56.Wanted Dead Or Alive 【防衛は侵攻の始まり】
オリガが一二三に合流したとき、既に第一騎士隊は壊滅状態にあった。
契り木の鎖を振り回し、分銅で騎士たちを打ち据える。顔面と喉を集中的に狙い、動きが鈍ったところで首を叩き折る。
あちこちに折れた歯と血が散らばり、一面に転がる第一騎士隊の隊員たちは、誰ひとり息をしていない。
第三騎士隊の面々は、サブナクの言葉で一二三の到着に気づき、全員が慌てて戦場から退いていた。
第一騎士最後の一人が槍を突き入れるも、穂先を鎖に絡め取られて体勢を崩し、足払いで転ばされた。
「終わりだ」
首を踏み折られた騎士は、口の端から血を流して死んだ。
「よし、片付いたか」
契り木を仕舞い、気崩れた道着を整えているところへオリガが近づく。
「一二三様。このあたりに敵はもう、いないようです」
オリガの報告を聞いた一二三は、第三騎士隊が固まっている方をチラリと見遣ってから、そうかと呟いた。
「それと......先ほど、ベイレヴラを発見いたしました」
「そうか。それで、そいつはどうした?」
「私の手で、殺しました」
腕に固定し直した短剣をさすりながら、喜びとも悲しみともつかない顔をするオリガの肩に、一二三の手が置かれる。
「お疲れさん。ようやく終わったな」
一二三には、以前小説で読んだ“仇討ちの助太刀”を思い出していた。それとはちょっと違うが、なんとなく、こういうものなのかと軽い気持ちでそんな台詞を言ったのだが、オリガはその労いの言葉で、ようやく救われた気がした。
感極まったオリガは、溢れ出す涙をぬぐいもせず、一二三の胸に飛び込んだ。
「お?」
「申し訳ありません。少しだけ、このまま......」
突然泣き出したオリガに一瞬疑問を浮かべた顔をした一二三は、オリガの肩を掴んで引き離し、真正面から彼女の瞳を見つめた。
「笑えよ、オリガ」
「復讐を果たして敵を殺したんだろう。嬉しいだろう? そういう時は笑うもんだ」
しばらく一二三の顔を見ていたオリガは、ぐっと喉を鳴らして息の飲んでから、涙を流したままで朗らかに微笑んだ。
「そうだ。それでいい」
傍から見れば、何か試練を乗り越えたカップルのように見えたかも知れないが、周囲に転がるのは騎士たちの死体だ。
そこに、サブナクとビロン伯爵が、おっかなびっくり近づいていく。
「ああ、サブナクか。この先の街でも、まだ戦っているんだろう? 俺は行くから」
「いやその、あの人なんですけど......」
サブナクが指差す先には、抜け殻のような様子で立ち尽くしたままのアイペロス王子の姿があった。
「あのガキがどうかしたのか?」
「ガキって......あれでもこの国の王子なんですよ」
見たことあるはずですよ、とサブナクは言うが、一二三は首をかしげるばかりだ。
邪魔をされたと思ったのか、オリガは呪い殺さんばかりの目でサブナクを見ている。
「まあいいんですけど。あの方も操られているようなのですが、ぼくたち第三騎士隊で引き取りたいのですが......」
「俺と戦う気もないガキに用は無い。好きにすればいい」
「ありがとうございます」
一二三の返答を聞いて、サブナクは数人を集めてアイペロスの元へと向かった。
代わりに、ビロン伯爵が一二三の前に出る。
「救援ありがとうございます。ビロン伯カムラットと申します。トオノ伯爵ですね」
「ビロン? ああ、あの手紙を寄越した伯爵か」
「ええ、この度は......」
謝意を伝えようとした瞬間、一二三の右手が逆手に刀を抜いて、ビロンの首筋に冷たい刃があたる。
「敵がいるからと呼ぶのはいい。だが、それを自分の利益として利用されるのは気に入らん」
「り、利用するつもりは......」
「自分の街を守るために俺を呼ぶことは利用することにならないのか? 俺は敵を殺しにきたが、その敵にお前が含まれないと思い込むのは都合が良すぎると思うぞ」
先ほどまで余裕ある微笑みを浮かべていた顔に汗を滴らせ、ビロンは刃に映る自分を見た。
「私は、自分と民衆は自ら守るつもりで......第三騎士隊もいましたから......第一騎士隊の件は計算外で......」
荒い息を吐いて、ビロンが途切れ途切れに言ったところで、一二三は刀を離した。
「お、同じ国の貴族として、英雄のトオノ伯に助力を乞う事は......」
「戦いがあるからそこへ行く。国や所属がどうとうかは関係ない。俺の敵になるかどうかだけが基準だ。......遅れてフォカロル領兵がここへ来る。敵対するも歓迎するもお前の自由だが、互恵関係だと思うなら、与えられた利益に見合う物を用意すべきだろう、と俺は思うが?」
ニヤッと笑った一二三に、ビロンは自分が呼び込んだモノの正体を始めて知った。敵がいれば喜ぶ戦闘狂だと思ったが、大きな間違いだったのだと。
(この男はただただ殺し合いがしたいのであって、戦いの結果に興味が無いのか)
先ほど一二三が到着した時に、サブナクが慌てて第三騎士隊を退去させた理由が分かった。あのままでは、同じ騎士隊としてまとめて鏖殺されていたかもしれないのだ。
王子の方へと向かう一二三の背中を見て、ビロンは自分の失策にため息を付いた。
「取り敢えず、この魔法具を外すか?」
「何か副作用があってもまずい。暴れられてもまずいし、このまま王都へ連れて帰った方がいいのでは?」
「王子派の連中から、何か言われそうな気もするが......」
棒立ちのアイペロス王子を中心に、騎士たちが意見を戦わせていたが、まだ結論は出ていない。
そこへ一二三が歩いてきたのに気づき、全員が道を開ける。
「サブナク。こいつが王子だと言ったな」
「ええ、殺すのはやめてくださいよ......」
「イメラリアとの約束があったのを思い出したんだよ。俺はすぐには殺さん」
言いながら、一二三は乱暴に服を引き裂き、王子の胸に食いついている魔法具を掴んだ。
「こいつの運命を選ぶのは、こいつ自身だ」
リベザルの時と同様に、相手の身体を一切気遣わない乱暴な手段で魔法具を引き剥がした。
周りで見ていた騎士は、それを制止することもできず、ただ状況を見守っている。
地面へと崩れ落ちた王子に、誰も手を触れようとしない。
「う......うぅ?」
目を瞬かせ、王子が意識を取り戻した。
「なん、だ? 一体何が......胸が痛い......? うわっ」
穴だらけで血まみれの自分の身体を見て、一気に錯乱する王子に、バシャバシャと魔法薬がかけられた。
「起きたな。立て」
空になった瓶を放り捨て、一二三が命じる。
すっかり塞がった傷に気を取られていたが、はっとして起き上がる王子。
「貴様はあの時の......」
憎悪に彩られた目でにらみつけるが、一二三は毛ほども動じない。
「さて、ここでお前の運命を決める選択だ」
「なんだと? 貴様、王子である僕に向かって......」
平手打ちが一発、アイペロスの頬を打つ。
「黙れ」
視界がチラつくほどの痛みに、アイペロスの目に涙がたまる。
「この国の王座にはイメラリアがつく」
「な......」
「お前はこれから好きにするといい。姉と敵対するもよし。恭順して何らかの地位をもらうのも手だな。......ああ、お前の母親はもうこの世に居ないから、頼ろうとしても無駄だぞ」
最後の言葉に、アイペロスは目を見開いた。
周りを見回して、見知った顔は近くに来ていたビロン伯爵のみだったので、彼の顔を見る。
ビロン伯爵は、ゆっくりと首を左右に振った。
「そんな、ま、まさか......」
「ああ、俺が殺した」
アイペロスの視線が自分に戻ってきた事に気づいた一二三は、サラリと真実を告げる。
「う、うわぁあああああ! 貴様が! 貴様はあああ!」
錯乱して掴みかかって来るのを、右足で蹴り飛ばして転がした一二三は、無様に地面へと転げたアイペロスを睨みつけた。
「あいつらは自分で俺に敵対する道を選んだ。そして失敗して死んだ。俺を恨むのは勝手だが、その行動の責任はお前自身が取ることになると覚悟しろ」
一二三の威圧感に、アイペロスは気圧されるが、恐怖以上に怒りの感情が強い。
「き、貴様はこの国に潜り込んだ寄生虫だ! 姉に取り入って分不相応な地位に就いただけでなく、姉を誑かし、王となるべき僕を足蹴にするなど、許されないぞ!」
一度吐き出し始めると止まらないのか、一二三への批判は続く。
「お、王子、一先ずは王都へ戻られては......」
サブナクが声をかけるも、王子は止まらない。
「貴様ら第三騎士隊がいかんのだ! このような者を国に引き入れ、地位を与えた結果がこれだ! 血統のなんたるかを理解しない野蛮人に、この僕を害す、る......?」
アイペロスの視界が歪む。
いつの間にかアイペロスの頭は左右に別れ、血を流しながらずれていく。
びしゃっと音を立てて倒れた時、アイペロスは頭の中身をこぼして死んでいた。
「それ以上、一二三様を侮辱することは許しません」
殺ったのは、オリガだ。
右手を前に突き出し、考えられる最大限の斬れ味を持った風の刃が、アイペロスの頭部を両断した。
「あちゃ~......」
「お前はここで留守番。アリッサたちが到着するのを待ってろ」
一二三にゲンコツをもらって、オリガは頭をさすってしゃがみ込んだ。
「俺の獲物を横取りしやがって。あのアホガキはあのまま泳がせたら、まだまだ国内で混乱を生み出すはずだったのに......」
「し、しかし......」
「本人より先にキレる奴がいるか。とにかく、残った奴らは俺の獲物だからな」
憤慨しながらミュンスターの街へと単身で入って行く一二三を涙目で見送ったオリガは、がっくりと打ちひしがれている。
「ちょっと、いいかな?」
話しかけてきたビロンに、オリガは立ち上がって一礼する。
「ああ、あまりかしこまらなくていいよ。私は助けてもらった立場だからね。それで、トオノ伯の軍勢がこちらへ向かっているという話だけれど、ミュンスターで歓迎したいから、良かったら人数を教えて欲しいのだけれど」
そういうことであれば、とオリガは人数と編成を伝えた。
「それで、おそらくこの街での騒動はこれで一度収束すると思うのだけれど、連れてきた軍はそのまま帰還する形になるのかな?」
ビロンの質問に、オリガは怪しむ視線を向けた。
「いや、これだけの戦闘力があるトオノ伯が、態々軍を連れてきた理由がわからなくてね」
「......まあ、いいでしょう」
すっと、無表情に戻したオリガは、わざとらしい咳払いをする。
「今回の行軍は、遠征訓練を兼ねたものです。本来ならどのような戦いにおいても一二三様に助力というものが不要なのは当然のことです」
ですが、とオリガは続ける。
「フォカロル出発後に、一二三様が一度だけお考えを話されたことがあります。......魔法具で操られた者と戦っても面白くないから、ホーラントは
「私たちフォカロル領軍は、準備が整い次第、ホーラントへ侵攻いたします」
青ざめた顔をしているビロンに、オリガは更に続けた。
邪魔をするのであれば、その勢力もまとめて潰して押し進みます、と。
Chapter 56: Wanted Dead Or Alive
At the time Origa joined up with Hifumi, the First Knight Order was already close to complete annihilation.
Swinging the chains of the chigiriki, he hits the knights with the counterweight firmly. He focuses his aim on faces and noses and once their movements grow dull, he strikes at their necks.
Broken teeth and blood are scattered all over. On one side there are the fallen members of the First Knight Order of whom none are breathing anymore.
Everyone of the Third Knight Order, noticing Hifumi's approach due to Sabnak's warning, withdrew from the battlefield in panic.
Even the last member of the First Knight Order, coming thrusting his spear, had the spearhead arrested and his stance broken. He fell down by being tripped up.
"It's the end." (Hifumi)
The knight, having his neck broken by being stepped on, died spurting blood from his mouth.
"Alright, they were disposed of, huh?" (Hifumi)
Putting away the chigiriki, he puts the somehow disheveled dougi in order just as Origa is drawing close.
"Hifumi-sama, it looks like there aren't any enemies in this area left." (Origa)
Hifumi, listening to Origa's report, muttered "Is that so?" after sending a fleeting glance in the direction of the gathering Third Knight Order.
"And... I discovered Beirevra not long ago." (Origa)
"I see. So, what happened to him?" (Hifumi)
"I killed him with my own hands." (Origa)
While stroking the dagger she fixed back on her arm again, Origa shows a face of neither sadness nor delight. Hifumi puts his hand on her shoulder.
"Good work. It is finally over." (Hifumi)
Hifumi remembered the novel "Assistance in Revenge" he read once before. Although it was slightly different, for some reason, the words he casually said were something along those lines. He had a feeling that Origa at last, with those words of appreciation, was saved.
Origa, overcome with emotions, leaped into Hifumi's chest without even wiping the tears that started to pour out.
"Oh?" (Hifumi)
"I'm very sorry. Let me stay like this, only for a bit..." (Origa)
Hifumi, who showed a face of doubt for a moment due to Origa suddenly bursting into tears, seized her shoulders and pulled her apart. He directly stared into the eyes of her.
"Smile, Origa." (Hifumi)
"You killed your enemy accomplishing your revenge, right? Aren't you glad? At such times you should smile." (Hifumi)
Origa, looking at Hifumi's face for a while, smiled cheerfully while shedding tears after having taken a deep breath in one go that resounded through her throat.
"That's right. It's fine like this." (Hifumi)
If seen from the sight, they might look like a couple that overcame some ordeal, but there are corpses of knights scattered in the surroundings.
Sabnak and Biron approach nervously at that point.
"Ah, Sabnak, is it? I wonder if they are still fighting in city down the road? I will go there." (Hifumi)
"No, umm... Though that person..." (Sabnak)
Sabnak pointed ahead. There was the figure of Prince Ayperos standing rock still with an appearance as if being an empty husk.
"Is something wrong with that brat?" (Hifumi)
"Brat, you say... Even if he's like that, he still this country's prince." (Sabnak)
"It should be obvious", Sabnak says, but Hifumi does no more than tilting his head to the side.
Origa is looking at Sabnak with eyes full of nothing but the wish to curse him to death.
"Well, it's fine. Although it seems he is being manipulated as well, we, of the Third Knight Order, want to take him into custody, but..." (Sabnak)
"I have no use for a brat that shows no inclination to fight with me. It's fine if you do as you like with him." (Hifumi)
"Thank you very much." (Sabnak)
Hearing Hifumi's answer, Sabnak gathered several people and headed towards Ayperos' location.
In exchange Earl Biron steps in front of Hifumi.
"Thank you for your assistance. I am called Earl Biron Kamrat
"Biron? Ah, that letter-sending Earl, eh?" (Hifumi)
"That is so, on this occasion..." (Biron)
In the instant he tried to convey his gratitude, Hifumi draws his katana with his right hand using a backhand grip and presses the cold blade against the scruff of Biron's neck.
"It's alright to call me here because there are enemies. But, I don't like your intention of using it for your own benefit." (Hifumi)
"I-Intention to use you is wr-"(Biron)
"To call me for the sake of protecting your city isn't using me? I came to kill the enemies, but I think it is far too good and convenient to be convinced that you aren't included as one of them." (Hifumi)
Until just now he had the leeway to show a smile, but now sweat was trickling down on his face. Biron saw his own reflection on the blade.
"I planned to personally protect the people and myself... since there was also the Third Knight Order... with the First Knight Order being outside my predictions..." (Biron)
Breathing roughly, Biron talked in broken parts. Hifumi separated the katana.
"A-As nobles of the same country, I requested the assistance of the hero Earl Tohno..." (Biron)
"Because there are battles, I will go there. I don't care about the country or members of the same faction. My only criterion is whether you will become my enemy or not. ... The overdue territorial soldiers of Fokalore will come here. You are free to welcome them or to oppose them, but if you consider mutual beneficial relations, I think you should arrange something corresponding for the given benefits. Don't you think so?" (Hifumi)
Hifumi laughs broadly. Biron began to realize the true nature of the thing he had called himself. He thought that if Hifumi was a battle maniac, he would be delighted if there were enemies, but he made a huge mistake.
(This man yearns for nothing but killing. Doesn't he have any interest in the result of a battle?)
He now understood the reason why Sabnak had the Third Knight Order depart in a hurry at the time when Hifumi arrived. At that rate they might have been massacred in one go as they are a knight order as well.
Looking at Hifumi's back heading in the direction of the prince, Biron took a short rest as consequence of his blunder.
"Shall we remove the magic tool for the time being?"
"It will be bad if it has some side effects. It will also be bad if he acts violently. Isn't it better to take him in the current state and return to the royal capital?"
"I have a feeling that the guys of the prince faction will say something about this, but..."
With Price Ayperos standing in the middle, the knights debated their opinions, but as of yet they haven't reached a decision.
Noticing that Hifumi came walking over, all of them get out-of-the-way.
"Sabnak, you said that this guy is the prince." (Hifumi)
"Please don't accelerate his death..." (Sabnak)
"I recalled that I made a promise to Imeraria. I won't kill him right now." (Hifumi)
With those words Hifumi violently tore off the prince's clothes and grabbed the magic tool embedded in his chest.
"I will let that guy himself choose his own destiny." (Hifumi)
Same as with Ribezal previously, he tore off the magic tool in a brutal way without caring about the other party's body at all.
The knights, visible in the surroundings, are just watching the situation without being able to stop this.
No one tries to catch the prince as he collapses to the ground.
"U... Uu?" (Ayperos)
Blinking his eyes, the prince regained his consciousness.
"Wh...at? What the he... My chest hurts... ? Uwah." (Ayperos)
As the prince is looking at his own bloodstained body with a hole in his chest, he becomes confused right away. A magic potion was applied on him with a splashing sound.
"You woke up. Stand up." (Hifumi)
Flinging away the emptied bottle, Hifumi orders him.
Although he was completely preoccupied with the healed wound, the prince quickly got up.
"You bastard are from that time..." (Ayperos)
The prince is glaring with eyes full of hatred, but Hifumi isn't even a bit perturbed.
"Well then, you have the choice to decide your fate here." (Hifumi)
"What was that? You bastard, towards me who is the prince..." (Ayperos)
A single slap strikes Ayperos' cheek.
"Shut up." (Hifumi)
Tears are gathering in Ayperos' eyes as the pain makes his surroundings appear blurry.
"This country's throne is taken by Imeraria." (Hifumi)
"Wh..." (Ayperos)
"It's fine for you to do what you like after this. It's even alright to oppose your elder sister. There is also the way of receiving some position of allegiance. ... Ah, since your mother isn't in this world anymore, relying on her is pointless even if you want to." (Hifumi)
Ayperos opened his eyes widely due to the last words.
He surveys the vicinity. Because he only recognized the face of Earl Biron, who came close, he looks at that face.
Earl Biron slowly shook his head left and right.
"Such a... n-never..." (Ayperos)
"Ah, I killed her." (Hifumi)
Hifumi, perceiving Ayperos gaze returning to him, informs him of the truth without hesitation.
"U-Uwaaaaaa! You bastard! You bastard aaaaaare!" (Ayperos)
As the prince suffered from being seized by madness, Hifumi kicked him with his right leg causing him to fall to the ground. Hifumi scowled at Ayperos who was unsightly tumbling to the ground.
"They chose the path of hostility by themselves. And they died due to that mistake. You are free to resent me, but have to resolve yourself to bear the responsibility for that action yourself." (Hifumi)
Although Ayperos is overpowered by the intimidating air of Hifumi, on top of fear, the emotion of rage is strong within him.
"You bastard are a parasite that has infiltrated this country! Not just ascending to a position, that doesn't befits your-likes, by buttering up to elder sister, you are even deceiving elder sister. I won't forgive you for kicking me who should become the king!" (Ayperos)
Does he not cease once he has started to spit out words of rage? He continues the insults towards Hifumi.
"P-Prince, let's returning to the capital for the time being..." (Sabnak)
The prince doesn't stop even as Sabnak calls out to him.
"I won't go anywhere with your rotten Third Knight Order! Drawing someone like that into the country, this is the outcome after he was given a rank and territory! A savage that doesn't understand what pedigree is! To injure me! Wh..." (Ayperos)
Ayperos' field of vision warps.
Before anyone knows what's going on, Ayperos head divides left and right. Both halves get out of alignment while shedding blood.
At the time he collapsed to the ground with the sound of a short splat. Ayperos died spilling the contents of his head.
"I won't forgive you for insulting Hifumi-sama anymore than this." (Origa)
It is Origa who did him in.
Stretching her right hand in front of her, she bisected Ayperos' head cutting it with the a wind blade possessing the highest sharpness she could think of.
"Acha~" (Sabnak)
"You will stay here. Wait for the arrival of Alyssa's group" (Hifumi)
Origa squatted down rubbing her head after she received a fist from Hifumi.
"You stole my prey. Letting that foolish brat go freely like that should have created still more chaos within the country, but..." (Hifumi)
"H-However..." (Origa)
"Is there anyone that loses their temper over that brat from before? Anyway, the remaining lot is my prey." (Hifumi)
Origa, being stricken with depression, saw Hifumi off with teary eyes as he went towards Munster by himself while being indignant.
"Do you have a moment?" (Biron)
Recovering herself, Origa bowed to Biron who came and started talking to her.
"Ah, it's fine if you aren't this formal. After all I'm in the position of having been saved by you. So, I hear that Earl Tohno's troops are headed here, but since I want to welcome them to Munster, I'd like you to tell me the number of people if it suits you." (Biron)
"If it is something like that", Origa told him the number of people and their formation.
"And, I think that the dispute in this city will likely reach its temporary conclusion with this, but I wonder if it will result in having the troops, he brought along, return?" (Biron)
Upon hearing Biron's question, Origa faced him with a suspecting look.
"No, I don't understand the reason why Earl Tohno, who has this much fighting strength, especially brought along his troops, you know." (Biron)
"... Well, it's fine, I guess." (Origa)
Origa quickly returning to being expressionless, unnaturally clears her throat.
"This time's march was something like doing an expedition practice. Originally it's only natural that they are unnecessary to do something like assisting Hifumi in such sort of battle." (Origa)
"But," Origa continues.
"After the departure from Fokalore Hifumi-sama had only once talked about his plans. ... Because it isn't interesting to fight people who are manipulated by a magic tool, he won't enter Horant **** and," (Origa)
"As soon as our Fokalore territorial army has put their preparations in order, we will invade Horant." (Origa)
Origa further continued as Biron was becoming pale.
"If you become an obstacle, we will advance the troops to crush you in one go with that power as well."
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