173.Curtain Falls
「ほいっ」
国境の町ローヌ。街道に向かって築かれた防壁の上で、気の抜けるような声が聞こえる。
塀の内側、きっと歴史上トップレベルで平穏な前線に立ち、フィリニオンが見上げている先には、重りとして小石を括り付けた木筒を、アリッサが外に向けて放り投げたところだった。
防壁に開けられた穴。ドワーフたちの説明によると、射撃のためらしい、その隙間から覗くと、街道から脇に逸れた茂みの中に落ちるのが見えた。
それも、ようやく視認できるくらいの距離だ。先代に劣らず、アリッサがトオノ伯爵領の武断的性格を代表する人物なのは間違いないようだ。
「魔人族への手紙が入ってるから、見てね!」
大声でアリッサが呼びかけると、書簡が落ちたあたりの茂みが揺れた。単に回収しただけか、返事のつもりで揺らしたのかは不明だが、周囲で息をひそめ、投槍器にかじりついている兵士たちから、フィリニオンにまで緊張が伝わってくる。
以前は上司であり、愛すべきマスコットだったアリッサは、今では領主様である。男性兵士たちの間では、新たに覚悟を決めて一生を捧げる儀式を自己流で行うなど、暴走気味な空気が蔓延し始めていた。が、基本的にやる事はやる連中である。
「よし、作戦終了!」
防壁から飛び降りてきたアリッサの声が聞こえると、全員の方から一気に力が抜けていく。当然、当番として警戒に当たる兵士はいるが、監視任務に両手を緊張させておく必要は無い。
むしろ、リラックスしてじっくりと様子を伺い、何かあればバネが飛ぶように動け、と言われていた。
「通常通りに警戒を続けてね。あとはお願い」
近くにいた小隊長格の兵士に短い言葉で指示をだし、アリッサがフィリニオンの元へとやってくる。
「終わったよ。あとは返事待ちだね」
「ありがとうございます。では、先方からの返答があるまではこの町で待機します」
何もない町だからつまらないけどね、とアリッサが笑っているが、見る者が見れば宝の山だ、とフィリニオンは思っていた。
防壁の築き方から監視体制の構築、そして難民たちの受け入れと管理方法。魔人族とのやりとりが無ければ、すぐにでも王都や実家に向けて、勉強のために人を寄越すように手紙を送っているところだ。
「いえ、むしろ戦いが近いからこその状況なのよね。今からでも進言すべきかしら」
「なにを?」
「あ、いえ、こちらの話ですわ、伯爵」
あれこれとフィリニオンが考えているうちに、王都から新たな手紙が届いた。
「......これはどういうことかしら?」
「わ、わたしにはなんとも言えません......」
どんな顔をして良いかわからず、眉をひそめた何とも言えない表情のフィリニオンに、侍女のクリノラは首をぶんぶんと横に振った。主から聞かされた手紙の内容に、侍女ごときが言うべきことなど無いのだ。
「女王陛下、ご懐妊......相手は書かれてないけれど、まさか......まさか、ね」
王国貴族として御祝を送るべきなのだが、夫であるヴァイヤーとの兼ね合いもある。急ぎ実家へ連絡を入れて、夫へ祝の品を送り、夫と父の名前で王城へ届けなければならない。
「やれやれ、騎士だったころの方が、よっぽど楽だった気がするわ」
イメラリア懐妊の発表は、大々的に行われた。
サブナクら事情を知るもの以外、宰相など重臣たちは目玉が飛び出るほど驚き、ギリギリまで秘匿すべきではないかとの意見が出たが、それはイメラリアが押えた。
「恥ずべきことではありません。父親が誰かは敢えて言いませんが、お腹の子が男女どちらにせよ、正式な後継者であることは間違いありません。わたくしは、この子を日陰者にするつもりはありませんよ」
「しかし、貴族たちからの影響が懸念されますが......」
「今、表立って王族に意見するような気骨のある貴族がどれほどいるでしょうか? それに、わたくしの夫を選ぶとなれば、それはそれで争いとなるでしょう」
ヴィシーが壊滅し、他国からの婿をとるとなるとホーラントくらいしか無い。それ以前に、イメラリアの子が自動的に後継者となる以上、他国からの血を入れるのはあまり良くない、というのは全員の一致するところだった。ホーラントから血統的に侵略される形になる、と取られてもおかしくない。
かと言って、貴族たちから婿を取るとなると、人選が非常に難しい。王家の外戚となるということは、それだけ発言力を得るということになる。今現在、王族がイメラリア一人しか残っていないという特殊な状況もあり、王配を出した家柄となれば、その影響力は計り知れない。
もし、イメラリアが国内の貴族から夫を選ぶ、と正式に公表でもしようものなら、血が流れるだろう。下手をすると、貴族同志の内戦に発展しかねない。
「子を成すにあたって、わたくしの相手が誰かわからない、というのは都合が良いのです。身分はあれど許されぬ間柄なので公表されない。あるいは、貴族間の争いや血縁者の専横を避けるために伏せられた......始末された、としても良いかも知れませんね」
かつてない程に強権的に進められたイメラリアの懐妊発表劇。王城内で文官、武官を問わず、侍女をはじめ下働きの者たちにも衝撃を与え、それが冷めやらぬ前に民衆へと発表された。
王城前の広場を始め、王都各所にある騎士や兵士たちの詰所前に掲示され、民衆の間には、困惑を含みながらも一気に祝賀ムードが広がる。
今回は、広場での掲示は入口のみであり、身重の陛下に心の安寧を提供するため、と称して、しばらくの間は王城前の広場は立ち入り制限が設けられることになった。
「これは、魔人族を受け入れるための下準備でもあります」
一二三への対応を話し合う会議にて、イメラリアはここまでの指示における狙いを説明した。
サブナクやヴァイヤー、宰相アドルなど、出席している面々を見回す。全員が神妙な顔で頷いていた。若干一名、オリガのみが射殺すような目で睨みつけていたが。
「......とにかく、子の父親についての詮索は禁止いたします。意味が無いでしょうから、噂話については、先ほど言いました内容を意図的に広めて、あとは放置することにします」
特に反論が出なかったため、イメラリアは話を進めることにした。
「ヴァイヤーさん。騎士隊の訓練状況は如何ですか?」
「はい。トオノ伯からある程度仕上がったとの言葉を頂いております。連携の問題はありますが、さほど時間をかける必要もないかと」
「アドルさん。魔人族を受け入れる準備について、何かありますか?」
「宿舎につきましては、王城に近い高級宿をいつでも押えられるように準備をしております。人数にもよりますが、二十名以下であれば、充分受け入れ可能です。それ以上であれば、護衛の兵士には別に宿舎を用意しましょう」
ですが、とアドルは続けた。
「魔人族の食事や習慣についての情報が全くありませんので、どうしたものかと......」
「一二三様にお尋ねすれば解決するでしょう。しばらく魔人族の集落で過ごされたそうですから、色々と受け入れの相談ができると思いますわ」
「と、トオノ伯に、ですか?」
この集まりは、一二三を封印することを目標とした会合である。イメラリアが“一二三に頼れ”と言い出したことに、アドルは戸惑った。
「他に方法はありません。あの方ならしっかりと礼を尽くしてお願いすれば、快く教えてくださいますわ。そうでしょう、オリガさん?」
「......ええ、一二三様はお優しい方ですから」
オリガに声をかけたことで一同に緊張が走ったが、オリガは静かに同意したのみだった。
サブナクが思わずため息をついたのを見逃さなかったイメラリアは、そろそろ彼にもっと教育を施すべきかと考えた。素直が喜ばれるのは精々部隊長クラスまでだ。
「今、フィリニオンさんにお願いして、トオノ伯爵領のアリッサさんと協力して魔人族との会談準備を進めていただいています。そして、わたくしからはこの城内での会談を指定しました」
「城内で、というのは危険ではありませんか?」
ヴァイヤーの質問に、イメラリアは逆だと答えた。
「狭い室内であれば、防衛側であるこちら側の方が有利になるでしょう? それに、急ぎ仕掛けを作っておきたいと考えています」
「仕掛けですか」
「そうです。罠を仕掛けます。サブナクさん、城内の工事ですから、貴方に責任者として工事の進捗管理と作業員の監視を任せます。仕掛けの内容については、後程書類をお渡ししますから、施設関係の職員たちと打ち合わせをしてください。ただ、工事は表向きわたくしの懐妊を祝って新たな謁見の間を作るという事にして、罠の設置に関しては、最低限の者にしか知らせないように」
素早く立ち上がり、頭を下げたサブナクに対し、イメラリアは鷹揚に頷く。
「最後に。一つ考えていることがありますので、聞いていただきましょう。一二三様の封印についてです」
一度言葉を切ったイメラリアは、再び周囲の者たちを見た。
緊張した面持ちで向けられた視線を浴び、再び口を開く。
「魔人族の動き如何によっては、その時に一二三様の封印を行います」
詳しくは魔人族との会談が決まり次第としながら、イメラリアは状況を確認しながら機会をうかがう事を明言した。
「オリガさん」
「よろしいですね?」
「陛下がお約束を守っていただけるのであれば、私はあの御方と共に運命を歩むことを厭うつもりはありません。人は自らの努力と覚悟を重ねてこそ、最上の喜びを得られるのです。陛下もそうであられたように」
「......良いでしょう。貴女を信用することにします」
会合の翌日から、重臣たちが忙しく動き始めたのを城内の者たちは敏感に感じとっていたが、その理由は陛下の身辺を改めて良い形にするため、と適当すぎる誤魔化しで押し通された。
イメラリア懐妊の方を聞いた時、一二三の反応は淡白だった。
「そうか。オリガ、適当に祝でも買って届けてくれ」
数枚の金貨を手渡しながら告げた一二三に対し、オリガは「畏まりました」と言って受け取る。それだけだった。
「結局、ウェパルたちはここへ来るのか」
「はい。向こうからの返答で、女王陛下からの提案に沿って動くということに決まりましたので......フィリニオンさんを含めて、アリッサとフォカロルの兵士、それに、獣人族やエルフの代表たちも同行するそうです」
それは面白い、とオリガが読み上げた手紙の内容を聞いて、一二三は笑った。
「レニやザンガーが来るのか。いや、ザンガーは結構な婆だったから、別の奴かもな。荒野の因縁を人間の国の王都で晴らすか? いや、火種はローヌかフォカロルで集まるのか。もしそこで争いになったらつまらんな」
「そこは、カイムたちがうまくやるでしょう。彼としては、折角作りあげた町の中で暴れられると迷惑でしょうから」
「あいつなら、その程度の被害なら、眉ひとつ動かさずに対応するだろうよ。余計な予算がかかることで、片眉くらいはぴくりと動くかもな。パリュあたりは忙殺されてキレるかもしれんが」
一二三の座るソファ。その隣に座るオリガは、手紙を閉じた。
「それと、宰相閣下から魔人族の受け入れについて質問があるとの伝言を預かっています。この分だと、獣人族についても聞かれるかも知れませんね」
エルフについては、すでに城内にプーセがいるから問題ないだろう。おそらくは、彼女がエルフたちの世話役になると見られている。
「イメラリアとウェパルが話す内容如何によっては、ちょっと面白いことになるだろうな。当日は出迎えの手伝いでもしてやるか。ああ、魔人族の対応は、ベッドも食い物も人間と同じで良い」
「では、そのように伝えましょう。......どうかしましたか?」
リビングに控えめなノックの音が響き、オリガの声に対してドアの向こうから侍女が答えた。
「旦那様にお客様がお見えですが......」
「歯切れが悪いですね。誰なのですか?」
「獣人族の奴だな」
侍女より先に、一二三が口を開いた。
「野生動物に似た懐かしい気配だ。通してやれ」
「一二三さん、お久しぶりです」
最初にリビングへと入ってきたのは、羊獣人のレニだった。ふにゃ、とした相変わらず気の抜けるような笑顔で、白い癖っ毛を揺らして歩いてくる。
その後ろから、ヘレンとゲングが入ってきた。
「久しぶり」
全員が座り、紅茶とお菓子が配られたところで、一二三はレニに話しかけた。
「で、ずいぶんと早い来訪だが、何かあったのか?」
「まだ何も起きてません」
ぷぅぷぅと熱い紅茶を吹いて、湯気をまき散らしながらレニは答えた。
「でも、何か起きるんでしょう? 魔人族と一緒に行動したら、それに巻き込まれちゃうから」
だから早く来た、とレニは答えた。
「何かが起きると思うなら、来ないという選択肢もあるだろう?」
「知らないってことほど怖いことは無いと思います。それは、一二三さんに教わったことです。町での生活を知ったから、沢山仲間ができました。新しい世界が開けました。もし、森の中で怯えながら生活していた、あの頃のままだったら、今頃魔人族やエルフの事も知らずに、魔人族に殺されるか、人間に捕まっていたでしょう」
「だが、お前は敢えて俺のところに来た。それは危険だとは思わなかったのか?」
レニは、笑みを崩さない。
「一二三さんの近くが一番情報が集まるし、危険がどう発生するかを知れば、どう逃れるかもわかるはずです。......危険は、きっと一二三さんの近くで発生します」
だからレニは一二三の元へやってきた。
危険の匂いをしっかり感じ取り、仲間を守るための方法を考える。その責任を果たすために。
「良く言った。中々頑張ってるじゃないか」
一二三の褒め言葉に、レニは照れたように笑い、オリガは奥歯を軋ませた。
「こいつらの部屋を用意してやれ」
侍女が一礼して退室するのを見送り、一二三はレニとヘレン、そしてゲングの顔を見た。
「まあ、ゆっくり町でも見物して回るといい。食い物や道具に触れろ。金がいるな。小遣いもやろう。どうせお祭りはしばらく先だ。町をしっかり見て、勉強しろ。逃げ道や隠れる場所を探しておけ」
魔人族が来たときから、誰の手にも止められない騒動が始まる、と一二三は考えていた。死神がウェパルに与えた能力の正体は正確なところは不明だが、遠方から人員を送り込めるものだろう、と確信していた。
であれば、混乱と戦いの舞台は王城になる。
その時、そこには魔人族に対して騎士と兵士、エルフがいる。レニの勘が良すぎるせいで、獣人族はさっさと逃げるだろうと思われるのが残念だが。
「特等席が取れるかもな。ヘレン、ゲング、良かったなぁ。お前らの指導者に決断力と度胸があって」
丁度良い、と一二三は思っていた。
そろそろ、穏やかな日々に飽きはじめていたから。
Chapter 173: Curtain Falls
"Okay!"
Border city Rhone. A seemingly relieved voice can be heard atop the wall built towards the highway.
Ahead of where Phyrinion, who stands at the historically most peaceful front line, is looking up to inside the wall, Alyssa just finished throwing a wooden tube, which had a stone tied to it as weight, outside the wall.
A hole within the wall. According to the dwarves: if you peer though that opening which seems to be for the sake of shooting, you could see the projectile drop into the thickets which were to be found next to the highway.
Additionally, it's at a distance one can barely confirm by sight. Just like her predecessor, it seems to be no mistake to label Alyssa as person who represents the militaristic nature of the Tohno Earldom.
"It contains a letter for the demons, so check it out!" (Alyssa)
Once Alyssa loudly called out towards the thickets, a thicket close to where the letter had dropped shook. It's unclear whether it shook with the intention to give a reply or to simply retrieve the letter, but even Phyrinion senses the tension transmitted by the surrounding soldiers who are holding onto the spear throwers while holding their breaths.
Alyssa, who used to be a lovable mascot and her superior before, is now the feudal lord. Among the male soldiers a wild atmosphere of making new resolves and performing self-styled rituals of offering their lives had begun to run rampant. But, basically they are guys that get the things done that have to be done.
"Alright, the mission is done!" (Alyssa)
Once they heard the voice of Alyssa, who jumped off the wall, the tension escaped from everyone. Of course there are soldiers who stay on alert as they are on duty, but there's no need for those to tremble nervously during their observation duty.
Rather, they were told to relax and slowly observe how things go, and to let the spears fly if something happens.
"Continue the lookout as usual. I leave the rest to you." (Alyssa)
Alyssa curtly orders a nearby lower-ranking commanding officer and then comes over to Phyrinion.
"It's done. Now we have to wait for the reply." (Alyssa)
"Thank you. Well then, I will wait in this city until there's a reply from the other party." (Phyrinion)
"Though it's a boring city as there's nothing here," Alyssa laughs, but Phyrinion thought,
From the way of the wall's build to the construction of the surveillance system, and moreover the management methods to receive refugees. It's to the extent that she would immediately send letters to the capital and her home to dispatch people to study these things here, if there wasn't the exchange with the demons.
"No, rather it's surely in such state because the battlefield is nearby, right? I wonder whether I should propose it, even if it's just for the future." (Phyrinion)
"Propose what?" (Alyssa)
"Ah, no, it's something unrelated, Earl." (Phyrinion)
While Phyrinion is pondering about this and that, a new letter from the capital arrived.
"...I wonder what's this about?" (Phyrinion)
"I-I can't say anything about it..." (Clinora)
Not knowing what face to pull, the maid Clinora shook her head at Phyrinion, who was speechless while knitting her brows. The content of a letter she was told about by her master is nothing the likes of a maid should comment on.
"Her Majesty the Queen is pregnant...the other party isn't mentioned here, but no way...you don't say!" (Phyrinion)
I should send congratulations as noble of the kingdom, but I also have to coordinate it with my husband Vaiya. I must quickly send a message home, send a congratulatory gift to my husband and have it delivered to the royal palace in the name of my husband and father.
"Good grief, I feel like my time as knight had been a lot less stressful." (Phyrinion)
The announcement of Imeraria's pregnancy was carried out on a grand scale.
Except for those who knew about the situation like Sabnak, it was an eye-popping surprise to the chief vassals like the prime minister. There were opinions that the news should be withheld as much as possible, but Imeraria rejected that.
"It's nothing disgraceful. There's no particular need to state the identity of the father, but no matter whether the child will be male or female, there's no doubt that they will become the official successor. I have no intention to oust this child." (Imeraria)
"But, I'm worried about the effect on the nobles..."
"Just how many nobles, who have the backbone to publicly state their opinion against royalty, exist? Besides, if it came to choosing a husband for me, it would turn into quite the dispute, wouldn't it?" (Imeraria)
With Vichy's destruction, the only option to take a husband from another country is limited to Horant. Seeing as Imeraria's child will automatically become the successor, everyone agreed that it wouldn't be overly smart to let the blood from another country enter the royal bloodline. It wouldn't be strange for that act to be perceived as invasion into the bloodline by Horant.
Having said that, if it comes to choosing a husband from among the nobles, it would become extremely complicated. That's because becoming the maternal relative of the royal family grants one a very influential voice. At the moment there's also the special situation of Imeraria being the only royal left alive. If it was a good family that sent the prince consort, their clout would become immeasurable.
If Imeraria were to officially announce that she chose a noble from within the country as husband, it would likely end in a lot of blood being spilled. In the worst case it would develop into a civil war between the nobles.
"Not knowing the other party who made the child with me is convenient. Since they have a social standing that wouldn't allow for it, it won't be announced. Or it might be fine to assume it was managed...hidden for the sake of avoiding a dispute between nobles or a despotism by blood relatives." (Imeraria)
The move of announcing Imeraria's pregnancy, which highhandedly made use of the state's power to an extent that hadn't been seen in the past, gave a huge shock to the ones serving inside the royal castle, starting with the maids, much less to say about the civil and military officials. The news was released to the general public while that shock was still lingering.
Starting with the plaza in front of the royal palace, it was posted in front of the various guard stations of the soldiers and knights all over the capital. Even while feeling baffled, a celebratory mood immediately spread among the population.
This time the announcement was only posted at the bulletin board at the entrance to the plaza. In the name of offering a peace of mind to the pregnant queen, it was decided to set up a temporary  restriction for entering the plaza in front of the royal castle.
"This also serves as preliminary arrangements to welcome the demons."
At the meeting about how to deal with Hifumi, Imeraria explained the intention behind going as far as giving such an order.
She lets her eyes wander across the attending personnel such as Sabnak, Vaiya and Prime Minister Adol. All of them nodded with humble expressions. Only one person, Origa, somewhat glared at her with eyes as if she's going to shoot her to death.
"...Anyway, any prying in regards to the child's father is prohibited. As it's probably useless in regards to gossip, we will intentionally propagate what I said before and leave it alone afterwards." (Imeraria)
Because there were no particular objections to her words, Imeraria decided to continue.
"Vaiya-san, what's the situation with the knight order's training?" (Imeraria)
"Yes. Going by the words of Earl Tohno, it's completed more or less. There are issues with the coordination during group combat, but I think we won't need that much time to fix that." (Vaiya)
"Adol-san, is there anything to say about the preparations for receiving the demons?" (Imeraria)
"I have arranged for the possibility to reserve a high-class inn near the castle as lodging at any time. It depends on the number of people, but if it's less than 20, the inn can receive them satisfactorily. If they have more people than that, I will prepare a different lodging for the escorting soldiers." (Adol)magic
"But," Adol continued.
"Given that we have no good grasp on the customs and food of the demons, I'm not quite sure what to do about that part..." (Adol)
"That should be resolved by asking Hifumi-sama. Since it looks like he spend some time in the demon settlement, I think he will be able to consult us in various ways how to receive them." (Imeraria)
"E-Earl Tohno will?" (Adol)
This gathering is a meeting with the objective of sealing Hifumi. Adol was bewildered by Imeraria proposing to "rely on Hifumi."
"We have no other option. If you ask that gentleman with the proper courtesy, he will gladly teach you. That's right, isn't it Origa-san?" (Imeraria)
"...Indeed, Hifumi-sama is a kind person after all." (Origa)
Tension traveled through the venue when Imeraria called out to Origa, but Origa simply agreed in a calm demeanor.
Imeraria, who didn't fail to notice Sabnak unintentionally sighing in relief, decided that he should be given more education soon. Although it's an honest behavior, openly showing delight ends beyond the commanding officer rank.
"Right now I have Phyrinion-san advance the preparations for the conference with the demons by cooperating with Alyssa-san of the Tohno Earldom. And it was specified by me to hold the conference in this castle." (Imeraria)
"In this castle? Isn't that dangerous?"
Upon Vaiya's question, Imeraria replied in reverse,
"If it's a narrow, indoor venue, our side as the defending one is at an advantage, no? Besides, I want some mechanisms prepared in advance." (Imeraria)
"Mechanisms?"
"Yes. We will set traps. Sabnak-san, it's construction work inside the castle, so I leave the monitoring of the laborers and the management of the construction's progress in your hands as the one in charge. As for the details of the mechanisms, I will hand out the necessary documents later, so please arrange for meetings with the craftsmen of the related trades. However, publicly we will pretend that we are building a new audience hall in celebration of my pregnancy. Make sure that only the least necessary amount of people knows about the installation of the traps." (Imeraria)
Imeraria stately nods at Sabnak who swiftly stood up and bowed.
"Lastly I'd like you to listen since I've been pondering about one thing. It's about Hifumi-sama's sealing." (Imeraria)
Taking a short break here, Imeraria looked into the faces of those present once more.
With their expressions being tense and their eyes focused on her, she continues speaking,
"Depending on the demons' movements, we will carry out Hifumi-sama's sealing at that time." (Imeraria)
While deciding to handle the details depending on the conclusion of the conference with the demons, Imeraria declared that they would keep up-to-date with the circumstances, waiting for a good opportunity to carry out their plan.
"Origa-san." (Imeraria)
"That's fine with you, right?" (Imeraria)
"Your Majesty, if you keep your promise, I intend to share the same fate as that gentleman. People can only obtain the greatest joy by repeatedly resolving themselves and investing their own efforts. It was the same for you, Your Majesty." (Origa)
"...Very well. I will trust you." (Imeraria)
On the next day after the meeting, the people working in the castle immediately sensed that the chief vassals had started to move hurriedly, but being given the reason that it's for the sake of improving Her Majesty's environment, the people fell for that overly vague deception.
When he heard about Imeraria's pregnancy, Hifumi's reaction was plain.
"I see. Origa, please buy a suitable congratulatory gift and send it to her." (Hifumi)
Being told that while being given several gold coins, Origa received the money and said "Got it," which finished the whole matter.
"So in the end Vepar and her demons are coming here?" (Hifumi)
"Yes. With the reply from the other side, it has been decided that things will move in accordance with Her Majesty's proposal...it looks like Alyssa, Fokalore's soldiers and the representatives of the beastmen and elves, including Phyrinion, will accompany them." (Origa)
Listening to the contents of the letter read out loud by Origa, Hifumi laughed while saying, "That's interesting."
"Are Reni and Zanga going to come here? No, Zanga is quite the old hag, so it might be someone else. Are they going to clear the wasteland's fate in the royal capital of a human country? No, the triggers are assembled in Rhone or Fokalore, aren't they? It will be boring if it turns into a dispute over there." (Hifumi)
"Caim and the others would probably manage it smoothly. For him a riot inside the city, which he built up at great pains, will only be a bother." (Origa)
"If it's that guy, he will likely deal with such level of damage without even batting an eyelid. It might go as far as one of his eyebrows twitching due to the unnecessary budget expenses. Though Paryu might snap due to getting swamped with work." (Hifumi)
Origa, who sat on the sofa next to Hifumi closed the letter.
"Furthermore, I have been entrusted with a verbal message from His Excellency the Prime Minister that he has some questions regarding the reception of the demons. At this rate you might also be asked about the beastmen." (Origa)
As for the elves it's no problem since Puuse is already staying within the castle. Very likely she is seen as having become the elves' mediator.
"Depending on what Imeraria and Vepar talk about, it might become slightly interesting. I guess I will also help out with the meeting on the appointed day. Ah, it's fine to handle the demons' bedding and food in the same way as with humans." (Hifumi)
"Then I shall pass it on like that. ...What is it?" (Origa)
A reserved knocking can be heard in the living room. A maid on the other side of the door replied to Origa's question.
"It seems there are visitors for master, but..."
"You're not making yourself clear, are you? Who is it?" (Origa)
"Looks like it's beastmen." (Hifumi)
Hifumi said before the maid could even open her mouth.
"It's the nostalgic presence resembling wild animals. Show them in." (Hifumi)
"Hifumi-san, it's been a while."
The one who entered the living room first was the sheep beastgirl Reni. With her usual, fluffy smile that lacked any tension, she walks over while making her white, frizzy hair sway.
Helen and Gengu entered behind her.
"Been a while." (Helen)
When everyone had sat down and tea as well as sweets had been distributed, Hifumi started a conversation with Reni.
"It's quite the early visit. Did something happen?" (Hifumi)
"Nothing has happened yet." (Reni)
Blowing at the hot black tea, Reni scattered the steam while answering.
"But something is going to happen, right? If we were to travel together with the demons, we would get dragged into it." (Reni)
"That's why we came here early," Reni replied.
"If you believe that something's going to happen, you always have the choice to not come, don't you?" (Hifumi)
"I believe there's nothing as scary as something you don't know about. That's something I was taught by you, Hifumi-san. After learning to live in a city, I was able to make a lot of friends. It opened up a new world for me. If I was still stuck in that time, where I lived in the forest while being frightened, I wouldn't know about the demons and elves, and I would have likely been killed by demons or caught by humans." (Reni)
"But, you deliberately came to my place. Didn't you consider that to be dangerous?" (Hifumi)
Reni keeps smiling.
"The most information gathers around you, Hifumi-san. If I know how the danger will come to be, I should also know how to escape it. ...I'm sure the danger will originate near you." (Reni)
That's the reason why Reni came to Hifumi's place.
Properly perceiving the scent of danger, she considers methods to protect her friends. In order to carry out her duty.
"Well said. You are doing your very best, aren't you?" (Hifumi)
Reni shyly laughed due to Hifumi's praise, whereas Origa ground her molars.
"Get some rooms ready for these guys." (Hifumi)
Seeing off the maid leaving the room after bowing, Hifumi looked at the face of Reni, Helen and Gengu.
"Well, it might be a good idea to slowly go around the city for a sightseeing tour. Come in contact with various food and tools. You need money, don't you? I will give you some pocket money. It's still a while until the festival starts anyway. Study by properly examining the city. Look for escape routes and hiding places in advance." (Hifumi)
, Hifumi thought. The death god has kept the true identity of the ability he gave to Vepar ambiguous, but Hifumi believed that she's likely capable of sending in people from a distance.
In that case the stage for the chaos and battle will be the royal castle.
At that time the knights, soldiers and elves in the castle will face the demons. Though it's regrettable that it seems like the beastmen will quickly escape thanks to Reni's too good perception.
"You might have been able to secure yourself some special seats. Isn't that great, Helen, Gengu? Your leader possesses courage and decisiveness." (Hifumi)
, Hifumi thought.
I would have grown tired of these peaceful days soon anyway.
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