Konbini Ossan Volume 10 Chapter 7 — Counter-Offensive Advance
While Shuri-kun, Matsuriya, and Metidovan investigated Naitō’s skill, I decided to carry out what needed to be done on my end.
That was to push back the invading Barometz Duchy army. To counterattack, advance, and drive them away from the Kingdom of Runegard’s borders.
This conflict was caused by Naitō, to begin with. Simply remaining on the defensive would lead nowhere.
That said, it would also be unrealistic to neutralize and capture every single soldier that came our way.
Therefore, to change the situation, we must advance to the capital of the Barometz Duchy, where Naitō is likely located, and deal with him directly.
To achieve that, the most desirable approach is a rapid advance, reaching Naitō before reinforcements can arrive.
With that in mind, I decided to lead Otogi Trading’s defense forces forward, leaving only the Kingdom of Runegard’s national army to guard the border.
We had defeated the forces that advanced alongside Nomura, but beyond them, there would likely be additional defensive units, ordinary civilians and summoned individuals.
We would neutralize them as much as possible along the way, aiming for the capital before unnecessary conflicts could arise from reinforcements arriving from surrounding areas.
The next day, at our encampment during the march.
I went to check on the members of〈Brave Wings〉, as well as Kanehama, Mimori, and Tōdō, who had accompanied us this far.
There had been no combat so far, but if we advanced further, we would inevitably encounter the Barometz Duchy’s forces.
When that happens, the burden on them would not only be physical, but also mental.
So, if they were pushing themselves too hard, I intended to either comfort them or, if necessary, order them to remain behind.
As I approached the tents where they were staying, I happened to run into someone.
“Otogi-san? What brings you here?”
Tomoe Kinoshita-sensei. Their homeroom teacher, and one of the few adults among them.
“Good evening, Kinoshita-sensei. I came to check on everyone. How are they doing?”
“Yes. Now that they know Otogi Trading’s defense forces can restrain civilians without harming them, they look much better than before.”
“Better than before, you say…”
That means they are still feeling the strain.
“If it’s too much for them, they don’t need to stand on the front lines from here on.”
At my words, Kinoshita-sensei shakes her head.
“No. At the very least, I have to go forward. My students are… among those being forced to fight.”
It seems she has already made up her mind. She continues, expressing her feelings.
“Students fighting each other is something that should never happen. But if the situation doesn’t allow otherwise, then at least I want to stand at the front and protect them.
…
If their hearts are going to be hurt, then I would rather take that burden myself-!”
“That’s how we feel too, Sensei.”
Interrupting her was Kanehama, who had come out of the tent.
“If it means you’ll get hurt, then we want to do our part too. That’s why none of us went back. That’s why we came this far.”
As he speaks, Kanehama places a hand on Kinoshita-sensei’s shoulder.
“And more than that… because we have to fight our classmates, we can’t just push that responsibility or pain onto someone else. We have to end this ourselves.
…
That’s why none of us think you should carry this alone. Let’s all do our best together.”
At Kanehama’s words, Kinoshita-sensei nods, her eyes glistening with tears.
“Yes… you’re right. We’re comrades, after all. Let’s do our best together!”
Judging by what I’ve seen, they should be alright.
At the very least, they won’t be crushed by nothing but pain and suffering.
That said, it doesn’t change the fact that this is a harsh situation.
I can feel it again… This desire to end this kind of battle as soon as possible.
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E/N:
This very scenario reminds me of Arifureta's Ai-chan-sensei who had to witness her students killing each other.
Especially, that assassin who goaded an army of monsters to sabotage the Kingdom's granary area, trying to kill her in the process… Dang, the anime was a bit emotional.
Stay tuned!
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