"The Talented Dragon Hides Its Claws" ~ The Eldest Son of the Baron Family, Called Useless, is Actually One of the World's Strongest ~ - Episode 8

About a month and a half had passed since Ryu succeeded the baron family. The territory reforms were progressing as initially planned, and now there were almost no doubts about the new lord. Additionally, the incident in question was gradually forgotten over time, and not only the citizens but also the adventurers and merchant guilds began to be aware of their connection to Arden once again.

“Lord, good morning.”

Good morning.

Ryu raises one hand and returns the greeting to the maid.

I took a few more steps and opened the conference room door.

“I’m sorry for being late.”

There, the figures of Sebas and Silva.

“No, no, we just arrived as well.”

“Don’t worry about it.”

Ryu sat down in the honored seat.

“Well then, shall we get started? The one-on-one tester operation meeting.”

“Hah”

In fact, the gag order regarding the Mantesuta Baron family has not yet been lifted. Based on the results of this meeting, we plan to first announce it to the Adventurers’ Guild, then to the Merchants’ Guild, and finally to the residents and others. The reason for prioritizing the guilds is simply to receive support in terms of combat power and supplies. According to Ryu’s estimates, the Arden Baron family alone should be able to handle the situation, but since there are no

By the way, yesterday, Mother Iris pressed Ryu, saying, “Let me join the meeting too.” Her participation, being so wise, would be a dream come true for him, but he had to decline, considering her health.

However, in return, I ended up delegating almost all the governance of the territory taken from Manster to my mother. This way, Ryu can also focus solely on fighting, killing two birds with one stone. By now, my mother is probably gathering excellent servants in her room and holding meetings with great enthusiasm.

Silver asks.

“To be frank, may I ask what kind of strategy you plan to use to defeat the Man Tester? The other day, you mentioned that you would first defend thoroughly to weaken the opponent, and then switch to offense.”

“The basic tactical considerations haven’t changed. With that premise, let’s continue the discussion. First, the routes they will use to attack us are limited to two dues to the terrain: through the forest and along the highway. However, I believe they will attack us from both.”

“I agree.”

“Therefore, we will station 80% of the knights along the highway and place the remaining 20% along with the adventurers near the entrance of the forest.”

“…Huh?”

It’s no wonder Silver raised a question. It was unbalanced no matter how you looked at it.

Ryu continues without worrying.

“Just between us, I think we could leave the forest to the adventurers and send all the knights to the highways.”

“Please tell me the reason.”

“The period during which the mantester conducted the forest survey was at most about a month. That wouldn’t even allow them to grasp the basics of the forest. No, it’s impossible. Only someone who knows the forest inside and out, like me, would understand this. For that reason, in the case of the forest, it is far more efficient to set traps in advance and lure them into the ‘danger zones of the forest’ rather than confronting them head-on.”

“What is the danger zone in the forest?”

“To put it simply, it’s a den of monsters.”

“I see. But do you think we can guide them so smoothly?”

“Of course I can. Do you have any idea how many years I’ve been living in the forest?”

Although he hasn’t mentioned it here, Ryu has already run numerous simulations in his mind. As a result, this strategy had the highest probability of success.

At this point, Sebas snorted with a “Hmph.”

“Well, there is no one in this world who can refute Lord Ryu on this matter. Not in terms of experience or intellect… you know.”

“But if we lose, we’ll be invaded, you know?”

“However, since we are keeping 20% of the knights and adventurers on standby, there shouldn’t be any problems.”

“That’s true, but… I can’t agree with that.”

“By the way, how do you intend to participate, Ryuu-sama?”

“I plan to take command on the forest side. If the enemy is plotting something, I think it’s highly likely they’ll set it up on the forest side.”

“Hmm. If ‘that Lord Ryu’ is participating, then it’s all good.”

“So, Sebas, you’ll take care of the mansion, and Silva, you’ll be in charge of the highway defense unit. Especially the latter, since after defeating the enemy forces, you’ll be attacking Manster, so make sure to organize everything thoroughly.”

“Understood.” “Y-yes.”

What on earth is Sebas saying…? No matter how exceptional Lord Ryu is, he is still just a fourteen-year-old boy with no experience in war.

The meeting continued after that, but…

“Lord Ryu”

“What’s wrong?”

“I agree with the operation itself, but I just can’t accept the distribution of the troops.”

“Is it about sending only 20% of the knights to the forest?”

“That’s right.”

“Hmm. So, what will it take for you to agree?”

“Even if you say that… if you could just increase the percentage normally, that would be fine…”

Sebas clapped his hands.

“Wouldn’t it be better if Captain Silver actually sparred with Lord Ryu?”

“！？”

Silver’s eyes widened.

However, contrary to Silver, Ryu agreed with that opinion.

“Indeed, that might be possible.”

“If the commander knows that 20% of the knights and all the adventurers, along with one of ‘Arden’s top forces,’ will be added, even Commander Silver will nod in agreement.”

“The greatest force of Arden…? You don’t mean to say that you intend to not only command but also wield the spear yourself, do you?”

“Ah. That’s the plan, but…”

Hearing Ryu’s light response, Silver clenched his hands tightly and trembled quietly.

“Ryuu-sama, if I may, it would be wise not to underestimate war… no, battle. For some reason, Sebas has been agreeing with you since earlier, but from my perspective as the commander of the knights, you are still quite inexperienced. Certainly, compared to others your age, you are exceptional, but you are slightly overestimating yourself. Let alone being the highest combat power…”

“Well, I guess we’ll find out once we actually cross swords.”

“……!”

And then Silver declares.

“Then allow me, personally, to correct that sweet misconception for you!!!”

“Ah. I’m looking forward to it.”

About an hour later.

In the center of the training ground, the battered captain lay collapsed, while the unscathed Ryu stood beside him.

“Haa… Haa…”

“……”