By Zephyria Hugo, who had taken Leonardo back to the detention facility, headed straight to the conference room.
When he opened the door to the conference room, the battalion commanders and deputy commanders of the Council’s central branch, their adjutants and middle managers, administrators, and finally, the vice-commander Shorendo were already gathered inside. Some were on missions outside, so not everyone was present, but this number was quite a large gathering for the first time in a while.
As those sitting in their seats tried to get up to greet him, Hugo lightly raised his hand to stop them. Then, he went to the head seat and sat down, opening his mouth.
“Everyone’s here. Sorry I’m late.”
“You said you were playing nanny, so is that why you’re late?”
At Meterion’s words that cut through the silence, the atmosphere turned cold. Hugo only glanced in that direction and didn’t answer. Instead, Venom Thesaurus, the 8th battalion commander, chuckled and said to Meterion.
“Kleinder, you can’t even play nanny, can you?”
As Meterion glared at Venom’s words, Loren Ophians, who was sitting with her arms crossed, slammed her fist on the conference room desk. Everyone’s attention was focused on her at the loud noise, and Loren sent a cold gaze to each of them, warning them.
“Refrain from making unnecessary remarks.”
Venom raised his hands to both sides, silently asserting that he was not at fault. As the conference room became quiet after Loren’s words, Hugo nodded to her.
“Thank you, Loren.”
Soon, Hugo slowly looked around the room and opened his mouth about the main topic of today’s meeting.
“As always, we will proceed with the monthly report first, and then hold a meeting regarding the most important matter on today’s agenda, the dispatch of personnel to the Elder Milli Peninsula. I ask for everyone’s cooperation so that we can finish quickly, as we have gathered during a busy time.”
“Yes, I understand―.”
The people inside the conference room all answered in a loud voice.
Afterwards, the adjutants and middle managers of each battalion came out one by one and began to brief on the missions and various issues they were currently working on. Although there were scribes who wrote the minutes of the meeting separately, Hugo picked up a pen and briefly wrote down the contents of the meeting on paper.
“Recently, random murders targeting nobles have been occurring, and we are investigating the causal relationship.”
“Embezzlement has been occurring repeatedly at the military supply procurement company that supplies to the 3rd Agency….”
“Kidnappings are occurring in the south-central area, and we are investigating the possibility of slave traders or human trafficking….”
“Demon beasts are swarming in the plains area, starting from the midwest, causing numerous civilian casualties….”
“We are investigating cases of Delberg Merchant Group and other merchant groups writing off tail-cutting transaction contracts….”
“During the process of searching for and suppressing evidence items related to anti-government activists, some members of the unit were injured….”
“Discussions are needed regarding the strengthening of the barrier after the closure of the grand plaza north of the imperial capital….”
“Special crackdowns on excessive charges for securing land for the League finals and securing nearby accommodations….”
“…As a result, the construction of the League preliminary stadium is expected to be delayed by about a month more than expected.”
At the last middle manager’s briefing, Hugo narrowed his brows and asked back.
“Is there a possibility of further delays?”
“The period was set generously in negotiations with the construction company, so there is no possibility of further delays.”
“I think you said that before too.”
At Hugo’s cold question, the middle manager who was briefing froze and swallowed hard. At that, Hugo checked the paper and continued.
“It seems necessary to manage the implementation more tightly. Write down the detailed schedule adjustment details, have them checked by the administrator, and report again.”
“Yes, I understand….”
The middle manager, who was bound to work overtime, answered weakly and returned to his seat, sighing without anyone noticing.
Hugo quickly scanned the contents written on the paper. He was so busy that he had no time to breathe, to the point where he wondered if it was right to go to the peninsula at this time. Since three battalions from the southern branch had entered, at least two battalions from the central branch would have to go to match the numbers, but there was a severe shortage of manpower.
After organizing his thoughts for a moment, Hugo raised his head and said to the meeting attendees.
“If there is anything else to say, please do so.”
At that time, Loren raised her hand. Hugo looked at her and gestured as if to tell her to speak.
“Considering that the League is about three months away, it is now necessary to control the area and crack down on crime in earnest. Therefore, instead of separating the kidnapping cases occurring mainly in the south-central area from this, it would be efficient for both sides to increase the number of patrol personnel and form more investigation teams for security reinforcement.”
After Loren finished speaking, the deputy commander of the 10th battalion also raised his hand and continued to speak.
“Recently, as the weather in the central region has warmed up, the number of demon beast appearances has increased exponentially. Currently, some squads belonging to the 10th battalion are out for subjugation, but the number of personnel is severely insufficient. It seems necessary to supplement the force by offering rewards for subjugation and borrowing the power of mercenaries or guilds.”
At that, Shorendo raised his hand and added.
“During the subjugation of the Claria Mountains last time, the planning and coordination office excluded the mercenary management personnel altogether and organized the troops, which caused a lot of trouble. I think additional consideration for that is also necessary.”
Hugo nodded and looked around, asking.
“Any other comments?”
The conference room became quiet as if there was no one else to speak. Hugo looked at it and said lightly as if summarizing.
“As for the distribution of troops, we will hold another meeting centered around Shorendo when the plan is drawn up. We will end the monthly report here and move on to the peninsula issue immediately since we don’t have much time.”
“The Elder Milli Peninsula is a hot and humid volcanic zone, and it is a region where a large-scale volcanic island with about 2,000 large and small peaks was formed, then the ground rose and magma flowed into the inland, becoming a peninsula. Although 95% are dormant volcanoes, the remaining 5% of active volcanoes include all the large peaks with high altitudes.”
“The territory closest to the peninsula is Fidele Territory, but recently, the appearance of demon beasts has increased excessively, and all residents near the border area have been relocated to the center of the territory.”
Two analysts first briefed on the overall terrain and environment of the Elder Milli Peninsula.
The content that the people gathered here had to decide at the meeting was to determine the battalion to leave for the expedition and the overall period and number of personnel to be deployed.
“As you’ve heard, the Elder Milli Peninsula is a volcanic zone. Moreover, the internal environment is not well known. The superiors have instructed us to subjugate, but since there are many rare minerals and resources, we will also need an exploration team to conduct intermediate exploration and personnel to escort them.”
As soon as the analyst’s briefing was over, Hugo opened his mouth first.
“In my opinion, even if we exclude some companies in charge of major tasks, we should dispatch at least two battalions, including the battalion commander. I would like you to freely express your opinions.”
At Hugo’s words, the 10th battalion commander Mare Magnus asked back in a rather negative tone.
“My opinion is a little different. Wouldn’t two battalions be too many?”
At that, Hugo nodded as if to tell him to speak.
“Let’s hear the reason.”
“The Elder Milli Peninsula was put off for a long time, and then the superiors suddenly brought it up. We don’t know how long it will take, and since the southern troops are already stationed there, wouldn’t it be better to go and come back quickly with a small number of personnel?”
At that time, the vice-commander Shorendo intervened.
“It is true that the southern troops are stationed there, but there is little progress and there are not enough troops to deploy, so they requested support from the central region. When I went to inspect, the southern branch buildings were empty because a large number of unit members were out.”
He turned his gaze back to the audience and continued.
“When the peninsula is divided into four regions in the east, west, south, and north directions, the closest place to Fidele Territory is the north. But the problem is that half of the current troops are only defending there. We need to get into the inner core area quickly, but we can’t even set foot there.”
“…….”
“Meanwhile, all the rugged peaks where the demon beasts’ nests are believed to be located are in the south. The north is just the entrance. It’s not that subjugation is easy with a large number of personnel, but I don’t think it’s something that can be solved by going with a small number of personnel.”
Mare, who heard Shorendo’s words, hesitated a little and then opened his mouth firmly again.
“The 10th battalion has almost no personnel available for dispatch. The demon beasts in the midwest plains alone are a headache….”
At that, the 4th battalion commander Andreas retorted.
“Hey, Commander Magnus. If you say it like that, where is there any spare manpower here? Everyone is putting off what they were in charge of and going out. Would you say that even if the 10th battalion was the one going on the expedition?”
“What do you mean, Fredrik?”
“I mean, would you be able to say that even if your battalion was going to Elder Milli? If only the 10th battalion from the central region was sent to Elder Milli, wouldn’t it be difficult?”
At Andreas’ words, Mare retorted as if he felt a little unpleasant.
“Are you saying that I’m speaking carelessly because I thought from the beginning that our battalion wouldn’t go? Rather, Fredrik, isn’t it easy for you to say that because it’s a foregone conclusion that the 4th battalion will be excluded because you hurt your arm?”
“Why are you saying it like that again? When did I say that?”
As Andreas smiled bitterly, Noel Presentia, the 11th battalion commander, mediated between the two.
“Mare, you shouldn’t say that since Andre didn’t hurt his arm on purpose. And Andre, you may not have meant it that way, but in the circumstances, Mare could have felt unpleasant enough. Refrain from it unless you want to start a fight.”
“Okay.”
Andreas seemed to want to say something more, but he closed his mouth as if he agreed with Noel’s words. As the atmosphere that was about to get bad seemed to be resolved, Noel continued to speak one more word.
“I think it’s too much to send two battalions. Wouldn’t it be better to divide them into company size and send them? Considering calling for support later.”
However, it was the 8th battalion commander Venom Thesaurus who poured oil on the fire that was about to go out again.
“What if there are no personnel available for immediate dispatch when you call for support? Are you going to request it from the western branch? And, they’ll be busier than the 10th battalion hunting demon beasts in the midwest plains. Let’s just say it openly. You don’t want to go.”
“When did I say I didn’t want to go?”
Mare flared up at Venom’s words. At that, Venom chuckled and looked around, then continued.
“Everyone, tell me honestly, why are you resisting more than usual? Is it just because the place you have to go is the Elder Milli Peninsula? No, you’re actually afraid of that guy, aren’t you?”