I Was Reincarnated as a Poor Farmer in a Different World, so I Decided to Make Bricks to Build a Cas

Chapter 95 - Military Council

 

"That's not good enough. We can't win if we don't go on the offensive."

"How long are you going to keep talking like that, Baito-san? We have the power to build a castle. We need to put more effort into defense."

　This was after we had finished the construction of the castle town and the outer walls.

　This time I was thinking about the castle, where I could show the prestige that Gran was talking about, and wondering what to do, when I heard noisy talking.

　When I looked to see who it was, I found my elder brother and Vargas talking quite heatedly.

"What's going on, you two?"

"Oh, Ars. Listen to me. I'm talking to Vargas-san about how we should fight if there's ever a war again, but he keeps talking about defense."

"What are you talking about? - The general should tell you. Even when we're just training, always trying to assault the enemy is dangerous!"

　It seemed that the two of them were discussing tactics.

　The two of them have been training the villagers on a regular basis with the intention of having them act as troop leaders when a battle begins.

　However, it seemed that their ideas were in direct conflict.

　I guess I can't just leave it at that.

　I decided to join my brother and Vargas at the table to have a little drink and listen to what they had to say.

***

　I listened to their stories.

　After listening to each of them, I got the impression that Baito-nii was more attack-oriented and Vargas was more defensive.

　However, aside from Vargas, who has experienced many actual battles, I felt that my nii-san's tactics were a bit risky.

　This seemed to have something to do with the battle against the Fontana Army the other day.

　It was my first time engaging in a field battle with the Fontana Army, and it was the same for my nii-san.

　His first time on the battlefield was filled with a strange atmosphere.

　It was an unusual situation where you never knew when someone would die, and you had to use your weapon to cut down the enemy.

　At that moment, there was no time to feel sorry for the opponent.

　Anyone who did would probably have died or been seriously injured in that battle.

　The same goes for me.

　The first time I lunged, I was unusually agitated.

　But I think it was because of that that I was able to move without fear on a battlefield that I had never experienced in my previous life.

　It was the same for everyone like me, and of course, my brother was the same way.

　We ended up winning against an opponent that was clearly more skilled and more numerous than us.

　This victory must have been imprinted in his brain as a success story.

　He was able to win because of his assault attacks at that time.

　Then, he should be able to win the next time by doing the same attacks.

　It would be quite normal to think so.

　After all, even though Baito-nii is so strong, he is still just a child.

　But you know what?

　I didn't think of it as a triumphant experience.

　To put it bluntly, I don't want to go on a charge again with the disadvantage of being outnumbered like I was then.

　The only reason we did it was because we thought it was necessary.

　We were a group of peasants, but all of us could use magic, and we had the hidden gem of Valkyries.

　In order to inflict heavy damage on the opponent in a single battle, I chose a risky assault.

　The only action I took to ensure that my opponent's head would be crushed was the assault attack.

　In terms of results alone, I think this choice was a success.

　We successfully defeated Raymond, the head of the Fontana family, and as a result, we were allowed to match our interests with Carlos-sama.

　At that time, if we had chosen a wait-and-see tactic such as fighting a siege at the camp north of the river, we would have only been able to withstand the attack of the other side at best, and negotiations with Carlos might not have been realized, or even if they were realized, the other side might not have taken us seriously.

　Even if we could have made peace, it would not have been on the same terms as now.

　Well, in hindsight, the assault was probably not the wrong choice.

　However, Vargas's emphasis on defense is also somewhat subtle.

　This is because Vargas was of the opinion that as a Barcan army capable of building castles in a short period of time, it would be better to focus on training to build castles and use them for defense on the battlefield.

　But that was not an option.

　That tactic was strategically out of the question in my situation.

　Through direct negotiations with Carlos, I was allowed - and even given the right - to rule the Barca Knight's Domain as his subordinate, but this position could be called a tower made on sand.

　Basically, the Fontana family has been controlled by Raymond's faction, and Carlos' position is still not solid.

　I've heard that they're getting their act together, but I'm sure I'm as hated as much as a bug among the vassals of the Fontana family.

　I think it's only natural for them since a knight from a peasant background came out of nowhere, took charge of a territory, and wore a broad grin.

　For those who had a close relationship with Raymond, I would be their bitter enemy.

　If the Fontana family is involved in a war with other nobles, what will happen?

　Carlos would immediately summon his troops to fight.

　Of course, I would have to join the fight.

　If I were to ignore the call, I would be punished for it.

　And what would happen if I tried to build a castle and siege the battlefield?

　I'm not sure if the other knights of the Fontana family will make any move to help me in my siege.

　To be honest, I can only see a future where I will be abandoned in such a situation.

　If they were to say that they were trying to take advantage of the Barca Army's defensive position to get behind the enemy, that would be the end of it.

　There is nothing better than being able to fight a defensive battle.

　However, it is not good enough to focus on defensive warfare in daily training.

　If you do that, you will lose your life as a pawn on the battlefield.

　When you think about it this way, the conditions are pretty tough.

　Since we got the Barca Knight's Domain, we've been reforming the economy and building the city out of necessity, but we need to pay more attention to the military side as well.

　I once again discussed what to do about the future of the Barcan Army while briefing my brother and Vargas on the situation.

CadmarLegend Some points are logical, but others... not so much. Just my opinion.