Torn Asunder by War, A Sword Saint for Tomorrow X The Knight Wizards!! – Chapter 107

Chapter 107: Persuasion Requires Sincerity
  Revia’s mood was exceptionally foul, each test firing of the Wired Burst Knuckle sending pangs of pain to her left fist through the sensory link with the Clawsolas. Once the necessary verification was complete and the unit was kneeling, she silently proceeded with the steps required for disembarking.
  
  Hoping to escape the somewhat awkward atmosphere, I quickly stepped onto the chest armor plate that served as a foothold and used the built-in wire pedals to descend to the ground.
  
  Not long after, a wind magic updraft formed beside me, and the red-haired girl, holding down the skirt of her mage uniform, landed lightly and gracefully on the grassland, her descent slowed by the wind.
  
  “Um, well… I have some canned peaches. I don’t have them with me right now, but…”
  “Yeah, it’s obvious, but I love them, so I’ll take them. However!”
  
  Her eyes likely narrowed, she turned her gaze to the approaching group from the maintenance crew and cornered Lady White Fox, who was delighted with the successful data collection of the meticulously crafted armament, along with the twin elves.
  “Nina-sama, why would you create something so self-deprecating?! You said before that you hated romantic weapons, didn’t you?!”
  
  “Ugh, that’s hard to answer, but it’s a weapon based on an idea that doesn’t exist in this world, and it’ll be a surprise attack that catches people off guard. Yeah, it’s okay, I’m not wrong.”
  
  Is she at least somewhat aware of her double standard…? The lady, who had once averted her gaze, straightened up and grabbed Revia’s shoulder as she was about to “grr grr” and bite, spun her around, and pushed her back towards me.
  
  I received my partner, who was groaning with narrowed eyes, but I also agreed that it was quite painful, so I voiced my complaint.
  
  “It’s hard to use casually in this state. I’d like you to reinforce the Clawsolas’ left fist a little more, at least.”
  “Yes, I’ll instruct the alchemists to increase the black iron content.”
  
  “Hmm, but that will make it heavier.”
  “I’m worried about the decrease in flight speed. After all, power is determined by mass and velocity.”
  
  The twin elves, now completely reconciled with Nina, twitched their long, bamboo-shaped ears, insisting that the optimal balance should be prioritized. Feeling a slight sense of unease about this, I turned my gaze towards the sound of engines echoing from the forest and saw several captured Gladius units.
  
  Most of the pilots were squire and apprentice mages who had been given battlefield commissions. I had been told last night that the purpose of the training was to familiarize them with the Clawsolas, including the senior knights like Rita who had changed their Clawsolas type.
  
  “If they get badly damaged, Crew Chief Jax will flip out, won’t he?”
  “Ugh, it’s sad that it’s not someone else’s problem.”
  
  After picturing the immigrant American instructor in my mind, I focused on the mock battle that had begun with Revia, whose mood had improved slightly. I observed for a few minutes, focusing on the pilots’ skills, and noticed a slight discrepancy.
  
  “They’re moving better than I expected. Is it because the Clawsolas are an evolved model?”
  “Hmm, maybe they’re close to the training Clawsolas in the capital, but…”
  
  “Ah, they’re charging in recklessly because they can move them a bit too well.”
  “So, Claude feels that way too?”
  
  The sight of them swinging their specialized halberds with all their might, like some boar girl, was brave, but their footwork was wasteful, and the strain on the artificial muscles in their arms was high.
  
  Since they were only given temporary battlefield commissions and not actual battlefield promotions that would be conferred later, they probably wanted to catch the eye of the Captain and Vice-Captain who were observing.
  
  ‘Considering it’s counterproductive because they’re overdoing it, once we’ve successfully integrated the surrendered Rigsia knights, it might be better to continue entrusting them with most of the Clawsolas.’
  
  I felt bad for those who were working hard, but if the reports from the scout squads, who were still dispersing at regular intervals with signal pistols in hand, were accurate, the remaining forces under Heisel’s command were only about three thousand regular troops. Unless there was a surprise attack, there should be few opportunities for the giant knights to play an active role.
  
  
  With these circumstances in mind, we resumed our advance. When we were passing through the Legald Territory, which seemed to be under the rule of a neutral noble who had been persuaded to our side, we were contacted by the Imperial Faction. With our guidance, an envoy accompanied by several guards visited our Knight Kingdom’s encampment.
  
  The old man, who introduced himself as Aldabert of the Senate, seemed to have taken a liking to the herbal tea specially made by Fine. He showered the Knight Captain’s adopted daughter with praise and became friendly with Xenos, who was also present. After some conversation about the situation in neighboring countries, he finally got to the main point.
  
  “How far will you go along with Nina Valer?”
  “It wouldn’t be in our national interest to blindly agree with her, young king.”
  
  The man, who had the air of a wise man with a military background, reached for the refreshments without hesitation and admonished me with a casual attitude. At first, he hinted at the possibility of the Lindenbaum Territory forces, which bordered our country, advancing, but he spoke reasonably, so I couldn’t be rude to him.
  
  He declared that it was a sign of sincerity in negotiations to guide the other party by correctly presenting their interests, and continued to elaborate on his theory while observing my reaction with interest.
  
  “I understand that Lady White Fox has offered your country a considerable amount of benefits. However, if you misjudge the appropriate compensation and make excessive payments, it will be an act of betrayal to your people.”
  
  “I appreciate your advice, but the destabilization of the Empire is equally undesirable. I would like you to stop the pointless infighting and focus on dealing with the “Hour of Ruin”.”
  
  When I replied with a slight sigh, the man laughed and nodded in agreement. “It’s truly human-like that we can’t unite as one despite having a common enemy,” he said nonchalantly.