Chapter 332
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Chapter 332: Strategy
『Shion, you’re currently being invaded in ten zones, right?』, Demon King Miyu asked without minding me being dumbfounded by her sudden demand.
“That’s correct.”
『I will take half of them. If you decrease the number of zones, it will make it possible to defend the remaining half, correct?』
If I do that, I’ll be able to concentrate my forces which are currently scattered. I won’t go as far as saying that the burden will be halved…if the number of zones that need to be protected drops from ten to five, but the defense will definitely become easier.
“Yes. And as a compensation, you’re telling me to hand you the domains?”
Is it a cheap or high price to pay for escaping the current predicament…? That’s a difficult call.
If she abides by the non-aggression treaty, you can interpret it as forming a wall since she won’t be invading me. But, if I agree to this all too readily…I’ll never know what unreasonable demands she’ll throw my way next time.
Demon King Miyu is seriously a tough customer to deal with…
『Forgive me. It seems I didn’t explain what I mean properly. Because you asked me for the method to resolve this issue, I only told you about the method. Please remember, I wish to have a relationship of equals with me, Shion. Transferring five of your domains to me can hardly be called equal』
“――? Are you going to give them back to me once the Demon King Carnival is over?”
I was bewildered by Demon King Miyu’s sudden remark.
『If you wish, it would be fine to handle it like that afters, but my proposal would be an exchange』
“What do you mean?”
『Would you be interested in exchanging your five domains for five of my domains, facing Gunma or Niigata?』
“So you want to say…we’re equal since we exchange the same number of domains? Isn’t this exchange way too beneficial for the Aster Empire?”
Domains which are currently being invaded as part of a greater enemy advance, and domains that can become front line bases for future invasions as well as safe zones; it looks to me like Demon King Miyu’s proposal is heavily leaning towards being more advantageous for our side.
『No, it’s a prior investment. It’s also possible that we will fall under concentrated fire in the future…just like you right now. If I consider that you will be taking over a part of that invasion for me at such time, it’s not a bad exchange at all』
“I see…?”
『Besides, for some reason or another, you and me have been designated as Thirteen Evil Stars members. As long as the situation doesn’t change drastically…I regard the possibility of you and me falling under concentrated fire at the same time as negligible. Don’t you think we will be able to become the perfect bulwarks for each other?』
I feel like…Demon King Miyu’s words make sense. But, what is it…? This feeling that something is out of place here…?
Am I overlooking something?
“…Is it okay for me to summarize your suggestion, Miyu?”
『Of course, please do』
“We’re going to exchange five domains in order to help me out of my predicament. I will transfer five domains, which are currently being invaded, to you while you will hand me five domains facing Niigata or Gunma.”
『Yes. I think it would be great to exchange them simultaneously, but…if you can trust me, I will take over your domains first. What do you think?』
In peace times, I should probably insist on trading them at the same time, but…right now we’re in the middle of a war. I can’t take it easy.
“I guess I will take advantage of your kindness this time.”
『Thank you kindly. Well then, when can you start…no, let me rephrase that: how long can you hold out?』
“If I get serious, I’ll be able to protect myself with my own power…for as long as it takes.”
That’s no lie. If I get serious, I’d call back my attack teams and solely focus on defense with the forces of the Aster Empire.
『Excuser my question then. What time frame would you hope for?』
“…In three days.”
If I were to speak the truth, I’d say right now. Even as I’m talking with Demon King Miyu, many of my subordinates are being defeated and many items and materials are being plundered.
『If you don’t mind, I will send my subordinates to the domain in Tateyama Town』
“Tha…got it. I will set up a transfer array connecting to the domain to be transferred after the one in Tateyama Town.”
『Understood. I will dispatch five of my subordinates tomorrow at 7』
I almost ended up showing my weakness by saying “That’s a big help.”
She’s truly the worst type of negotiation partner. Demon King Miyu advances the conversation as if she can fully read what I’m thinking. At this rate, I’ll end up piling up big emotional debts with her. It might be for appearance alone, but I’ll push back the slanting balance here.
“It might be impertinent of me, but…what is your Alchemy, Miyu?”
『Hmm? It’s below yours, Shion』
Although I have absolutely no information about her, Demon King Miyu knows my Alchemy rank as if it’s only natural.
“In that case, I will give you a commemorative gift for us having concluded a cooperative relationship. Let me present you with thirteen Orichalcum-made weapons, two each.”
I decided to give her generic weapons that can be made with Alchemy at A. With this, the debt should be repaid…is nothing I plan to tell her. Yet, it solves an emotional issue for me.
『Thank you…?』
Demon King Miyu looked somewhat dumbstruck by my sudden gift. But, if I’m going to press her for answers, now would be the best time, I guess.
“Don’t mind it. We’re going to build a lasting, cooperative relationship from now on, right? Shouldn’t we maintain a favorable relationship through mutual give-and-take?”
『I understand. Once again, I’m looking forward to working with you』
“Yeah, I look forward to working with you as well.”
Right now I can’t even begin to fathom whether I’ll regret or rejoice over my judgment to form a lasting cooperation with Demon King Miyu.
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