I spent the night in Mantova.

The next day, I gave instructions in front of the soldiers…

To be honest, there was no clear answer as to what kind of instruction was best.

I can’t do anything that will demoralize them.

Lying on the surface is no good because it makes me look foolish.

I don’t care if I have to risk my own life because of a silly lie.

I cannot make others risk their lives for such a thing.

Maybe this is why I am called a hypocrite.

If someone hates me, they will hate me to the bone.

So, I decided to give my own personal admonition.

I would not do anything that would not suit me.

In front of the soldiers who had lined up, I cleared my throat.

“Soldiers defending Ravenna. This castle is to be used in conjunction with Antium, the second city, to deter the enemy. If they attack this castle, Antium will get in the enemy’s rear. If the enemy ignores this castle, we can cut off their supply lines and force them to retreat.”

It may seem pointless to talk strategy to soldiers.

But… it’s much better than being kept in the dark.

I take a breath and open my mouth.

“The castle is so strong that it can hold out for half a year against an attack of 1,000 enemies. It is also well supplied with food using water transportation, and can actually withstand an attack for more than half a year. There is no enemy in Ravenna that can conduct a siege longer than that. As for armament and training, you, the soldiers, know best. Your commander-in-chief, Sir Poncio, is a very capable commander who has successfully defended against the enemy’s attacks in the past battles.”

I did not say anything false.

I looked around at the soldiers, but none of them had a blank expression on their faces.

So far, so good.

If I went on too long, it would get dull.

It’s time to wrap it up.

“I have created an environment for you soldiers to be able to fight. It is my responsibility to do so, just as it is the responsibility of the soldiers who risk their lives to protect everyone else. If only you do your best and I neglect my duty, it will be impossible to fight. The reverse is also true. It is only when both of us fulfill our duties that we can accomplish the task of protecting our fellow citizens. So I would like to say to you, soldiers. Let us work together to protect everyone. That is all.”

I stepped back and Poncio stepped forward.

“Long Live Ravenna!”

The soldiers salute in unison.

The salute was much debated, but it was thrown to me.

The salute was completely different among races and regions, and it was sometimes troublesome to choose one over the other.

I decided to go with the ancient Roman salute, just like the history geek I am.

Here, there was no argument that it was similar to the Nazi style.

Palms facing down, arms and fingers fully extended, facing forward.

The hands are slightly raised, palms visible.

At first, the people around me wanted to say “Long Live Lord Alfred,” but I hurried to stop them.

Personal worship is not what I’m after.

The soldiers also chanted to Poncio.

” ” ” “Long Live Ravenna!” ” ” “

I was restless, but if I behaved strangely here, the unrest would spread to the soldiers.

Thus, after the instruction, we were on our way home.

Poncio sees me off.

“My lord. Thank you for that just now.”

Frankly, I’m not sure if that was the right thing to do.

I couldn’t bring myself to say anything that would boost morale or stir things up one way or the other.

On the other hand, it was not right to say something like “life is heavier than the earth”.

At any rate… if they didn’t complain, I’d say it was a good thing.

“It would be nice if it encouraged the soldiers.”

“It’s all right. I assure you.”

He laughed, and then Poncio’s face changed like he was expecting something.

“I wonder when will the demons attack. I’m getting tired of waiting.”

“I would be more thankful if they didn’t attack. It’s best if they just give up.”

“I’m sorry. It’s not that I want to force you to fight.”

I laughed and waved my hand at Poncio, who feels sorry.

“I know. But… it looks like they’re going to attack, but they’re not. You like that kind of teasing play too, don’t you?”

“N-N-No, sir! I am not looking at the demon territory and wondering if they will attack! I have never, ever thought that the moment of being attacked would be irresistible!”

Poncio’s face turned red and he denied it.

At this point, one certainty was born in my mind.

I had a friend who’s an M in my previous life.

An Expert M was amazing.

He was delighted when he was blamed.

Even if the other person pulls out and leaves him alone, he is pleased with the situation.

No matter what he did, he was pleased.

I witnessed a perpetual machine of abuse.

I had no choice but to laugh at that expertness with no blind spot.

When I pointed out his Masochistic behavior, he cringed and denied it….

I felt that same smell in Poncio.

In the first place, why did he have to go to such lengths to explain…

I smiled at Poncio.

“I see.”

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