26.Hush 【遠足は前日が楽しい】
短い期間のうちに戦争の準備をすると決めてから、一二三の日常は多忙を極めた。
部隊の編成に訓練、装備の手配、作戦立案に加えて、新たに領主となったフォカロル及び周辺村落に関する資料を読みながら、これからの政策についても考えねばならなかった。
「まあ出るわ出るわ。使途不明金の嵐だな。よくこれで破綻しなかったもんだ」
王城に複数ある会議のための部屋を一つ専有し、一二三は王都から一歩も出ずに、この部屋で執務をこなして過ごしている。今日この部屋にいるのは、先日ウーラルから買い入れた5人の奴隷達である。
いきなり王城へ連れてこられた奴隷達は、不安にかられながら男女別に部屋を与えられ、初日は一二三が忙しくしていた事もあって、何も指示されずに豪華な食事を恐る恐る食べて眠るしか無かった。
そして二日目、朝から一二三に呼び出されて集められての第一声が、旧ハーゲンティ子爵領に臨時で詰めているサブナクから送られてきた、子爵領の収支計算書を見ての台詞だった。
「とりあえず、適当に座ってくれ。ああ、床じゃなくて椅子にな」
どうしていいか分からず立ち尽くしていた奴隷達に声をかけ、全員が着席したのを確認してから、全員に数枚綴りの紙束をポイポイと配った。
「さて、今からお前たちにやってもらう仕事について説明する。と言っても、しばらくは戦争に行ってくるから、その間はその紙に書いてある事を覚えること」
「あの、ご主人様......これはなんでしょうか?」
一人の女性奴隷がか細い声で質問をすると、一二三は真顔のまま答えた。
「お前たちのために作った教科書だよ」
一二三が作成したのは、掛け算九九と割り算の計算方法について。百分率について。面積や体積の算出方法や簡単な帳簿の付け方だった。
「お前たちには、俺の新しい領地で文官として働いてもらう。その為に、最低これくらいは覚えてもらうぞ」
トントンと指先で書類を小突きながら、全員の顔を見渡して言う。
「ぶ、文官ですか? 奴隷なのに......」
「使えるなら平民も奴隷も関係ない。単に人材を集めるのに手っ取り早いからウーラルの店に行っただけだからな。他に会ったやつで適任者がいれば、都度雇っていくつもりだし」
それよりも、内容について説明するからよく聞けと言われて、奴隷達は必死で書類を睨みつけた。ここで失敗すれば、どういう扱いになるか判らないのだ。
午前中を奴隷達への指導に費やし、後は自習とした。
昼食をさっさと済ませた一二三は、そのまま城を出て、兵舎裏の訓練所に向かった。訓練所と言っても、あるのは街中と思えないだだっ広い空き地だけだが。
一二三がたどり着くと、そこには100名の兵士とオリガ達が待っていた。
「部隊ごとに整列!」
足元に土埃をあげて、100人が背筋を伸ばした。
これまで騎兵か歩兵かが貴族か平民かで分かれる程度だったオーソングランデでは、この編成は困惑を持って受け止められたが、そんな物を一二三が気にかけるはずもなく「いいからそうしろ」の一言で終わっている。
「はっきり言って、戦争のはじめのうちは訓練のつもりだから、気楽にやってくれ。敵は俺が殺すから、その間に何度か作戦行動をやって自分の役割を覚えればいい」
挨拶がわりに掛けられた一二三の言葉で、兵士たちは明らかに動揺している。死にに行けと言う貴族は居ても、気楽にやれと言う貴族はいないのだ。
「一二三サンさ、それじゃ士気が下がるんじゃないかな?」
奴隷から解放されて、変えた呼び方にようやく慣れてきたカーシャが苦笑する。彼女は一番隊隊長として歩兵を率いる役割を任されていた。
「いいんだよ。言うとおりに行動できれば死にはしないから士気はあってもなくても関係ない。特に歩兵隊は工兵と輜重兵の警備が中心だから、多分暇だぞ」
そりゃないよとむくれるカーシャを無視して、それぞれの隊ごとに主な役割とやり方を説明すると言って、二番隊だけを近くに呼び、他の隊は待っている間に走り込みや穴掘りをするように指示した。
オリガを先頭に、工兵として集められた二番隊が一二三の前に並ぶ。
「この中に戦の経験者はいるか?」
一二三の問いかけに数人が手を挙げたので、順番にその時の戦い方を聞いていったのだが、どれもこれも同じようなものだった。要するに、平原に整列して一斉にぶつかり合うという形だ。激突前には、お互いの将同士で何やら決め事をしていたらしい。
一二三は頭を抱えてしまった。想像以上に行儀のいい戦いばかりしか行われていない。こと戦いに関しては、獣人族の方がずっと優秀かもしれない。
「わかった。今までの戦争の経験は全部忘れろ。お前たちの役割は“戦争で楽に勝つために準備すること”だ。一列に並べて突撃しろなんていう事は言わない」
「楽に勝つ準備ですか?」
先頭にいたオリガが、困惑する兵達の代わりに質問する。
「そうだ。最初に攻める街でどういう事をするか説明するから、よく聞けよ」
それから一二三は、部隊ごとにそれぞれの役割や用意する物について説明し、さらに出発までの訓練スケジュールを説明した。
「俺はたまに見に来るくらいしかできないから、隊長がしっかり管理しろよ」
「了解しました!」
アリッサが元気よく答えるが、彼女が率いる偵察役の三番隊の兵たちは落ち着かない様子だ。偵察して敵の情報をいち早く掴んで作戦を立案する。当然の事のように聞こえるが、この世界ではほとんど行われていない。
戦争体験を聞いているうちに、獣人族はそういう事をしている可能性があると一二三は考えたが、今度の相手は人族だからと、頭の隅に置いておく。
「じゃあ俺は出かけるから、後は任せた」
間もなく正式に子爵になるはずの男だが、従者も連れずにぶらりと城下町へと出ていった。
城内を出入りするのは文官や騎士たちだけではなく、もちろん政治の中枢にいる高位の貴族たちも大勢いる。
彼らの多くは一二三が何者で、この世界に来たその日に何をやったかを知っていた。というより、目撃していた。一二三が王都から出ていったと聞いてホッとしたのもつかの間、直ぐにとんぼ返りしてきたと思ったら、何の間違いか英雄扱いされて今度は子爵になるという。
だが、どこにも情報に疎い者はいる。
「王女殿下、いささか一二三という男を重用しすぎかと愚考いたしますが......」
イメラリアの執務室へと訪れ、慇懃に臣下の礼を取りながら言った男は、オーソングランデ王都の南隣の領地を治めるミュンツァー侯爵家次男のデボルドという男だ。
(本当に愚考ですわね)
目の前で言葉を重ねて一二三を非難するデボルドを見ながら、イメラリアは危うく思ったことを口に出してしまうところだった。
デボルドは生来より他人を見下す性格だったが、父である侯爵の助力で能力に見合わない第三騎士隊副隊長という肩書きを得てからは、よりその傾向が強くなった。
剣がうまく使えるわけでもなく、事務的にもお世辞にも優秀とは言えず、周りからすれば取り敢えず毒にも薬にもならない場所に放り込まれただけなのだが、隊士としての経験もないまま副隊長に成れたのは、自分が優秀だからだと思い込んでいる。
「あの方は今やこの国の英雄ですわ。冷遇すれば民衆から反感を買うでしょう。それに、ヴィシーとの間に起きた事に決着をつけるためには、あの方の力が必要でしょう」
「民衆の意見など、我々貴族ましてや、王族たる王女殿下がお気になさる必要はありますまい」
デボルトの狙いはわかりやすいとイメラリアは思っていた。一二三の行動が発端となったヴィシーとの摩擦を解決し、その功績を持ってイメラリアとの婚姻をと考えているのだろう。最大のライバルだったラグライン侯爵家の長男が死に、自分が最有力候補だと“勝手に”思っているらしい。
「では、その役をお任せしましょう」
デボルドに声をかけたのは、イメラリアではなかった。
執務室へ入ってきたのは、ニヤニヤと笑いながら、わざとらしい礼をする一二三だった。
「誰だ貴様は! 今は私が王女殿下から大役を仰せつかっているのだぞ!」
脳内で勝手に進めている内容を喚いているデボルドに、今度こそイメラリアはため息をついた。一二三の非難をしていたくせに、その相手の顔も知らなかったのだ。
「先ほど話題にしてもらった一二三だよ。それより、イメラリア」
「なんでしょう?」
「こいつの申し出は中々良い案だと思うがね?」
「き、貴様! 王女殿下に向かってなんという口の聞き方を!」
一二三の顔を知らなかったことが恥ずかしいのもあってか、首から上を真っ赤にして怒っているデボルドは、大声をあげて一二三を突き飛ばそうとしたが、肩を押した自分の力をうまく返されて床に転がった。
「こ、侯爵に向かって無礼な!」
「勝手に転がったくせに何言ってんだ? それに、後継でもないのに侯爵家を名乗るなよ」
いよいよ我慢の限界なのか、赤黒くなるほど頭に血を登らせたデボルドが、次の言葉を発する前に、イメラリアが口を開いた。
「ミュンツァー、今は一二三様とわたくしが話をしているのです。控えなさい」
「二度は申しません」
キッパリと言われて、デボルドは一二三を射殺さんばかりに睨みつけながら、退室していった。
「で、一二三様の御用はなんでしょう」
「書類に署名を貰いたいんだが」
言いながら、闇魔法収納から取り出した書類を渡してくる一二三に、受け取りながら眉を寄せるイメラリア。
「......拝見しましょう」
書面には、ヴィシーがオーソングランデとの和解を求めるのであれば、ベイレヴラという工作員を事件の重要参考人として引き渡すようにと記され、その行動があって初めて交渉に応じる事ができるだろうとされている。
「......要求だけで、実質は何も約束されていない書面ですね」
「しばらく考えたが、ヴィシーでベイレヴラを見つけて捕まえる方法が思いつかなかった。その文書はある程度ヴィシーを追い詰めてから中央に送りつけてやろうと思う」
「ヴィシー側から引渡しをさせる形にするわけですね」
「応じてくれるなら、だがな」
一二三は執務室に用意された応接へと腰掛け、テーブルにあった焼き菓子を一つ、口に放り込んだ。さっくりと口の中でほどける甘味は、さすがは王女様御用達と思わせる上品さだ。
「こう言ってはなんですが、まだベイレヴラを探すおつもりでしたのね」
「優しいご主人様だろう?」
元だけどな、と言って笑う。
「人は誰しも、直接的にか間接的に何かを殺して生きて、成長していく。あいつらの場合は、たまたまそれが人間相手の騙し騙されの関係で、相手を殺して完結させると決めただけだ。探すだけでも面倒な相手をな。そう思えば、役に立ってくれたご褒美に、片手間でもそれくらいはやってもいいと思っただけさ」
もう一つ、焼き菓子を口に放り込んでいる一二三を見てから、イメラリアは羽ペンを取って署名を入れた。
「こういう事でしたら、喜んで協力しますのに」
インクを乾かすためにそっと息を吹きかけながら、聞こえるかどうかの声で呟いた。
そうして10日が過ぎ、準備を終えた一二三たちヴィシー遠征軍は王都を離れた。
通常であれば、派手に民衆をの視線を集めて堂々と街を出るのだが、一二三の意向で、夜も明けきらないうちに、複数に別れてひっそりと街道へ進みだした。
食料等の物資は、先に国境近くの街フォカロルへ輸送しているので、荷物はほとんどの兵が自分の武器くらいで、輜重隊の馬車が引いている移動中の食料が一番量が多い。
先頭の馬車には、一二三とオリガ達隊長の三人、王女代理の見届け人としてパジョーが同席している。
「......眠いねぇ」
「まだ太陽も出てないしね......」
アリッサとカーシャはまだ完全に目が覚めていないらしい。隊長として示しがつかないので、取り敢えず馬車に放り込んだのは正解だったと一二三は思った。
「フォカロルに着いたら一泊して、また早朝に出発するからな。作戦内容をしっかり確認しておけよ」
「その......私は初めてその“作戦”というものの内容を聞いたのだけれど......」
騎士であるパジョーには、一二三が立案した方法は気が引けるらしい。
「別にお前に何かやれってわけじゃない。それにな、一般の民衆にとっては為政者が誰かなんてあんまり関係ないんだよ。最初は反感を買ったとしても、自分の生活に支障がないとわかったら、あっという間に自分たちの生活に追われるだけだ」
言いかけたのを止めて、一二三はパジョーの目を見る。そこには友好的な感情は無い。あるのは最初に会ったあの夜に見せた、人を殺すときの暗い暗い闇だ。
「俺はこの国を良くしたいとか、民衆のために戦うとかいうつもりはない。ただ満足するまで戦うのに、領地が豊かであるに越したことはないだけだ。お前がそういう国を目指すのは構わないが、それが俺にとって邪魔になるなら殺す」
久しぶりに向けられた一二三の殺意に、パジョーは汗すらかけない。喉が渇いて、息を呑む喉がヒリヒリと痛む。
なんとか目線を逸らさずに言えたのは、一言だけ。
「......私は、この戦いを見届けるだけです」
「そうだ。それでいい」
話は終わったと、一二三は走行中の馬車を飛び出して、並走していた自分の馬に、器用に飛び乗った。
一二三がいなくなってから、重苦しい馬車の中の空気が少しだけ軽くなる。
革製の水筒から水を飲んでいたパジョーに、オリガが声をかける。
「......何かしら?」
「パジョーさんは、一二三様と敵対されることはありませんよね?」
それは、質問の形をした警告だった。
迷うことなく、パジョーは答える。
「私はオーソングランデの騎士だから、その役割を果たすだけよ」
「そうですか。もしその役割とやらが一二三様の邪魔となる時には......あなたの敵になるのは一二三様だけでは無いことを知っておいてくださいね」
アリッサもカーシャも眠ってしまった中、自分も馬に移りたくなったパジョーだった。
Chapter 26: Hush
Since their decision to prepare for war in only a short while, Hifumi's daily life became quite busy.
He had to train the formation of the troops, prepare the equipment, design a strategy, and in addition read up on the documents related to Fokalore and its surrounding settlements after having become the new feudal lord of the area. He had to come up with the future political measures, too.
"Maa, what will happen, will happen. The problem is the unaccounted-for expenditures. The question is how to handle it well in order to avoid bankruptcy..." (Hifumi)
Today there were 5 slaves he had purchased a few days ago from Ular within that room.
The slaves, who were suddenly brought to the royal castle, were driven by anxiety while they were assigned to different rooms split by gender. These hectic and severe circumstances were also caused by Hifumi, who without giving them any kind of instructions, had them do nothing but eating a gorgeous meal and sleeping.
And then, on the next day, after having seen the listings in the accounting book of income and expenditure of the Viscount's territory, which was delivered by Sabnak, who had been dispatched to the territory of the former Viscount Hagenti, Hifumi called for an assembly first thing in the morning.
"First of all, please sit down properly. Ah, not on the floor but on a chair." (Hifumi)
He called out to the slaves who didn't know whether such action would be fine and thus remained standing stock still. After confirming that everyone was seated, he distributed several bound paper bundles to all of them by tossing them.
"Well then, now I will explain the work you are supposed to do for me. Well, although that's what I am saying, in a short while I will be going to war. In the meanwhile you will learn the things written on those papers." (Hifumi)
"Ano, master ... what are these?" (Slave A)
To the question asked by a single female slave in a small voice, Hifumi replied with a serious look,
"Those are the textbooks I made for you." (Hifumi)
Hifumi had written down the methods concerning calculation by division, multiplication by using multiplication tables, percentage calculation, and calculation of size and volume. He also included a simple way of recording an account book. (E:
"I want you guys to work as civil officials in my new territory. For that reason, this is the least amount you have to learn." (Hifumi)
Tapping on the documents with his fingers, he said this to all of them while surveying their expressions.
"Ci-Civil O-Officials? Even though were are slaves ..." (Slave B)
"If I can use them, it doesn't matter whether they are commoners or slaves. I only went to Ular's shop because it was the quickest and easiest way to gather talented personnel. If I meet another qualified fellow somewhere, I intend to employ them whenever possible." (Hifumi)
After having listened properly to the speech you could call an explanation concerning the contents, the slaves frantically glared at the documents.
The entire morning was spent on coaching the slaves. Afterwards it changed into self-study.
Quickly finishing his lunch, Hifumi left the castle and headed towards the training school in the back of the barracks.
100 soldiers and Olga's group were waiting there when he finally arrived.
"All units, line up!"
Raising a cloud of dust by their movement, 100 people straightened their backs.
Up until now the division in Orsongrande was simply whether one was infantry or cavalry and whether they were nobles or commoners. Thus such organisation of troops caused bewilderment. However, Hifumi wasn't worried about this matter in the slightest and simply ended it with the few words [It works well, so we will do it like that] .
"Speaking frankly, because we intend to use the beginning of the war as training, be at ease and come along. Since I will kill the enemies, it is fine for you to just remember your own duties during the various military maneuvers." (Hifumi)
Even if there was a noble telling them to go to their death, that noble wouldn't do it in such an easygoing manner.
"Hifumi-san, won't the morale of the troops drop, if you put it like that?" (Kasha)
Having been released from the slavery contract, Kasha, who finally got used to the changed way to address him, smiled wryly.
"It's fine. As it is often said, the will to act on something until death or to not do it, has nothing to do with having or not having morale. Especially since the combat engineers and transportation corps are positioned in the center and will be guarded by the foot soldiers, they will probably have a lot of free time." (Hifumi)
Disregarding Kasha, who became sullen with such rejection, he started to explain to each unit their main duties and methods. Because of that, the second unit gathered close by. The other units were ordered to rush and dig holes while waiting for their turn.
With Origa in the lead, the second unit consisting of combat engineers assembled and stood in a line before Hifumi.
"Is there anyone with combat experience among you?" (Hifumi)
Because of Hifumi's question, several people raised their hands. Listening to the battle circumstances of each of them in order, it turned out that they were similar for all of them.
In relation to the combat circumstances, you probably had to praise the beastmen race as superior all the way.
"I understand. Forget about all the combat experience you obtained up until now. Your duty is
"Prepare in order to win the war easily?" (Origa)
Origa, who stood in front, inquired in place of the baffled soldiers.
"Yes. I will now explain in what way we will be attacking the first town, so listen well." (Hifumi)
From then on Hifumi explained to each unit what their duties were and which things they had to arrange. Furthermore he taught them the training schedule until the departure.
"Since I will only be able to come and see occasionally, the captains have to manage things firmly." (Hifumi)
"Roger!" (Alyssa)
Although Alyssa vigorously answered, the soldiers of the scout unit, which she commandeered, weren't in a calm state at all.
While listening to the talks of their combat experience, Hifumi considered that the beast race may use scouting, but since the enemies this time around where of the human race, he pushed these considerations into the corner of his mind.
"Well, since I am leaving now, I entrust it to you." (Hifumi)
Although he was a man, who before long would officially become a viscount, he casually didn't take any attendants with him and left for the castle town.
The coming and going within the castle didn't only include civil officials and knights, as it was the political center of the nation there were naturally a great number of high ranking nobles as well.
Many of them knew who Hifumi was and what he did on the day he came to this world.
However, there was nowhere a person who wouldn't be interested in receiving information.
"Your Highness the Princess, appointing the man called Hifumi to a responsible post is a little bit too much, in my humble opinion ..." (Debordo)
Visiting Imeria's office, a male courteous retainer performed a bow while stating this. It was a man called Debordo who was the second son of the Marquis Muntzer household, which governed the territory adjourning south of Orsongrande's royal capital.
(Truly a humble opinion, huh?) (Imeria)
Imeria almost ended up revealing what she was thinking as she watched Debordo while he was repeatedly criticizing Hifumi in front of her eyes.
By nature Debordo had a character that looked down on other people. Since he didn't have the corresponding ability to support his father in his work as Marquis, he earned the rank of vice captain of the third knight corps, which caused his inclination to grow even stronger.
It wasn't like the reason for that was his skillful handling of the sword, nor could you say that he was superior in his business either. Rather he was tossed into that place so he wouldn't cause harm to his surroundings for the time being. As he hadn't any experience as regimental soldier either and yet became vice captain just like that, he was under the impression that it was due to his excellent constitution.
"That gentleman is the hero of this country now. Receiving him coldly will provoke the masses into a revolt. Besides, while the trouble with Vichy is taking place, his strength will be essential in order to settle it." (Imeria)
"Something like the opinion of the masses, to say nothing about the fact that we are nobles, there is no need for Her Highness the Princess who is of royalty to do them any favors." (Debordo)
His biggest rival, the eldest son of the Marquis Lagrain household, had died. Apparently he considered himself "on his own accord" to be the strongest candidate.
"Well then, let's leave this duty to him." (-)
It wasn't Imeria who called out to Debordo.
It was Hifumi, who came and entered the office performing an unnatural bow while smiling with a broad grin.
"You bastard, who do you think you are! Currently I am about to be appointed to an important mission by Her Highness the Princess!" (Debordo)
In spite of blaming Hifumi earlier, he didn't even know the face of his opponent.
"It is the Hifumi from the topic just now. Leaving that aside, Imeria." (Hifumi)
"What is it?" (Imeria)
"I dare say that this guy's suggestion is a rather nice idea, don't you think?" (Hifumi)
"B-Bastard! How dare you to speak like this to Her Highness the Princess!" (Debordo)
Being disgraced for not having known Hifumi's face, Debordo, who turned red from the neck upwards due to anger, raised his voice loudly and tried to thrust Hifumi away. But the power he used to push the shoulder was used upon himself in return and he ended up falling to the floor.
"What a rude behaviour towards a marquis!" (Debordo)
"What are you talking about when you fell on your own? Furthermore, since you aren't the successor, you shouldn't use the name of the Marquis household either." (Hifumi)
Finally reaching the limit of her patience, Imeria interjected before Debordo, whose dark red blood rose to his head, was able to spat out his next words.
"Muntzer, right now Hifumi-sama and I are talking. Restrain yourself." (Imeria)
"I won't repeat myself." (Imeria)
Having been told quite clearly, Debordo left the office while glaring at Hifumi as if he could kill him with no more than that.
"So, what kind of business do you have with me, Hifumi-sama?" (Imeria)
"I want to get your signature for this document." (Hifumi)
With these words, Hifumi took the document out of the dark magic storage and passed it to Imeria, who took it while frowning.
"... Let me look at it." (Imeria)
As for the document, it was Orsongrande's request for reconciliation with the demand to hand over the spy Beirevra as suspect of the incident. This action was required before any kind of negotiation could be considered to begin.
"... Just this demand, this document substantially has no agreement at all." (Imeria)
"Although I thought about it for a while, I couldn't come up with any idea how to have Vichy discover and arrest Beirevra. I think this document will corner Vichy to a certain degree by sending it to the fellows in the central government." (Hifumi)
"As soon as it is delivered it will give Vichy a reason to keep up appearance, right?" (Imeria)
"If they comply, that is, but ..." (Hifumi)
Hifumi sat down in the reception prepared in the office and tossed one of the baked sweets, which were placed on the table, into his mouth.
"That's what you are saying, but you still intend to look for Beirevra." (Imeria)
"I am a kind master, don't you agree?" (Hifumi)
Even though that was the cause, he laughed as he stated it.
"Every person lives by killing, be it directly or indirectly, as they grow up. In their case, they were accidentally involved in the deceiving and cheating between human parties and thus they only decided to conclude this matter by killing the other party. Only in regards to the search, he is a troublesome opponent. Considering this, I only thought that it might be fine for it to become a popular odd job, if a useful reward was to be provided." (Hifumi)
Looking at Hifumi, who threw another of the baked sweets into his mouth, Imeria picked up the quill and signed the document.
"In such a case I will gladly cooperate with you." (Imeria)
While gently blowing upon the document for the sake of drying the ink, she murmured in a voice where it was uncertain whether he had heard it or not.
And then 10 days passed and the the preparations were finished. Hifumi's expeditionary force left the royal capital towards Vichy.
Doing it the usual way, he would have left the city magnificently drawing the gazes of the public upon themselves. Since that wasn't Hifumi's intention, they split up in several teams and left the city inconspicuously advancing on the main road before the night was lifted by dawn.
Such things like food and materials had been transported to the city Fokalore which was situated close to the national border. The luggage consisted of most of the soldier's weapons and there were many wagons drawn by the Supply Corps sheltering a large amount of food.
In the first carriage Hifumi and Origa's group, the three captains, were situated alongside Pajou who acted as the Princess' representative and witness.
"... I am getting sleepy." (Alyssa)
"The sun hasn't risen yet either ..." (Kasha)
Apparently Alyssa and Kasha weren't yet fully awake.
"Upon entering Fokalore, we will stop there for a night and then set out in the early morning again. Review the contents of the strategy properly." (Hifumi)
"Um ... It is the first time for me hearing of something like "strategy" but ..." (Pajou)
For the knight Pajou Hifumi's method of drafting seemed to feel awkward.
"There is no particular reason for you to do anything. Besides, concerning the general populace I am not overly interested in becoming something like a statesman. Even if I provoked animosity from the beginning, I realized that there are no obstacles in my own way of life, only that we would be chased for our life in a blink of an eye like that." (Hifumi)
Just as he displayed on that night where they met for the first time, there was only deep dark and gloomy darkness as he killed people at that time.
"I won't tell you that I am fighting for the sake of improving this nation or for its people. Just that there is nothing better than an abundant territory to satisfy my desire to fight. Although I don't mind if you aim for such a country, but if you become a hindrance to me, I will kill you." (Hifumi)
It had been a while since she had to face Hifumi's bloodlust. Pajou didn't even manage to sweat.
Somehow she managed to utter a few words without averting her gaze.
"... I, I will only witness this battle." (Pajou)
"That's how it is and that's how it should be." (Hifumi)
Finishing this talk, Hifumi jumped off the moving carriage and while running parallel to it, he skilfully climbed on his horse.
After Hifumi was gone, the heavy air within the carriage become a little bit lighter.
Origa called out to her as she was drinking water from a leather flask.
"... What's up?" (Pajou)
"Pajou-san, you never been hostile to Hifumi-sama, isn't that right?" (Origa)
The style of that question itself was a warning.magic
Without hesitation, Pajou replied.
"Since I am a knight of Orsongrande, I have to follow my duty." (Pajou)
"Really? In case this duty causes you to become a hindrance to Hifumi-sama ... please be aware of the fact that not only Hifumi-sama will become your enemy." (Origa)
Closed in among the sleeping Alyssa and Kasha, Pajou wanted to transfer to riding a horse too.
Summoned Slaughterer
呼び出された殺戮者
https://www.novelupdates.com/series/summoned-slaughterer/
Action Adventure Fantasy Martial Arts Mature Psychological Romance Shounen
Adapted to Manga Aristocracy Arrogant Characters Average-looking Protagonist Beastkin Beautiful Female Lead Betrayal Calm Protagonist Clever Protagonist Cunning Protagonist Dark Demi-Humans Demons Determined Protagonist Different Social Status Dwarfs Elemental Magic Elves Enemies Become Allies Enemies Become Lovers Evil Protagonist Fantasy Creatures Fantasy World Fearless Protagonist God-human Relationship Gods Kingdom Building Kingdoms Knights Love Interest Falls in Love First Magic Beasts Magical Space Male Protagonist Marriage Monsters Nobles Obsessive Love Overpowered Protagonist Politics Power Struggle Protagonist Strong from the Start R-15 Royalty Ruthless Protagonist Samurai Schemes And Conspiracies S*aves Strong Love Interests Strong to Stronger Summoning Magic Sword And Magic Sword Wielder Transported to Another World Underestimated Protagonist Unique Weapon User Unique Weapons Wars Yandere
https://ncode.syosetu.com/n4399ci/
井戸正善／ido