143.The Monster
一二三の脅威に触れて一もにもなく逃げ出したホーラントの兵士たちは、夜が明けないうちに混乱が続く国境から逃げ出すように首都方面へと向かった。
一応は脱走とされないように別の兵士に“首都へ報告のため”と上長への言伝を頼んでのことではあるが、命令を受けてではないので、厳密に言えば脱走扱いになるだろう。
だが、逃げている本人たちはそれどころではなさそうだ。
混乱に乗じて先ほどと同じような理由を言って馬車を一台調達すると、勢いよく街道へ飛び出した。
そこまでを見届けた一二三は、火事の際に一旦厩舎から放された軍馬を一頭捕まえて、視認できない程度に距離を置いて馬車を追う。
馬具はつけていないが、右足の甲を左ひざに乗せた半跏の恰好で、器用にバランスをとっている。
「遅いな」
どうしても馬車と単騎では速度が違う。
つい追いついてしまいそうになるのを調節するのが面倒になってきた一二三は、馬車の兵士たちが野営をしている間に追い抜いてしまった。
見覚えのあるルートだったので、彼らが首都方面へ向かうと予想し、先回りすることにする。
「どうせ話をするなら上の奴がいいだろうしな」
直感で選んだ馬だったが、当たりだったらしい。鹿毛の駿馬は素晴らしい脚力を発揮し、三日後には首都が見える場所までたどり着いた。
近隣の村に寄った一二三は、そこにいた農夫に金を渡し、馬を預けておくことにする。
そのまま農夫が使っている小屋を借りて横になり、夜を待った。
ホーラント首都アドラメルク。
今は正当な主のいない国ではあるものの、宰相クゼムによる城内勢力掌握による混乱は民衆や下っ端の兵士たちには影響が出ていないようで、町は比較的穏やかではあった。
もちろん、オーソングランデとの対立は民衆に不安を抱かせており、クゼムがあえて“オーソングランデに囚われていると思われる”と発表した後継者ネルガルのこともあり、町には取締りや警備のためとして兵士の姿が多くみられるようになり、首都への入り口も警備が厳重になっている。
だが、厳重というのは彼らの感覚であって、一二三にしてみれば「薄い」の一言だった。
槍を持って閉じた門の前にぼんやり立っている人数が十人程度で、国境から離れていることで油断しているのか、やる気なくぶらぶらと歩いている歩哨が数名見える程度だ。
夜闇に乗じて近づいていく一二三の姿に気づく者もおらず、すいすいと塀をよじ登って侵入するまで、誰にも見咎められることはなかった。
国境のホーラント兵に続き、首都ですらこの程度の監視体制でしかないことに再び腹を立てた一二三は、それでも足音を殺して静かに城を目指す。
「以前来たときは、兵士を殺して回ったんだったか。あれは楽しかった。王子とやらもやり方はさておき頑張って戦ってくれたな。だが、同じことばっかりやられてもつまらん」
口の中でブツブツといいながら、一二三の姿は建物の陰に混じり、城へ向かってとけるように消えていった。
ヴィーネたちを連れたヴァイヤーら先遣隊が、イメラリアが待つ防御陣地へ到着したのは、ちょうど一二三が首都を目前にした村で馬を預けていた頃だった。
陽が傾き始め、空に薄く張ったどんよりとした雲が、小雨を降らせている。
「騎士ヴァイヤー、ただいま到着いたしました」
イメラリアがいる天幕へ、到着の報告に訪れたヴァイヤーが雨に濡れているのを見て、侍女がそっと布巾を手渡した。
「ヴァイヤーさん、急いで来ていただいて申し訳ありません」
「陛下の御為ならばこそ。お褒めや労いは戦果をあげてから頂戴したく存じます」
ヴァイヤーが滑稽に見えるほど大げさに恐縮して見せたのは、戦場に身を置いている自分の緊張をほぐすためだとイメラリアは理解している。クスリと笑い、応接のソファへ促す。
まだ第二騎士隊にいたころは生真面目が服を着ているようなタイプだったのが、フォカロルでの研修と結婚をした後から、人物的に丸くなってきた、といつかサブナクが言っていたのを思い出す。
ふと見ると、着席せずにヴァイヤーが立ったままでいる。
「どうかされましたか?」
「実は、私に同行している者たちがおりまして......」
「同行ですか?」
「ええ、トオノ伯のお知り合いということで、彼に会いに行きたいというお話でしたので、フォカロルの文官パリュさんから引き受けてお連れしております。その同行者たちが特殊でした、一度陛下にご紹介させていただければと愚考いたします」
イメラリアは考えたが、ヴァイヤーが曲者を連れてくるはずもない。
「その方たちはどちらに?」
「今はサブナク隊長とお話し中です」
サブナクが問題無いと判断するならば大丈夫だろう、とイメラリアはサブナクと共に入室するように、と侍女に連絡に行かせた。
「王都の状況はいかがですか?」
「特にこれと言った問題は起きておりません。治安に関しても、ミダスさんにお願いしてまいりましたので、問題ないかと。ヴィシー方面も、特にこれと言って動きは無いようです」
あえてヴィシー“方面”としたのは、そこにフォカロルも含めているからだ。
「陛下。この度の戦力補強、何かホーラントからの動きがあったのですか?」
不安げに語るヴァイヤーに、イメラリアはゆったりとほほ笑む。
「動くのは、わたくしたちの方からです。詳しくは、次の軍議の際に説明いたしますわ」
「サブナクです。えっと、お客様? をお連れしました」
天幕の外から、サブナクの声が聞こえたが、歯切れの悪さにイメラリアは眉をひそめた。
「どうぞ。お入りください」
「失礼します」
最初に入室したのはサブナクだった。
そして、後に続く四人を見て、イメラリアは絶句していた。
「陛下。こちらが荒野からトオノ伯に会うためにはるばる来られたという方々です」
「エルフのプーセです」
「ヴィーネです」
「ゲング、と申しやす」
「ま、マルファス、です!」
「......陛下?」
「......はっ!」
獣人たちを見て口をあけたままだったイメラリアが、サブナクの呼びかけに覚醒し、ハンカチでエレガントに口の端を拭う。
「わたくしはオーソングランデ王国の女王、イメラリアです。荒野から長い旅だったそうですね。エルフや獣人の方とは初めてお会いしましたが......言葉はわかりますか?」
お互いの顔を見合わせて、プーセが一歩進み出る。
「女王様。私たちも同じ言葉を使っています。会話は問題ないかと」
「なるほど。それで、貴女方は一二三様に会いに来られたということですが......」
いくつかの質問をして、イメラリアはプーセたちに男女それぞれ天幕を使えるように手配し、陣地で一二三を待てるようにと配慮した。
手厚い待遇に感謝しながら、プーセたちが案内の侍女たちに連れられて出ていくと、イメラリアは眉間を抑えながらソファに背中を預けた。
「......一二三様は荒野で何をしておられたのですか。まさか獣人族の女性がここまで追いかけてくるなんて」
深いため息とともに、冷めた紅茶を飲む。
「とにかく、オリガさんがいなくて助かりました。サブナクさん、一二三様が戻られるまでは、彼女たちがオリガさんと接触しないようにお願いします」
「それは考えすぎではありませんか? 同じ一二三さんに想いを寄せる人なんですから、仲よくなったり......」
「サブナクさん、甘いです」
いつになく鋭い視線がサブナクを刺す。
「先ほどの兎獣人さん......ヴィーネさんは側にいるだけでも、と殊勝なことを言っておいででしたが、それをオリガさんが許すと思いますか?」
「うっ......」
「そして彼女たちの間に諍いが起きた時、サブナクさんは彼女たちを諌めて丸く収めることができますか?」
「ぼ、ぼくの能力を超えた任務かと......」
イメラリアの視線が、サブナクからヴァイヤーに移る。
「私にもその状況をどうこうするのは、ちょっと......」
気弱な大人二人の答えを聞いて、イメラリアは深いため息をついた。
「往年の敵であった獣人族や、強力な魔法を操るといわれるエルフとのつながりができること。それ自体はとても良いことです。彼女たちと交誼を結ぶことは、オーソングランデのためになるでしょう」
そのためには、とイメラリアは一呼吸置いた。
「余計なトラブルは極力避けるべきです。一二三様の前では、オリガさんも大人しいでしょう。アリッサさんにも、十分な根回しをお願いします」
「承知いたしました」
声を揃えた二人に、イメラリアはもう一つの用件を告げた。
「本体到着前にわたくしが立案した作戦を説明いたします。夕食を共にいたしましょう。お二人とアリッサさん。それと先ほどの獣人さんたちもお招きしましょう。現状を説明して、ここに残るか、一度ミュンスターへ滞在してもらうか決めてもらいます」
早くても応援の本隊が到着するまで丸二日はかかるとみている。本隊と共にやってくるネルガルにも説明が必要だが、基本的には脅してでもこの作戦を推し進めるつもりだった。
「きさ......」
護衛の兵士が何かを言い終わる前に、一二三が一振りした刀の切っ先がその喉笛を少しだけ切り裂いて、空気が漏れる音とともに魂が抜けた身体は倒れた。
「これだよ。俺はこれに不満を言いに来たんだ」
抜き身を下げたまま、一二三はデスクに座るホーラント宰相の前に立つ。
「だ、誰だ貴様は......」
「フォカロルの主、一二三だ。ここの王子を殺した男だよ」
「なにっ......」
汗だくで青ざめているクゼムは、目の前に立つ男をじっくりと上から下まで見る。
クゼム自身、一二三を見たことはないが、城内での騒動についてと一二三という人物については知っていた。
「馬鹿な。単身でここまで......」
「それだよ、それ」
一二三は、今し方自分が殺害した兵士の死体を指さす。
「こいつもそうだが、油断しすぎだ。国に入るのも町に入るのも城に入るのも、簡単すぎてあくびが出るくらいだぞ。人間がぶらぶら歩いているだけで、他に何の警戒もない。入ってくれと言わんばかりじゃねぇか」
例えば、と一二三は闇魔法収納から灯りの魔道具を取り出した。
「俺は闇魔法しか使えないが、ホーラントは魔法の研究が進んでいるんだろう? このランプもホーラントで作られたと聞いたぞ。だったら、侵入者を感知するとか、誰かが敵を発見したらすぐに全体に警報が行くとか、色々できるだろ」
「うぅ、だが、そういう戦闘向け以外は民間の商人たちが開発していて......ぶっ!?」
言い訳を並べ始めた途端、一二三が刀を床に刺して平手でクゼムの頬を打った。
視界がちかちかするのか、瞬きを繰り返すクゼムに、一二三は顔を近づける。
「お前、戦闘向け即ち攻撃手段だと思ってないか?」
刀を取り、その刃紋が見えるようにクゼムの目の前に差し出す。
刃が下を向き、持ち手も左手にして、一二三としては見せつけているだけのつもりだが、クゼムは脅されている以外には考えられなかった。妖しい光を放つ刀身が、護衛と同じようにいつ自分の喉を切り裂くか気が気でない。
「武器は武器でいい。人の命を奪うものとして磨き上げられれば、それは美しく昇華される」
刀を引き、納刀する。
「でもな、攻撃が強いからと言って勝てるというわけじゃない。お互い向き合ってやりあうばかりじゃない。どれだけ武器が強くても、使う隙もあたえられないんじゃ、意味がないだろう」
一二三が指さしたのは、死体の腰に下げられた剣だった。侵入者を認識して、声をかけようとしてなお、柄にすら触れていない。
「な、何が言いたい」
「わからんか?」
クゼムの前から離れ、一二三は腰から刀をはずし、ソファにどっかりと腰を下ろした。
「魔法を使えよ。この世界に折角生まれついたなら。土魔法を使えば偽装が完璧な罠が作れるだろう、風魔法を使えばちょっとした広範囲の監視ができる。火魔法があれば道具を使わずに狼煙があげられる。ちょっと考えただけでも、これだけ応用できるぞ」
「貴様の、オーソングランデの軍はそこまで進んでいるというのか」
「いいや?」
一二三が笑いながら首を振るのを、クゼムは汗を拭きながら見ていた。
「ちょっとオーソングランデが有利になりすぎかと思ってな。ホーラントはちょっとばかし大きなおもちゃを作ったようだが、あれじゃダメだ。俺が送った教導部隊が伝えた技術も、どうも表面だけ真似てるような節がある」
そこで、と一二三は刀の鞘をぽん、と叩いた。
「ホーラントの持ち味である魔法について色々ヒントをやることにした」
「り、利敵行為ではないか! 何を考えている!?」
「馬鹿言え。今のお前らじゃ敵にもならん。だから利敵行為じゃあない」
「き、詭弁だ!」
「詭弁でもいいんだよ。知っているか? 詭弁というのは弱い奴は取り繕うのに使うが、強い奴は我儘を押し通すのに使うんだぞ」
「それで、どうしろと言うのだ」
もはや言葉でこの場を収めるのは難しい、とクゼムは一二三に問う。
「国境はもうオーソングランデ側の攻撃で崩れているだろうから、奪還なり防衛なりするのに、お前たちに俺が考えた魔法技術を伝授してやろう。俺は属性が闇だけだから、理論だけになるがな。ほれ、さっさと魔法使いの担当なり研究者なりを呼べよ。のんびりしている時間はないぞ。オーソングランデの魔の手が、すぐそこまで迫っているかもしれんのだから」
言いながら、一二三はソファの前にあるローテーブル上の鈴を鳴らした。
すぐに侍女が入室する。
「お呼びで......ひぃっ!?」
うつむきがちに入ってきた侍女は、兵士の死体を見つけて悲鳴をあげた。
「紅茶を頼む。あと何かつまめる物が欲しい」
怯える侍女に一二三が注文をする。
知らない人物の言葉に、侍女が助けを求めるようにクゼムを見た。
「......言われた通り、用意するんだ。それと、城内の魔法研究員の誰かを呼んでくれないか」
逃げるように侍女が退室すると、一二三はクゼムの目を見る。
その表情には、愉悦がありありと見える。
「頑張れよ。イメラリアは素人だが、フォカロルの兵はそれなりに強いぞ。お前が最終的に何をしたいかしらんが、夢をかなえるために、ここは踏ん張りどころだ」
立ち上がった一二三は、クゼムの肩を叩いた。
「ちゃんと沢山人が死ぬ、本当の戦争をやろうぜ。な?」
クゼムは、震えるばかりで返事はできなかった。
Chapter 143: The Monster
The soldiers of Horant, who escaped without even a single one experiencing Hifumi's threat, headed in the direction of the capital city to run away from the border where the mayhem continues while dawn hasn't broken.
More or less they have entrusted the message "it's for the sake of informing the capital' for their superiors to another soldier so that it isn't considered as fleeing, but since they haven't received an order, they will likely be treated as deserters, strictly speaking.
However, that much doesn't seem to be apparent to those running away themselves.
They took advantage of the chaos, procured a carriage by giving the same reason from before and vigorously rushed out towards the highway.
Hifumi, who made sure of that up to that point, seizes a warhorse, which was set free from the stable temporarily due to the fire, and follows the carriage at a distance where he can't be confirmed by sight.
Although there isn't any harness attached, he skilfully keeps balance with a half-lotus position where he placed the top of his right foot on his left knee.
"They are slow." (Hifumi)
In the long run the speed between a carriage and a single rider will be different.
Hifumi, who felt troubled by having to regulate so that he doesn't suddenly overtake them, ended up going too far while the carriage's soldiers made camp.
Because it was a route he remembered, he decides to go ahead while expecting them to head in the direction of the capital city.
"If I'm going to have a chat anyway, I guess the guys at the top are better." (Hifumi)
Though it was a horse he chose by intuition, it was apparently a winner. Exhibiting its splendid leg strength of a swift, fawn-coloured horse, he reached a location where he could see the capital city after three days.
Hifumi, who approached a village in the vicinity, decides to give the horse into custody to a farmer, who was there, after handing him some money.
Lying down after borrowing a shed the farmer uses, he waited for the night.
The capital city of Horant, Adolameruk.
Although it's a country that currently has no legitimate ruler, the confusion of Prime Minister Kuzemu grasping the power within the castle has no effect on the populace and lower soldiers. The city was relatively calm.
Of course the confrontation with Orsongrande has raised unease amongst the people. There's also the matter of Kuzemu deliberately announcing that the successor, Nelgal, "is deemed to be taken prisoner by Orsongrande." It has reached the point that many soldiers can be seen controlling and guarding the city and the security at the entrance to the city has become strict as well.
However, compared to what they felt to be strict, it was in a word, [weak] , in Hifumi's case.
With the number of soldiers, who are standing absent-mindedly in front of the closed gate while holding their spears, being 10, are they careless because they are far from the border? Several sentries, who are lazily walking around without any motivation, are visible.
Without there being even a single of them who realized Hifumi's figure closing in while taking advantage of the night's blackness, there was no one questioning him even when he invaded by scaling the wall smoothly.
Hifumi, who got angry once again, continuing after the soldiers at the national border, due to there being no more than this level of surveillance even in the capital city, heads silently to the castle while killing his footsteps nevertheless.
"I did go around killing the soldiers the last time I came here, didn't I? That was fun. Setting aside the crown prince's way of doing things, they fought while doing their best. However, even if I just did the same thing, it would be boring." (Hifumi)
While muttering under his breath, the figure of Hifumi blended with the buildings' shades and he vanished as if melting away and went towards the castle.
When Vaiya's vanguard unit, which took Viine and the others along, arrived at the defence encampment where Imeraria waits it was just the time of Hifumi leaving the horse in the village with the capital city right in front of his eyes.
The sun is starting to sink, there are heavy clouds, which are thinly sticking to the sky, and a light rain is falling.
"The Knight Vaiya has arrived just now." (Vaiya)
Seeing Vaiya, who visited the tent with Imeraria in it to report his arrival, being wet due to the rain, a maid quietly handed him a towel.
"Vaiya-san, I'm sorry for having you come here in hurry." (Imeraria)
"It's for Your esteemed Majesty. I feel that I want to receive your appreciation and praises after I obtained military results." (Vaiya)
Vaiya showing a feeling of being obliged in an exaggerated manner to a degree that it can be regarded as ridiculous is for the sake of him easing his own tension of having entered the battlefield
"Although he was the type who wears clothes as too serious person since the time when he was still in the Second Knight Order, his character mellowed out after the training in Fokalore and getting married", she recalls Sabnak having mentioned that at some time.
Once she looks casually, Vaiya is still in the state of standing without sitting down.
"What's wrong?" (Imeraria)
"As a matter of fact, there are people accompanying me..." (Vaiya)
"Accompanying, you say?" (Imeraria)
"Yes, as they named themselves as acquaintances of Earl Tohno, they told me that they want to meet with him. They have joined me after I took over from Fokalore's civil official, Paryu-san. Those fellow travellers are unique. It's my humble wish to have them introduced to Your Majesty on this occasion." (Vaiya)
Imeraria pondered, but Vaiya shouldn't have brought along anyone suspicious either.
"Where are those people?" (Imeraria)
"Currently they are in the middle of talking with Captain Sabnak." (Vaiya)
, Imeraria made a maid go contact Sabnak so that they will enter the tent together with him.
"How's the situation in the capital?" (Imeraria)
"There haven't been any particular problems. Even as for the public order, since I requested Midas-san to handle it, there won't be any issues, I think? There don't seem to be any particular moves in Vichy's direction either." (Vaiya)
Intentionally mentioning it as in the "direction" of Vichy includes Fokalore as well.
"Your Majesty, for you to reinforce our war potential at this time, were there some movements by Horant?" (Vaiya)
Due to Vaiya talking uneasily, Imeraria smiles calmly.
"The ones moving will be our side. The full details will be explained at the next war council." (Imeraria)
"It's Sabnak. Umm, I brought the, guests?" (Sabnak)
Sabnak's voice was audible from outside the tent, but Imeraria knitted her eyebrows due to his evasive manner of speech.
"Please enter." (Imeraria)
"Excuse me." (Sabnak)
The one who entered the tent first was Sabnak.
And, seeing the four who followed after him, Imeraria became speechless.
"Your Majesty, these are the gentlemen and ladies from the wastelands who crossed a great distance to meet with Earl Tohno." (Sabnak)
"I'm the elf Puuse."
"I'm Viine."
"I'm called Gengu ~ssu."
"I-I am, M-Malfas!"
"... Your Majesty?"
"... Ha!" (Imeraria)
Imeraria was in a state of having her mouth opened while looking at the beastmen, but recovering  due to Sabnak's call, she elegantly wipes the edges of her mouth with a handkerchief.
"I'm the queen of Orsongrande Kingdom, Imeraria. It looks like it was a long trip from the wastelands. It's the first time for me to encounter elves and beastmen, but... do you understand my words?" (Imeraria)
Looking at each other's faces, Puuse takes one step forward.
"Queen-sama, we are using the same language. I think a conversation won't be a problem?" (Puuse)
"So, about the matter of having come to meet with Hifumi-sama..." (Imeraria)
After asking several questions, Imeraria arranged for Puuse's group to be allowed using separate tents for men and women out of consideration that they can wait for Hifumi in the encampment.
Once Puuse and the others, who are grateful for the warm reception, left while being led by maids, Imeraria sank her back into the sofa while curbing her brows.
"... What did Hifumi-sama do in the wastelands? Really, something like a beastwoman chasing him up to here." (Imeraria)
Alongside a deep sigh, she drinks her cold black tea.
"Anyway, it was a saving grace that Origa-san wasn't here. Sabnak-san, I leave it to you that they and Origa-san don't run into each other until Hifumi-sama returns." (Imeraria)
"Aren't you imagining too much there? They are people who have likewise fallen in love with Hifumi-san, so if they get along well..." (Sabnak)
"Sabnak-san, you are naive." (Imeraria)
She stabs Sabnak with an unusually sharp gaze.
"The rabbit beastman-san just now... Viine-san came here while saying an admirable thing like she just wants to be at his side, however do you believe that Origa-san will allow that?" (Imeraria)
"Uuh..." (Sabnak)
"And, the moment a quarrel occurs between them, will you be able to remonstrate them to be nice to each other, Sabnak-san?" (Imeraria)
"I-Isn't that a task that exceeds my abilities...?" (Sabnak)
Imeraria's gaze switches from Sabnak to Vaiya.
"Even for me, to barge in on such situation is a bit..." (Vaiya)
Hearing the timid answers of the two adults, Imeraria sighed deeply.
"We will be able to form a relationship with the elves, who are said to wield powerful magic, and the beastmen who were our former enemy. That in itself is something great. The matter of creating a friendship with them will likely be of benefit for Orsongrande." (Imeraria)
"For that reason", Imeraria made a short pause.
"We should avoid unnecessary troubles to the best of our abilities. Even Origa-san will be obedient in front of Hifumi-sama. I will also request Alyssa-san to lay the groundwork thoroughly." (Imeraria)
""Acknowledged."" (Sabnak & Vaiya)
Imeraria informed the two, who matched their voices, about another matter.
"I will explain the strategy, I drew up, before the arrival of the main force. Let's have dinner together. You two and Alyssa-san. And let's invite those beastmen from before as well. I will have them decide whether they want to stay at Munster temporarily or remain here after explaining the current state." (Imeraria)
It looks like it will take a full two days for the main force of the reinforcements to arrive even if they are quick. It will also be necessary to explain things to Nelgal who will arrive together with the main army, but I will push this strategy forth even if I have to basically threaten him,
"Bast-..."
Before the guarding soldier finished speaking, Hifumi cut his windpipe just slightly with the tip of his katana in one go and the body, which had lost its soul, collapsed alongside a sound of air leaking out.
"It's this. I came here to complain about this." (Hifumi)
While lowering the drawn katana, Hifumi stands in front of Horant's prime minster who was sitting at his desk.
"W-Who are you bastard...?" (Kuzemu)
"The lord of Fokalore, Hifumi. The man who killed this place's crown prince." (Hifumi)
"What..." (Kuzemu)
Kuzemu, who has become pale while drenched in sweat, carefully examines the man standing in front of him from top to bottom.
Kuzemu himself never saw Hifumi, but he was aware about the person called Hifumi and about the uproar within the castle.
"How foolish. To reach this place all by yourself..." (Kuzemu)
"That's it. That." (Hifumi)
Hifumi points at the corpse of the soldier he killed himself a moment ago.
"It's the same for this guy as well, but you are far too careless. Entering the country, entering the city and entering the castle, all of it was at a level of being extremely easy to degree of making me yawn. Your men are just walking around leisurely and don't have any kind of vigilance in addition to that either. Isn't that as if you are telling me to break in?" (Hifumi)
"For example", Hifumi retrieved a light magic tool from his darkness storage.
"I can't use anything but darkness magic, but research in magic has advanced in Horant, right? I heard that even this lamp was created in Horant. In that case, noticing an intruder, sounding a general alert once someone discovered an enemy or doing various things is possible, isn't it?" (Hifumi)
"Uuh, but such things, except for those intended for battle, are developed by private merchants... buh!?" (Kuzemu)
Just as he began to line up excuses, Hifumi slapped Kuzemu's cheek with his palm after stabbing the katana into the floor.
Is his field of vision flickering? Hifumi brings his face close to Kuzemu who is repeatedly blinking.
"You, don't you think that a method for attacking means it is intended for battle?" (Hifumi)
Picking up the katana, he holds it out in front of Kuzemu's eyes so that he can see its hamon.
Hifumi, who turns the blade towards below and shifts the handle into his left hand, intended to show it, but Kuzemu was unable to consider it as anything else but threatening. He feels uneasy whether the ominously shining blade will cut his own throat in the same manner as the guard's.
"A weapon is fine as weapon. If it's polished up as item that steals a person's life, it is beautifully sublimed." (Hifumi)
Drawing back the katana, he returns it into its scabbard.
"But you know, while it may be strong at attacking that doesn't mean that one can win. It isn't just a mutual competition and confrontation. Now matter how strong a weapon might be, it will be meaningless if you aren't able to find a gap to use it." (Hifumi)
What Hifumi pointed at was the sword which hung at the waist of the corpse. Recognising him as intruder, the soldier tried to call out and yet he didn't even touch the hilt.
"W-What do you want to tell me?" (Kuzemu)
"You don't understand?" (Hifumi)
Going away from in front of Kuzemu, Hifumi removed the katana from his waist and sat down on a sofa with a flump.
"You are able to use magic. You were born into this world at great pains. If you are able to use earth magic, you will probably be able to camouflage a trap perfectly. If you can use wind magic, it's possible to survey a somewhat wide range. If it's fire magic, one can light a signal fire without using tools. Even by thinking about it for a bit, there are this many possible applications." (Hifumi)
"Are you asshole telling me that Orsongrande's military has advanced this far?" (Kuzemu)
"No?" (Hifumi)
Kuzemu looked at Hifumi, who shook his head as he smiled, while wiping away the sweat.
"I wonder whether I gave Orsongrande a bit too much of an advantage. Although it looks like you created a slightly big toy in Horant, those are no good. Even the techniques taught to you by the instruction unit sent by me have parts similar to imitating just the upper surface." (Hifumi)
"Therefore", Hifumi tapped the scabbard of his katana.
"I decided to give you various hints regarding magic which is the distinctive characteristic of Horant." (Hifumi)
"I-Isn't that an act that serves the interests of your enemy!? What are you planning!?" (Kuzemu)
"What a foolish thing to say. The current you doesn't even amount to being an enemy for me. Thus it isn't an act that serves the interests of my enemy." (Hifumi)
"T-That's sophistry!" (Kuzemu)
"Even if it's sophistry, that's fine. Do you know? A weakling uses sophistry to gloss over, but the strong one uses it while persisting with their egoism." (Hifumi)
"So, what are you telling me to do?" (Kuzemu)
Finding it already difficult to bring it to a close with words in this situation, Kuzemu asks Hifumi that.
"Since the border probably has already broken down due to the attacks of Orsongrande's side, I shall instruct you magic techniques I came up with in order for you to retake the border or to defend. I have only the darkness attribute, thus it will just be the theory though. Hey! Hurry up and summon the magicians in charge or the researchers. I don't have the time to idle around here. The evil hand of Orsongrande might be reaching for this place soon." (Hifumi)
While saying that, Hifumi rung the bell on top of a low table which is located in front of the sofa.magic
A maid immediately enters the room.
"You cal-... hii!?"
The maid, who entered while looking down, screamed when she discovered the soldier's corpse.
"Black tea, please. Also, I'd like something I can take out." (Hifumi)
Hifumi tells the frightened maid his order.
Due to the words of an unknown person, the maid looked at Kuzemu in her search for help.
"... Prepare it as you were told. And, can you call someone of the castle's magic researchers?" (Kuzemu)
Once the maid leaves the room as if running away, Hifumi looks into Kuzemu's eyes.
Joy is clearly visible on his face.
"Do your best. Imeraria is an amateur, but Fokalore's soldiers are considerably powerful. I don't care what you want to do in the end, but you have to persist here for the sake of achieving your dreams." (Hifumi)
Standing up, Hifumi hit Kuzemu's shoulder.
"Let's have a real war with a properly large number of people dying. Okay?" (Hifumi)
Kuzemu was unable to reply as he was merely trembling.
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