The Neighborhood High School Girl, Miss Isezaki, Is the Great Saintess Returned from Another World~ And I, Suddenly Awakened as Her Exclusive Mana Supply Uncle, Travel Between Earth and Another World with Time-Space Magic~ - 150. Fortress Impregnability

150. 150. 150. 150. Fortress Impregnability

Back in the headquarters room once again. This time, Captain Hige began to speak. To summarize his story, it went something like this:

Two nights ago, Carius soldiers, as usual, were monitoring the Digram army stationed on the other side of the border. Suddenly, they noticed Digram soldiers moving from their frontline base.

In this area, skirmishes between the two armies were common. So, while Carius troops were on alert for a potential attack, the Digram soldiers left their base without any apparent concern and scattered like spiders.

Although they continued to monitor and remain vigilant for some time, after the soldiers left, there was no further movement. Even when provoked, there was no response from the Digram side.

“So, we concluded that the Digram army abandoned the base and retreated.”

Captain Hige, who had initially been haughty, changed his tone toward me and closed his mouth after saying this. He’s actually a high-ranking person, so it’s okay if he wants to be haughty.

“I heard about it, but it’s really a tense situation, huh? It seems stressful,” Regina commented.

Captain Hige shook his head in response. “No, once fierce battles used to take place here, but now, the aim is to prevent each other from mining the mana stone ore by continuing these minor skirmishes. It’s better than before.”

About ten years ago, the king mediated between the Counts of Carius and Digram, advancing discussions of a marriage alliance, which eventually led to the current situation of minor skirmishes.

Honestly, if the marriage alliance had gone smoothly, we wouldn’t need to do any of this. I think Delixir and the Digram lord’s son should have worked harder. But that’s just me, someone who’s unmarried and has no desire to marry.

“For the time being, I understand the current situation. Now, we’ll talk about setting up the fort…”

If there’s no sign that the enemy is going to attack, I’d like to finish my job now. I ask Captain Hige where I should set up my fort.

“Hmm, yes. As for the location of the fortress… I’d like it to be built around here if possible.” Captain Hige pointed firmly at a spot on the map.

Looking at the map, it was further into Digram territory, on the side of a mountain slope. Captain Hige continued, his eyes gleaming.

“The terrain in Digram territory beyond this area is rugged, making it suitable for fortress construction. A fortress is not just something to build; it’s something to keep the enemy out. I laughed at the idea of a fantasy, but if it can be realized, this place is the best candidate.”

Indeed, that makes sense. If I’m going to build something, I’d like to build an impregnable fortress.

However, while looking at the map, Isezaki-san spoke to Captain Hige.

“Um, Captain Hige? There’s a Digram military base at the foot of the mountain you indicated. It seems the soldiers have judged it as a retreat, but have you investigated the base? Without confirmation, setting up the fortress could be risky.”

It seems Isezaki-san also referred to him as Captain Hige in her mind. Captain Hige’s face tensed as if he wanted to say something but then responded to the question.

“It’s not Captain Hige, it’s Higuner, Lady… Of course, Lady, as you say. Reconnaissance was scheduled for tonight. If you can wait a bit longer, we will organize a reconnaissance team and investigate. Then, once we secure the area, we can proceed with setting up the fortress—”

“That’s a bit slow, isn’t it? We’ll go investigate ourselves.” Regina interrupted. Seriphos nodded in agreement.

“Since we don’t understand the reason behind Digram’s actions, spending time only benefits the enemy. I believe it’s best for us to go directly for investigation. Once we confirm safety, we can climb the mountain and set up the fortress as quickly and effectively as possible.”

“That’s right, I have no objections.”

“…Makes sense.”

Gandor and Notos also seemed to agree. And Isezaki-san—

“I think that’s fine too. How about you, sir?”

Everyone seemed enthusiastic. Colin was the only one sitting in a chair, dozing off peacefully.

Certainly, as they said, it would be quickest to investigate the base, confirm its safety, and then proceed to climb the mountain and set up the fortress.

We still don’t know the movements of the Digram army, but if we can build an impregnable fortress while the cat’s away, so to speak, then that would be the best job.

“Yeah, let’s go with that.” I nodded to Isezaki-san, and our future course was decided.

And so, we persuaded the reluctant Captain Hige and headed to the frontline base after the Digram army had retreated.

—

We immediately began our journey to the Digram army base.

Although it was already dusk, the moon was bright in the sky, and the ground was clearly visible.

Yesterday, I think the moon was green, but tonight it’s red. Perhaps because there was a bandit attack during the last red moon, I’m not feeling too good about it, but I can’t dwell on it.

Led by Regina, we entered the fenced facility.

The reconnaissance team consisted of “Stinger,” Isezaki-san, Colin, and me. Additionally, there were two soldiers from the Carius army that Captain Hige had assigned as guards and liaisons. Regina wasn’t pleased with the small team for reconnaissance, but it was necessary.

The Digram base didn’t seem much different from the Carius one.

There were stone buildings, tents scattered around, and a large watchtower in the distance. However, the lack of any sign of people was still eerie.

After inspecting several buildings, Regina expressed her thoughts.

“…Still no one here. In fact, it looks like they’ve left food and clothing behind. Maybe it’s not a planned operation.”

If the military is retreating in such haste, I think it would be alright to find traces of the cause. But for now, there’s nothing of the sort.

While examining notable buildings, we eventually arrived in front of the largest one in the vicinity. According to the Carius soldiers, it was accommodation for ordinary soldiers to sleep in.

Suddenly, Isezaki-san sniffed the air.

“…Doesn’t it smell weird?”

“Huh? Really…” I quickly grabbed the collar of my coat and smelled it. I’m not allowed to smell-harass Isezaki-san. But she responded in a panic.

“N-no, it’s nothing! Sir smells really nice!”

“I-I see…” It seems I smell good. She said something similar the other day, but it still feels awkward and kind of subtle.

“Not that, but from inside this building…”

“Yeah, there’s definitely a strange smell coming from it. Not a pleasant one.” Regina quickly stood by the door, furrowing her brows.

“We need to be prepared. Matsunaga-san, stay back a bit.” Isezaki-san and I distanced ourselves from the door, while Regina placed her fingers on the door handle. The other members had already armed themselves, ready for action.

“Alright, here we go—” Regina signaled quietly and then forcefully pushed open the door.

—

Original Author’s Comment:

Postscript:

Finally, we’ve reached Chapter 150! Thank you so much to everyone who has been reading this far!

If you’d like, on this occasion of Chapter 150, I’d be delighted if you could click on the stars to show your support for the story by going to this link (https://kakuyomu.jp/works/16817330650440318002/reviews/new).

Support from readers like you is what motivates me to write. Thank you very much!