| C Support |
|---|
| Oh, Hikaru... Our lives surely have taken a turn, haven't they? One moment,
I led Emperor Samegoro's most powerful military unit with you by my side. And
now, we're nothing but lowly soldiers. |
 |
| I do not see what has you so distraught, milord. You are under the command of
Medeas' princess now. I would have assumed this is nothing but a positive
turn of events by your standards. |
|
| You'd think that, but that girl is... She's nothing like Lady Tsubaki.
Let's just put it that way. |
|
| That is true. Lady Tsubaki is quite demure. Mindful, even. Still, you must
look at the positives, milord. The emperor would have your head if he found
out about our failure at Fort Daijima. You said so yourself. |
|
| Ahh... Right as always, Hikaru. I suppose having our lives still intact is
better than nothing. And yet, that is the bare minimum for relief, is it not?
*sigh* |
|
| As much as I loathe suggesting this, milord, would you... feel better if we
socialize with the local women of Medeas? |
|
| Hikaru...! Oh, you always know how to brighten up my mood. Let's be off,
then! The beauties of Medeas await us! |
|
| (Masashi leaves the scene.) |
| I am regretting this already... |
|
| B Support |
|---|
| I see... If an infantry unit were to go in this direction and wait... Hm...
but wouldn't it be better if... |
|
| (Hikaru enters the scene.) |
| There you are, milord. I should have guessed you would peruse the Medean
Castle's library at some point. |
|
| Hikaru! Good to see you. Care to join me? |
|
| Of course, milord. What might you be reading? |
|
| It's a textbook on various war strategies and unit formations. I was curious
about how Medean and Merinese military strategies differ. |
|
| I see. Anything noteworthy that you've noticed? |
|
| While it is covered, there aren't many specific chapters on maritime combat.
Which is understandable, of course. Other than that, there are some rather...
interesting tactics listed here, such as this formation. While I do see some
merit to positioning one's foot soldiers in the forest like this, wouldn't that
leave the fort wide open for an assault? I think they would have been fine in
their initial position. |
|
| Hmm... Hold on, milord. I think I see what's going on. Notice how the calvary
and pegasus knights are positioned. They are far enough to be outside of the
enemy's range of vision. By moving the infantry to a nearby forest, this can
bring a false sense of security to the enemy. With your own forces out of
sight, that can lead to a successful ambush as the enemy forces approach the
fort. |
|
| Aha! I see now. Good eye, Hikaru. This is why you will always be my
second-in-command. |
|
| You flatter me too much, milord. |
|
| Oh, I also wanted your opinion on this maneuver. |
|
| Let's see... Now, this one looks fascinating... |
|
| A Support |
|---|
| O Great Merin, may you bless this day and grant us protection. |
|
| ... |
|
| Thank you again for joining me, Lord Masashi. |
|
| No need to thank me, Hikaru. I enjoy being together with you in prayer.
It's the only time I get to see you without that permanent scowl on your
face. |
|
| ... |
|
| And there it is again. My dear Hikaru, you must understand that while I do
jest, it does seem you are most calm when addressing the Great Merin. |
|
| Knowing that she watches over us does put my mind at ease. "For she is the
anchor in the roughest storms." |
|
| Always on top of knowing the scriptures. I never would expect less from you,
Hikaru. |
|
| Again, you flatter me too much, milord. This is something a priest such as
myself should know at minimum. |
|
| While that may be true, I do not believe that should stop me from admiring
your devotion. |
|
| You could easily say that about any other devoted priest of Merin, milord. |
|
| I don't believe I could. Because they're not you, Hikaru. |
|
| Milord, I... Th-Thank you. |
|
| And the scowl disappears once again. Perhaps I should praise you more to
keep it away? |
|
| That is unnecessary! |
|
| A+ Support |
|---|
| You know, Hikaru, you're getting up there in age- |
|
| I am barely older than you are, milord, but go on. |
|
| Haven't you considered looking for a wife? |
|
| Quite frankly, no, milord. My religious studies and being your
second-in-command already occupy a lot of my time. Adding a spouse to the
picture will just be too much. |
|
| But what about all those times you have been my wingman? I'm sure at least
one of those stunning beauties caught your eye at least once. |
|
| I am not obsessed with women like you are, milord. |
|
| I will choose to ignore that remark. However, Hikaru, please understand. I
am not saying this as your superior, but as your friend. I don't want you to
be alone and unhappy in the future. |
|
| Milord, I promise you that I am happy with the way I'm living now. And I
won't be alone because I'll have you. Unless you want to hire another
right-hand man anytime soon? |
|
| I wouldn't dream of it. But what about when I find a wife of my own? It
will happen someday, I'm sure. |
|
| "A fisherman who casts will eventually reel something in," as the saying
goes... That aside, The Great Merin provides some company as well. Her
teachings will always provide comfort. You need not worry about me, Lord
Masashi. Though, part of me is glad you show so much concern for my
well-being. I am grateful to have someone like you in my life. |
|
| I can say the same to you, Hikaru. And you're right. I have nothing to
worry about. You have already found fulfillment despite your young age. |
|
| Didn't you just say that I am "getting up there"? |
|
| You are barely older than I am, though. You've still got some youth in
you. |
|
| Whatever you say, milord. |
|