Strategy Meeting (2)
We were strategizing for the initial battle against the Elfast Magic Kingdom in the castle’s conference room.
Commander Bamberg of the Royal Knights glared at me sharply.
“Could you explain what a magic tank is? If it hinders the actions of the Royal Knights, we will have no choice but to reject its use.”
“A magic tank is a modified metal magic vehicle designed to traverse any rough terrain. It is equipped with wind magic circles on its front, sides, and top, constantly creating wind barriers to block arrows and magic attacks. The vehicle’s weapon is a wind magic circle mounted at the front, capable of blowing away boulders twenty meters ahead with the push of a button.”
The mechanism of the wind barrier on the magic tanks was devised by Emmy.
The magic tanks have windows on all sides, but lacking a suitable glass substitute, they remain open holes.
If targeted by archers or magicians, those inside would be in danger.
To counter this, the wind barrier was conceived after much consideration.
Commander Bamberg’s eyebrows twitched.
“The wind barrier on the magic tanks might hinder the movement of our troops in a melee. How do you plan to deploy the magic tanks?”
“The magic tanks are not meant for use in chaotic skirmishes. They are intended to disrupt or annihilate the enemy vanguard at the onset of the battle, break through the enemy’s center, and assault their main camp.”
“Hold on. You plan to end the initial battle with a magic tank charge? No matter how powerful they are, this is a reckless plan. Why do you think the Royal Knights exist on the battlefield?”
Commander Bamberg slammed his fist on the table, veins bulging on his forehead.
Perhaps he thought the Royal Knights were being mocked.
While Commander Bamberg's temper is always quick to flare, I continued without concern.
“War is not about counting the number of enemy soldiers killed. Especially in the initial clash with the Magic Kingdom, I want to avoid a quagmire of chaotic fighting. Such a scenario would result in many casualties on both sides and leave a lingering resentment, potentially escalating into a full-scale war. I want to avoid that.”
“I understand Prince Ian’s concerns, but wars are not so easily decided. Isn’t it too reckless to aim solely for the main camp with just the magic tanks?”
Lyshiria looked at me worriedly.
I nodded deeply and spread my hands.
“It’s not as reckless as it sounds. The magic tanks are made of metal, so they can’t be easily damaged by swords or spears, and they are protected from arrows and magic attacks by the wind barrier. The wheels are modified with tracks, so they won’t topple even on rough terrain, and they can move five times faster than a carriage, making them unstoppable. Simply put, no one can stop the moving magic tanks.”
From my past life in Japan, I know that tanks dominated land battles.
It’s challenging to convey this image to everyone.
As I cheerfully explained, Commander Bamberg twisted his face in disdain and snorted.
“Prince Ian seems quite confident in the magic tanks. If you say so, then the Royal Knights will advance across the battlefield ravaged by the tanks. But who will command this reckless plan?”
“That would be me. After all, it was my proposal.”
“Wait a moment! I will take command! Let me do it!”
“Ian, you can’t! A ten-year-old child on the battlefield is too dangerous!”
“Ian, I have not heard of this plan!”
Brother Adel, my Sister Emilia, and Brother Roland all stood up and shouted in response to my words.
I anticipated they would try to stop me if I decided to lead the magic tanks.
But this plan was conceived when I consulted with Emmy about creating the magic tanks.
I took three deep breaths to calm myself and began to speak.
“The pride of the Kingdom of Critonia is at stake in this battle with the Elfast Magic Kingdom. Therefore, it is fitting for a member of the Royal family to serve as the commander. Since Brother Roland is the regent, he cannot leave the castle. Naturally, Brother Adel will become the commander-in-chief. Sister Emilia will be busy treating the wounded with the Saint’s Blessing. Thus, I am the only one left from the Royal family. Since I devised the magic tanks, no one knows their workings better than I do. Therefore, I decided to lead them.”
“Forget the logic, just switch the command with me!”
“That’s not possible. By the order of succession, you are next after Brother Roland. It’s more appropriate for me to lead the magic tanks.”
I argued back against Brother Adel’s shouting.
It seemed unfair that only my siblings would go to the battlefield.
While the battlefield is a place of killing and is terrifying, I also want to witness the performance of the magic tanks firsthand.
No matter what anyone says, I am determined to go to the battlefield.
What do you think about this chapter?
