Rebirth in a Ruined Nation! The Life of a New Strategist Starting From Now - Chapter 15

The 10 Knight Divisions

“I’ve heard about your story from Rays, but I would like to hear it directly from you.”

We were brought to a different room.

The King and Rays-sama, followed by Grantz-sama and Lapilia-sama, took their seats on the table with a familiar gesture.

I just stood there, not knowing where I should sit. Fortunately, the attendant pulled out a chair for me, so I went to that chair and sat down.

“My story as in…”

“Of course, your story about the canning method. Other than me, only few members of the 10th Division are aware of the canning method. I assume you have told no one else?”

“No, I have not. Rays-sama, when you ask me to choose officials I can trust…”

Though I felt bad for ignoring the King, this matter was more urgent. From the looks of things, the canning method ended up becoming a huge deal, so I wouldn’t be able to choose just anyone now. Especially since I was sure the kingdom would put anyone I choose under surveillance.

“I will make my investigation about the people you choose before deciding if they are fit for the work.” 

That wasn’t the reason I asked that question, Rays-sama. But well, we were in front of the King right now so I guess it couldn’t be helped. I would ask him later.

With that conversation done, I explained about the canning method to the King while sipping my tea. What I explained to the King was the same as what I’ve already explained to Rays-sama though. 

“To think that sort of ancient method existed, how interesting. I wonder why such a useful method ended up being forgotten.”

“This is just my speculation but, maybe in that era, an adequate tool to implement that method didn’t exist yet.”

Once again, it was an answer I’d prepared beforehand.

“What do you mean?”

“This is also just my speculation, but perhaps at that era, it was hard to find an airtight container that can be heated safely. From what I knew, the last step of the canning method, which is to let out the air, was the most important step since the shelf life of the canned food after being opened, when the food ended up interacting with the air, was quite short.”

“That makes sense. What do you think, Rays?”

“Yes, that explanation made sense for me too, although it remains a mystery why such a method existed in an era where a simple container that can be heated did not exist.”

“That’s true. But since it might be a method that came from a foreign country, it would be hard for us to pinpoint the exact reason now, so let’s stop here. We can continue researching this matter if the book Roa had read is found.”

“My apologies. It was a book I read when I was a little so…”

“It’s fine. Speaking of which, I’ve also heard that you like to gather information about battles from various eras. Do you have a favorite war commander? Ah, no, it will be more interesting if I phrase it this way. How will you order the 10 Divisions of our country’s Knight Order based on their strength?”

Though I was happy to be asked about my hobby, but ?…this question was hard to answer.

“Your Majesty, please stop playing around.” Rays-sama said.

“You’re right, Rays. I was just playing around so answer it as you please, Roa.”

His Majesty has no intention of letting me not answering, it seemed.

“…Is it fine if I exclude the 1st Division and the 10th Division?”

“That’s fine.”

“Hm…then, in terms of defending, the 4th  Division, the 5th Division, and the 7th Division will be the best.”

“I understand the 4th and 5th , but why the 7th?”

“The general of 7th Division is not well known because he spent a long time as the member of the 3rd Division, but he is originally a member of the 4th Division who climbed up to his current position. His way of defending might be rather unremarkable, but it is solid.”

“…Rays. What duties does the 7th Division currently have?”

“They currently have the duty of protecting the road and helping with the transport of supplies.”

“Roa. Which division is most suitable for protecting the road and helping with the transport of supplies?”

“Personally, I would say…hm…the 3rd Division or the 9th Division.”

“Why? Led by seasoned generals, both divisions are well known to have the best offensive ability in our country.”

“That is exactly the reason. Being led by a seasoned general means both divisions can respond swiftly to any emergencies, without having to wait for instruction from the capital.”

“That’s an interesting perspective. Then there are only the 2nd, 6th, and the 8th Divisions left. What are your thoughts regarding them?”

“…The 8th Division…is special, just like the 1st and the 10th Division, am I right?”

Publicly, the 8th Division was a normal division and their official job was to support other divisions from behind. But the 8th Division has no notable achievement and even I didn’t know who was the leader of the 8th Division.

Thus, I suspect the 8th Division was this kingdom’s intelligence agency.

“…How about the 2nd and 6th Division?” King Zeurasia continued without answering me. Don’t ask, huh.

Originally, there were only 8 Knight Divisions and the current 8th Division was the last division that was created, although this fact was buried under the news that 2 new Divisions were created because of the surplus in the kingdom’s economy and the threat of the empire. I wonder if that was deliberate.

“The two have a good offensive ability. The 2nd Division has a cavalry, so their mobility is the best, while the 6th Division has many achievements in the battle against Gorber. In addition, the leader of the 6th Division was the youngest, so the entire 6th Division is full of vigor.”

That concluded my explanation. Now, let’s see their reaction.

I glanced at the King to see his reaction. He looked like he was thinking deeply, but after a few minutes he finally said, “You have a quite interesting view, Roa. Rays, if not because of your guarantee, I might have suspected Roa was a spy.”

Shoot. Did I get too carried away?

“I heard you like to read all kinds of battle records to the point you forget to eat and sleep, but I didn’t expect your knowledge to be this vast,” Rays-sama said with a slightly astonished expression.

“Mm. This has been quite a pleasant tea time. Roa, you are to be Rays’s attendant, I heard. Come with Rays when I invited him to tea.”

“Huh? Ah, Yes, Your Majesty,” right after I replied like the King said, “Then, let’s call it a day.”

With that, he declared that today’s tea time has ended.

When the four of us stood up and were about to leave, though,

“Ah, you said you are looking for officials you can trust to help you with the research?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“I have people who I thought will be the perfect fit, so will it be fine if you leave the selection to me? How many people do you need?”

It was a question, but since it came from the King, this matter has already been decided. I was planning to ask Yord and Derrick to help me, but if they were going to be surveilled by the country, I’d rather have someone else do the job.

“For the time being, I think 2 people will be enough.”

“Then, I will send 2 people to you soon.”

After that, we finally, truly left the room.

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T/N: I’m looking for an editor! Unfortunately, it will be a voluntary position for now since this is my solo project, but if any of you are interested, please hit me up in discord Nisarah#6284. Thank you!