The first thing he did after getting the information was to head back to the church.
　Information about the leader of the bandit alliance, the man with the arm.
　I gave the new information to Maja. This would help narrow down the candidates.
　Maja said that the information would arrive soon, and that she would inform us as soon as she knew.
　I wonder if the information will reach us, and if we can exchange information over a long distance like the Internet in this world.
　Is it more like a carrier pigeon?　It seems like a lot of information for a pigeon to carry, but let's leave it to them.
　So on the way back, I walked through the castle town to return to the barracks while talking with Ilias about the future course of action.
　The castle town was full of life, and the marketplace was crowded with people.
　I have walked back and forth this way twice, except for the first time when I was taken to the church and had to pack a bag.
　They say that you can tell the prosperity of a country by looking at the faces of its people, and this is very true.
　Most of the people walking around in the cities in Japan have stiff and sullen expressions.
　But in this country, every day is filled with emotion, as if it were a festival.
　Just by looking at them, I feel as if my heart is filled with vitality.

"The king of this country must be a good king.

　Such words naturally leak out.

The king of this country is a good king," such words naturally leaked out. "Ah, both the current king and the previous king have reigned wonderfully for the country and the people. To be able to dedicate myself as a knight to that country is my greatest pride and joy.

　Iliad's face was kind as he spoke, looking at the liveliness of the people.

If it's so prosperous, there will be more merchants from outside.
"Yes, but there are those who seek to profit from it with malicious intent. We can't allow that to happen.
The information we received included the location of the bandit alliance's stronghold in the Tarz territory and the approximate number of members. I'm sure you've already heard that we've destroyed one of them. If we destroy them one by one, there is a possibility that they will move their bases. In order to make the most of the information, we need to launch a surprise attack at once. You'll need manpower.
"...... I am a subordinate of Sir Ragdoll, one of the leaders of the Knights who protect this country. I'm going to explain the situation to Sir Raggedy and summon Sir Raggedy's knights.
"How many?
"...... Thirty, give or take.

　That's not much.
　The other day, when the bandits were defeated, there were only about ten of them, because they were called up on short notice, but nearly 30 percent came?
　I'm not sure what to make of it.

"You said Sir Raggedy-doo's. You said Sir Ragdor's. There are other Knights, aren't there?　Can't we ask them to help us?
"It's possible, ...... but .......

　The expression on his face turned sullen, as if he had bitten into a bitter bug.
　It seems that there are some unacceptable circumstances.
　If they are in different units, do they have some sort of feud with each other?

The current numbers aren't enough, are they?　The last time they attacked, they blocked a path of retreat and took us by surprise. That's why the bandits had to fight back, and it was easy to catch them when they tried to escape.

　Other bandits' strongholds are not only in caves.
　They have built huts and tents in some of the forests and are hiding in small villages.
　In other words, their escape routes are in all directions, and they need an equal or greater number of people to deal with them reliably.
　The bandit alliance is currently made up of five different gangs.
　One was destroyed the other day. Four remain.
　Three of them have between thirty and fifty members as before, and the mastermind behind them, the armed man, is said to have fifty members.
　It is impossible for thirty people to hunt down all four villages and nearly two hundred bandits.

You're right, ...... the first thing to think about is the people. It's not the time to worry about appearances. Let's ask the other knights to help us.

　Mr. Ilias agreed, but there was something wrong with that.
　It's as if requesting their cooperation would cause some kind of problem.

"Mr. Ilias, can you tell me a few things first?

Iliad.　

　In the event that you've got any questions about the way to use this site, please do not hesitate to contact me.

"Hmm, fine. But Ilias, do you understand?　But do you understand, Ilias, what will happen if you ask for the cooperation of other units, even if they are from my unit?
Yes, sir. But the bandits are more numerous than you can imagine. We got the information right this time, but we can't be sure it will work the same way again. If we don't act now, there will be many more casualties.
"...... I see. You don't mind if I back you up on this, do you?
"No. Lord Raggedy is the symbol that should be the last line of defense for this castle and this country. You have already given me this opportunity, and I take it as a test of my mettle.
"But ......
I'm already a knight and a protector of this country. I can't just sit on my hands forever.
Well, if you insist, I'll just sit tight until the end.
Thank you, sir. Then, please inform the representatives of those who have accepted to cooperate that there will be a strategy meeting this evening at the barracks outside the castle.
The defeat of the bandits is a royal order. You may use the castle's conference room, if you wish.
No, there is one outsider who is cooperating with us, but he said that it would be unwise for an outsider to come into the castle so willingly, so he requested the barracks.
"Well, that's humble.


I hope so.
"What?

　There is no lie in what I have just told Lord Raggedy-doo. But he went on to say.

"It's hard to do when you can't be there.

The time was night.　

　It was night, and various knights were gathered in the largest room of the barracks.
　Ilias and Grandpa Kara were our representatives.
　The rest were representatives of the various knightly orders.
　Some of them had sent their men, while others had come in person.
　The former could honestly be thought of as pure collaborators, with no need for concern.
　But when it comes to the Commander of the Knights who comes directly to this place,.......
　This place is probably smaller and dirtier than the castle.
　Some of them are frowning, worrying about the dirt in the room, or complaining about the chairs.
　That area is probably where the action is. I should watch them carefully.
　Around the time we wanted to meet, Mr. Ilias stood up and started talking.

Thank you for gathering here at this late hour. I will now explain to you the circumstances surrounding this bandit riot and the current situation.

　The tone of his voice was firm, as if he was speaking to a knight captain who was also his superior.
　And then he explained what had happened up to now, moderately cutting off the story of us who had come from outside.
　However, I could understand why Mr. Ilias was not pleased with our request for help.
　Sir Ragdoll's troops, such as Grandfather Kara and the others, were friendly to Mr. Ilias.
　But most of the knights present now had a cold look in their eyes.
　Some of them are full of admiration, and some of them are honestly happy to have cornered the bandits. ...... Hey, I'll remember that guy who just clicked his tongue.
　I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one who's a fan of your work. 　

And I've succeeded in getting the locations of all the bases. Therefore, I would like to ask for the cooperation of all the troops to conduct raids on all the bases tomorrow morning.
Can I speak now?

　A red-cloaked hand went up.
　The difference between an ordinary knight and a knight captain is the quality of the cloak.
　A knight uses the color that symbolizes his unit as an ornament on his armor as a cape.
　The captain's mantle is embroidered with the coat of arms of the Tarzan nation.
　Ragdoll's color is blue-green.

"Lord Léanor, come in.
"I will spare no effort to help you. We're going to slaughter the brigands who are avenging our country, of course. Some of you may have a personal interest in the matter, such as those who have been burned.

　The man in the yellow cloak glared at the knight captain, who was called Sir Léanor.
　The man in the yellow cloak glared at the knight captain called Sir Léanor.

I'm sorry, I digress. Lord Ratzel, how many members of Ragdoll's squadron are participating in this bandit attack?
About thirty, sir.
Hmm, that's quite a turnout for a squad with the smallest number of men. But this time, our Léanor squadron is planning to deploy 300 knights. Ten times as many as yours.
Thank you.
Don't worry about it. As I said before, defeating the bandits is a matter I need to resolve as soon as possible. But... But don't you think it's inconvenient to have a small number of troops holding the reins when you're commanding a large number of people from different units?
That's .......
"Our men of Raggedy are a small band of elite soldiers. We are a small group of elite soldiers, and even one of us can do ten times as much as you!

　Calla intervened, but Lord Reynaud's expression remained unchanged.

"I'm well aware of that. That's why I'm here. I'm sure you're all very well aware of that, but isn't it a shame to have such brave men in command instead of fighting?　And how do you plan to manage the three hundred men in my unit alone?
"No, no.　　
"The command of this strike force should go to the squad with the most members. Now, how many other troops can you prepare?
Hundred.
Seventy.
One hundred and eighty.
One hundred and twenty.

　I'm glad to see we have enough.
　And you, Lord Reynaud, have been preparing a large number of men for this from the start.

"Mmm-hmm!　If that's the case, then it won't be a problem for me to take overall command of this bandit attack, will it?
I have no objection.
No problem.
I'm sure Lord Reynaud will be fine with it.
If you can give me detailed instructions, I'll be happy to oblige.

　Everyone agreed, including the man in the yellow cloak.
　The story Ilias had told me was that she was being treated lightly because she was a woman.
　In this country, there are few women who want to become knights.
　This is especially true for those who are close to the knight captain's chair, such as Ms. Ilias.
　Ms. Ilias herself said it lightly, but when Grandpa Kara told me about it later, I found out that it was more insidious than I expected.
　She was one of the top women in the country in valor, and a favorite of Lord Ragdoll, who was the oldest.


　From the male knights' point of view, her progress is a symbol of jealousy.
　The average age of Ragdoll's troops is high, and they treat her like an old man watching over his granddaughter, so there is no discrimination.
　The task of defeating the bandits was already a difficult one that the others had failed to accomplish, and the woman, Ilias, had taken on the task.
　There was no one to argue with that, they said.
　If we fail, she will use it as an excuse to blame us, and if we are about to succeed, she will try to take away our greatest achievement.
　It's a small vessel.
　I wish I could let go of my pride in being a man or a woman.
　Mr. Ilias is a brainy gorilla but a good knight.
　Men and women have nothing to do with it.
　Well, since it was suggested that this might happen, I had already discussed it with Grandpa Kara and made various preparations.

"Hey, kid, can you say something to him, too?
"Well, yes.
Well, I was wondering, who are you?　You don't look like a knight to me.
I'm the informant in this case. I've been working with Sir Ratzel for some time now.
And you, an outsider, have something to say about me being in charge?
Not about that. If there is a unit that can devote manpower to messaging, it will be easier to coordinate with other units if that unit takes the lead.
"Now ......
What? You know what I'm talking about.
"But as long as I'm in command, I need to be well informed, don't I? That's why I gave you this.

　He passes the bundle of parchment he has prepared to Lord Reynaud, while ignoring Grandpa Kara who is pretending to be in a panic.
　By the way, Grandpa Kara is an actor.

"What's this?
This is a map of the locations of the bandits' strongholds I mentioned earlier, and the routes they use. It also contains information on each of the bandits.

　Sir Léanor was checking the documents.

This is good. It also includes easy routes into the forest and mountains, and approximate patrol routes for guards and scouts.
"I'd like to avoid having all this information we've gone to so much trouble to obtain go to waste and have them charge in blind. That's my opinion.
"I see, I see. It would certainly be rude not to use your efforts. We'll use it.
I've prepared a large map here. Since the representatives of each unit are here, can I ask you to determine the routes of the other units here?

　He took out a large map and spread it on the desk.

You're very prepared. Thank you for saving me the trouble. I'll make this quick.
"Lord Reynaud will focus on this base, where the ringleaders are said to be, correct?
Of course. This is not a band of cowards who won't take risks.

　Well said. You just want the credit.

"Then we'll allocate the rest to the other bases, and which of Raggedy-doo's troops, led by Lord Ratzel, should we pair up with?　Anyone want to join?

　I looked around at everyone, but no one responded.
　Well, I was hoping for this kind of reaction, so I'm just grateful.

"Then stand by for logistical support near the trade route. If there are any troops who are in a difficult situation, you can ask Lord Reynaud's men to send a message so that you can move to reinforce your troops. Is that clear, Lord Reynaud?
Of course I am.
The others have no objections, do they?　Then I'll leave it to you to allocate them to their respective locations.

　This time everyone nodded. I'll never call on you unless I'm in a tight spot.
　Thus the strategy meeting proceeded unhurriedly, and each representative left the place to make their own arrangements.

Now, let's get ready to do the same.
"......

　Mr. Ilias looked reluctant.
　By the way, I've only talked to Grandpa Kara about the details.
　He said, "I'll leave it to you, but I've been sent to the rear, so I suppose it's just as well. 　

"Grandpa Kara, would you please inform the members of the Ragdoll Squad of the details of the secret mission while you're at it?　I'll explain it to Mr. Ilias here.
Oh, I'll leave it to you!
Secret mission?
Yeah, I've been thinking about it a lot since I got back, and Grandpa Kara and I came up with a few tricks.

　And I'll tell you the plan.

You're ...... really clever, aren't you?
You're really devious." "He was devious, so it was five minutes. Five minutes because they were being cunning. And I left them some of the good stuff.

　He smirked at the fact that things had gone according to plan.
　When Mr. Ilias saw his face, he was shocked.