Isekai Nonbiri Nouka Chapter 1029: Defense Training

With Ursa, Alfred, and Rana-san gone, the village felt a bit empty.

Still, life goes on, and work must be done.

.....

Work is necessary, but Loo refused to let me go.

Alfred's departure must have been the reason.

Normally, she acts indifferent.

However, I didn't mind her clinging to me.

Still, I wished for a more relaxed embrace than this wrestling-style hold.

My joints began to ache slightly.

-0-

Several days passed before Loo finally released her grip.

And after Loo, Hakuren took her turn.

It's understandable, as Hakuren must also miss Ursa.

I didn't mind this either.

But I hoped it wouldn't devolve into wrestling moves again...

I spent a few days in this state with Hakuren.

-0-

Following Hakuren, it was Zabuton's turn.

Indeed.

Zabuton must also be lonely.

Yes, I understand.

I'll wear all the outfits you desire.

Mercifully, Zabuton's affection didn't involve wrestling, so my body remained unharmed.

Though, I did change outfits about fifty times over three days.

And the gazes from Tier, Ria, and Ann, observing from the shadows...

I decided to simply ignore them.

-0-

Roughly twenty days after Rana-san and Ursa's departure, Dors and Girar finally returned to their usual selves.

The backlog of work had significantly decreased, and their subordinates appeared content.

A few even whispered about Rana-san visiting again, only to be met with scowls from Dors and Girar.

Subsequently, Dors and Girar convened a meeting to strategize countermeasures against Rana-san.

Raimeiren and Guronde were also in attendance.

They really shouldn't dislike her that much...

Well, at least I can prepare some tea for them.

-0-

The Fairy Queen also began to make her reappearance.

It seemed she had been avoiding Rana-san.

“We had a bit of a... history. Facing her is difficult,” she explained.

I thought it best not to dwell on it.

“She appears gentle, but her rampages are truly destructive,” the Fairy Queen added.

Is it that severe?

“There are tales of her leveling planets or sinking entire continents.”

That sounds like an exaggeration.

“Indeed. She merely diverted a large meteor, and the continent was only partially affected, not entirely submerged.”

.....

“In any case, don't let your guard down too much.”

Understood... I'll keep that in mind.

-0-

The airship that had transported Ursa to Village Five was informed about her decision to travel via Rana-san's teleportation magic and was dispatched ahead to the new town Ursa was developing.

Therefore, the airship's status was not a concern.

The Village Five council, however, was a source of worry.

They had implemented defenses against Rana-san, conducted combat drills and evacuation exercises, and then, during one such exercise, simulated an enemy attack and performed a defense drill.

As a result, the council members were once again reminded of the vulnerability of Village Five's defenses, leading them to clasp their heads in consternation.

“We have no issues with resident evacuation or food stockpiling. However, the inadequacy of defensive walls is a problem...”

“If we erect walls, the town’s expansion will be hindered.”

“There’s also the matter of sunlight exposure.”

“But what shall we do if we are caught in a war?”

“We must intercept them before they reach the village.”

“Should we construct a fortress along the Village Five Road or the New Village Five Road?”

“That might be effective during wartime, but it would impede logistics during peacetime.”

“Should we enhance coordination with Shashaato City?”

“We can entrust the western region to Shashaato. The east remains a concern. We cannot perpetually rely on the Elf villages.”

“Field reports suggest establishing both visible and concealed defensive positions within the eastern forest.”

“The cost estimates for construction submitted with that proposal are astronomical... however, Village Five’s finances can accommodate it.”

“Wait. Even if we prepare bases, what troops will we station there? We are already stretched thin covering all of Village Five.”

“Did not many volunteers come forward during the drills?”

“Please do not equate regularly trained soldiers with untrained volunteers. Volunteers are only suitable for defending the town itself.”

“Do not include volunteers in the initial planning stages. We should formulate a defense plan that integrates regular troops.”

“That is true, but...”

“In this exercise, the forces deemed effective for defense included the guard corps, the units from the shrine, and... the angels.”

“The guard corps performed as anticipated.”

“The shrine units... did not coordinate well with others, but they are adept at mobile harassment.”

“So, they are useful for disrupting the enemy... Can we truly depend on the angels as a primary combat force?”

“I believe the defense was judged successful precisely because the angels effectively directed units across various locations.”

“Therefore, Village Five suffers from a lack of mid-level commanders.”

“Not only mid-level, but we are also short on junior officers. Until we fill these vacancies, we should request continued cooperation from the angels.”

The council engaged in a thorough discussion.

Following each meeting, the council members sought input from those on the ground, then reconvened to refine the defense plan.

After one such deliberation, Youko returned to her office and murmured:

"If I, Niz, Ekido, and the museum staff were to take the field, we might be able to handle most enemies. However, we would stand no chance against that Rananon..."

Her secretary, Messer, offered a word of caution.

TN: Chapter 916

"Lady Youko, relying on individuals results in unstable strength. Defense must be organized."

"Ah, I apologize. You are correct. Let's concentrate on organizational defense."

...It seems that my own inclination to simply rely on Hakuren, Rasuti, or Doraim in emergencies is not the proper mindset, is it?

-0-

By the way, how does Loch, the chief civil servant of Village Five, evaluate this defense exercise?

Since Loch was present in Youko's office, I decided to ask him.

"It's good that it concluded without incident."

It seems that an excessive number of volunteers had gathered, making management quite the challenge.

"Regarding the victory judgment for the defenders, we were somewhat lenient. If we were to declare a defense failure, the residents would likely become anxious."

I see.

In that case, we really must expedite the strengthening of our defenses.

"No, no. Moderation is perfectly fine. As things currently stand, there is no force that would dare to attack this place."

Well, that is true, but...

Still, we ought to give thought to our defenses.

"That is true, however... we actually possess excessive combat power at the moment."

Really?

During the exercise, it was stated that Village Five had suffered damage.

"That is because the spiderlings residing in Village Five did not participate in the exercise."

Ah...

"Furthermore, the attacking force was established as an elite unit from the Demon King's army."

So, the assumed enemy was formidable?

"The enemy commanders included Lord Beezel and Lord Glatts. I do not believe those two would actually launch an attack against us."

Beezel and Glatts cooperated in the exercise?

"Indeed. Additionally, the Demon King himself participated. He was positioned on the defending side."

...?

Why was he on the defending side?

Wouldn't it be more logical for him to be on the attacking side?

"When he declared his desire to join the attacking forces, Lord Beezel and Lord Glatts refused his offer... consequently, he volunteered for the defending side instead. He assisted in carrying logs and constructing defensive barricades. While he was reportedly active, those overseeing the construction site found it exceedingly difficult to issue him orders."

Ah... I understand. I shall express my gratitude to him and also offer a word of caution.

"Please do."

Also, while we are on this subject...

"Yes?"

What about Hih, the chief military officer of Village Five?

I do not recall hearing of him accomplishing anything noteworthy during the exercise.

"The scenario dictated that the defending commander would be incapacitated during the initial surprise attack."

So, he was unable to participate.

"Correct. The scenarios are chosen randomly by drawing lots, and Hih happened to draw that particular lot, so he could not lodge any complaints."

That is indeed unfortunate, given the potential opportunity.

"Precisely. Incidentally, he has been offering continuous critiques to the individual who assumed command in his stead, every time they meet. He points out that this was poorly executed, that was flawed, essentially criticizing everything."

Hahaha, I can certainly empathize with his feelings.

However, if this persists, should I perhaps inform Bell?

Upon my suggestion, Loch lamented that I should inform her immediately and put a stop to this situation swiftly.