilla, you're working until such a time?"
"Maou-sama, it's been a while."
Camilla looked up from the documents and showed a bright smile.
With a springy step that I thought if she had a tail, it would be wagging, she came running up to me and knelt down and looked up at me.
If she looks happy like that, I can't get angry ... It's outrageous.
"Thanks to Maou-sama, the Royal Family was finally stabilized. I can't be permitted to be frugal with labor."
"Maa, it's not a bad thing to work hard, but it's no good if you get sick like you were in Lastock."
"I understand. I have dedicated this body to Maou-sama, so I have no intention of treating it unscrupulously."
"It's fine as long as you understand, but it's all about things that won't end soon, so it's no good to overdo it."
"Yes, I got it."
When I unintentionally stroked her head, Camilla narrowed her eyes and an ecstatic expression floated on her face.
What's this, it almost seems as if she's become a friendly Golden Retriever.
"After telling you not to overdo it, it seems meaningless to talk about this, but I've been told about the Calvine Territory. For now, let's sit down and talk."
"As you wish."
Anguish clouded Camilla's bright smile as I sat across from her on the parlor sofa and recounted Fred's report.
"To have become something like that ... There is no longer a moment to spare. Call the Knight Commander immediately ..."
"Hold on, hold on, to attack in a state of such hasty preparations, you'll just be making unnecessary sacrifices."
"But, Maou-sama ..."
"I'll do something about it first. First of all, we'll provide food aid to the residents, and then we'll attack and settle things before it's exposed."
The food to be distributed to the residents was strictly stored in the Calvine Territory.
No matter how strict the security was, it didn't matter to me or my genus who could move in the shadows.
"Fred and Basten set up a plan for the strategy, so we'll use this as a base to work out the details and prepare personnel."
Camilla's eyes widened as I handed over a thick stack of paper, the two of them scouted the Calvine Territory, there were planned strategies, building layouts, interior plans, etc.
"That is ... Certainly. I will discuss with the Knight Commander and Branch Commanders and prepare personnel as soon as possible."
"Yup, the strategy will be carried out on the weekend night, when the five managers are gathered and holding a meeting, we'll raid and finish it all at once!"
"Haa! I respectfully obey!"
"Rather, it's no good if Camilla doesn't take command."
"But, with such meticulous reconnaissance, it will soon be found out that I had no hand in it."
"Even so, in the form that it was drafted by Camilla's own hand. This is a battle where the King of Resenburg purges the rebels."
Even with such an explanation, Camilla pouted in dissatisfaction.
What's that, that face ... isn't it kinda cute, it's outrageous.
"Are you dissatisfied with something?"
"In that case, it's the same as me stealing Maou-sama's credit."
"That is, even if it's my wish? Honestly speaking, the discord in the Calvine Territory, I want it cleaned up quickly."
"If that's the case, if Maou-sama orders me in front of everyone ..."
"If I were out in the open, no matter how much time passes, Resenburg won't stabilize, right? Besides, I'm asking Camilla because I don't want to go public, but will you not do it?"
"Nope, there's no such thing. I will gladly serve as Maou-sama's substitute."
"Then, I'm counting on you."
When I lifted my hips from the sofa and walked over, I hugged her tightly, and Camilla also hugged me tightly with both her arms and leaned her head on my shoulder.
"It's no good if you force yourself ..."
"Yes ..."
We immersed ourselves in our time together while still hugging each other.
After leaving the Royal Capital of Aldaros, I headed to the Calvine Territory.
[ Kent-sama ... If you take it more slowly ... ]
"No good, no good, I can't restrain myself anymore. More importantly, please guide me to the mine where the supplies are stored. If possible, I'd like to start the smuggling operation tonight."(TN:Not sure on this, it's 'yokonagashi' which has to do with diverting or selling things through illegal channels, but it doesn't really fit? He's taking the stored items and distributing them to other people. Edit:Changed it to smuggling operation, thanks to Zener and BobTheLost.)
[ Roger ... This way ... ]
The entrance to Tunnel No. 7, which stored food and was believed to be the future of the Calvine Territory, looked like a fortress.
A moat had been dug in front of the ramparts, which was over five meters high, and a drawbridge must be lowered to pass through.
Maa, it didn't matter to us who moved through the shadows, but it was certainly serious security.
[ Strictly built ... But, human beings are lax ... ]
"Is that so?"
[ In the first place ... There is no one to attack them ... ]
The five managers controlled even the lives of the residents of the Calvine Territory where the lord, Havre, was absent.
In addition, the road into the Calvine Territory from the adjacent realm was blocked by deep snow.
"I see, so as long as the knights of the Kingdom don't come attacking, there's no one who would want to conquer this place."
[ Their construction is too excessive ... That's why the guards let their guard down ... ]
There were about ten people in the office next to the drawbridge, half of whom were women.
The people in the room, which was warmed by the glowing fireplace, were in the middle of drinking around a large table.
The visibly villainous men held half-naked women in their laps, enjoying touching them and drinking.
"Uwaa ... They've certainly let their guard down. Maa, it's good because they're easy to work with."
[ Food, supplies ... This way ... ]
Inside the tunnel that I moved to, there was a passage for transport and patrol, and the rest was piled up with boxes.
The contents of the boxes were preservable food, salt, and liquor.
"It looks like it's piled up quite deep, but are they patrolling?"
[ The patrol is ... almost non-existent ... ]
"Maa, even the entrance is in that state ..."
Even so, just to be sure, only the contents of the boxes stacked at the back were moved into the shadow space.
"Well then, everyone, I'm counting on you!"
"Wafuu, leave it to me, Goshujin-sama."
"When we're done, pet me."
If I mobilized the Kobold Corps, it would be completed in no time.
In the shadow space, bags of flour, beans, dried meat, dried fruits, salt, etc., were stacked.
"Also, it would be fine if we hand them out ... But, if we hand them out all at once, will it be found out?"
All of the stolen food was packed in large bags for transportation, and putting aside the staple food flour and beans, bringing over 20 kilograms of salt would just become a hindrance.
"For now, let's go see the housing complex, and then think about it."
[ Roger ... This way ... ]
The housing complex where the mining engineers, miners, and their families were gathered seemed to be sleeping under the snow.
The housing complex was like a Western-style row house, and it seemed that one long building was divided into five partitions inside.
Those buildings were lined up in the snow.
It looked like the temporary housing for disasters that I saw on the news footage when I was in Japan.
At the sentry station I saw earlier, the fireplace was burning brightly, but the houses were pitch black and there was no sign of fire.
[ Firewood is also distributed ... the amount is limited ... ]
"Isn't it possible to cut as much firewood as you want from the nearby mountains?"
[ If it's chopping down trees ... Mining in the tunnels, it seems ... ]
Not only food, but also firewood, oil, magic stones, and other items that were the basis of life were in the hands of the managers, so the people who lived here couldn't go against them.
[ Without firewood ... they can't even cook ... ]
"Everyone goes to bed early to economize, right?"
[ That's right ... ]
It may be a little warmer than the snow-covered outdoors, but it was still very cold inside.
"Reinhardt, could you command the Kobold Corps and make firewood in the Devil's Forest?"
[ An easy task, we'll get started right away. ]
"Fred, do patrols come into the houses?"
[ That is ... probably not ... ]
In the first place, it seemed that all luggage brought into the premises of the housing complex was checked at the gate.
It seemed that they didn't think that the extra items would be brought in unless they passed through them.
"In that case, just for now, let's distribute the flour one bag at a time. For the rest of the supplies, we'll divide up the bags ... Right, let's bring them from Japan."
I asked Kajikawa-san over the phone for bags for dividing things up.
Plastic bags were probably cheaper, but they didn't exist in this world, so I ordered paper bags this time.
"I think they will be ready in three hours."
"Thank you very much. If you leave them in the warehouse, we will go get them."
"Roger, I'll put them all in a cardboard box."
The flour bags were distributed to each household's kitchen with a message to hide them so that they would not be found out.
I felt sorry that there were no side dishes, but if I could divide them into bags, I planned to distribute them tomorrow.
[ Kent-sama too ... You should take a rest soon ... ]
"Yup, that's right. I'll go home and rest."
It wasn't until midnight that I returned to the boarding house.
On the bed were the figures of the house-sitting Murt and Meisa-chan.
Rather, Meisa-chan, could you give me back the pillow you're holding ...
When I recaptured the pillow and crawled into the bed, did her sensor perhaps detect it, Meisa-chan approached me and I felt a sudden chill, but I recovered.
Maa, I'm sure I'll be used as a pillow in the morning, but ... she's warm, so maybe I'll let her hold me once in a while.
After all, once Meisa-chan fell asleep, she wouldn't wake up until morning.
The next day, after having breakfast as usual, I dived into the shadow space and started working on subdividing supplies.
The beans, dried meat, and dried fruits were packed in a large bag, and the salt was packed in a slightly smaller bag.
Combined with the flour distributed last night with the rations, they shouldn't be starving for the time being.
Reinhardt and the Kobold Corps had also finished making firewood, and had tied it up with vines to make it easier to distribute.
It seemed that Zae and the others used water attribute magic to remove the moisture from the raw wood as it was difficult to burn.
Also, let's distribute magic stones for magic tools.
Fred came back when I was working on subdividing.
"Fred, how's the housing complex?"
[ Fortunately, they didn't cause a ruckus ... In this case, it won't be found out in the first place ... ]
I had attached a message to the flour bags I distributed last night so that there was no uproar.
Even for the residents, even if they didn't know who distributed them, they should be able to predict that they would be taken away if the bosses found out.
In the first place, they didn't even know if they were being distributed to houses other than their own, and it seemed that they were in a situation where they and their neighbors were sounding each other out.
[ Because they don't know the source ... Everyone is speculating about various things ... ]
"Well then, will they not eat it even though I distributed it with much trouble?"
[ There's no such thing ... everyone is in need ... ]
They didn't know who brought it or where it came from, but I guess they couldn't turn their backs on living.
In any case, I couldn't allow a situation in which people who were earnest in their lives were oppressed and left hungry.
I continued the subdivision work until noon, and after finishing lunch, I headed to Aldaros to confirm the movements of the knights.
In Camilla's office, the Knight Commander, Berdets, the First Prince's attendant, Magdalos, and the Third Prince's attendant, Oswald, seemed to be working together to finalize the strategy.
"The preparations, are they doing well?"
"Maou-sama ..."
"Aahh, you don't have to stand up. Just keep going."
"As you wish."
It seemed that the operation to suppress the Calvine Territory would be carried out by adopting what Fred and Basten planned.
"If something is inconvenient, you don't have to force yourself to continue with that strategy."
"Far from being inconvenient, for us currently, a detailed investigation is not possible. Regarding the organization of the personnel, as expected of a former knight, it is arranged in a way that is reasonable, and I am just impressed."
Both Magdalos and Oswald nodded at the Knight Commander's words.
[ Buhahahaha, as it should be, Kent-sama. There is no way we can fall behind the knights of today. ]
[ I guess so. I wasn't worried about it either, but the way things might change with the times was the only point I was concerned about. ]
Known as the Wise King, the three of them served Arthur Resenburg, the founder of the restoration of the Kingdom of Resenburg, so they shouldn't be inferior to the current lazy Resenburg knights.
"There are only three days, including today, until the weekend when the evening party will be held, but will you be ready in time?"
"Don't worry. We have already started meetings for each base. From tomorrow, we will proceed with exercises while confirming the procedures."
"Just to confirm it, I can only send to one place at a time with my summoning technique. Think about the order in which you will have them sent, and the possible time difference."
"Certainly. The strategy this time depends on how to suppress the five managers. In other words, once the Lord's Mansion is captured, the strategy is about 70% successful."
This time, we planned to send a total of 100 knights to the Lord's Mansion, and 50 to each of the manager's bases.
It was a large-scale operation with a total of 350 people participating, so I didn't think it would go as planned.
It seemed that the key to the strategy would be how flexibly they could respond when something unexpected happened.
"I was in the Calvine Territory yesterday, and their lackeys seemed to have let down their guard."
When I told them about the sentries of Tunnel 7, who were stockpiling food, the Knight Commander floated an astounded smile.
"It seems that we have no chance to show our skills against such people."
"Yup, if you think about it normally, it's probably like that ..."
"When you say that, Maou-sama, do you think they're still hiding something?"
"Of course, because, it's the home of that Havre."
As soon as they heard my words, the expressions of everyone around the table tightened.
"As for us, we've been given a hard time by Havre many times before."
"You're right. It seems that we let our guard down a bit because we excluded Havre."
"Never let your guard down until you've eliminated the five managers and brought the Calvine Territory under full Kingdom control. Always act as if they've got something hidden."
"Certainly. I will tell the knights to face the operation with the intention of going to hunt down the ghost of Havre."
There must have been a lot of people in the knights who had been bitterly hurt by Havre, or who had lost their colleagues.
If the Knight Commander told them to exterminate a ghost, they could do nothing but be enthusiastic.
"For this operation, I will not show up and will only send the knights. Of course, if an unforeseen situation arises and it is decided that you need help, that will no longer be the case."
"I heard that story from Camilla-sama as well. In the series of turmoil so far, we, the knights of the Kingdom of Resenburg, have continued to expose our disgraceful side, so I would like to properly fulfill our role at least at the end."
"I have high hopes, but don't get too excited."
"Certainly."
The final decision on whether or not to proceed with the operation would be made at noon on the same day, and it would begin at the same time as the evening party of the managers.
"Then, I'll come back to see how things are going ..."
Immediately after bowing to the four and diving into the shadows, I summoned Basten.
"Basten, do you have a moment?"
[ What is it, Kent-sama. ]
"I want you to work with the Kobold Corps and shoot down any birds that enter the Calvine Territory."
[ Roger that. You're blocking information. ]
"Yup, the key to this strategy is whether or not we can assault."
[ The birds have no sin, but it would be a problem if they fulfill their role, so let's have them scattered. ]
It would be nice if we could control it as Smartly as possible, keeping the bloodshed to a minimum, but ... It's the territory of that Havre, so it won't be easy.
Don't let your guard down until the end and complete the strategy.
Calvine Territory suppression operation
***---***
[ Kent-sama ... talk a moment ... ]
On the night I resumed the return work, Fred, who had returned from reconnaissance in the Calvine Territory, spoke to me.
"What's wrong? Did something happen?"
[ The restrictions on the residents ... have become stricter ... ]
Every winter, the Calvine Territory was covered in snow, making it difficult to travel to and from neighboring realms.
For this reason, residents stockpiled flour and dry ingredients, which were staple foods, before winter arrived.
However, this winter, even the stockpiled food was controlled by the chief executives with Havre at the top, and everything was rationed.
According to Fred, the rations for the populace had been drastically reduced in order to reduce food consumption.
"Is it reduced by that much?"
[ Three meals a day ... became two meals. ]
"Does that mean, it's two-thirds?"
[ It's not just ... there are guys who are exploiting ... ]
"Ehh, so it's less than two-thirds?"
[ Nutrition deficiencies ... pretty serious ... ]
According to Fred, the people who distributed food under the orders of the five managers were using their positions to put money into their pockets.
[ The men who work in the mines ... if they don't eat, they'll fall ... ]
"If it's like that, the output will decrease, won't it?"
[ For the sake of the men and children ... women and old people endure ... ]
"No way ..."
[ If we don't hurry ... some will starve to death ... ]
From Fred, a heartbreaking feeling was transmitted.
It looked like I should hurry.
I asked Mart to watch the house and left for Resenburg.
At the Royal Castle of Aldaros, Camilla was still struggling with documents.
Papers were piled high on her desk.
It looked like she was managing it by herself again.
"Camilla, you're working until such a time?"
"Maou-sama, it's been a while."
Camilla looked up from the documents and showed a bright smile.
With a springy step that I thought if she had a tail, it would be wagging, she came running up to me and knelt down and looked up at me.
If she looks happy like that, I can't get angry ... It's outrageous.
"Thanks to Maou-sama, the Royal Family was finally stabilized. I can't be permitted to be frugal with labor."
"Maa, it's not a bad thing to work hard, but it's no good if you get sick like you were in Lastock."
"I understand. I have dedicated this body to Maou-sama, so I have no intention of treating it unscrupulously."
"It's fine as long as you understand, but it's all about things that won't end soon, so it's no good to overdo it."
"Yes, I got it."
When I unintentionally stroked her head, Camilla narrowed her eyes and an ecstatic expression floated on her face.
What's this, it almost seems as if she's become a friendly Golden Retriever.
"After telling you not to overdo it, it seems meaningless to talk about this, but I've been told about the Calvine Territory. For now, let's sit down and talk."
"As you wish."
Anguish clouded Camilla's bright smile as I sat across from her on the parlor sofa and recounted Fred's report.
"To have become something like that ... There is no longer a moment to spare. Call the Knight Commander immediately ..."
"Hold on, hold on, to attack in a state of such hasty preparations, you'll just be making unnecessary sacrifices."
"But, Maou-sama ..."
"I'll do something about it first. First of all, we'll provide food aid to the residents, and then we'll attack and settle things before it's exposed."
The food to be distributed to the residents was strictly stored in the Calvine Territory.
No matter how strict the security was, it didn't matter to me or my genus who could move in the shadows.
"Fred and Basten set up a plan for the strategy, so we'll use this as a base to work out the details and prepare personnel."
Camilla's eyes widened as I handed over a thick stack of paper, the two of them scouted the Calvine Territory, there were planned strategies, building layouts, interior plans, etc.
"That is ... Certainly. I will discuss with the Knight Commander and Branch Commanders and prepare personnel as soon as possible."
"Yup, the strategy will be carried out on the weekend night, when the five managers are gathered and holding a meeting, we'll raid and finish it all at once!"
"Haa! I respectfully obey!"
"Rather, it's no good if Camilla doesn't take command."
"But, with such meticulous reconnaissance, it will soon be found out that I had no hand in it."
"Even so, in the form that it was drafted by Camilla's own hand. This is a battle where the King of Resenburg purges the rebels."
Even with such an explanation, Camilla pouted in dissatisfaction.
What's that, that face ... isn't it kinda cute, it's outrageous.
"Are you dissatisfied with something?"
"In that case, it's the same as me stealing Maou-sama's credit."
"That is, even if it's my wish? Honestly speaking, the discord in the Calvine Territory, I want it cleaned up quickly."
"If that's the case, if Maou-sama orders me in front of everyone ..."
"If I were out in the open, no matter how much time passes, Resenburg won't stabilize, right? Besides, I'm asking Camilla because I don't want to go public, but will you not do it?"
"Nope, there's no such thing. I will gladly serve as Maou-sama's substitute."
"Then, I'm counting on you."
When I lifted my hips from the sofa and walked over, I hugged her tightly, and Camilla also hugged me tightly with both her arms and leaned her head on my shoulder.
"It's no good if you force yourself ..."
"Yes ..."
We immersed ourselves in our time together while still hugging each other.
After leaving the Royal Capital of Aldaros, I headed to the Calvine Territory.
[ Kent-sama ... If you take it more slowly ... ]
"No good, no good, I can't restrain myself anymore. More importantly, please guide me to the mine where the supplies are stored. If possible, I'd like to start the smuggling operation tonight."(TN:Not sure on this, it's 'yokonagashi' which has to do with diverting or selling things through illegal channels, but it doesn't really fit? He's taking the stored items and distributing them to other people. Edit:Changed it to smuggling operation, thanks to Zener and BobTheLost.)
[ Roger ... This way ... ]
The entrance to Tunnel No. 7, which stored food and was believed to be the future of the Calvine Territory, looked like a fortress.
A moat had been dug in front of the ramparts, which was over five meters high, and a drawbridge must be lowered to pass through.
Maa, it didn't matter to us who moved through the shadows, but it was certainly serious security.
[ Strictly built ... But, human beings are lax ... ]
"Is that so?"
[ In the first place ... There is no one to attack them ... ]
The five managers controlled even the lives of the residents of the Calvine Territory where the lord, Havre, was absent.
In addition, the road into the Calvine Territory from the adjacent realm was blocked by deep snow.
"I see, so as long as the knights of the Kingdom don't come attacking, there's no one who would want to conquer this place."
[ Their construction is too excessive ... That's why the guards let their guard down ... ]
There were about ten people in the office next to the drawbridge, half of whom were women.
The people in the room, which was warmed by the glowing fireplace, were in the middle of drinking around a large table.
The visibly villainous men held half-naked women in their laps, enjoying touching them and drinking.
"Uwaa ... They've certainly let their guard down. Maa, it's good because they're easy to work with."
[ Food, supplies ... This way ... ]
Inside the tunnel that I moved to, there was a passage for transport and patrol, and the rest was piled up with boxes.
The contents of the boxes were preservable food, salt, and liquor.
"It looks like it's piled up quite deep, but are they patrolling?"
[ The patrol is ... almost non-existent ... ]
"Maa, even the entrance is in that state ..."
Even so, just to be sure, only the contents of the boxes stacked at the back were moved into the shadow space.
"Well then, everyone, I'm counting on you!"
"Wafuu, leave it to me, Goshujin-sama."
"When we're done, pet me."
If I mobilized the Kobold Corps, it would be completed in no time.
In the shadow space, bags of flour, beans, dried meat, dried fruits, salt, etc., were stacked.
"Also, it would be fine if we hand them out ... But, if we hand them out all at once, will it be found out?"
All of the stolen food was packed in large bags for transportation, and putting aside the staple food flour and beans, bringing over 20 kilograms of salt would just become a hindrance.
"For now, let's go see the housing complex, and then think about it."
[ Roger ... This way ... ]
The housing complex where the mining engineers, miners, and their families were gathered seemed to be sleeping under the snow.
The housing complex was like a Western-style row house, and it seemed that one long building was divided into five partitions inside.
Those buildings were lined up in the snow.
It looked like the temporary housing for disasters that I saw on the news footage when I was in Japan.
At the sentry station I saw earlier, the fireplace was burning brightly, but the houses were pitch black and there was no sign of fire.
[ Firewood is also distributed ... the amount is limited ... ]
"Isn't it possible to cut as much firewood as you want from the nearby mountains?"
[ If it's chopping down trees ... Mining in the tunnels, it seems ... ]
Not only food, but also firewood, oil, magic stones, and other items that were the basis of life were in the hands of the managers, so the people who lived here couldn't go against them.
[ Without firewood ... they can't even cook ... ]
"Everyone goes to bed early to economize, right?"
[ That's right ... ]
It may be a little warmer than the snow-covered outdoors, but it was still very cold inside.
"Reinhardt, could you command the Kobold Corps and make firewood in the Devil's Forest?"
[ An easy task, we'll get started right away. ]
"Fred, do patrols come into the houses?"
[ That is ... probably not ... ]
In the first place, it seemed that all luggage brought into the premises of the housing complex was checked at the gate.
It seemed that they didn't think that the extra items would be brought in unless they passed through them.
"In that case, just for now, let's distribute the flour one bag at a time. For the rest of the supplies, we'll divide up the bags ... Right, let's bring them from Japan."
I asked Kajikawa-san over the phone for bags for dividing things up.
Plastic bags were probably cheaper, but they didn't exist in this world, so I ordered paper bags this time.
"I think they will be ready in three hours."
"Thank you very much. If you leave them in the warehouse, we will go get them."
"Roger, I'll put them all in a cardboard box."
The flour bags were distributed to each household's kitchen with a message to hide them so that they would not be found out.
I felt sorry that there were no side dishes, but if I could divide them into bags, I planned to distribute them tomorrow.
[ Kent-sama too ... You should take a rest soon ... ]
"Yup, that's right. I'll go home and rest."
It wasn't until midnight that I returned to the boarding house.
On the bed were the figures of the house-sitting Murt and Meisa-chan.
Rather, Meisa-chan, could you give me back the pillow you're holding ...
When I recaptured the pillow and crawled into the bed, did her sensor perhaps detect it, Meisa-chan approached me and I felt a sudden chill, but I recovered.
Maa, I'm sure I'll be used as a pillow in the morning, but ... she's warm, so maybe I'll let her hold me once in a while.
After all, once Meisa-chan fell asleep, she wouldn't wake up until morning.
The next day, after having breakfast as usual, I dived into the shadow space and started working on subdividing supplies.
The beans, dried meat, and dried fruits were packed in a large bag, and the salt was packed in a slightly smaller bag.
Combined with the flour distributed last night with the rations, they shouldn't be starving for the time being.
Reinhardt and the Kobold Corps had also finished making firewood, and had tied it up with vines to make it easier to distribute.
It seemed that Zae and the others used water attribute magic to remove the moisture from the raw wood as it was difficult to burn.
Also, let's distribute magic stones for magic tools.
Fred came back when I was working on subdividing.
"Fred, how's the housing complex?"
[ Fortunately, they didn't cause a ruckus ... In this case, it won't be found out in the first place ... ]
I had attached a message to the flour bags I distributed last night so that there was no uproar.
Even for the residents, even if they didn't know who distributed them, they should be able to predict that they would be taken away if the bosses found out.
In the first place, they didn't even know if they were being distributed to houses other than their own, and it seemed that they were in a situation where they and their neighbors were sounding each other out.
[ Because they don't know the source ... Everyone is speculating about various things ... ]
"Well then, will they not eat it even though I distributed it with much trouble?"
[ There's no such thing ... everyone is in need ... ]
They didn't know who brought it or where it came from, but I guess they couldn't turn their backs on living.
In any case, I couldn't allow a situation in which people who were earnest in their lives were oppressed and left hungry.
I continued the subdivision work until noon, and after finishing lunch, I headed to Aldaros to confirm the movements of the knights.
In Camilla's office, the Knight Commander, Berdets, the First Prince's attendant, Magdalos, and the Third Prince's attendant, Oswald, seemed to be working together to finalize the strategy.
"The preparations, are they doing well?"
"Maou-sama ..."
"Aahh, you don't have to stand up. Just keep going."
"As you wish."
It seemed that the operation to suppress the Calvine Territory would be carried out by adopting what Fred and Basten planned.
"If something is inconvenient, you don't have to force yourself to continue with that strategy."
"Far from being inconvenient, for us currently, a detailed investigation is not possible. Regarding the organization of the personnel, as expected of a former knight, it is arranged in a way that is reasonable, and I am just impressed."
Both Magdalos and Oswald nodded at the Knight Commander's words.
[ Buhahahaha, as it should be, Kent-sama. There is no way we can fall behind the knights of today. ]
[ I guess so. I wasn't worried about it either, but the way things might change with the times was the only point I was concerned about. ]
Known as the Wise King, the three of them served Arthur Resenburg, the founder of the restoration of the Kingdom of Resenburg, so they shouldn't be inferior to the current lazy Resenburg knights.
"There are only three days, including today, until the weekend when the evening party will be held, but will you be ready in time?"
"Don't worry. We have already started meetings for each base. From tomorrow, we will proceed with exercises while confirming the procedures."
"Just to confirm it, I can only send to one place at a time with my summoning technique. Think about the order in which you will have them sent, and the possible time difference."
"Certainly. The strategy this time depends on how to suppress the five managers. In other words, once the Lord's Mansion is captured, the strategy is about 70% successful."
This time, we planned to send a total of 100 knights to the Lord's Mansion, and 50 to each of the manager's bases.
It was a large-scale operation with a total of 350 people participating, so I didn't think it would go as planned.
It seemed that the key to the strategy would be how flexibly they could respond when something unexpected happened.
"I was in the Calvine Territory yesterday, and their lackeys seemed to have let down their guard."
When I told them about the sentries of Tunnel 7, who were stockpiling food, the Knight Commander floated an astounded smile.
"It seems that we have no chance to show our skills against such people."
"Yup, if you think about it normally, it's probably like that ..."
"When you say that, Maou-sama, do you think they're still hiding something?"
"Of course, because, it's the home of that Havre."
As soon as they heard my words, the expressions of everyone around the table tightened.
"As for us, we've been given a hard time by Havre many times before."
"You're right. It seems that we let our guard down a bit because we excluded Havre."
"Never let your guard down until you've eliminated the five managers and brought the Calvine Territory under full Kingdom control. Always act as if they've got something hidden."
"Certainly. I will tell the knights to face the operation with the intention of going to hunt down the ghost of Havre."
There must have been a lot of people in the knights who had been bitterly hurt by Havre, or who had lost their colleagues.
If the Knight Commander told them to exterminate a ghost, they could do nothing but be enthusiastic.
"For this operation, I will not show up and will only send the knights. Of course, if an unforeseen situation arises and it is decided that you need help, that will no longer be the case."
"I heard that story from Camilla-sama as well. In the series of turmoil so far, we, the knights of the Kingdom of Resenburg, have continued to expose our disgraceful side, so I would like to properly fulfill our role at least at the end."
"I have high hopes, but don't get too excited."
"Certainly."
The final decision on whether or not to proceed with the operation would be made at noon on the same day, and it would begin at the same time as the evening party of the managers.
"Then, I'll come back to see how things are going ..."
Immediately after bowing to the four and diving into the shadows, I summoned Basten.
"Basten, do you have a moment?"
[ What is it, Kent-sama. ]
"I want you to work with the Kobold Corps and shoot down any birds that enter the Calvine Territory."
[ Roger that. You're blocking information. ]
"Yup, the key to this strategy is whether or not we can assault."
[ The birds have no sin, but it would be a problem if they fulfill their role, so let's have them scattered. ]
It would be nice if we could control it as Smartly as possible, keeping the bloodshed to a minimum, but ... It's the territory of that Havre, so it won't be easy.
Don't let your guard down until the end and complete the strategy.
