#401 Tactless War

It was so unexpected.

We were informed on the first day to prepare for the second edition of Orkubo’s Castle that...

“It’s cancelled?!”

Why?!

It’s so sudden, I’m at a loss for words!

“My sincerest apologies...!” says Mr. Dalkish.

Orkubo’s Castle is located in his territory, so we cannot proceed with the event without his permission.

Incidentally, he and his demoness wife became the first interracial married couple. Just recently, I heard their long-awaited son was born.

Negotiating with the goddess Hera was worth it.

Be that as it may, Mr. Dalkish is this event’s co-organizer.

He should’ve been willing to host the second Orkubo’s Castle since its benefits would be extended to his territory.

So why did he cancel it?

“Is it because the event isn’t profitable enough?!”

What a harsh world we live in!

“No, that’s not the case...! If anything, we’ve settled the profits last year, and we made much more than the annual profits raised by the territory in just one event. We can’t thank you enough!”

Then why cancel?

“Ah! Did we receive a complaint?”

Maybe some killjoy group said, “It’s outrageous how orcs are organizing this event!”

“That’s all right! We are backed by the most powerful person, the Demon King! We can crush moral harassment with power harassment through him!”

Let’s show them that the correct argument is not always right!

“No, that’s not it, either...! Besides, the Demon King also approved this cancellation, so...”

Even the Demon King?!

But he was so eager to get through the first obstacle this time around!

“What could possibly be the reason for him to approve of that?”

“Mutiny.”

The word came out of Mr. Dalkish’s mouth was more disturbing than I had expected.

“Mutiny?! Why did you do such a foolish thing, Mr. Dalkish?!”

“It wasn’t me!”

Oh, it wasn’t him.

I was so surprised I lost my rationality.

“The mastermind is the feudal lord of Grandburg, a large territory adjacent to mine. He has a delicate lineage, being a king’s grandson, and was in an ambiguous position after the fall of the Human Kingdom. But I never expected him to start a rebellion...!” says Mr. Dalkish bashfully. “The Human Kingdom has collapsed, but it is still our duty to govern the wars that take place. I must quickly organize my troops and cooperate with the other lords and the demon king’s army to control the situation.”

“That’s why you called off Orkubo’s Castle?”

“If this matter isn’t dealt with right away, it could spread throughout the entire land. This is no time for carefree festivities.”

T-True...

“Even if we do host the event, Grandburg is a major transportation hub. People from many parts of the nation pass through that territory to get here.”

If that place is sealed off by the war, Orkubo’s Castle will fall incomparably short of the number of visitors.

Wait, that’s not the aspect I should be worried about.

If the rebellion is prolonged and the transportation is jammed, Mr. Dalkish’s territory will be affected. 

“Do you think we can suppress the rebellion immediately?”

“...”

He responds with silence for a while.

“...I don’t know. The other party is one of the greatest feudal lords of the Human Kingdom. He has a massive troop and resources, and their central city, Mercade, has formidable defenses that have earned it the nickname of the stronghold.”

Mr. Dalkish’s expression turns glum. 

“It has the largest city walls said to be overwhelming in both height and thickness. It is also one of the leading trading cities, so if they were to perform a siege relying on its stored supplies, it might take us years...!”

Why does this sound like Odawara Castle?

Then again, if a fortress is held back, it cannot easily make its move. Worst-case scenario, it may take years to overcome the enemy.

In a prolonged war, the burden would fall more on the offensive side. They might even be forced to retreat because they could no longer maintain the front line.

If traffic is divided and the civil war continues, people will feel more and more insecure.

There are probably still some people dissatisfied with the demon rule.

If rebellions erupt in response to the prolonged civil war, the Human Kingdom could be plunged into an unprecedented era of warfare.

“Grandburg, perhaps realizing this, hasn’t taken the offensive, but has instead adopted a complete siege. This alone could divide traffic and damage the current regime...”

“Definitely not the most festive atmosphere we’re having...”

Even Mr. Dalkish got his wish and finally had a boy with his wife.

How sad that he has to leave his newborn child behind and go off to fight.

I hate wars.

We must do something about this.

“If that rebellion is suppressed immediately, the Human Kingdom will be safe, right?”

“Pardon?”

And Orkubo’s Castle will be held without delay.

“Orkra, Orkuma.”

“YESSIR.”

I call out to the sub-leader orcs standing by.

“Are the traps already in place?”

“All set, my lord.” “We’re ready to go at any time.”

They’re always so reliable.

“P-Please, wait! I understand that with your help, we can put down the mutiny in seconds, but this is a problem within the Human Kingdom! It must be resolved by its people and its people only!” he says with dignity of a feudal lord.

“Don’t worry. I have no intention of infringing on your jurisdiction. But as your friend, we will do what we can to help.”

“What are you going to do?!”

Mr. Dalkish’s expression is even tenser than when he informed us of the revolt. 

“I mean, we’ve been greatly indebted to your unsparing gratitude!”

“Please. It’s the least I could do.”

First of all, no farm resident will participate in the fight. 

If we do, we’d be directly involving ourselves.

And one more thing.

Orkubo Castle must retaliate with the bad omen it has received.

Which is why our involvement in this incident is entirely via the castle.

How dare they try to cancel this long-awaited event of ours!

We will not have our enjoyment interrupted!

We will put down the rebellion by the end of the day and hold Orkubo’s Castle as planned! 

So I say, “Please allow us to support you.”

“Are you sure, Lord Saint? How are you even going to retaliate by utilizing Orkubo’s Castle? Our opponent’s territory is far, far away!”

Sure, castles are regional, immobile bases and are there to provide physical defenses and cannot be used to strike the enemy.

“But accomplishing the impossible is what entertainment is all about.”

One feasible idea that came up during the meeting was adopted.

This is all thanks to Okura, Okuma, Orkuninush and the other orcs’ efforts while we were busy with the expo.

Let us depart.

Delaying the subjugation would be nothing but a hindrance to hosting the event.

I know we’re not one to pick a fight first, but...

In the name of justice and Orkubo’s Castle...

En garde!