Afterwards, messengers were sent to the royal capital as discussed in the meeting room.
To see off the reinforcements that were supposed to be sent to the northern fortress. To watch the eastern border and probe the movements of the Gaiselle Empire.
If the Gaiselle Empire is the one secretly moving the foreign tribes, then this would avoid the worst-case scenario.
"But... that does not mean the country will be saved. If we are defeated by the foreign tribes, it will let the enemy into our country."
"............"
Again, in the meeting room inside the fortress.
Upon hearing Vareiya's words, everyone in the meeting room together made grim expressions.
Only the nobles and high-ranking officers are informed of this information. To prevent a drop in morale, it is not told to the ordinary soldiers.
"If we continue to hold the fortress under conditions where we can't expect reinforcements, the fortress will eventually fall... In other words, we must make a last-ditch move to change the course of the battle."
"Could it be... you mean we should sally forth?"
Rest blurted out unintentionally.
If they can't just defend, they have no choice but to take the offensive.
(But... is such a thing possible?)
The great forest spreading to the north. That is the territory of the foreign tribes.
To step into enemy territory and attack the strongholds of the foreign tribes, whose locations are unknown, in a place with no advantage of terrain.
It's reckless. Even Rest, who is not well-versed in military affairs, could understand that it was a reckless suicide attack.
"That's right. I know it's reckless. But... we have no choice but to do it."
Vareiya declared coldly and sternly.
"Due to the attack the other day, this fortress suffered a great blow. At that time, the foreign tribes attacked by making their bodies transparent with magic. The power of magic... it was probably cast by the so-called 'curse caster' who is controlling them."
"So they have a magician too. That makes things tough..."
"Count Clover is right. This fortress has weak defenses against magic."
This fortress was built for use against foreign tribes.
The foreign tribes do not use magic. Therefore, its resistance to magic is weak.
It is unclear to what extent the "curse caster" will interfere, how many there are, or what kind of magic they will use.
Continuing a disadvantageous siege when the enemy's capabilities are unknown is dangerous.
(Retreat is hell, advance is hell... this has turned into a terrible situation...)
In other words, whether we hold out in the fortress or sally forth, the risk remains unchanged.
"Attack or defense... if it makes no difference which we choose, I advocate attacking. If there are objections, I'd like to hear them."
"I'm in! Let's do this!"
The first to show approval was the third son of the House Cattleya... Toya Cattleya.
"I was never suited for staying cooped up in a shell! If we're going on the attack, that's what I want!"
"I oppose. It's too dangerous."
However, the second son... Carius Cattleya voiced his opposition.
"As I thought, entering enemy territory without enough information is too dangerous. Instead, I think we should use earth magic to strengthen the walls and dig new moats and pitfalls around the fortress to improve our defenses."
"Brother, that's too roundabout! If the enemy has a magician, half-baked defenses won't work. Besides, the foreign tribes have flying bird men!"
"Still, it's better than a reckless charge. It's like walking in the dark, not knowing left from right, with wild beasts around."
"Even you, brother, scared? How pathetic!"
Carius and Toya began bickering.
"Lord Vareiya is right. It's unthinkable to just sit and wait for death!"
"No, rather than that, how about we recruit soldiers from the neighboring villages and towns?"
"Half-baked soldiers will be useless. How about we just confiscate weapons and food?"
"If we torture the prisoners, we'll be able to find out the location of the enemy base! Let's launch a surprise attack all at once!"
The people in the meeting room clashed with each other's opinions, one after another.
"Attack" and "defense"—each argument had its own merits, and it was impossible to clearly decide which was correct.
"I agree. If war is unavoidable either way, it's better to strike first."
In a calm tone, the "Woman-Hating Sword Saint"... Wilhelm Lubeth gave his opinion.
Then, Lubeth turned his gaze toward Rest.
"Rest Clover. What do you think?"
"..."
Upon being asked by Lubeth, Rest remained silent for a few seconds.
By chance, the question caught a gap in the argument, and the Cattleya brothers and the other meeting participants, who had been so heatedly debating, turned their eyes toward Rest.
With so many eyes focused on him, Rest broke into a nervous sweat on his back.
"I…"
After thinking for a moment, Rest quietly spoke his mind.