148.Thriller
馬上のネルガルの後ろは、いつのまにかオーソングランデの兵からホーラントの兵に入れ替わっていた。魔法兵も多く含む彼らは、しっかりと正面にいる同国人たちを見据えている。
その視線の先には、馬上で様子をうかがっていたタンニーンの姿もあった。
タンニーンは自分が計算違いをしていたことに苦笑していた。
ネルガルには自らを証明するものとして前王スプランゲルの署名が入った出国許可証が与えられてはいただろうが、それだけではクゼムに対抗するだけの人物、人数を糾合できるとは思っていなかったのだ。
「やれやれ、伯父さんはいまいち人望に欠けるところがあるとは思っていたけどね......それ以上に、ネルガルの方を褒めるべきかな? 大した人数を引き連れてきたもんだね」
おどけてはいるが、頬を伝う汗は止まらない。
タンニーンの見立て通り、今クゼム側三千人強と対峙しているネルガル直属兵は二千を超える。国境にいた兵士の他、途上でのホーラント貴族ほとんどがネルガルに恭順することを申し出、兵力も最大限に貸していた。
貴族たちの考えは簡単である。オーソングランデと友好的に接しているネルガルの方が経済的な将来性は上であるからだ。もちろん、オーソングランデと戦いたくはないという意味もある。
もちろん、兵士たちには単純に正義のための戦いとしてしか説明してはいないのだが。
「賢明なるホーラントの兵であれば、どこに正義があるか判断できよう! 私のことを知り、そして彼らは私と共に戦うことを選んだ! これが、私がここにいる証明であり、正統なる継承者として立つ証である!」
ネルガルの声は、タンニーンにまで聞こえている。
当然、周囲の者たちにもその話は聞こえている。不安げに自分をちらちらと窺う視線が鬱陶しい。
「こりゃ、厳しいな」
タンニーンの小さな呟きは、幸か不幸か誰にも聞こえなかった。
「少し様子を見る。合図をしたら、あの気持ち悪いのを最前線で......いや、最前列の後ろで放て」
指示を聞いた兵士が、あわててタンニーンに意見する。
「お待ちください、それでは最前列の兵が巻き込まれてしまいます」
「俺が決めたことだ」
「しかし......」
「あれはどうせ制御不能な代物だからな。それに、前列の連中はどうせ裏切る」
まあ見てろ、とタンニーンはネルガルとその周囲にいる兵士たちの様子を睨み付けながら、馬上で鼻を鳴らした。
明らかに同国の兵士だとわかる者たちが目の前に現れたことで、タンニーン側の兵士たち、特に最前列のグループは混乱していた。
「あれは、間違いなくホーラント兵士だぞ?」
「だが、命令が......」
「宰相より王様が上だろう!」
「まだ王様じゃないから、違うんじゃないか?」
口々に言葉を交わし、目線を泳がせ、誰かが答えをくれるのを待つ。彼らは優秀な兵士であるがゆえに、自らで判断はできない。
「王になるものとして」
ネルガルの言葉は、彼らを促す。
「道を開けるなら、民として遇しよう。だが、国家を壟断する者の手先に成り下がるというのであれば、許すわけにはいかない」
だが、決してやさしくはない。
「戦いを望みはしないが、ホーラントを正しき国へと導くために、私は戦いを躊躇することはない!」
タンニーン側からの槍は止み、魔法障壁は消された。
ネルガルが、ゆっくりと馬を進めると、その軍勢も進む。
迷い、戸惑う兵たちは、その圧力に隊列を崩しながら後退していった。
タンニーンが首都から“輸送した”ものは、人であり人ではなくなったものだった。
スプランゲルにすら秘匿されたまま、死んだ王太子ヴェルドレが命じた研究をクゼムが引き継ぎ、未完成ではあるが使える状態にまでなったというものだった。
ヴェルドレは、この研究が成功した暁には、正規兵全てにこれを適用するつもりでいたらしい。
その研究は、ヴェルドレ存命時には“不死兵計画”と呼ばれていた。
「タンニーン様の指示だあいつらを解き放つ準備をしろ」
「......本当に、よろしいのですか?」
不死兵を輸送......いや、隔離している馬車の兵は、その中身を知っているゆえに怯えた表情で聞き返した。
「お前はまだましな方だ。逃げるタイミングがわかるからな。だが......」
指示を伝えた兵は、すぐ近くの前線で混乱している味方を見ながら顔をゆがませた。不死兵が放たれた結果が、容易に想像できたからだ。
「まだ、準備をしろという命令だけだ。なにも、そうすると決まったわけじゃない」
気休めだ、と誰もがわかっていた。
「お、俺はやめる! どっちに行っていいかなんてわかるか!」
一人の兵士が、ネルガルの圧力に耐え切れずに、武器を捨てた。
「そ、それなら俺もやめる!」
箍が外れると、前にいた兵士から次々と武器を捨てていく。
「待て! 敵前逃亡は重罪だぞ!」
街道の外へ、隊列から外れていく者が続出し始めると、隊長各の兵士が焦って戻るように命じているが、その声に戸惑うものはいても、従う者は少ない。
「反逆罪になるよりましだ!」
誰かが叫ぶと、周囲もそれに納得し、賛同する声が波紋のように広がる。
もはや、ネルガルも前進をやめ、状況を見つめている。
「......味方にはならずとも、このまま瓦解してくれればいいんですけどね」
イメラリアとの打ち合わせでは、ネルガルの演説に賛同し、同行するのであれば良し。従わなくとも邪魔をしなければ充分な警戒をしたまま通過して首都を目指す。
もし、一部でも攻撃してくるようであれば、相当な打撃を与える、としていた。
接敵当初のフォカロル兵の攻撃は完全なイレギュラーではあったが、想定通りの状況を作れたことに、ネルガルは内心ホッとしている。
今なお混乱は続いているが、すでに隊列らしき状況はなくなり、逃亡していく兵はどんどん増えていく。このまま行けば、前線は軍としての機能を失い、そうなればまともな将であれば一度退いて首都へと戻るだろう。
ただ、ネルガルには一つ、気になるものが見えていた。崩れ始めた敵方前線の向こう側、妙に大きな四角い馬車が。
ネルガルはそのような形をした馬車に見覚えがない。誰か指揮官職あたりの者が作らせた箱馬車かとも思ったが、それにしては窓も申し訳程度の小さなものしか見当たらない。
「あれ?」
前線を固めるネルガルの兵に交じって、数名のフォカロル兵が隊列の端に陣取っており、アリッサも指揮官としてそこにいた。急に大勢の味方ホーラント兵が前線に出張ってきた際に、押し出されてしまう格好になったのだ。
元々の打ち合わせではホーラント兵が前線へ出張るようであれば、フォカロル兵とオーソングランデ兵が場所を譲ることになっていたが、アリッサと二十人ほどの兵だけは状況を把握するために残っている。
「何か見えましたか、長官」
大人が多くてよく見えないと言ったアリッサを肩車している兵士は、周囲の同僚から恨みがましい目で見られながら、笑顔で尋ねる。
「向こうがごちゃごちゃしてるんだけど、なんかおっきな馬車がある」
「馬車? 貴族の坊ちゃんでも来てるんですかね?」
「派手じゃなくて、なんというか、箱そのままおっきくしたみたいな」
両手で庇を作って向こうを見ながら、アリッサが首をかしげていると、その箱についていた扉が開かれた。
出てきたものを見て、アリッサは舌を伸ばして顔をしかめた。
遠目には、最初それは単なる簡素な鎧をきた兵士に見えた。背が高いとか筋骨隆々とかでもなく、むしろ痩せている。
その異様さは、つるりとした兜の下に見えた顔にあった。
鼻梁はそぎ落とされたように低く、瞼は垂れ下がり、紫色に変色した唇からは絶えず涎をこぼしている。一見して正気とは思えないが、さらに顔のあちこちに紫やどす黒い斑点があり、アリッサは知らなかったが、毒などで死んだ者の死斑そのものだった。
表情は抜け落ちたように平坦で、ただただぼんやりとしている。
「どっかで見たことあるような......あっ!」
アリッサが思い出したのは、ローヌというヴィシーの町で見た、夥しい数の死体。無表情のまま殺された死体と、ぐずぐずに腐っていた死体たち。
目の前にある兵士の頭をペチペチと叩き、急いで肩の上から降りたアリッサはその場で盛大に吐瀉した。
「ちょ、長官?」
あわててアリッサを囲む兵士たちが、それぞれ布巾や水筒を差し出すのを、アリッサは唾を吐きながら断る。
「ぺっぺっ......だ、大丈夫。それより......」
「ぎゃあああ!」
「や、やめろ!」
アリッサが何かを指示しようとした瞬間、敵兵の方から悲鳴が上がった。
不死兵たちが、敵ではなくまず手近にいたクゼム側兵士たちを襲い始めたのだ。
剣を持てないのか、両腕の小手に固定された刃を滅多矢鱈に振り回し、近くに寄った者にはしがみついて噛みついている。
捕まえられた仲間を助けるために、同僚たちが不死兵の背中や腕を斬りつけるが、離れるどころかまともに反応しない。
首筋をかまれ、おびただしい血を流していた兵士が力尽きると、不死兵の標的は、まだ立って歩いている他の兵士へと移る。
目の前で繰り広げられる惨劇に、どう対応して良いかわからず、ただ息をのむネルガルのところへ、ネルガルを護衛する兵をかき分けて、というより飛び越えながら、アリッサがやってきた。
「あ、アリッサさん?」
「すぐに兵を下げて! あれは危ない!」
返事を待たず、アリッサはネルガルが乗る馬の
「何がおきているのですか? 向こうの兵が同士討ちをしているように見えましたが......」
「時間が無いから簡単に言うけど、ホーラントの薬とか魔道具? で痛いとか怖いとかがわからなくなった人を見たことがある! それと一緒!」
イメラリアが乗る台車の前へ来ると、アリッサは馬から飛び降り、ネルガルが慌てて手綱を引いて馬を止めた。
「何が起きたのですか? 向こうが騒がしいようですが......」
「説明はネルガルさんに聞いて!」
言い捨てて、フォカロル兵たちが集まっている場所へ走り去るアリッサに、オーソングランデ兵たちはムッとした表情を向けたが、イメラリア本人は今さら気にもしていない。
「おっ。ホーラントの隠し玉とやらが出てきたか」
話を聞いた一二三は、立ち上がるや否や台車からはじけだすように駆け出し、オリガは無言で追いかける。
突然の事でヴィーネが戸惑いつつも、プーセをちらりと見やってから、一二三の後を追いかけた。
「ここで休んでおられたら良いと思いますわ。お茶でも飲まれませんか?」
迷っているプーセに、イメラリアが微笑みかけた。
「王女様。落ち着いてらっしゃいますね」
「もう、慣れました」
紅茶を用意するように命じ、イメラリアは再び前線へと視線を向けた。
「それに、今はまだわたくしが動く時ではありません」
お菓子を勧めながら、イメラリアは微笑んだ。
「荒事はそれが好きな方にお任せいたしましょう。淑女が活躍するのは、もっと知恵を使う場面がふさわしいのですわ」
「なるほど」
上流階級然とした語り口に、プーセは口を開いて感心していた。彼女も見た目こそ可憐で大人しい性格だが、基本は森の中で採集などをして過ごしてきた野生派で、生活様式は獣人たちに近い。
「......あれ、でも先日は馬に乗って戦場に飛び出して......」
「サブナクさん」
余計な事を思い出しているサブナクを睨みつけ、カツン、と踵を鳴らすイメラリア。
「わたくしが動かないからといって、我が軍が何の対応もしないというのはおかしいとは思えませんか」
「すぐに対応いたします! ヴァイヤー、どこ行った! ヴァイヤー!」
逃げるように台車から飛び降りていったサブナクを見送り、イメラリアは「まったく」とぼやいた。
「イメラリア陛下。......誠に申し上げにくいのですが、おそらくは我がホーラントで開発された魔法薬が使用された兵士が使われているようです」
「それは、どのような薬なのでしょうか?」
あくまで推測ですが、と前置きをして、ネルガルは語る。
「亡くなった......トオノ伯爵に討伐された王太子が研究を行っていなものの中に、人間の恐怖心や痛覚を鈍らせるものがありました。また、逆に人間の怒りの感情を増幅させるものも。短時間ではありますが、状況を見るに“攻撃性を持ちながら痛覚を持たない兵士”を作り出すことに成功したのではないかと......」
「なるほど。あの大きな兵士も大変鈍かったようですが、普通の兵士の大きさでそれをする、と。しかし、それでは大きな兵士よりも弱いのではありませんか?」
何の意味があって普通の兵士と同じような大きさにするのか、とイメラリアが問う。
「強化兵は、その大きさから運用に難がありました。装備も特注になりますし」
一般兵サイズであれば、奴隷のように檻などに押し込んでしまえば済むうえ、装備も他の兵士から使いまわしができる。死者から剥いだ物を渡しても文句も言わない。
「つまり......」
「一度に大量の不死兵を使えば、斬られても突かれても襲ってくる兵士で、敵を押しつぶすことができる、というわけです」
「ずいぶんと、面倒な薬を開発されたのですね」
はふぅ、と口から息を漏らし紅茶に口をつけるイメラリアに、ネルガルは首をかしげた。
「随分と、その......落ち着いておられるようですが......」
「ネルガル様。フォカロルの方々は、あのようにどうしようもない自分勝手な方々ですし、わたくしの騎士たちも、その影響でどこか軽すぎるところがございますけれど」
紅茶のカップを置き、熱い吐息と共にほほ笑む。
「その強さにだけは、わたくし信頼をおいておりますの」
「......感服いたしました。では、私は前線へ戻り、私の兵士たちと共に貴国と共に戦うことにいたします......私も、貴女のように民を信頼できる君主になれるように」
「わたくしも男であれば、あのように戦場を駆けまわるのも許されたのでしょうけれど」
「エルフは、主に魔法で戦いますから、男性も女性も関係ありませんけれど、人間は違うのですか?」
プーセの質問に、イメラリアは苦笑いで答えた。
「息苦しい身分ということもありますけれど、わたくしは失敗してしまいましたから」
魔法は得意ではあるけれど、攻撃魔法はからきしだ、とおどけて見せると、プーセもクスッと笑って、自分も同じだと答えた。
「魔物退治の時も、風魔法とかが得意な子が前に出て活躍するのに、わたしはずっと後ろから回復だったり足止めだったり......拘束の魔法も多少は使えますけど、動き回る魔物にはなかなか当たらなくて......」
カツン、とローヒールの音がして、プーセが顔をあげる。
イメラリアが立ち上がり、プーセに真剣なまなざしを向けていた。
「プーセさん。そのお話、もっと詳しくお聞かせ願えませんか?」
イメラリアは、プーセに魔法談義を求めた。
周囲が慌ただしく戦いに向かう中、イメラリアはプーセを抱き込むことを決意していた。
Chapter 148: Thriller
Behind the mounted Nelgal the soldiers of Orsongrande were replaced by those of Horant before anyone really noticed. They, including many magic soldiers as well, are firmly staring at their fellow countrymen in front.
Ahead of their gazes was also the figure of Tannin who was was waiting and watching the situation on horseback.
Tannin smiled bitterly at himself having miscalculated.
Nelgal was probably given a permit to depart the country signed by the former king Suprangel as something that proves his identity, but I didn't think that a person, who opposes Kuzemu with only that much, will be able to rally such numbers.
"Good grief, I expected that uncle has aspects where he lacks in popularity, but... should I praise Nelgal's side on top of that? He brought along a considerable number of soldiers." (Tannin)
Although he is playing the fool, the sweat doesn't stop flowing down his cheeks.
According to Tannin's analysis, the soldiers directly commanded by Nelgal, who are currently confronting the 3.000 soldiers strong side of Kuzemu, are exceeding 2.000 in numbers. The rest of the soldiers, who were at the border, and most of the military forces lent by almost all nobles of Horant, who swore their allegiance to Nelgal, along the road to the capital.
The nobles' thoughts are simple. Nelgal, who has a friendly relation to Orsongrande, is superior due to his economical future prospects. Of course, that also includes the meaning that they don't want to fight with Orsongrande.
Naturally they haven't explained it as anything but a simple battle for justice to the soldiers.
"If you are intelligent soldiers of Horant, you will be able to judge which side is just! You would know about me and you would choose to fight together with me! Me being here is proof of this. It's evidence of me standing here as legal successor!" (Nelgal)
Nelgal's voice can be even heard by Tannin.
Of course that speech is also heard by those in the surroundings. Their looks, which are from time to time examining each other uneasily, are gloomy.
"This will be harsh." (Tannin)
Tannin's small mutter wasn't heard by anyone, for good or bad.
"I will look at the situation for a bit. Once I give the signal, ((send)) those gross ((things)) to the front line... no, release them behind the front row." (Tannin)
The soldier, who heard the order, gives his opinion to Tannin in panic.
"Please wait. In that case the soldiers in the front row will end up getting dragged into it."
"It's what I decided." (Tannin)
"However..."
"Those are uncontrollable things anyway. Besides, the lot in the front row will betray us no matter what." (Tannin)
"Well, watch it", while glaring at the state of the soldiers who are in his and Nelgal's surroundings, Tannin snorted atop the horseback.
With people appearing in front of their eyes whom they obviously know as they are soldiers from the same country, the soldiers of Tannin's side, and especially the group in the front row, were confused.
"Those are, without a doubt, soldiers from Horant, aren't they?"
"But, the order is..."
"The king is higher ranked than the prime minister, right!?"
"Ain't it different since he still ain't the king?"
With several of them exchanging words and letting their opinions freely adrift, they wait for an answer by someone. They are excellent soldiers thus they won't make a judgement by themselves.
"As someone who will become king." (Nelgal)
Nelgal's words incite them.
"If you open the way, I shall treat you as my people. However, if you fall as low as being underlings of someone who monopolizes our state, there's no way I can forgive you." (Nelgal)
However, by no means is it easy.
"Though I don't wish for battle, I will never hesitate to fight for the sake of guiding Horant towards being a righteous country!" (Nelgal)
The spears from Tannin's side stopped and the magic barrier was released.
When Nelgal slowly advances his horse, his military forces advance as well.
The soldiers, who are bewildered and puzzled, retreated while breaking the ranks due to his pressure.
The things, which Tannin "transported" from the capital, were creatures which stopped being human.
They were even hidden from Suprangel. Kuzemu took over the research, which was ordered by the dead Crown Prince Veldore, and brought them even to a state where they can be used albeit being incomplete.
Apparently Veldore planned to apply this to all regular soldiers in the event this research was successful.
That research was called "Immortal Soldiers Project" at the time when Veldore was still alive.
"It's Tannin-sama's order. Prepare their release."
"... Is that really alright?"
A soldier of the carriage, which transports... no, quarantines the immortal soldiers, knows about the carriage's contents and therefore asks in return with a frightened expression.
"You are still better of. You know the timing to run away. But..."
The soldier, who conveyed the order, made a twisted face while watching his allies who are confused at the close vicinity of the front line. He was easily able to imagine the outcome once the immortal soldiers were released.
"It's still only an order to prepare them. That doesn't mean it was decided to release them at all."
"That's mere consolation", anyone could comprehend that.
"I-I will stop! Do you know where I should go!?"
A single soldier, unable to endure Nelgal's pressure, discarded his weapon.
"I-In that case I will quit as well!"
Once they lost all restraints, weapons are tossed away one after the other by the soldiers at the front.
"Wait! Deserting is a heavy crime!"
Once people, who leave the ranks towards outside the highway, start appearing one after another, the commanding officer orders all soldiers to return in panic, but even if there are those who are perplexed by his voice, there's only few who abide.
"It's much better than treason!"
When someone yells that, the surroundings agree to it and approving voices spread like a ripple on the water.
By now even Nelgal has stopped his advance and is watching the situation.
"... Even if they don't become our allies, it will be fine as long as ((their ranks)) collapse like this." (Nelgal)
At the preparatory meeting with Imeraria, she approved of Nelgal's speech and consented to the soldiers accompanying him. They would head for the capital by passing through while being thoroughly cautious as long as they don't become hindrances by not obeying.
If it seemed that a part of them would attack, it would deliver a considerable shock.
The attacks of Fokalore soldiers, who came into contact with the enemy first, were completely irregular, but Nelgal feels relieved in his mind as he was able to develop the situation according to his hypothesis.
Even now the chaos is lasting, but with the state of files and ranks apparently already gone, the soldiers, who escape, are gradually increasing. If it goes on like that, the front line will lose its function as army. Once that happens, any general, if they are decent, will likely return to the capital to retreat for a moment.
However, Nelgal saw a single matter that bothered him. On the other side of the enemy's front line, which began to crumble, there was a strange, square carriage.
Nelgal has no recollections of a carriage that had such a shape. He pondered whether it might be a box-shaped carriage which was made for someone in the higher governmental service, but considering that no window can be found, even not a small one to degree of being pitiful.
"Huh?"
Mingling with Nelgal's soldiers who have fortified the front line, several soldiers of Fokalore have taken up position in a part of the ranks and Alyssa was there as their commander as well. It turned into such situation once they ended up being pushed out at the time when suddenly a great number of allied soldiers of Horant headed to the front.
At the preparatory meeting it was originally decided that Fokalore's and Orsongrande's soldiers would yield their spot once Horant's soldiers head to the front, but Alyssa and only around 20 soldiers have remained in order to grasp the state of affairs.
"Did you see anything, Director?"
The soldier, who gave Alyssa, who said that she can't see well as there are many adults, a shoulder ride, asks with a smile while being watched with resentful eyes by his colleagues in the vicinity.
"The other side has been mixed up, but there's some large carriage." (Alyssa)
"Carriage? Has the son of a noble come here?"
"It's not that gaudy. How to call it? It looks just like a big box." (Alyssa)
While watching the other side through a pipe made with both hands, once Alyssa tilted her head to the side, the door attached to that box was opened.
Seeing the things that came out, Alyssa grimaced while extending her tongue out.
With far-sightedness soldiers, who wore a simple armour, could be seen at first. They weren't tall or muscular but rather thin.
Their bizarreness was visible on their faces which could be observed beneath their smooth helmets.
The nose bridges are low as if they were chipped off, the eyelids dangled and drool was constantly spilling from in-between the violet lips. Though it's insane on a first glance, their faces have violet and darkish specks all over. Alyssa didn't know but, it was the post-mortem lividity of people who died by poison and similar.
Their expressions are flat as if caved in and they are merely absent-minded.
"I have seen those somewhere... ah!" (Alyssa)
What Alyssa recalled was the large number of corpses she saw in the town of Vichy called Rhone. Corpses of those who were killed while being expressionless and corpses which had decayed slowly.
Hitting the head of the soldier in front of her eyes with a *tap tap*, Alyssa descended from atop his shoulders in a hurry and grandly vomited right at the spot.
"D-Director?"
The soldiers, who have surrounded Alyssa in panic, offer towels and water bottles to her but Alyssa refuses while spiting out.
"Peh, peh... I-I'm fine. Rather than that..." (Alyssa)
"Gyaaah!"
"S-Stop it!"
The instant Alyssa tried to give some instructions, screams came from the enemy's side.
The immortal soldiers began to attack the soldiers on Kuzemu's side, which were nearby, first and not their enemy.
Don't they possess swords? Recklessly swinging blades which were installed at the gauntlets on both their hands, they are biting and clinging at those who were close to them.
In order to save their captured comrades, the other soldiers cut at the arms and backs of the immortal soldiers, but let alone separating them, the immortal soldiers didn't even react.
Once a soldier, who lost a great amount of blood after being bitten into the neck, used up all his strength, the immortal soldiers' target shifted to another soldier who is still standing or walking.
Due to the tragedy being unfolded in front of their eyes, Nelgal's surroundings were simply having their breath taken away while not knowing how to deal with the situation. Alyssa arrived there after pushing her way through, or rather jumping over the soldiers guarding Nelgal.
"A-Alyssa-san?" (Nelgal)
"Pull back the soldiers right away! Those are dangerous!" (Alyssa)
Without waiting for his reply, Alyssa grabbed the bit of the horse with Nelgal on it and skilfully changed its direction. Jumping on the horse behind Nelgal, she began to make the horse gallop by lightly striking its rear.
"What has happened? It looked to me as if the soldiers on the other side are killing each other..." (Nelgal)
"Though it's simple to explain since not much time has passed, it's Horant's drugs or magic tools? I saw people who didn't know pain or fear. And it's the same with them." (Alyssa)
Once they arrived in front of the platform wagon with Imeraria on it, Alyssa jumped off the horse and Nelgal stopped the horse by pulling its reins in panic.
"What happened? It looks like the other side is in an uproar, but..." (Imeraria)
"Ask Nelgal for an explanation!" (Alyssa)
Due to Alyssa running away towards the location, where Fokalore's soldiers have gathered, while saying that over her shoulder, Orsongrande's soldier turned angry looks at her, but Imeraria herself doesn't care about that at the moment.
"Oh. Horant's hidden ace made its appearance, didn't it?" (Hifumi)
Hifumi, who heard the conversation, runs off as if being fired off by the platform wagon the minute he stands up and Origa chases after him in silence.
Even while Viine was perplexed by the sudden event, she started to pursue Hifumi after sending a fleeting glance to Puuse.
"I believe it will be fine if you take a rest here. Won't you drink some tea as well?" (Imeraria)
Imeraria smiled at the wavering Puuse.
"Princess-sama, you are quite calm about it." (Puuse)
"I got used to it already." (Imeraria)
Ordering for black tea to be prepared, Imeraria turned her look towards the front line once again.
"Besides, now is still not the time for me to make my move." (Imeraria)
Imeraria smiled while offering sweets.
"Let's leave the fighting scenes to those liking them. What a lady flourishes at is a suitable scene that uses more wit." (Imeraria)
"I see." (Puuse)
Due to Imeraria's way of talking like an upper class lady, Puuse opened her mouth in admiration. Going by appearance, she has a sweet, obedient character, but her lifestyle in the wilderness of basically spending time with gathering within the forest is close to that of beastmen.
"... Huh? But, the other day you mounted a horse and flew towards the battlefield..." (Sabnak)
"Sabnak-san." (Imeraria)
Glaring at Sabnak who has remembered something unnecessary, Imeraria steps down her heel with a *clonk*
"Don't you believe it's weird that our army doesn't react in any way just because I'm not moving?" (Imeraria)
"I will have them deal with it right away! Vaiya, where did you go!? Vaiya!" (Sabnak)
Seeing off Sabnak who jumped off the platform wagon as if running away, Imeraria grumbled [Geez] .
"Your Majesty, Imeraria... it's really difficult for me to tell you, but they are likely putting to use the soldiers who took a magic potion which was developed in Horant." (Nelgal)
"What kind of drug is that?" (Imeraria)
"To the bitter end it's a speculation, but", giving that preface, Nelgal explains.
"Among the things which were researched by the Crown Prince who was subjugated by Earl Tohno... and died, there were some making it possible to dull a human's fear and sense of pain. On the other hand there were also items which amplify the feeling of anger. It's for a short period, but, looking at the situation, wasn't it successful as it produced "soldiers who don't feel any pain while being aggressive"...?" (Nelgal)
"I see. Those large soldiers seemed to be very slow as well. Those work with the size of a regular soldier, you say. But, won't they be weaker than the large soldiers in that case?" (Imeraria)
"What meaning does it have to change them into the same size as a normal soldier?" Imeraria asks.
"The reinforced soldiers have difficulties to make use of their size. Their equipment is custom-made as well." (Nelgal)
If they had the the size of common soldiers, they would be able to use the equipment of other soldiers as well and on top of that it would work out once they are crammed into cages like slaves. Even if they were given items looted from the dead, they wouldn't complain either.
"In other words..." (Imeraria)
"If you use a large amount of immortal soldiers all at once, it's possible to crush an enemy with soldiers who will come attacking even after getting cut or stabbed. That's what it means." (Nelgal)
"A considerably troublesome drug was developed there." (Imeraria)
Nelgal tilted his head to the side due towards Imeraria who tasted the black tea after blowing on it with a "Hapheew."
"A considerably, that is... you seem to have taken it quite calmly though..." (Nelgal)
"Nelgal-sama, for the people of Fokalore it cannot be helped that they do as they please in such way. Even my knights have some too indiscriminate aspects due to their influence." (Imeraria)
Putting down the cup with the black tea in it, she smiles alongside a hot sigh.
"Only regarding their strength, I can trust in them." (Imeraria)
"... That's admirable. Well then I will return to the front line and fight together with your country and my soldiers... even for me it should be possible to become a ruler who is able to trust his people like you do." (Nelgal)
"If I were a man, I would probably be allowed to run around a battlefield like this as well." (Imeraria)
"Since the elves mostly fight with magic, it has no relation to man or woman, but are humans different?" (Puuse)
Imeraria answered Puuse question with a bitter smile.
"There are also things called oppressive social rank, but it's because I failed." (Imeraria)
"Although I'm good at magic, I'm utterly bad with offensive spells", once she jokes about it and displays it, even Puuse unintentionally smiled and replied that it's the same for her as well.
"Even though children, who were strong at wind magic and such, played an active role by going to the front at the time of exterminating monsters, I was always kept indoors or cast healing from behind... although I can use binding magic more or less, it didn't work overly well against monsters that move around..." (Puuse)
Once she hears the clonking sound of low-heeled shoes, Puuse lifts her face.
Imeraria had stood up and was pointing a serious look at Puuse.
"Puuse-san, won't you allow me to hear further details about this?" (Imeraria)
Imeraria wanted a lecture in magic from Puuse.
While the surroundings were headed towards battle in hurry, Imeraria decided to bring Puuse over to her side.
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