175.Army Of Me
女王イメラリアと獣人族代表レニの会談は、和やかに始まった。
レニは用意された焼き菓子や紅茶に喜び、お返しとして持ってきた果物は、魔法で冷やされ、カットされて焼き菓子の横に並んだ。瑞々しく、砂糖とは違った爽やかな甘さは、イメラリアを楽しませた。
「おいしい果物ですね。貴重な物なのではありませんか?」
「はい。たまに見つかるくらいです。でも、取っておけるものじゃないし、誰かに取られるかも知れないので、いつもはすぐに食べてしまいます」
「では、これは......」
「一二三さんがいくつか保管していたので、貰いました」
一瞬、イメラリアが伸ばした手が止まった。だが、果物に罪は無い。また一つ摘み上げ、口に運ぶ。
果汁に濡れた指先をハンカチで拭った。
「食べてばかりでは、お話が進みませんね」
居住まいを正して、イメラリアは改めて目の前に座る兎の獣人、その隣にいる兎の獣人を見た。後ろに立つ狼か犬かわからないが、男の獣人は怖いので視線を向けないようにする。
ふわふわの白い毛で、とろんとした垂れ目の羊獣人を見る限り、狼や虎など、猛獣系の獣人を束ねているような人物にはとても見えない。隣に座る兎の獣人も、少し気の強そうな目をしてはいるが、王城という場所に緊張しているのが丸わかりで、見方によっては彼女の方が微笑ましくすら見える。
イメラリアの印象は「人間と大して変わらない」だった。護衛の犬だか狼だかの獣人は、獣そのものの顔つきだが、女性は普通の人間の顔が、鼻先を中心に“それっぽい”雰囲気なだけだった。獣人の中でも種族や個人で違うのかも知れないが。
「それで、わたくしにお話があるとか。折角ここまで来ていただいたのですから、色々お聞かせくださいね」
「それじゃ、まず一つ目です。......来る魔人族との会談において、陛下はどのあたりを着地点に考えておられますか?」
いきなり核心部分へ突っ込む質問をされて、イメラリアは思わずレニを睨むような目になってしまった。
「不躾な質問だとは承知しています。ですけど、ウチとしても獣人族の未来を背負っているのです。どうか、教えてください」
「......わかりました。当然ですが、わたくしを含め、この国の誰も、魔人族との戦いを考えていません」
「実際に前線を見ましたが、貴国は国境で完全に魔人族を押えています。このままでも、貴国としては被害を受けることがありません。一二三さんを動かすことができれば、勝利は間違い無いでしょう。勝利すれば、非常に強力な魔人族という個体を、戦力として組み込むことが叶い、他の国との戦いも楽になるでしょう。それでも?」
再び一二三の名前が出たことで、イメラリアは内心で警戒レベルを引き上げた。眠くなりそうな、可愛らしい声で紡がれる言葉は、その音色とは裏腹に戦いの良い部分のみを言う。
だが、今のイメラリアはそこに流されることは無い。
「誤解をされているようなのでお話しますが、わたくしは隣国であるホーラントとの戦いを望んでおりません。先日も、かの国の問題を解決するためのお手伝いはさせていただきましたが、その結果として改めて友邦としての立場を確認した、という結果に満足しています。それに......」
ここまでの言葉に、特段の反応を示さないレニを見て、イメラリアは質問の意図が掴めずにいた。
「一二三様はもはや貴族家の当主を引退された身。わたくしが王国の都合で命令できる立場ではありません」
「何かしらの褒美を以て、依頼をされるというのはどうでしょうか?」
「彼を納得させるだけの褒美を用意できるとは思えませんわ。王国としてはお恥ずかしいことですけれど......」
「簡単ですよ」
レニは、一言でイメラリアの言葉を遮った。
彼の事を知っている、とイメラリアはレニを評した。そして、まだ良く理解していない、と不思議な優越感を感じる。
未だ一言も発していない兎獣人は、レニの言葉にすら緊張したようだ。どうやら、打ち合わせなどは行っていないらしい。
「......その言葉、魔人族を獣人族に変えても通じそうですね」
「そうですね。......そうされますか?」
「驚かないのですね」
イメラリアが意外そうな顔をすると、レニは笑った。
「言いだしたのはウチですけれど、受け入れる可能性が低いのはわかります。もしそれで動く様な人なら、ウチはもうお願いしていますよ“獣人族以外を、倒してください”と」
「うっ......」
一二三を操る術があるのであれば、人間を減らすのにも使っている、とレニはハッキリと宣言したに等しい。
「それに、女王陛下は一二三さんに頼るのをやめようとしていませんか?」
「なぜ、そう思うのですか?」
「国境のローヌの町にいる間、色々聞きました。ホーラントとの戦闘における陛下のご活躍を。そして、騎士たちへの訓練についても」
「......それが、どうして一二三様に頼らないことに繋がるのですか?」
自分の声が震えていないかどうか、イメラリアは別室で確認したかった。
奇跡的に、紅茶を一口飲むことで喉の震えは収まった。
「一二三さんを頼らない防衛の構築。引退宣言はたまたまかもしれませんが、英雄と言っていい活躍をした人の引退を簡単に受け入れたこと。騎士たちへの訓練。どれもこれも、一二三さんの年齢を考えても、早すぎる次代への引き継ぎです。全て、一二三さんが居なくても国を守るための体勢作りじゃないかな、と思っただけです」
単なる想像ですよ、とレニはふにゃりと笑っているが、イメラリアは目の前の少女と同じように考えている人間がどれほどいるのか......いや、ひょっとすると一二三自身も同じ考えで、引退を宣言したのもそれを後押しするつもりなのか。もしかして訓練を引き受けたのも......。
「女王陛下?」
汗をかいているイメラリアに、レニが不安げに話しかけた。
「え、ええ、大丈夫、です......。それより、話が逸れましたね。我が国の状況がどうあれ、戦争は圧倒的な力を以て短期間で勝つ。それができなければ、
強引に話を戻した。
レニは一二三についてそれ以上言及するつもりは無いらしく、静かに「わかりました」と答える。
「一つ目、と言われましたね。他にあるのですか?」
「はい。その前に、一つお詫びを言わないといけません」
レニが言う意味が解らず、イメラリアは首をかしげた。
「一二三さんをこの国......いえ、この世界から排除する計画について、ウチはもう知っています」
「有力な情報源から聞きました」
レニが王都へ来る間、接触があった可能性を考えたイメラリアは、計画を漏らしたのがオリガではないかと考えた。
だが、それはすぐに否定された。
「王城は久しぶりですね。宰相殿とお話して以来でしょうか」
レニの頭の後ろから、青白い顔をした男が顔を覗かせていた。
「死神さんです。この人とウチを、陛下が主催されている一二三さん対策の仲間に入れてください」
首だけの死神が「力を削がれて首しか具現化できないんですよ」とブツブツ話しているが、レニは無視している。
「良い提案ができますよ。その代わり、獣人族の居留地を用意していただくか、荒野の一部をウチたちのために開発してもらいたいんです」
どうでしょうか、とレニは問う。
「ミダス」
「と、トオノ伯爵......いえ、引退されたのでしたね」
ミダスに声をかけたのは、レニを送って城の近くをうろついていた一二三だった。
「ちょっと来い」
有無を言わさず街中へとミダスを連れて行った一二三は、一人の男を指差した。
女王懐妊の大ニュースで賑わう街の中、店の主人らしい人物と話しているその男。恰好は麻のシンプルな上下で、旅の商人だとわかる様な、大きな荷物を背負い、しっかりと布を巻いて固定したブーツを履いていた。
「彼が、どうかしたのですか?」
王都を出入りする商人は数が多い。各地を往復して地方の産物を運んでくる者がほとんどだが、中にはそれを元手に王都で一花咲かせようと言う者も少なくない。件の男がどちらなのかはわからないが、ミダスの目には、そんなありふれた商人の一人にしか見えなかった。
「技法とかそんなもんじゃないから、説明するのは面倒だけどな......よーく、見て見ろ。耳がちょっと尖っているように見えないか?」
言われたとおりに注視してみると、確かに、気持ち耳の先が鋭い。だが、その程度なら個性と言って差し支えないくらいだ。
「ここから見えるかどうかわからんが、瞳を見て見ろ。緑色をしているが、どんな色でも普通は瞳のど真ん中は真っ黒だ」
人差し指で自分の目を「あかんべぇ」と開きながら話す一二三の声を聞きながら、ミダスは懸命に目を細めて商人の顔を見つめたが、さすがにそこまでは見えなかった。
「あいつ、目の真ん中の色が少し赤みがかっているな。あれ、魔人族の特徴と合致するんだが......どう思う?」
「どうって......彼が魔人族だと?」
「そういう事だ。じゃあ、答え合わせと行こう」
戸惑うミダスを置いて、一二三はまっすぐに男の元へ向かった。
後を追いながら、ミダスは一二三が最初に城から町へと出た時の事を思い出していた。突然の監視命令に驚きつつ、平民の服に着替えて若い奇妙な恰好をした男を追ったあの日を。
あっという間に見抜かれ、新任だった頃と同じように恥ずかしい思いをした。妻にも言えなかったくらいだ。
その彼が、あの時のように肩で風を切って通りを歩く。
そして、あの時と同じように何をするのかわからない、プレッシャーを自分に与える。
「まったく、会うたびに寿命が縮むな......」
目の前で、一二三が男に声をかけた。
「ちょっといいか?」
「え、はい。何でしょうか。何か入り用ですか?」
横から声を掛けられ、男は全ての客にそうするように、笑顔を向けた。
話し相手だった商店主は、一二三の顔を見てすぐに気付いたらしくはじけるように笑って、用があるなら、と身を引いて店の奥へと入っていった。
「ちょっとあっちで話そうか。魔人族の、あ~......名前はどうでも良いか」
「まあ、隠すのが仕事だからな。尊重しよう。今のうちはな」
追いついてきたミダスと共に、男を無理やり引っ張り、通り沿いにテーブルを広げていたカフェへと入る。
「紅茶を三つな。あと、飯を頼む。美味いなら何でも良い」
勝手にさっさと注文をした一二三は、腰の刀はそのままに、椅子に浅く座った。
魔人族と言われた男は気付いていないようだが、ミダスはこれが一二三のいつもの座り方ではない事を知っている。何かあれば、すぐに動けるようにしているのだろう。
ミダスは緊張していた。普通の人間相手であれば、一二三はここまで構えない。
「魔人族の所は、割と大ざっぱな飯が多かったからな。こっちに来て食い物が美味いから、驚いたんじゃないか?」
完全に魔人族と決めつけて話す一二三に、いよいよ男は不機嫌な顔を見せた。
「勘違いです。魔人族だなんて、誤解ですよ」
「へぇ、魔人族を知っているのか? 単なる商人にしては、良く知っているな」
「ふ、フェカロルで仕入れた情報ですよ。魔人族が来るって話で、慌ててこっちに来たんで......」
「フ“ォ”カロルな。あれでも愛着あるんだ。間違えないでくれよ。......で、ミダスよ」
腰を浮かせてそわそわとしている商人の隣で、じっと男を見ていつでも動けるように身体をこわばらせているミダスへと視線を向ける。
「そんなに緊張していると、余計に動きが鈍くなるぞ。で、魔人族がここに来る話ってのは、大々的に発表されているものなのか?」
「......いえ、日時が決まってから直前に兵士を動員して道路を占拠し、先導する予定になっています」
「そんな機密をしっている割には、俺の顔を知らないってのは、ちょいと妙だな」
商人の頭を掴み、身を乗り出した一二三は、じっと男の目を見る。
「こ、殺すのか......?」
眼前に迫る一二三の黒い目を見て、魔人族だと認めたも同然の言葉を放つ。
「殺したいな。腹が減った魔物のように、ここしばらくは全然満たされていないからな。殺したい」
だが、と一二三は手を離し、椅子に座る。
「もっと楽しい、喰いきれないほどの食事が待っている、と思うと、まだしばらくは我慢ができる」
魔人族の男は理解できなかったが、ミダスは声を精一杯押えて叫ぶ。
「な、何をやる気ですか!」
「おやぁ? 人類の未来のために、協力してやろうってんだ。何か問題があるか?」
「女王陛下は戦いを望んでおられません。どうか、自重いただきたい......!」
「それは、魔人族がどう動くかだろう。な?」
問いかけられ、魔人族は「知らない」と首を横に振る。
「自分はウェパル様の意向など聞かされていない!」
一二三の指が首を掴むと、あっさりと魔人族は気を失った。
「捕まえて、魔人族を見破る練習にでも使え。こういう奴がそれなりに入り込んでいると考えて、もっと真剣に町を見て回るべきだろうな」
椅子にどっかりと座り、一二三は離れて様子を見ていた店員に「気にせず持ってきていい」と伝えた。
念のため、魔人族を後ろ手に縛りあげたミダスは、近くを通りかかった兵士に命じて、近くにある騎士隊の詰所へと運ぶように指示した。
「もう一度言いますが、ご自重いただきたい。今回の事は感謝いたします。しかし、もはやこの世界に余計な戦いは不要です」
「ふぅん......。そうか、そう思うならそれでもいいかもな」
では、と立ち去ろうとしたミダスに、続けて一二三が声をかけた。
「なあ、ミダス。戦いが起きないと思っている奴と、戦いが起きるかも、と思っている奴とでは、どっちが生き残れると思う?」
「......貴方から教わりました。戦いは起きるかもしれません。そのつもりでいなければいけません」
え、とミダスが間抜けな声を上げて振り向いた。
「戦いが起きた時に、冷静に動ければ生き残れる。素早く動けても、敵のところに逃げ込んじゃあ、意味が無いだろう」
テーブルの上に並べられた料理から、手始めに魚の身をごっそりとフォークで掬い、口に放り込む。
「よぉく見ろよ。誰が敵で、誰が味方か。お前が信用する者は、頼れるものは何だろうな。で、いざという時にそれはお前の助けになるかな?」
「何が言いたいのです」
「別に。ちょっとした雑談だよ」
本格的に食事にとりかかった一二三は、それ以上何も言わなかった。
ひたすらにミダスを疑心暗鬼にさせた出来事から一週間後、魔人族とエルフ、獣人族たちを引き連れ、フォカロルの軍勢が王都へとやって来た。
Chapter 175: Army Of Me
The conference between Queen Imeraria and beastmen representative Reni began harmoniously.
Reni enjoyed the offered baked sweets and black tea, and the fruits, which she brought as return gift, had been sliced and lined up next to the baked sweets while being chilled with magic. Their juicy sweetness, which was refreshing in a different way from sugar, pleased Imeraria.
"What delicious fruits. Aren't they fairly valuable?" (Imeraria)
"Yes. To the extent that they can only be found once in a while. But, they are nothing you could set aside, so we always eat them immediately since they might be taken by someone." (Reni)
"Then, these are..." (Imeraria)
"Since Hifumi-san had stored some of them, I received them from him." (Reni)
For an instant the stretched-out hand of Imeraria stopped. However, the fruits were sinless. Picking up yet another, she brought it to her mouth.
Then she wiped her fingers, which had gotten wet by the fruit juice, with a handkerchief.
"We have just been eating without proceeding with the talks, haven't we?" (Imeraria)
Correcting her sitting posture, Imeraria looked once more at the sheep beastgirl sitting in front of her and the rabbit beastgirl at her side. She doesn't know whether the beastmen standing in the back is a dog or a wolf, but she makes sure to not look at him since male beastmen are scary.
As far as for the sheep girl with her droopy eyes and her fluffy white fur, she doesn't look at all like a person who leads wild beastmen such as wolves or tigers. Even the rabbit girl sitting next to her is pretty obviously nervous in a place like the royal castle, albeit having a strong will dwell in her eyes. Depending on the point of view, she looks even charming.
The escorting beastman, who might be dog or wolf, looks just like a beast, but the women only have a "beastmen-like" atmosphere due to their noses in the center of their human-like faces. Even among beastmen there might be differences between tribes and individuals though.
"So, I heard you have something to discuss with me? Since you especially came all the way here, please allow me to listen to your various matters." (Imeraria)
"Well then, let me start first with a question. ...Your Majesty, around what point are you planning to compromise in the upcoming conference with the demons?" (Reni)
Being all of a sudden asked a question that stabs into the heart of the matter, Imeraria instinctively looked at Reni with something akin to a glare.
"I'm well aware that it's an impolite question. However, even if it might be rude, the future of the beastmen race rides on this. Please tell us, if possible at all." (Reni)
"Understood. It's only natural, but no one in this country, including me, plans to fight against the demons." (Imeraria)
"I have actually seen the front-line, and your country is completely holding back the demons at the border. At this rate there won't be any damage to your country. If you can get Hifumi-san to act, victory is certain, I'm sure. If you win, it might be possible to include the demons, who are said to have extremely powerful, individual strength, into your military forces. Fighting against other countries will probably become much easier. And yet you don't wish to fight the demons?" (Reni)
With the name of Hifumi appearing once again, the wariness level in Imeraria's mind went up.
But, the current Imeraria won't be lulled by that.
"Since it seems that you're having a misunderstanding, I shall tell you; I don't wish to fight against Horant, our neighboring country. The other day I had the privilege to help that country in resolving its problems, and as result of that, we could deepen our friendly relations. I'm satisfied with that outcome. Besides..." (Imeraria)
Looking at Reni, who didn't show any particular reaction to her words up till then, Imeraria couldn't grasp the intention behind Reni's question.
"Hifumi-sama has already retired as family head of his noble household. I'm not in a position where I can order him for the sake of the kingdom." (Imeraria)
"How about requesting it from him by offering him some kind of reward?" (Reni)
"I don't believe that I could arrange for a reward which could make him change his mind. It's a disgraceful truth for the kingdom, but..." (Imeraria)
"It's simple." (Reni)
Reni interrupted Imeraria's speech with a brief comment.
, Imeraria evaluated Reni. And she feels a strange sense of superiority that Reni still doesn't understand him well.
The rabbit girl, who still hasn't raised her voice once, seems to be tense due to Reni's words. It looks like they haven't had a preparatory meeting.
"...Those words, it looks like they would pass even if I exchange
"That's true. ...Are you going to do so?" (Reni)
"You're not surprised, are you?" (Imeraria)
When Imeraria looked astonished, Reni laughed.
"I'm the one who suggested it, but I know that it's unlikely for him to accept. If he were a person to move because of that, I would have already asked him,
"Uuh..." (Imeraria)
If there was a method to manipulate Hifumi, it could also be used to make him lower the number of humans
"Besides, aren't you trying to stop relying on Hifumi-san, Your Majesty?" (Reni)
"Why do you believe so?" (Imeraria)
"I heard various things while staying in Rhone. About your active role in the battle against Horant. And also about the training for the knights." (Reni)
"...How do those things connect to not relying on Hifumi-sama?" (Imeraria)
Imeraria wanted to check in a separate room whether her voice trembles or not.
Miraculously the quivering of her throat calmed down after taking a sip of black tea.
"The construction of a defense not depending on Hifumi-san. The retirement declaration might be unexpected, but it's a fact that you easily accepted the retirement of a person who accomplished a lot for this country and is hailed as hero. The training for the knights. Above all, considering Hifumi-san's age, it's too early for him to hand over his title to the next generation. I just wondered whether not all of this serves as your stance to protect the country even without Hifumi-san being present." (Reni)
How many humans are thinking the same as the little girl in front of me...no, is Hifumi himself thinking the same as well by chance? Does he plan to support her even after declaring his retirement? Or was perhaps him taking over the training also...
"Your Majesty?" (Reni)
Reni uneasily spoke up to Imeraria who's sweating.
"Y-Yes, I'm...fine... Rather than that, we digressed from the topic. Whatever the situation of my country might be, wars are won within a short time with overwhelming power. Otherwise they only turn into a useless waste of lives and hard-earned tax money. At times it might be necessary to fight too, but it's a crucial task of a ruler to protect the interests of the people supporting them, if the balance is off." (Imeraria)
She forcibly returned to the topic.
Reni apparently doesn't intend to reference to Hifumi any further, and calmly answers "Got it."
"You said it was your first question. Do you have any others?" (Imeraria)
"Yes. But before that I have to apologize." (Reni)
Imeraria tilted her head to the side in doubt, not understanding the meaning behind Reni's words.
"As for the plan of removing Hifumi-san from this country...no, this world, I already know about it." (Reni)
"I heard about it from an influential informant." (Reni)magic
Pondering about the possibilities with whom Reni might have gotten in contact after coming to the capital, Imeraria considered whether it might have been Origa who leaked the plan.
But, she abandoned that idea right away.
"It's been a while since I last visited the royal castle. Since the time of talking with Adol-dono, I guess."
The face of a man that had a bluish-white face peeked out from behind Reni.
"It's shinigami-san. Please allow this person and me to join the group of people, organized by you, setting up countermeasures against Hifumi-san, Your Majesty." (Reni)
The head-only shinigami grumbles, "I can't materialize anything but my head as my power has declined," but Reni ignores him.
"We will be able to provide good ideas. Instead I'd like you to prepare a foreign settlement for the beastmen, or develop a part of the wastelands for us." (Reni)
"How about it?" Reni asks.
"Midas." (Hifumi)
"E-Earl Tohno...ah, no, you have retired, haven't you?" (Midas)
The one calling out to Midas was Hifumi who loitered around close to the castle after sending Reni off.
"Come with me for a bit." (Hifumi)
Hifumi, who forcibly dragged Midas downtown, pointed at a single man.
That man is talking with another man, who seems to be a shop owner, inside the city that is thriving due to the big news of the queen's pregnancy. His attire is a simple, linen jouge. He carries large baggage that makes it easy to see that he's a traveling merchant. He wears boots that had cloths fixedly coiled around them.
"Is something wrong with him?" (Midas)
The number of merchants coming and leaving the capital is huge. Most of them are peddlers who transport the produce from the countryside, visiting various places, but among them there's also not few who try to attain success in the capital with their earned funds. He doesn't know which of both the merchant in question might be, but to Midas he seemed to be nothing more than an ordinary merchant.
"It's really a bother to explain since he doesn't use any technique or anything...look very closely. Doesn't it seem as if his ears are slightly tapering to a point?" (Hifumi)
Certainly, the ends of his ears are pointed. But, if it's to such an extent, it might as well be called an individual quirk.
"I don't know whether you can see them from here, but have a look at his eyes. They are green, but no matter what color eyes have, they are usually black right in the middle." (Hifumi)
While listening to Hifumi who speaks as he pulled down his lower eyelid of his eyes with his index finger, saying "Like this," Midas intently gazed at the merchant's face while intently straining his eyes, but as might be expected, he couldn't see that far.
"The middle of that guy's eyes has a tinge of red, you know? That complies with a characteristic feature of the demons, but...what do you think?" (Hifumi)
"What, you ask...are you saying that he's a demon?" (Midas)
"That's what I mean. Well, I will go and check the truth." (Hifumi)
Leaving the bewildered Midas behind, Hifumi headed straight for the man.
While chasing after him, Midas recalled the events at the time when Hifumi left for the city from the castle for the first time. That day when he chased a young man with a strange appearance after changing his clothes into that of a commoner while being surprised by the sudden surveillance order.
Being immediately spotted, he felt just as embarrassed as during the time when he was still a newbie knight. The shame was so strong that he couldn't even tell his wife about it.
That young man walks across the street while swaggering about just like back then.
And just like at that time, not knowing what he's going to do next pressures Midas.
"Damn it, each time I meet him, it shortens my life span..." (Midas)
In front of him Hifumi calls out to the man.
"You've got a moment?" (Hifumi)
"Eh? Yes, what is it? Do you need something from me?"
Being called out from the side, the man turned towards Hifumi with a smile just as he does with all customers.
The shopkeeper, who had been his conversation partner, smiled brightly, apparently recognizing Hifumi immediately after seeing his face, backed away with a "Looks like he has business with you," and entered his store.
"Let's talk for a bit over there? Demon's, ah...I guess your name doesn't really matter anyway." (Hifumi)
"Well, I guess it's your job to stay hidden. You have my respect. For now, that is." (Hifumi)
He forcibly drags the man along together with Midas, who caught up, entering a cafe that spread out tables along the street.
"Black tea for three. Also, food please. Anything's fine as long as it's delicious." (Hifumi)
Quickly ordering on his own accord, Hifumi shallowly sat down on a chair with his katana still affixed to his waist.
It seems the man said to be a demon still hasn't realized, but Midas knows that this is not Hifumi's usual way of sitting.
Midas was nervous. If the opponent was a normal human, Hifumi wouldn't prepare himself to such a degree.
"The demons' place had a lot of relatively sketchy food. Didn't it surprise you after coming here that the food's so tasty?" (Hifumi)
The man's face became increasingly sullen due to Hifumi talking to him while having arbitrarily decided that he's a demon.
"You're wrong. Taking me for a demon is a misunderstanding."
"Hee, you know about demons? Aren't you quite well-informed for a simple merchant?" (Hifumi)
"I-It's information I obtained in F-Fekalore. I came here in a hurry after hearing that the demons are coming..."
"Fokalore, right? I'm still attached to that place. Don't make a mistake there. ...So, Midas." (Hifumi)
Hifumi turns his eyes to Midas who has tensed his body in order to be capable of moving at any time as he intently watches the merchant, who looks fidgety while half-risen to his feet, next to him.
"If you are so tense, your movements will become unnecessarily slow. So, has the story of the demons coming here been announced on a grand scale?" (Hifumi)
"...No, it's planned to mobilize the soldiers just before the planned date, occupy the highway and guide them here." (Midas)
"Compared to knowing such highly-confidential information, not knowing my face is slightly odd, isn't it?" (Hifumi)
Hifumi, who grabbed the merchant's head and bent forward, fixedly stares into the eyes of the man.
"A-Are you going to kill me...?"
Seeing the black eyes of Hifumi as his face approaches right in front him, the man speaks words that are equal to confessing that he's a demon.
"I really want to kill you. After all I haven't had my fill for a while around here, just like a hungry monster. I'd love to kill you." (Hifumi)
"But," Hifumi removes his hand and sits down on his chair.
"If I consider that waiting for a meal that I haven't been able to devour yet is a lot more fun, I can still endure for a short time." (Hifumi)
The demon didn't comprehend, but Midas yells while restraining his voice to the best of his ability,
"W-What are you getting all psyched up for!?" (Midas)
"Oh? I told you that I'm going to cooperate for the sake of humanity's future. Is there any problem with that?" (Hifumi)
"Her Majesty doesn't wish to fight. Please, I'd like you to restrain yourself...!" (Midas)
"That depends on how the demons are going to move, doesn't it?" (Hifumi)
Being asked, the demon shakes his head, say "I don't know."
"I haven't been informed about Vepar-sama's intentions!"
Hifumi's fingers grabbed the demon's neck and he easily fainted.
"Arrest and use him to train how to see through demons. Considering that such a guy has infiltrated this far, I'm pretty sure that you should patrol the city a lot more seriously." (Hifumi)
Sitting down on his chair with a flump, Hifumi told the employee, who watched the situation from a distance, "Don't mind it, you can bring the food over."
Midas, who tied the demon's hands behind his back for caution's sake, called over a soldier that happened to pass nearby and ordered him to carry the demon to the close-by knight order's station.
"I will say it once more, but I'd like you to act prudently. I shall thank you for this time. But, unnecessary battles are not needed in this world any longer." (Midas)
"Hmmm... I see, if that's what you believe, that might be fine as well, I suppose." (Hifumi)
Continuing, Hifumi called out to Midas who was about to leave after saying, "Well then."
"Hey, Midas. Between a guy that believes no fighting will take place, and a guy that believes fighting might take place, who do you think will be able to survive?" (Hifumi)
"...I was taught by you that fighting might happen at any time. It's wrong to not stay with that belief." (Midas)
"Eh?" Midas raised an idiotic voice and turned around.
"You will be able to survive if you can calmly move at the time when the fighting starts. Even if you can move swiftly, it holds no meaning if you take refuge at a dangerous place, right?" (Hifumi)
From the outset Hifumi stabs the whole body of a fish with his fork from the dishes that had been lined up on the table and tosses it into his mouth.
"Have a gooood look. Who's your enemy and who's your ally. Check on how many people you can rely among those you trust. And, whether they can become your support when push comes to shove." (Hifumi)
"What do you want to say?" (Midas)
"Nothing really. Just a little small talk." (Hifumi)
Genuinely starting with his meal, Hifumi didn't say anything else.
One week later after the incident that made Midas jump at shadows, Fokalore's military forces arrived at the capital while bringing demons, elves and beastmen along.
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