Chapter 107: The Führer and Strait Defense
Let us turn back the timeline a bit, to a time shortly after the Londeria’s home fleet was annihilated in the Scullflow Offshore Naval Battle.
“Hohoho, we elves are invincible. Have you seen this brilliant victory? I blew away those humans’ filthy little boats with my Basileus-class magic cannon.”
“It was truly an exhilarating sight to see. This is the accomplishment of the magical technology of the elves of the superior race. It’s not something that can be imitated by inferior humans.”
“Commander Kussainer’s precise command was also remarkable. I’m sure Comrade Gilieza will be pleased.”
Basileus-class frozen battleship Khoroshiy Lenin.
On the bridge, Commander Kussainer, the Chief of Staff, the Captain, and others were at the height of their arrogance as they watched the Londerian ship sink.
Well, I suppose that’s inevitable.
Their state-of-the-art frozen ships easily overwhelmed and destroyed the outdated Londeria fleet.
On the other hand, the Elfusia fleet is unscathed. On the contrary, it showed an overwhelming performance difference that was beyond those of traditional ships, such as blowing up a first-class ship of the line with a single blow.
There’s no way they wouldn’t feel good after engaging in such a battle.
――”Humans are not to be feared.”
As a result of their complete victory, they became overconfident and began to plan further advances.
“Commander Kussainer, whether it’s the Yamato Empire or whatever, I know that human technological capabilities are not very impressive. They are no longer the enemy of the elves.”
“I agree with the Chief of Staff’s opinion. Commander Kussainer, let us continue our swift advance as it is and cut off the humans’ supply lines. Let’s make an advance on the Londeria Strait.”
An enthusiastic commander, followed by his captain.
Their target was the Londeria Strait.
It was a key point for the Yamato Empire, connecting the eastern continent and the Kingdom of Londeria.
If they lose control of this strategic point, they won’t be able to maintain control of the sea route to ensure the supply line to the Kingdom of Londeria and the success of their military efforts.
That’s how important this strait is.
Of course, the Yamato Empire is well aware of such things. They have deployed the main force of the fleet of the Londeria region and are fully prepared…
“Hohoho, I guess so. Judging by the human capability in this naval battle… Our fleet alone is enough to take down the enemy supply line, the Londeria Strait.”
“Let us be the first to spearhead the control of the straits before the other fleets get a head start on the battle. From this point on, the war will be all about the taking of the spoils.”
“…Very well, then let’s advance. Navigator, set the course for the Londeria Strait, and I leave the route up to you.”
Well, matters like defense preparations don’t concern the complacent elves.
Based on the reasoning that humans are weak, the Kussainer fleet separated from the main force without permission conducting the operation to seize northern Londeria and advancing swiftly towards the south.
They were on their way to the Londeria Strait.
……And then, back to the present time.
☆☆☆☆☆
The Führer’s ship, Akitsushima, leads a fleet as it moves forward over the sea.
Sitting next to me in the Führer’s seat, which is not a commander’s seat on the bridge, Captain Yozakura-san, says with a chuckle, “You had a lot of fun earlier, Your Excellency.”
As for what happened a little while ago…
“Could it be that the sounds from the bedroom were leaking out?”
I couldn’t sleep last night, so as soon as I boarded the ship, I headed straight to the cabin and was napping with Ayame-san until just a little while ago.
Could it be the voice from that time?
You see, I couldn’t play last night because of Lynn-san, so Ayame-san was even more intense than usual today, and no matter how soundproof Akitsushima’s bedroom is, it might have leaked a little bit of sound…
“Oh, in the bedroom? No, I just thought so when I saw you being carried around by Chief Ayame-dono when you boarded the ship…”
Is there a problem while I am sleeping? Yozakura-san asked with a scary look on her face.
Mmm… So it was at that time.
That’s not to say I was having fun or anything, I was just too sleepy to walk, so Ayame-san carried me around while we boarded the ship from the car.
“…As for the bedroom, it’s also okay. See, Ayame-san is there with me.”
“That’s what worries me most…”
After Yozakura-san said this, she bowed to me and stepped back, approaching Ayame-san, who was standing behind me with a serious look on her face.
Then she whispers something.
……I don’t quite hear what they’re talking about.
Something, “Führer is sacred and must not be violated”, “Preserving the Führer’s purity”, and so on…
Umm, is this a difficult topic related to the constitution?
Ayame-san looked annoyed and said, “It’s okay because it hasn’t been broken yet. Eryu-san is chaste”, but… Yeah.
Let’s leave the slightly complicated discussion to Ayame-san.
More importantly, the real issue is the Elfusia fleet.
According to the Navy’s reconnaissance unit, part of the Elfusia fleet, which was in the middle of a landing operation in northern Londeria, suddenly changed course and headed south.
They’re approaching the Londeria Strait.
Thanks to this, I have to go out on a mission myself. Look, this Akitsushima is true to its reputation as the Führer’s exclusive ship, so it won’t set sail unless I’m on board.
Honestly, the Imperial Guard is quite troublesome.
Saying something like it’s to protect the Führer, and they won’t leave me.
……That’s enough complaining about the imperial guard for now.
“Yozakura-san. Do we know the location of the enemy fleet?”
“…That’s why, Chief Ayame-dono. The Führer is the property of all Imperial subjects, and her purity is not something you can take away as you please… Ah, yes, of course you are already aware. I will inform you of the periodic reports from the navy’s submarines and reconnaissance air squadrons.”
Hmm, I’m curious about the content of the first conversation, but anyway, it’s fine as long as we can grasp the situation.
So, what about their force…
“There are four battleships and four heavy cruisers. In terms of the overall number of fleets, we have the advantage, but…”
“The enemy has the advantage in terms of main battleships over us, who have only one, the Akitsushima.”
The main ships of my fleet are only the Führer’s ship, Akitsushima, and four outdated armored cruisers of the Izumo-class.
Besides that, there are 4 Agano-class anti-aircraft cruisers and 16 destroyers
There are also 4 Agano-class anti-aircraft cruisers and 16 destroyers as auxiliary vessels… Setting aside the destroyers, the Agano-class ships are specialized in anti-aircraft roles and are not effective for anti-ship combat.
“…What are the capabilities of the enemy ship? I hear it’s quite excellent.”
“Based purely on photo reconnaissance, the battleship class has considerably large turrets. Most likely, four twin-mounted turrets, each with 30cm cannons, for a total of eight cannons.”
“So, it has a bit more firepower than the Empire’s Ibuki-class and about the same as the Fuji-class? How is the defensive capability?”
“It’s certainly equal to or greater than the frozen ship we discovered previously off the coast of the Black Elven Empire. Judging from the size of the hull… I think it can withstand at least a 30cm shell.”
Hmmm, it seems that the enemy ship is quite high-performance.
Overall, is it just as capable as the first dreadnought battleship in my country, the Fuji-class.
If that’s the case, no matter how high-performance Akitsushima is, it might still be in trouble…
“You don’t have to be so anxious, Eryu-san. It seems that the speed of the enemy ship is approximately 20 knots, so the Akitsushima, with a maximum speed of 30 knots, can escape.”
Besides, the demon lord has been deployed to an airfield nearby, so if push comes to shove, we can manage by relying on the demon lord.
Then, Ayame-san replied with a smile.
Relying on the demon lord… Well, if it’s that person I think he could sink a battleship in a single blow.
Moreover, even without the demon lord, they should be deploying a considerable number of air units to Londeria.
Um, if I remember correctly…
“It’s the air squadron deployed in Londeria, right? There are 288 fighter aircraft, 192 light bombers, 144 attack aircraft, and 144 heavy bombers.”
……Yes, even if I didn’t say it out loud, Ayame-san answered me. As expected of Ayame-san, she understands even without me saying it.
When summed up…
“About 768 aircraft. Approximately 200 reconnaissance aircraft, liaison aircraft, and reserve aircraft will be added to this. If you put everything together… is it about 1,000 aircraft?”
……You’re quick at calculations as well, Ayame-san.
“What do you think, Eryu-san? Amazing, isn’t it?” Please don’t make a face like you’re boasting. Beside me, Yozakura-san said, “What’s with this woman?” You’re looking at me like that, aren’t you?
Well, anyway, that doesn’t really matter.
About 1,000 aircraft and one demon lord. With this many, they should be able to carry out anti-ship attacks and achieve a fair amount of success.
If they can sink one or two battleships, we will be able to intercept them with our existing fleet forces, so let’s not lose.
……I mean, why did the Elfusia army come to the Londeria Strait with such a mediocre force?
This is an important supply line for the Yamato Empire. That is something we know, and if they’re not fools, they should know it.
And because it is that important, they should also understand that we have placed sufficient military forces for defense…
However, it is strange that a small-scale fleet is launching an attack without the support of an aircraft carrier.
Surely, there must be something behind it, right?
Like new weapons, new tactics, or ambushes.
It can’t be that they are overconfidently, thinking, “We can take them out!” They probably won’t come at us with something like a light-hearted attitude.
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