Idle Talk: In the Guerilla Squad
I am Sentis, a soldier from the country of Nonette.
We arrived at the fortress upon hearing that soldiers from the country of Mendashium were coming, and entered a state of high alert. However, our little marshal started saying something foolish.
"With this group, we will launch a night raid on Mendashium's camp."
Is he crazy?
The soldiers of Mendashium may be weak, but they outnumber us by many times.
That's why this fortress exists, to bridge that numerical gap.
But it seems they anticipated our opposition. He kindly explained the operation to us in detail.
Under the cover of dusk, we would advance along the ridge of the mountain, descend into the valley under the cover of darkness, and set fire to Mendashium's camp before dawn. After setting the fire, we would quickly retreat and hide in the mountains.
Upon hearing it, I thought, isn't it more like harassment than an actual attack?
But there was one strange thing. It was about the target we were aiming for.
Normally, we would target their provisions, but this time it seemed different.
"They are hiding metal staffs. The objective of this operation is to destroy those. If you have time to burn their provisions as well, go ahead."
"Why do we need to destroy those staffs?"
"Because they could be weapons of the Empire's magic."
Upon hearing those words, I see. It's certainly necessary to take the risk and destroy them, everyone participating in the night raid agreed.
That's how dangerous the Empire's weapons were, as everyone understood.
If even our smart little marshal, who was reputed for his wisdom, was so cautious, then they must be extremely dangerous.
Well, we are soldiers. If we are ordered to do it, we have to show it.
So, the soldiers of the guerilla squad equipped themselves with several Molotov cocktails and climbed the slope of the mountain next to the fortress, heading towards the direction of Mendashium along the ridge.
The top of the mountain is slow to get dark, so the valley is pitch black, but there are no problems in running along the ridge.
If there is a problem, it's that our little marshal is participating in this unit.
"You should stay behind and guard the fortress."
"Alectem told me the same thing. But we need a bird's-eye view."
He showed me the backpack he was carrying.
Apparently, inside it, there is a wooden bird and a crystal that can reflect distant scenery.
"We don't need something like that before our abilities, but well..."
"Well, well. This operation must not fail. We need to increase the chances as much as possible."
"By saying that, you convinced the old man Alectem. You rascal."
When I grumbled, he returned a wry smile.
I really can't understand this little marshal. Normally, he would get angry, wouldn't he?
If I don't understand, even skilled soldiers would sweat on this journey, yet he looks cool without a single drop of sweat.
"Hey, Mimo. When we were training at the training grounds, you were drenched in sweat. Why aren't you sweating now?"
"Ah, during training, it's like exercising with weights, I guess."
"Weights, huh?"
I don't remember him wearing anything like that, but this little marshal is good at magic. Maybe he had some kind of weight on that I don't know about, using a method that someone like me without magic talent wouldn't understand.
"I get that you're really dedicated to training, but you don't really seem princely."
"I know I don't seem like a marshal, but I'm a genuine prince, you know?"
"Do princes normally respond so casually to soldiers' banter?"
"Is that how it is?"
Even his puzzled expression doesn't look princely.
Well, it's because we have this comfortable atmosphere that the young prince is placed at the pinnacle as a marshal, and the soldiers support him without complaint.
As proof of that, other soldiers join in our conversation.
"That's right. A prince joining the guerrilla unit is quite a rarity, almost like Prince Milimos."
"Hey, Prince, when this mission is over, please hold a feast. Of course, the prince will foot the bill."
"Huh. Even though I can't drink because of my age, I have to treat everyone?"
"You must receive a considerable allowance as a marshal. So, please treat us."
The soldiers and Mimo exchange jokes and laugh together.
He really doesn't seem princely.
But if someone like him became king, it makes you think that the soldiers' treatment would improve even more.
Though there are rumors that Mimo couldn't become the next king because he became a marshal.
While thinking about such things, we could see the end of the ridge.
The sun had completely set, and the moonlight illuminated the top of the mountain, but when we descended halfway down the mountain, it was pitch black, making it impossible to see ahead.
"Alright, we've come closer to Mendasium's position, so from here on, we'll proceed quietly."
"Yes, sir!"
In response to Mimo's command, the soldiers replied in a relaxed manner.
We're not here for a walk.
I want to complain like that, but I can't raise my voice.
We have to carefully advance along this cliff-like slope, in the pitch black, straining our eyes at night, and if the enemy finds us here, our surprise attack will fail.
Anyway, we decided to follow Mimo, who was surprisingly smooth in his progress, and continue down the mountain, us soldiers.