"The response from the Tribe of the Rock-Crawling Shiro Serpent to the exile of Ciel-Teira is ...... reluctant approval.
　We don't declare alliances out in the open, and we don't fight shoulder to shoulder. We will communicate with each other under the radar, and ostensibly we will just appear on the same battlefield and fight each other. ...... That's fine, if that's what you want to call it.
　I think he shook his head in response to the suggestion, taking a step back.

"Well, it's tough for them to refuse, isn't it? You never know when the Empire might attack again.

　In the place where the makeshift underground secret base used to be, an earthen castle the size of a house for sale had been built without any hesitation.
　This was also created by Everis with earth elemental magic. It's not strong enough to be used in battle, but this location south of the Great Forest is far enough away from the front lines that it's probably not going to be suddenly bombarded by the Imperial Blue Army's cannons.
　The flag of the Blood Roses fluttered on the roof. Perhaps because of this, neither the knights of the lords ruling the area nor the adventurers attempted to interfere.

　The gleam of the white blade danced under the glimmering moon. Udanosuke was practicing with a single katana against Miaranse and Tracy.
　Miaranze, who wields a katana of his own (which was rather easy to obtain, thanks to its proximity to the home of the katana), strikes with gusto, but Udanosuke's beloved sword, Docho Atsuryoku, catches him without leaving a single nick in the blade. In the event that you have any questions regarding where and the best way to get in touch with us, please do not hesitate to contact us.
　Rene and Everis were looking down at the scene from the second floor balcony (or perhaps the balcony is more appropriate) and talking.
　The topic of conversation was the future course of action. The topic of discussion was how to obtain the Great Forest of Goosenfall.

We want to flush out the opposition as much as possible before we lose our position. "We want to expose the opposition as much as possible and then lose our position, by the elves themselves.
I think the policy for now is 'forcefully, overtly, but not disrespectfully.
"Well, if we're doing anything in the woods, we'll definitely be noticed. People will be aware of our presence.
　Are you willing to work with us?　No?　It'd be fun to split the village in half.

　The goal is to take complete control of the Great Forest of Goosenfall.
　If you're going to use this forest as a giant fortress, you'll want to take it and the elves inside, not to mention the backlash that will ensue. The undead are the most dangerous pawns of the evil gods, and there are those who are unwilling to accept them.
　But not all of them. Even Jivarmaguza, the number two of the tribe, was not sure if he should cooperate with Rene to protect the forest.
　Rene's thinking was that it would be better if he could only get the ones who were in his favor.
　The opposition is not to be dealt with by Rene himself, but to be made to lose their place in Elven society. As others come to revere René, the opposition will become more narrow-minded.
　As a result, they will either retract their arguments and become complicit, or they will become unable to stay in the forest and leave. Even if they go crazy and try to fight, it would be a good reason for Rene to take a stand.

　With such a picture in mind, Rene and the others were trying to figure out their next move.

"We're also preparing a scenario where we can turn those who are critical of us into insiders of the Empire.
　But we may not need to do anything about it.
"Then let's go establish the facts, shall we? We'll start by going into the woods.

　The moonlit forest of Goosenfall seemed to be holding its breath.

　The moon was shining.

　Under the moon, a meeting was being held at a place near the edge of the Great Forest of Goosenfall, just like the other day.
　The number of people gathered was almost the same. However, the imam Zivarmaguza had come not through a visionary, but in the flesh with several guards.
　A tent has been put up, but there is no wall, and the place is exposed to the elements. It reminded René of the field day tents he had seen in his previous life in Japan. The tent had been set up after consulting with the elves beforehand, as he was concerned that they would be unnecessarily alarmed if their view was obstructed by a tent or a camp curtain.

　Rene sits cross-legged on the throne of human bones, and Alastor speaks in his place.

The Great Forest of Goosenfall, filled with the power of life, is also a solid fortress.
　Why was it being unilaterally tortured by the Imperial Army?
　I think you already know the answer. It's this.

　Alastor pointed with a perfect gesture that was both theatrical and captivating.
　He points to a silvery-grey cannon on the side of the tent.
　He had taken it, along with a magic item to store it, during a surprise attack on the Blue Army in a recent battle.

On the battlefield, cannons generally have the longest range.
　This is the latest type of magic cannon that is designed to have a particularly long range.
　You were unable to defeat the cannon because you relied only on bows and magic.

　Several of Jibal Maguza's guards looked as if they had been given a bitter pill.
　It was an insulting point, but it was true.
　The cannons fired day and night, from places where neither bow nor magic could reach, had gradually whittled down the forest and exhausted the tribesmen.

But now you have the firepower of those cannons.
　But now you have the firepower of your cannons. From within the tightly guarded forest, bullets with the same range and power as those fired by the Imperial Blue Army will fly back.
　In addition, we have the advantage of 'securing the land vein'.
　Unlike the Blue Army, which has to carry fuel as magic stones from faraway places, we can use the cannons simply by having them there.

　After the prolific ranting, Alastor shot a piercing glance at her.

That is, of course, assuming that you are cooperative.

　Even with the water turned on him, Jivarmaguza did not waver on the surface.
　I'm not sure what to make of that.

You have to go into the forest, no matter what. Can't we just use it?
First of all, this weapon is the property of the princess. We're responsible for it and can't leave it to you.
　Secondly, I don't think you're fully capable of handling this weapon. There are people in our army who are familiar with artifact technology and who were in charge of the artillery before they died. You, on the other hand, do not have a single cannon.

　Alastor simply stated his reasons condescendingly and matter-of-factly.


　It would be too much to ask for just a cannon. Of course, Jivarmaguza knows this.

　The elves will provide the trees of the forest as a barrier, and the magic to power the cannon.
　The exiled nation of Ciel-Teira will provide the troops, firepower, and technology.
　With the combination of these two, the Great Forest of Goosenfall will be able to hold off the Imperial Blue Army.

We will not get involved in the affairs of the forest any more than necessary.
　If there are things that should not be touched or places that should not be entered, we will do our best to accommodate your request.
　In return, I will not compromise on how to win the war. Let's discuss specific arrangements.

　Jivarmaguza fell silent with a glaring expression.
　It was a bitter admission.

"Oh, and... And have you learned anything about the shadowy figure of light that has been attacking us?

　When Alastor said this, the emotions that Rene sensed from the elves were the most intense he had ever felt.
　All of the elves present were already aware of the situation and were not surprised.

　Guilt, humiliation, and self-justification.
　It was the heart of a powerful loser who lives even after his pride has been trampled.

You can stop it from showing up at ....... But it's not something we can control.
　If you act without provoking it, you'll probably be safe.
"Yes, sir. Then let's discuss our future plans, including that matter.

　Alastor put one hand on his chest and spread his other hand lightly and bade him farewell.
　Jivarmaguza assumed the same position without delay. This is the elven way. In human terms, this is the equivalent of a handshake.
　Jivarmaguza put on a nonchalant face, but inwardly he seemed to be impressed by the elven way of doing things.