Chapter 39 [ Machination 2 - Selection of the Operational Unit]
"Master, how do we attack the town of Vazari? In what manner?"
"Well, you see... I have a question. Do elves or beastmen resist slave hunting, or do they try to retrieve their abducted comrades?"
"Master... the principle of slave hunting is to eliminate it in a short period... we withdraw before rescue arrives."
"They usually abduct women and children, killing most men and taking all belongings. Men with fighting skills are all killed. They finish their deeds before being noticed by other villages. Once they bring abducted women and children into the town, even the private soldiers of the nobility are there."
"I see. It's disgusting but efficient, I suppose. However, if the village of sub-humans is large, they should be able to resist, right?"
"Elves and beastmen don't usually build large villages. Also, slave hunters rarely attack villages with skilled elves in magic. This time is an exception because of a foolish lord."
"Other than large-scale slave hunts, sub-humans on solo missions may also be abducted. Is there no chance of rescuing them in such cases?"
"If abducted while on a solo mission, it's hard to trace the culprit and difficult to pursue. Even if found, risking a noble army to rescue one person is too dangerous; crying and bearing it is the only option."
I see. I've got the general idea. In that case...
"Suppose we know the location of the abducted individuals, and the army is unable to mobilize. Do you think elves and beastmen would move to rescue their comrades?"
"If the conditions are like that, they probably would. Regardless of race or village, everyone despises slave hunting. Tomorrow it could be any one of us."
"Then, let's negotiate a deal with the elves. We'll restrain the movements of Count Vazari's army, and in the meantime, they can carry out the rescue of the slaves. Let's also gather the beastmen for support."
"I have one question..."
"Later, old man. Does Count Vazari have many private soldiers?"
"No... the private soldiers of southern nobles are generally fewer. Definitely fewer than Balen. Instead, the kingdom's army is deployed."
"Is the kingdom's military base close to Count Vazari's territory?"
"No, even with magical communication, the earliest rescue preparation would take a day, and the army's arrival would be two days."
"That's sufficient. Now, old man, what's your question?"
"How do you plan to locate the whereabouts of the slaves?"
"Vazari is known for active slave trading, right? So..."
I cut off my words and look at everyone.
"Are there no regular slave markets held?"