136.Want You Bad
ミュンスターの防衛陣地では、特に被害を受けずにホーラントからの攻撃を防ぎ切り、敵の姿が見えなくなっていた。
兵たちは交代で休憩と防衛のための道具の確認と補修を進めており、イメラリアはビロンと共に後方に下がり、それぞれの為に設置された天幕内で休憩を取っている。
そんな中、現場責任者であるサブナクは、忙しく指示を出していた。
「状況を教えて」
不意に声をかけられたサブナクが振り向くと、一瞬だけ誰もいないのかと思ったが、視線を落とすとアリッサが自分を見上げているのを見つけた。
「ああ、アリッサ......さん」
呼び捨てにしようとすると、彼女の後ろにいるフォカロル兵士たちから謎の圧力を受け、あわててさん付けに変更する。
「フォカロルからの応援か......ありがたい」
内心では想像以上に早い到着に驚き、なるべく戦場をひっかき回さないで欲しいと思っていたが、引きつりながらも笑顔を作った。
「それで、一二三さんたちは......」
「もうすぐ来るよ。オリガさんも一緒」
一縷の期待を込めた質問に、アリッサが即答する。
現実はかくも厳しいのか、と泣きたくなったサブナクだが、肩書きがある以上はこの場を取りまとめなくてはならない。
「一度だけ、ホーラントからこの防衛陣地に攻撃があったけど、跳ね返すことができたよ。向こうの出方がどうなるかは予想できないけれど、国境周辺は完全にホーラントに抑えられてるね」
監視した兵から受けた情報を伝えたサブナクは、とにかく今は状況を見極めたいと話した。
「そうなんだ......陣地の隅を借りてもいい?」
「もちろん構わないよ......一二三さんが来たら、どうする予定だい?」
サブナクの質問に、アリッサは違う、と首を振った。
「今回の件は、僕の部下がホーラントで被害を受けたから、僕が責任者として救出に行く。一二三さんは見てるだけだって」
「......え? あの一二三さんが戦いに参加せずに見てるだけ?」
まさか、とつぶやくサブナクに、アリッサは頬を膨らませて怒った。
「本当だよ! これは僕の復讐だから、僕がやる!」
へらへらと笑っていたサブナクだったが、“復讐”という言葉で顔を曇らせた。
「復讐......なのか」
それは、忘れもしないアロセールでサブナクが初めて一二三と出会った時のこと。その時はまだ奴隷だったオリガとカーシャのため、一二三は自らの武器を貸してまで復讐を果たさせる手伝いをした。
「ということは、君は......いや、フォカロル領の軍はホーラントへ攻め込むということかい?」
「もちろん」
「ちょ、ちょっと待ってくれ! 今はぼくがここで指示を出しているけれど、この陣地も作戦も、イメラリア陛下の指揮でやってるんだ! ただでさえ面倒な状況なのに、ここで許可なく侵攻されたら困るよ!」
「でも、一二三さんが良いって」
「よく考えてくれたまえ!」
背中を丸めてアリッサに懇願するように肩に手を置いて、サブナクは泣きそうな顔をする。
「女王陛下と伯爵と、どっちが偉い人で、そういう重要な事を偉い人の許可なしに勝手に決められるものじゃないだろう?」
「......そう、かな?」
「そうなんだよ。......アリッサさんがあの夫婦みたいに強引で非常識じゃなくて良かった。とりあえずは陛下やビロン伯爵に相談しよう。そうしよう」
半分くらいは納得しているらしい様子のアリッサを見て、サブナクは安堵の溜息をついた。
もしアリッサが無茶な攻勢に出たりしたら、ホーラントから大規模な反撃を受けた時にこの陣地で受けきれなくなる可能性もある。
「よう。出世してずいぶん偉くなったんだな」
「サブナクさんの私たちに対する評価はそうなのですね」
馬を並べ、笑顔の一二三と無表情でサブナクを睨むオリガがそこにいた。
「止まってください。ミダスさん」
「......ヴァイヤーか。これはどういう事だ?」
ネルガルたちと共に王都に入る直前だったミダスは、目の前に立ちふさがったのが盗賊や造反貴族の手先ではなく、近衛騎士隊副隊長のヴァイヤーだということに気づき、目を細めた。
「陛下やサブナク隊長が留守の間、私が責任者ということになっております」
「そんなことを聞きたいんじゃない。なぜ私たちの前を塞ぐ必要があるのか、と聞いている」
二人は所属は違えど面識はある。ヴァイヤーの方が貴族の階級としては上だが、ミダスの方が先輩であり、近衛騎士隊と一般の騎士隊の違いはあれど、副隊長としては同格とされている。
「そちらの馬車には」
ヴァイヤーが指差したのは、ネルガルが乗っている。
馭者も馬車の周囲を固める兵たちもホーラント所属の者で、突然のことに緊張の面持ちで剣の鞘を掴んでいる。
「ホーラント次期王殿下がおいでですね?」
「だとしたらどうする。お前のやっていることは外交上の重大な非礼にあたるぞ」
「女王陛下からの通達です。ネルガル殿下をお出迎えし、王都にて状況が落ち着くまでお待ちいただくようにとの事です」
状況が変化したのです、とヴァイヤーが取り出した命令書は、確かにイメラリアの署名が入っていた。
言葉を返すこともできずにじっと命令書を睨みながら、ミダスは迷っていた。
ヴァイヤーが造反貴族なりホーラントなりの傀儡になっている可能性もあるが、基本的には信用できる人物であるという評価はしている。
沈黙を破ったのは、ホーラント兵が先だった。
「味方みたいな面して、今になって裏切るのか!」
「い、いや......」
狼狽えるミダスに向かい、激高したホーラント兵がいよいよ剣に手をかけた。
ミダスたちにも、正面に並ぶヴァイヤーたちにも緊張が走る。ここで剣を抜かれたら、問答無用で斬り捨てざるを得ない。
「待ってください」
ホーラント兵たちを止めたのは、馬車を降りてきたネルガルだった。
心労でいささか痩せたように見える彼がそばに来たところで、ミダスが馬を降りる。
「ミダスさん。彼が持っている命令書は本物ですか?」
「......間違いないでしょう」
ミダスの答えを聞いて、ホーラント兵からは悲痛な声が上がるが、ネルガルは落ち着いてヴァイヤーの方へと向き直った。
「そのような命令が出ているということは、我が国で何か起きたという事ですね?」
「左様です。ネルガル殿下」
「殿下はやめてください。跡継ぎに指名されたとはいえ、私はまだ勉強中の身であり、スプランゲル陛下の遠い遠い血縁というだけの若造です」
はにかむネルガルに、こわばった顔で額に汗を浮かべているヴァイヤーは、命令書を丁寧に折りたたむ。
「貴国ホーラントから、オーソングランデへ侵略行為が認められました」
これに、ホーラントの兵たちは絶句したが、ミダスたちも同様だった。
「侵略とは......状況を教えていただけませんか」
青い顔をして質問を続けたネルガルに、ヴァイヤーは頷く。
「我が国からホーラントへの侵入を図った賊どもは、国境に近い町ミュンスター周辺を治めるビロン伯爵の軍と、ホーラントへ駐留していたフォカロル領トオノ伯爵の軍により食い止められ、ホーラントへの侵入は未然に防がれました」
ですが、とヴァイヤーが軽く足を開いて姿勢を正すと、腰に下げた鎖鎌の鎖が音を立てる。
「貴国を守ったフォカロル領軍の兵士たちは貴国の軍に殺され、国境周辺は今やホーラント兵によって占拠された状態にあります」
ホーラント兵の誰かが息をのむ。
その内容の真偽は別としても、今はっきりとオーソングランデ所属の兵がホーラントの兵に殺された、と告げられたのだ。この時点で、敵国どうしに戻ったと同然である。
「だ、だがそれはネルガル様の指示ではない! それはわかるだろう!」
兵の一人が声を上げたが、ネルガルが手をあげて止めた。
「私の指示であろうと無かろうと、国の代表である以上は、その責任から免れることはない......という事ですね」
ネルガルの言葉に、目を閉じて間を置いたヴァイヤーは、息を吸い込む。
「死亡したとされるフォカロルからの教導部隊にいた者は、私と同じ武器を使い。わずかな期間ではありますが、共に汗を流して修練をした者です」
鎖を握りしめたヴァイヤーは、深呼吸を繰り返し、手を放した。
「八つ当たりなのは承知ですが本心を申せば、貴方方ホーラントの勢力を叩きのめしたい」
ヴァイヤーは、また別の羊皮紙を取り出し、ネルガルへと開いて見せた。
「......ですが、ネルガル様は先ほど自ら申されました通り、未だ戴冠を済まされていないうえ、亡くなられたスプランゲル王の子息というわけでもありません」
広げられたのは、先ほどの命令書に対する追記だった。
「王都にいていただくのはどうしようもありませんが、丁重にお迎えし、不自由なくお過ごし頂けるようにとのご命令を受けております。護衛の方も同様です。どうか、我が国の女王からのお願いをお受けいただきたいのですが」
「軽々しく言えることではありませんが、心中お察しします」
頭を下げたヴァイヤーに、ネルガルは沈痛な面持ちで答えた。
「私の身柄を貴国に預けます。護衛の兵たちにも、可能な限り配慮をお願いいたします」
「お約束いたします」
「良かった。あとできれば、イメラリア陛下へお手紙をお送りさせていただきたいのですが」
顔を上げたヴァイヤーは、首をかしげた。
「手紙、ですか? 構いませんが......どのような内容か、確認させていただきますが?」
「構いません。助命嘆願書ですから」
「い、イメラリア陛下は決してネルガル殿を処刑しようなどとは思っておりませんでしょう!」
慌てるミダスに、ネルガルはクスリと笑みをこぼした。
「私のことじゃありませんよ。できるだけ、我が国の兵や城で働く者たちの命を助けてもらいたいと思うだけです。私が怖いのは、故郷で暴走しているらしい者たちが、イメラリア陛下の懐刀。彼の逆鱗に触れないか、それだけです」
一二三のことをよく知らないホーラントの兵たちは顔を見合わせていたが、ミダスやヴァイヤーたちは先ほどまでとは違った種類の冷や汗を流していた。
「では、本日の議題は彼女たちの扱いについてですが......」
「その前にさ、彼女たちが何者なのかを教えてくれよ。獣人族とエルフなのはわかるぞ。それがどうしてフォカロルに来ているのかが知りたいんだがよ」
フォカロルの領主館の一室。文官たちが会議の為に使っている部屋で、文字通りの会議を始めようとしたカイムに、デュエルガルが疑問を投げた。
カイムが集まった文官たちを見渡すと、フォカロルへやってきたプーセたちの世話役となったパリュ以外、ミュカレとブロクラが同意するように頷いている。
「では、パリュから話してもらいましょう」
さっさと指名すると、カイムは無表情のままで着席し、素早く書き取りの準備を終えた。「えっ、私?」
最年少のパリュは、他四人の視線を浴びて緊張しながらも、多少はプーセたちと話したことを全員に伝えた。
「えっと、エルフの女の人がプーセさん。兎獣人の人がヴィーネさん、犬獣人の人がゲングさん、虎獣人の子がマルファス君です」
荒野に面した町で保護された彼女たちは、大急ぎで台車に乗せられて昨日の時点でフォカロルまで運ばれ、今は館に近い位置にある宿に泊まっている。
宿の手配などはカイムによる指示だったが、女性もいる事と敵意が無いのが確認できた事で、一時的に手が空いていたパリュが世話係となった。
他の職員に任せなかったのは、彼女たちが一二三に会いに来たということを知ったカイムの判断による。
「荒野の向こうにある、ソードランテという国で、獣人と人間、それにエルフが一緒に暮らす町があって、そこからやってきたそうです」
素直に納得して頷いたのは、カイムのみ。
「荒野の向こうの国か。噂には知ってたが、実在したんだなぁ」
「エルフとか初めて見たわ。それも驚きよ」
「獣人やエルフが同じ町に住んでいるなんて、想像つきませんね」
口々に意見を交わすミュカレたちの話にカイムはしばらく聞き入っていたのだが、特に結論らしいものが出ないと判断すると、パリュに視線を向けた。
「パリュ。彼女たちの目的は、領主様にお会いすることだと聞きましたが、詳しい内容はわかりましたか?」
雑談はぴたりと止まり、再び視線にさらされたパリュは、手元のメモを懸命に読み上げる。
「兎獣人のヴィーネさんは、領主様に買われた奴隷だそうです。しばらく勉強をしてから、すぐに自由にしていいと言われたそうですが......私たちと同じですね」
「俺たちはとても自由とは言えないんじゃないか?」
忙しくて死にそうだぜ、とこぼすデュエルガルに、ミュカレが「従軍するよりましでしょ」と睨みつけた。男所帯の軍隊と行動を共にするのは、アリッサと一緒でもかなりストレスだったらしい。
カイムに睨まれて二人が黙ると、パリュが続ける。
「そのヴィーネさんが、その......」
「何か言いにくい内容?」
顔を赤らめたパリュを気遣い、ブロクラがメモを受け取る。
「あら......。ヴィーネさんという兎獣人は、領主様と一緒になりたくて来たみたいですね。他の人たちはその付添い。虎獣人の子だけは、領主様の弟子になる希望もあるみたいです」
「あらあら、可愛らしいわね。恋にまっすぐなのね」
「ミュカレはスレすぎだろ。パリュはもう十六だろが。これくらいで恥ずかしがるなよ」
なんだか恥ずかしくて、と頬を両手で押さえたパリュ。
それら全ての雑談を無視して、カイムはぴしゃりと言った。
「では、本格的に意見をお願いいたします」
全員が首をかしげる。
「とても大きな問題が起きているのがわかりませんか? 領主様とお近づきになるためにやってきた。つまり奥様に恋敵が現れたということなのですが」
さて、どうします? とカイムが一同の顔を順番に見ていったが、誰も視線を合わせようとはしなかった。
Chapter 136: Want You Bad
At the end of defending against the attacks from Horant without suffering any particular damage, the enemies disappeared from Munster's defensive encampment.
The soldiers are taking turns between resting and maintaining as well as checking the tools used for defending. Imeraria has withdrawn to the rear together with Biron and they are taking a break in their respective tents.
Inside one of those, Sabnak, who is the one in charge on-site, busily gave orders.
"Inform me about the situation." (Alyssa)
Once Sabnak, who was suddenly addressed, looked over his shoulders, he wondered for just an instant whether there was no one there, but when he lowered his line of sight, he discovered Alyssa looking up at him.
"Ah, Alyssa-... san." (Sabnak)
Receiving a mysterious pressure from the soldiers of Fokalore, who are behind her, once he uses her name without an honorific, he adds a "-san" to her name in panic.
"Reinforcements from Fokalore, huh...? That's welcome." (Sabnak)
Surprised by their fast arrival that exceeded the expectations in his mind, he thought that he'd like them to not ransack the battlefield as much as possible, but he produced a smile even while his face was twitching.
"So, Hifumi-san and the others are..." (Sabnak)
"They will be here very soon. Origa is with him as well." (Alyssa)
Alyssa immediately answers the question which had a thread of hope put into it.
, Sabnak wanted to cry, but since he owns a title he has to keep it together at this place.
"We were attacked in this defensive encampment only once by Horant, but we were able to repel them. I can't predict how the other side will move, however the surroundings of the national border have been completely occupied by Horant." (Sabnak)
Sabnak, who told her the information he received from the observing soldiers, mentioned that he wanted to ascertain the state of affairs now anyway.
"I see... is it fine for us to borrow a corner in the encampment?" (Alyssa)
"I don't mind, of course... what do you plan to do once Hifumi-san arrives?" (Sabnak)
Alyssa shook her head saying "it's different" towards Sabnak's question.
"Since my subordinates suffered losses by Horant in this time's case, I will go rescue them as the one responsible for them. Hifumi-san will just watch." (Alyssa)
"... Eh? That Hifumi-san will just watch without participating in the battle?" (Sabnak)
Due to Sabnak muttering "no way", Alyssa got angry and puffed up her cheeks.
"It's the truth! This is my revenge, so I will be the one to execute it!" (Alyssa)
Sabnak smiled foolishly, but his face became dark at the mention of the word "revenge."
"Revenge... it is?" (Sabnak)
Sabnak hasn't forgotten the time when he met Hifumi for the first time in Arosel. At that time Hifumi helped Origa and Kasha, who were still slaves, to accomplish their revenge going even as far as lending them his own weapons.
"So that means, you... no, the Fokalore feudal army will invade Horant?" (Sabnak)
"Of course." (Alyssa)
"P-Please wait a moment! Currently I'm the one giving the orders in this place, but this encampment and military operation is under the command of Her Majesty Imeraria! Even though it's already a difficult situation even at the best of times, it will be troublesome if you invade without permission." (Sabnak)
"However, Hifumi-san has said it's fine." (Alyssa)
"That's before thinking it over properly!" (Sabnak)
Placing his hand on her shoulder to plead to Alyssa while bending his back, Sabnak shows a face that looks like he is sobbing.
"Her Majesty the Queen and an Earl, both of them are people in high positions. You can't decide something on your own accord without getting the permission from such people in high positions regarding such important matter, right?" (Sabnak)
"... I guess so?" (Alyssa)
"That's how it is. ... It would be great if you didn't display high-handed absurdity like that couple, Alyssa-san. For starters, let's discuss it with Her Majesty and Earl Biron. Come on, let's just do that." (Sabnak)
Seeing the state of Alyssa who seems to be agreeing with him at least partially, Sabnak sighed in relief.
If Alyssa went out for an unreasonable offensive, it would be also possible for this encampment to be broken through when it received a large-scaled counter-attack from Horant.
"Yo. You became quite the big boy after climbing the ranks." (Hifumi)
"Sabnak-san's evaluation of us seems to be such." (Origa)
With their horses lined up, Origa, who glares at Sabnak, and a smiling Hifumi were there.
"Please stop, Midas-san." (Vaiya)
"... Vaiya, huh? What's this about?" (Midas)
The one who stood before Midas, who was about to enter the capital together with Nelgal's group, weren't the underlings of the rebelling nobles or thieves, but the Vice-Captain of the Royal Knight Order, Vaiya, Midas realized after squinting.
"It has been decided that I'm the one in charge during the absence of Her Majesty and Captain Sabnak." (Vaiya)
"That's not what I want to hear. What I want to know is why it's necessary for you to stand in our way." (Midas)
The two of them are acquaintances despite having different affiliations. Vaiya is superior as he has a rank of nobility, but Midas is his senpai*. Being in different units, namely the Royal Knight Order and the ordinary knight order, they possess the same ranks as Vice-Captains.
"It's because of the carriage over there." (Vaiya)
The one Vaiya pointed at is the one with Nelgal on board.
As the coachman and the soldiers, who are securing the vicinity of the carriage, belong to Horant, they are grasping the scabbards of their swords with tensed expressions due to the sudden situation.
"Is His Highness, the next king of Horant, boarding it?" (Vaiya)
"What will you do, if that is the case? What you are doing is equivalent to a grave, diplomatic affront." (Midas)
"It's an order by Her Majesty. I was told to welcome His Highness, Nelgal, and have him wait in the capital until the situation has settled down." (Vaiya)
The decree, which Vaiya took out after saying "the circumstances have changed", was definitely signed by Imeraria.
Midas hesitated while fixedly staring at the decree without returning any words either.
There's the possibility of Vaiya having become a puppet of Horant or the rebelling nobles, but basically he is known for his high evaluation as being a trustable person.
The one who broke the silence was a soldier from Horant.
"Are you betraying us at this point after regarding us like allies!?"
"N-No..." (Midas)
Facing the flustered Midas, the enraged soldier of Horant at last took a sword in his hand.
Tension travels across Midas' group and Vaiya's group, which is lining up right in front of them. If they draw their swords here, there won't be any choice but to cut them down without questions asked.
"Please wait." (Nelgal)
The one who stopped the soldier from Horant was Nelgal who disembarked from the carriage.
At the moment he, who looks somewhat thin due to his anxiety, came close, Midas dismounted.
"Midas-san, is the decree, he possesses, the real thing?" (Nelgal)
"... There's probably no mistake in that." (Sabnak)
Hearing Midas' reply, a grieving voice is raised by the soldiers of Horant, but after having calmed them down, Nelgal faced Vaiya.
"For such a decree to appear means that something happened in our country, right?" (Nelgal)
"That's right, Your Highness, Nelgal." (Vaiya)
"Please stop with the "Your Highness." Although I have been designated as heir, I'm still a child in the middle of studying. I'm a youngster who merely has a distant, distant blood relation with His Majesty, Suprangel." (Nelgal)
Vaiya, who has sweat gathering on the forehead of his stiff face due to the shy Nelgal, carefully folds the decree.
"We have observed an act of aggression towards Orsongrande by your country, Horant." (Vaiya)
The soldiers from Horant became speechless due to that and same applied to Midas' group.
"Aggression... could you inform me of the situation please?" (Nelgal)
Vaiya nods towards Nelgal who continued his question while having a pale face.
"The enemies from your country, who plotted an invasion into Orsongrande, have been held back by the troops of Earl Biron, who is governing the area of Munster, a city close to the national border and Fokalore's territorial troops of Tohno Earldom, which have been stationed in Horant. They prevented the invasion by Horant." (Vaiya)
"However", once Vaiya straightens himself by spreading his feet lightly, the chain of the kusarigama, which hung at his waist, makes a sound.
"The soldiers of Fokalore's feudal army, which protected your country, were killed by the troops of your country. The area of the national border has been at present occupied by soldiers from Horant." (Vaiya)
One of the soldiers from Horant gulps.
Even if the authenticity of those details are a different matter, it's currently clear that soldiers affiliated to Orsongrande were killed by soldiers from Horant, is what they have been told. At this point in time it's similar as to ((both countries)) having returned to being fellow enemy nations.
"H-However, those aren't Nelgal-sama's instructions! You know that, right!?"
A single soldier raised his voice, but Nelgal stopped him by raising his hand.
"Even if it might not be my order, I can't escape from taking responsibility for it seeing as I'm the country's representative... is what you are saying, right?" (Nelgal)
Due to Nelgal's remark, Vaiya, who paused while closing his eyes, breathes in.
"The people, who were in the instruction unit from Fokalore and who are assumed to be dead, use the same weapon as me. Although it's been only for a short while, they are people with whom I trained while sweating together." (Vaiya)
Grasping the chain tightly, Vaiya repeatedly took deep breaths and released his hand.
"Although I'm aware that I'm venting my anger, I want to beat down the power of your Horant, if I voice out my real feelings." (Vaiya)
Vaiya took out yet another parchment and showed it to Nelgal after opening it.
"... However, on top of not having yet finished the coronation, as Nelgal-sama himself said before, it's not like he is the son of the deceased King Suprangel."
What was unfolded was a postscript to the previous decree.
"There is nothing I can do about having you stay in the capital, but I have received an order to welcome you politely and to make sure that you can rest there without any inconveniences. It's the same for your guards as well. Please, I'd like you to accept the request from our country's queen." (Vaiya)
"It's not something I can say carelessly, but I will keep it in mind." (Nelgal)
Nelgal replied with a sad expression to the bowing Vaiya.
"I shall entrust myself to your country. Please take my escorting soldiers into your consideration as much as possible, too." (Nelgal)
"I shall promise you that." (Vaiya)
"Great. Furthermore, if possible, I'd like to have the privilege of sending a letter to Her Majesty, Imeraria." (Nelgal)
Vaiya, who lifted his head, was puzzled.
"Letter, you say? I don't mind, but... may I confirm what kind of content it's about?" (Vaiya)
"No problem. It's a petition for clemency." (Nelgal)
"H-Her Majesty, Imeraria, will never consider something like executing you, Nelgal-dono." (Midas)
Nelgal unintentionally spilled a smile due to the flustering Midas.
"It's not for me. I'm merely feeling that I want her to spare the lives of the people, who are working in the castle, and the soldiers of my country if at all possible. What I'm afraid of is that those, who will apparently rampage in my birthplace, will be Her Majesty's, Imeraria's, confidants. Do not provoke the wrath of a superior? It's just that." (Nelgal)
The soldiers of Horant, who aren't quite aware of Hifumi, looked at each other, but Midas, Vaiya and their men had a cold sweat different from the one before.
"Well then, today's agenda is about the treatment of the girls, but..."
"Before that, please tell us who those girls are. I grasp that they are elves and beastmen. But what I want to know is why they have come to Fokalore."
In a room within the feudal lord's mansion. Doelgar threw that question at Caim who tried to literally start a meeting in the room that has been used by the civil officials for meetings.
Once Caim surveys the civil officials that gathered, there are Miyukare and Brokra, who are nodding in agreement, besides Paryu, who has become the mediator of Puuse's group who arrived in Fokalore.
"Well then, let's have Paryu explain." (Caim)
After nominating her indifferently, Caim sat down while being expressionless and quickly finished his preparations to take notes.
Paryu, who is the youngest, conveyed more or less what she had been told by Puuse's group to everyone even while being tense due being pierced by the gazes of the other four.
"Umm, the elven woman is Puuse-san. The rabbit beastman is Viine-san, the dog beastman is Gengu-san and the tiger beastboy is Malfas-kun." (Paryu)
The group, which had been sheltered in a city facing the wastelands, has been put on a platform wagon and has been transported until Fokalore yesterday around this time. Currently they are staying in an inn which is close-by.
The arrangement of an inn and such were Caim's instructions, but as they were able to confirm that they have no hostility and that there are women among them too, Paryu, who was available to help, had temporarily taken over the duty of looking after them.
It was due to the judgement of Caim, who knew that they came to meet Hifumi, that there weren't entrusted to other staff members.
"Located on the other side of the wastelands there's a city where beastmen, humans and elves live together in a county called Swordland. It seems they came from there." (Paryu)
The one who obediently nodded while agreeing is only Caim.
"A country on the other side of the wastelands, huh? I knew of the rumours, but it really existed, eh?"
"It's the first time I've seen an elf or such. That's also a surprise."
"I can't imagine something like beastmen and elves living in the same city."
Caim listened to the chats between Miyukare and the others, who exchanged their opinions, for a while, but once he judged that there won't be anything similar to a conclusion, he turned his look towards Paryu.
"Paryu, I heard that their objective is to meet with Lord-sama, but did you learn the full details?" (Caim)
Paryu, who was once again exposed to their looks after they suddenly stopped their chatting, earnestly reads out the memo in her hand.
"It seems that the rabbit beastman Viine-san is a slave bought by Lord-sama. I was told that she was immediately set free after studying for a while, but... she is similar to us." (Paryu)
"Though we aren't completely free at all, are we?"
Due to Doelgar leaking "We are about to die due to work", Miyukare glared at him and said [It's still better than going on campaigns] . The one who participated in the mobilisation of the all-male military forces was apparently quite stressed despite having been together with Alyssa.
Once the two become silent after being glared at by Caim, Paryu continues.
"That Viine-san is, umm...." (Paryu)
"Is it something difficult to mention?" (Brokra)
Noticing that Paryu was blushing, Brokra took the memo.
"Oh... The rabbit beastman called Viine-san apparently came here to be together with Lord-sama. The other people are her escort. Only the tiger beastboy apparently has the wish to become Lord-sama's pupil." (Brokra)
"Oh my, oh my, how lovely. She's honestly in love."
"Miyukare, you are too sly, right? Paryu, you are already 16 years old, aren't you? Don't get bashful over this much."
Being somewhat embarrassed, Paryu held her cheeks with both hands.
Ignoring all of that chatting, Caim flatly said,
"Well then, please tell me your real opinion." (Caim)
Everyone tilts their heads to the side.
"Don't you understand that a very huge problem cropped up? She came here in order to get close to Lord-sama. In other words, it's about a rival in love for the madam having appeared." (Caim)
"So, what will we do?" Caim said while looking at the faces of everyone present one after the other, but none of them met his gaze.
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