207話 玉座
「何があったの?」
即座にクラン・クランにインした俺は晃夜に戦況を確認した。
見た所、この砦が敵の猛攻を受けているといった様子はない。いたって平穏な空気が流れているので、イグニトール勢が負けるなんてラインを送ってまでログインを促してきた親友たちの真意を聞く。
「話はこのNPCから聞いてくれ」
そう言って肩をすくめた親友たちの後ろには、武骨さの中にも優美さを兼ね備えた細かい装飾が施されている甲冑に身を包んだNPCがいた。
彼は厳めしい顔つきで、いかにもお偉いさんからの使者です、と言わんばかりの畏まった態度できびきびと何が起こったのか報告してくれた。
「崇高なるイグニトール姫殿下が率いる軍勢は、反逆者のグランゼ軍に惜しくもモルドー平野での戦いで敗れました。現在は王都まで撤退し、軍勢の立て直しを計っておられます。有力諸侯にお声掛けをし、再び戦力の集結に尽力されております」
やはり、というべきか。
NPC主流による軍勢での開戦といっても、『
現状は、イグニトール勢の重要拠点が一つ奪われ、一つは俺達の手によって死守。となるとイグニトール姫の率いるNPC軍が完全な敗北を喫すれば、敵勢の2勝奪取によってこちらの負けは決定となる。
「早い話、NPC主流の軍隊同士のぶつかり合いで、イグニトール姫が率いる軍が劣勢らしい。敵軍は王都に迫り、降伏勧告するのも時間の問題と言ったところか」
騎士NPCの説明を晃夜がわかりやすくまとめたところで、俺は本題を言い渡された。
「イグニトール姫殿下より『
王都への帰還命令か。
最終防衛戦を前に主力、というより猫の手も借りたい状況なのだろうな。
クエストとして依頼発生のログが流れていないところを見るに、行くか行かないかの自由を選べるイベントっぽい。
俺は返事を保留して、すぐにみんなに相談した。
結果としてはここを離れるわけにもいかないという意見もあったけど、イグニトール姫が敗北してしまってはクエスト達成も実現できない。
というわけで砦には7割の主力を残し、あとの3割で王都へと向かう事になった。
リリィ、ミナ、晃夜、夕輝、銀の軍人が数名、予想外な事に一匹狼の
「盟友タロよ。よくぞ私の窮地に駆けつけてくれた。その忠義に深い慈しみを覚える」
真っ赤に燃ゆる髪をさらりとかきわける仕草はとても優美で、彼女が苦境に立たされているのを全く感じさせない力強さがあった。
王としての、臣下を率いる主としての堂々とした振舞いを見せる彼女に、恭しく
「そのようなお言葉をかけてくださり誠に光栄です。えっと、さっそくですが陛下と怨敵の戦況を詳しくお聞きしてもよろしいでしょうか?」
豪華絢爛、とまではいかないにしても確かな高級感と重厚な雰囲気を醸し出す謁見の間で、俺はイグニトール姫殿下に
「うむ。だがその前に貴殿に見せたい物がある。みなのもの、控えよ」
何やら姫は俺に見せたいものがあるそうで、謁見の間にいる臣下やついて来てくれた晃夜たちを下がらせた。人払い、というやつだ。
「私の盟友タロ。貴殿の活躍は耳にしている。砦を見事、守り抜いてくれたそうだな」
「はい。みんなのおかげです」
「ふむ。貴殿も含め、そなたらの働きには感謝している。それに......私の命を一度、ハーディから救ってくれたその恩義から貴殿を信ずるが故に、王家の家宝を見て欲しい」
イグニトール姫は玉座から立ち上がり、玉座の後ろ、巨大な壁に手をかざし始めた。
「炎宿せしイグニスが稚児の末裔、第16代イグニトール王が命ずる。かけそき大空の覇者たる資格を我にもたらせ」
彼女の文言が謁見の間に響き渡ると同時に壁全体にうっすらとした魔法陣が浮かびあがる。淡い粒子を抱いた幾筋もの紋様によって壁がブロック型にもぞもぞと動き出し、玉座の間に隠された部屋を出現させた。
それは部屋というよりも、広間......いや、そこは巨大な船舶上だった。
幾本もの鎖に繋がれた巨大な灰色の塊......隠された広間には鉄の船が鎮座していた。
船首部には、いかついオジサンのマッチョな上半身の銅像? が設置されているのが少しだけ気になった。腕を組んで、水平線を見つめるような渋い表情をしているけど、重厚な船にはちょっと不釣り合いなデザインだなぁと内心でつぶやく。
「『鋼鉄の玉座』だ。我がイグニトール王家に代々伝わる家宝にして最大の戦力を誇る、空飛ぶ戦船なのだ。イグニトールの戦史にとって、この船は難攻不落にして最強の矛となった」
そういえば初めて王都に訪れた時、舟を漕いでもらった老いた平民のNPCが言ってたな。
これが『鋼鉄の玉座』なのか。
確か、先代の王と兵士たちが『鋼鉄の玉座』に乗り、空から一方的に敵軍へと雷や炎の魔法を放ち、完勝していたと。先代の王は『鋼鉄の玉座』を動かせたけど、姫は動かせないとも。
「おそらくグランゼ侯爵の狙いはこの『鋼鉄の玉座』だろうな......」
イグニトール姫は沈痛な面持ちで、物言わぬ黒い鉄塊の巨大な船を見上げながら語り出した。
「父様は......『鋼鉄の玉座』を誰よりも理解し、駆使してこのイグニスの地を守った。その反面、この強大な武力を恐れてもいた。民を導く者としてこの兵器を無用に、容易に扱わぬよう......王家だけの一存で破壊を振り撒く兵器の
なるほど、その核を渡した相手がグランゼ侯爵だったと。
「しばらくすれば、王都は敵軍に包囲されるだろう。味方となって駆けつける貴族達の兵力は正直、期待できない......。それにもう間に合わぬだろう。こんな状況下でありながら、核を持たぬ私は歴代の王のようにこの玉座に座す事ができない」
臣下の前では決して見せない表情が彼女には浮かんでいた。
先程の玉座で見せた涼しい微笑は、覚悟を決めたうすら笑いへと変わり......余裕と威厳が溶け合った王族の風格は烈火の如き怒りに燃えているようだった。
綺麗なイグニトール姫の横顔が悔しげに歪んでいる事から、戦況は絶望的だと悟った。
「この船に......触れてみてもいいですか?」
敵にはグランゼ侯爵の他に『天滅の十氏』が一人、強力なNPC『
敗北を覚悟した王女に、さらなる追い打ちとも言える内容を告げるタイミングを見計らうためにも......。
「良い。盟友タロの手であるならば、この『鋼鉄の玉座』も歓喜に震えよう」
許可を取った俺は、黒くて分厚い船腹付近をそっとなでる。
堅い......こんな重量のある物がどうやって空を飛ぶのか、錬金術師として非常に気になる。
『おや、おや......イグ、ニスの血が流れぬ小娘が、が何用かな......?』
ひんやりとした鋼鉄に触れた手から、直接脳へと響くしわがれた声。まるで枯れ果てた老人のような低い音に一瞬だけビックリしてしまう。
「うわっ。あれ......もしかして『鋼鉄の玉座』がしゃべってる?」
船を注意深く観察し全体を見回すと、どうやら船首部のマッチョなオジさんが話しているような気がしなくもない。
『いか、にも。我の名は、炎と雷の紡ぎ手、手、手、大空の支配者を乗せる、『鋼鉄の玉座』じゃ......』
隣にいるイグニトール王女を見ても、彼女には何の声も聞こえていない様子だった。
これは一体、何が起きているのか......しばらく考えこむまでもなく、すぐにピンと来た。この感覚と体験はごく最近に覚えがある。
どうやらこれは、魔導人形と会話ができるアビリティ『
つまり『鋼鉄の玉座』は一応、魔導人形に分類されるらしい。
あの船の舳先にある上裸のオジサン銅像が魔導人形だとして......繋がっている船全体も魔導人形扱いになるのか。こんな形態の魔導人形があることに驚きと興奮を隠せない。
「おじさん、もしかして魔導人形?」
おお!
これなら勝機が見えたんじゃないのか?
「『鋼鉄の玉座』さんは何が好き?」
とりあえずは好みを聞くべきだろう。
『これは異な事を、を......我が好むもの、望みは再び、王と共にあの空へと......』
好みを聞いて願望が返ってくるとは......。
空に関する事なら、うん。あの人しかいない。
「なに!? それは誠なのか!?」
俺はイグニトール王女に一旦断りを入れ、賢者ミソラさんの元へ......『
209 207 Words, Throne.
"What happened?
I instantly entered the Clan Clan. I checked the battle at night.
From what I've seen, there's no such thing as this fort being attacked by an enemy. With the peaceful air flowing, I hear the sincerity of my best friends who have encouraged me to log in until I send a line to believe that Ignitol Momentum will lose.
"Listen to me from this NPC"
Behind the best friends who shrugged their shoulders saying so, there was an NPC dressed in armor with fine decorations that combined elegance among the martial bones.
He was a stern face, a messenger from how great he was, and he reported to me in a freaking awe-inspiring manner about what had happened.
"The army, led by His Highness the noble Princess Ignitore, was spared by the rebel Granze army in its battle on the Plains of Mordeau. We are now retreating to the King's Capital and weighing the rebuilding of the army. We call out to the great lords and are once again committed to assembling our power."
After all, should I say.
When it comes to fighting in the army by NPC mainstream, a mercenary (player) who does not participate as a 'platoon leader (command)', or who was a 'platoon leader (command)' but was killed (player) becomes a 'soldier (soldier)', and NPC becomes the main organized military subordinate.
The status quo is that one of Ignitol's key strongholds has been taken, one of which is guarded by our hands. If Princess Ignitol's NPC army suffers a total defeat, this defeat will be determined by the enemy's two-win capture.
"A quick story, a collision between NPC mainstream armies, seems to disadvantage an army led by Princess Ignitol. The enemy army approached the king's capital and said it was only a matter of time before he recommended surrender."
I was told the truth when I summed up the Knight NPC explanation in a way that was easy to understand.
"Her Royal Highness Princess Ignitol has ordered you to return to Ignistra, the capital of Thunderflame, as soon as possible."
An order to return to the King's capital?
I guess it's a situation where you want to take the lead before the final defense battle, rather than a cat's hand as well.
It looks like an event where you can choose the freedom to go or not to go to see where the logs of requests are not flowing as a quest.
I put my reply on hold and immediately talked to everyone.
The result was some opinions that you can't even leave here, but if Princess Ignitol is defeated, you can't even achieve the quest.
That's why we left 70% of the main force in the fort, and the remaining 30% went to the Wang Capital.
Lily, Mina, Shaky Night, Evening Fai, Silver Soldiers, and, unexpectedly, a few lone wolf mercenaries (players), led a total of 500 mercenaries (players) and militia troops, and I returned to King's Capital.
"It's my ally Taro. Well done. You rushed into my predicament. Deeply merciful to its loyalty."
The way she rubbed her bright red, burning hair was so graceful that she had the strength not to feel at all in her predicament.
I bow my head down to her as a king and show her grand demeanor as the Lord who leads her subordinates.
"I am truly honored to say those words. Uh, just now, may I ask you more about the battle between Your Majesty and his enemies?
I was at Her Highness Princess Ignitol's house between the luxury and the heavy atmosphere.
"Uhm. But before I do, I want to show you something. Mind your own business."
Somehow the princess wanted to show me something, so she lowered her subordinates and the shaky nights she followed me. Pay people, that's it.
"My ally Taro. I have heard of your work. You've done a great job protecting the fort."
"Yes, thanks to everyone"
"Hmm. I appreciate your work, including yours. And I believe in you for once for saving my life from Hardy, but I want you to see the royal family heirloom."
Princess Ignithol rose from the throne and began to crouch her hands behind the throne, against a giant wall.
"Ignis the Fire Inn is the descendant of a child, commanded by the 16th King Ignitor. Bring me the credentials of the champion of the Great Sky."
At the same time as her words echo during the sight, a nagging magic formation rises across the wall. The walls moved block-shaped by several muscles with light particles, creating a hidden room between the thrones.
That's more of a hall than a room...... no, it was on a giant ship there.
A huge gray mass connected to several chains... an iron ship sat in a hidden hall.
On the bow, a bronze statue of the matching upper body of the glistening Odishan? was just a little concerned that it was installed. Put your arms together, you have a sinister look that stares at the horizon, but crush inside that it's a bit of a disproportionate design for a heavy ship.
"" The Throne of Steel. "It is a flying battleship that prides itself on its greatest power as a family heirloom passed down from generation to generation to my Royal Ignitore family. For Ignitol's history of war, this ship became the most powerful spear by making it difficult to defeat."
Speaking of which, when you first visited Wang Du, NPC, an old civilian who had his boat rowed, said.
Is this the "Throne of Steel"?
Indeed, a previous generation of kings and soldiers had ridden the 'Throne of Steel', unleashing the magic of thunder and flames from the sky to the enemy army unilaterally, and had won it completely. The previous kings moved The Throne of Steel, but even though the princess couldn't.
"Probably Marquis Granze's aim is this' Iron Throne '..."
Princess Ignitol spoke with a sinking face, looking up at a huge ship of unspeakable black iron hunks.
"My father... understood" The Throne of Steel "more than anyone else and used it to defend this land of Ignis. On the other hand, I was also afraid of this mighty force. Do not treat this weapon unnecessarily and easily as a guide to the people... as a shackle (shackle) of a weapon that scatters destruction in the presence of only the royal family... who at the time of death transferred to his most trusted subordinate the nucleus that powers the Throne of Steel. Only when we truly need this weapon for Ignitol will we give it back to the next king..."
I see, the person who gave you that nucleus was the Marquis of Granze.
"In a while, the king's capital will be besieged by enemy forces. Honestly, I can't expect the troops of the aristocrats who rush to be allies...... And you won't be able to make it anymore. I cannot sit on this throne like a king in history, under these circumstances, without a nucleus."
There was a look on her face that she would never show in front of her subordinates.
The cool smile I showed on the throne earlier turned into a laugh even when I was ready... the royal style, where room and majesty blended, seemed to be burning with rage like a fiery fire.
With the beautiful Princess Ignitol's side distorted in remorse, I realized that the war situation was hopeless.
"May I touch this ship?
In addition to the Marquis of Granze, the enemy may also have one "Ten of Heavenly Extinction" and a powerful NPC "Mei Hao (Mei Hao) Ares". I wonder if he will tell me that it is a mastermind, and I inadvertently concentrate my discussion on the ship.
To anticipate when to tell the princess who is ready to defeat what can also be described as a further chase......
"Good. If it is the hands of your ally Taro, let this' Iron Throne 'tremble with joy too"
I got permission to soften up near the black, thick belly.
Tough...... as an alchemist I am very concerned about how such a heavy object flies through the sky.
"Ooh, ooh... Ig, little girl with no varnish blood, what can I do for you...?
A squeaky voice that echoes directly into the brain from the hands touching the limp steel. I just freak out for a moment at the low sound of being a dead old man.
"Wow. That... Could 'The Throne of Steel' be talking?
When I carefully observe the ship and look around the whole thing, I apparently don't feel like the macho Ozi at the bow is talking.
'No, also. My name is "The Throne of Steel", which carries spinners of flames and thunder, hands, hands, rulers of the sky... "
Seeing Princess Ignitol next door, she didn't seem to hear anything.
What the hell is going on with this... I didn't have to think about it for a while, but it came pinning right away. I remember this feeling and experience very recently.
Apparently, this is activated by Puppet Talking (Whisperer), an ability to talk to the Magic Doll.
In other words, "The Throne of Steel" is, for once, classified as a magical guide doll.
If the naked Odysan bronze statue at the end of that ship is a magical guide doll... will the entire ship connected also be treated as a magical guide doll? I can't hide my surprise and excitement that there are these forms of demon guidance dolls.
"Uncle, could it be a magic doll?
Ooh!
Didn't you see an opportunity for this?
"What do you like about" The Throne of Steel "?
In the meantime, you should ask your preferences.
"This is a strange thing to do... what I prefer, hope again, to go with the king to that sky..."
I didn't expect to get my wishes back when I heard my preferences......
If it's about the sky, yeah. That's the only one.
"What!? Is that sincere!?
I once said no to Princess Ignitore and went to Miss Mithola, the wise man... I warped her using the 'Brooch of Christeries' to the 'Gem Growing Forest (Chris Theary)'.
I Became a Beautiful Girl, but I’m still an MMO Junkie
美少女になったけど、ネトゲ廃人やってます。
https://www.novelupdates.com/series/i-became-a-beautiful-girl-but-im-still-an-mmo-junkie/
Adventure Comedy Fantasy Gender Bender Mystery Psychological Shoujo Ai
Accelerated Growth Adapted to Manga Age Regression Alchemy Appearance Changes Appearance Different from Actual Age Beautiful Female Lead Chuunibyou Curious Protagonist Cute Protagonist Demi-Humans Disabilities Doting Older Siblings Fairies Famous Protagonist Fast Learner Friendship Loli Male to Female Misunderstandings MMORPG Multiple POV Mysterious Illness Older Love Interests Overprotective Siblings Past Plays a Big Role Past Trauma Pill Concocting Popular Love Interests Race Change Sword And Magic Virtual Reality Weak to Strong
https://ncode.syosetu.com/n0170db/
星屑ぽんぽん