44.Points Of Authority 【手出し不可・不能・不要】
アリッサの追撃によって、ヴィシー軍はさらに数を減らしながらもローヌを抜けて敗走していった。
数日かけた攻撃とローヌでの国境警備の再開手配、アロセールの住民への説明及び片付けで、アリッサは疲れ果てた顔をしてフォカロルへと帰ってきた。
「......寝る」
「ええ、お疲れ様。おやすみなさい」
報告を受けたオリガは、フラフラと領主館内の自室へ戻るアリッサを笑顔で見送った。
オリガ自身は、一時避難をさせていた住民たちを自宅へ戻したり、フォカロルに残留していた兵たちを指揮して街の片付けなどを行っていた。怪我は魔法薬ですっかり治っており、これまで以上に精力的に活動している。
そして今は、自分と一二三の分の旅支度をしている。
ミダスとの打ち合わせ......内容的には一二三からの一方的な指示でしかなかったが、そこでパジョー他、一二三に殺された第三騎士隊の騎士たちは、記録としてはヴィシーとの戦闘で戦死したという事にされた。
イメラリアの指示で貴族が狙われたという事実が広まれば王族への大きなダメージとなるので、ミダスは想像よりも穏便に事が収まりそうだと喜んだ。パジョーには悪いが、これ以上王女への影響がでなければそれに越したことはないと思わざるを得ない。
だが、その話の後で一二三が言った言葉で緊張がぶり返す。
「一度王城へ行く。イメラリアと話をしないとな」
「は、話を......?」
「これでもオーソングランデ貴族だからな。戦勝の報告と凱旋は必要だろ」
こうして、兵は連れて行かずに一二三とオリガのみで、第三騎士隊の生き残りと共に王都へ向かう事となった。領兵は防衛の為に全員領に残していく。
「俺たちだけだから、別に旅の途中で襲ってきても構わんぞ?」
「お戯れを......」
いたずらっぽく笑う一二三に、ミダスは絞り出すような声で辛うじて返事ができた。
ルーダン城と呼ばれるこの王城には、ホーラントを治める老王スプランゲル・ゲング・ホーラントがおり、50年の長きに渡り王座についていた。
しかし、実質的な政治手腕を振るっているのは、彼の直系の孫であるヴェルドレだった。
老齢の王は、自分の子ではなくヴェルドレへ王位を譲ることを明言しており、ヴィシーを利用した魔法具の実験も、ヴェルドレが適度な実績を作るためにと進められているものだった。
王の力が非常に強く、貴族も少ないホーラントでは王族の命令は絶対であり、一般の兵を含む市民の立場はかなり弱い。だが、王の指示で資金を集中している魔法具の開発・発展は目覚しいものがあり、それら魔法具によってもたらされる豊かさが、民衆からの批判を抑えていた。
「状況はどうなっておる」
「順調ですよ」
かすれた声で王が問うと、ヴェルドレは直立のまま答えた。
「攻撃性を向上させる魔法具“ガンガ”も、感情を押さえる魔法具“エルリク”もほぼ完成しております」
「ガンガを取り付けると、暴走して言う事を効かなくなりますし、エルリクの影響を受けると、行動がやや緩慢になりますし、判断力も大きく低下します。ですが、運用の方法でどうとでもなりますし、兵達にのみ使用し、指揮官で判断を下して道具として兵に指示を出すようにすれば問題にはなりますまい」
自信があるのか胸を張って答えるヴェルドレに、スプランゲル王は頷いた。
「よい。そのままお前の成果とするが良い。研究員たちにも褒美を与え、お前の度量を示すのだぞ」
王は、さらに他国との情勢についてもヴェルドレの意見を聞くことにした。
「......なにやら、ヴィシーやオーソングランデが騒々しいようだが......」
「オーソングランデの若い貴族が、王女の信を得て無作法に暴れているようですな。ヴィシーとの国境を含む領地を与えられ、ヴィシーの領をいくばくか削り取ったと聞いています。今も、戦闘を継続中かと」
「我が国とオーソングランデの国境でも、動きがあるようだが」
「表向きヴィシー側に協力する事になりましたから、我が国も兵を国境へと進めておりますので、それに対応する為の兵を差し向けてきたようです。接触まではしないでしょう」
ここで本格的に戦争になれば、オーソングランデは二正面作戦となる。ヴィシーとの戦争が継続中であるうちは、オーソングランデ側から仕掛けてくることは無いというのが、王と孫の共通する見解だった。ヴィシーとの戦争が終われば、ホーラントも兵を展開する理由も無くなる。
「オーソングランデ側は一定量の戦果をあげています。
その報告にしばらく黙考した後、王はゆっくりと噛み締めるように伝えた。
「では......オーソングランデの国境へ出している兵を引き上げられる程度に状況が落ち着いた時に、わしはこの地位を退くとしよう」
「それは......」
「お前が次代の王となり、この国を治めるがよい。ただし、国境の兵を使って魔法具“ガンガ”と“エルリク”の効果を証明してみせよ。それを王としてのお前の最初の成果としよう」
「はっ。直ちに動きます」
「うむ、吉報を待っている」
ヴィシーの軍勢が一二三率いる寡兵のフォカロル領軍相手に撃退されたという情報がホーラントへ伝わるには、まだまだ日数が必要だった。
オーソングランデのホーラント側国境に最も近いのは、ミュンスターという街だ。
フォカロルと同程度の規模であるこの街は、周囲の複数の農村を含めて、ビロンという伯爵が治めている。
ビロンは王子にも王女にもさほど近しくしておらず、領地が反対側ということも有り、フォカロルを中心としたヴィシー側の情勢についてはさほど詳しくなかった。今回の第二騎士隊からの駐留要請も、王子の署名もあって渋々受け入れたようなもので、騎士隊とのやりとりも、最初に第二騎士隊長のスティフェルスが訪ねてきた時に挨拶をかわしたのみで、“あとは勝手にしろ”というスタンスだった。
「何だってこっちにまで騎士隊が来るんだ」
不満を隠せないビロンは、ソファにぐったりと腰掛けて、傍らに立つ執事に愚痴をこぼした。
彼は30歳とまだ若い当主だった。父親が5年前に病死し、王都で官僚として働いていたところを呼び戻されて伯爵を継いだ。
今回の状況も、情報は少ないながらもヴィシーとホーラントのつながりは理解しており、ホーラントを刺激しても意味がないこともわかっていた。もちろん、万一の事を考えて、通常よりも多くの兵を国境付近で巡回させて、緊急の出兵がある可能性も周知していた。
とにかく、外へ出した兵が多くなり、街中の治安維持に穴があきつつあるので、顔も知らない一二三という新興貴族には、勝っても負けても、さっさと事態を収めて欲しいとだけ願っていた。
それだけに、やたらと気負いこんでやってきた第二騎士隊に対して、ビロンは強く警戒していた。
妙なことをしてホーラントとの戦端が開かれれば、負ける気は無いが、ミュンスターの街も無事ではすまないだろうし、自分の領兵も消耗するだろう。
しかも、第二騎士隊がミュンスターと国境の中間で簡易的な砦を作り、そこへアイペロス王子が激励に訪れるという話まで出ている。元々、王女の人気の影響から存在感が薄かったアイペロス王子の露骨な実績稼ぎに、ビロンはため息しか出ない。
「女王の入れ知恵だろうが、これで戦争になれば評価を落とすのがわからないのか?」
それとも、何か必勝の作や道具でもあるのだろうか。とも思ったが、そんなものがあるなら、あの尊大で自信家のスティフェルスが黙っているはずがない。
「一二三とかいう新興子爵が、早い段階でヴィシーを叩きのめしてくれれば......」
中立を保ってはいたが、王子と第二騎士隊の動きに巻き込まれて、イメラリア王女を推す側につこうとビロンは考えるようになっていた。
その姿に、膝が震えるのを押さえて、イメラリアは立ったまま謁見の間で慰労の言葉をかけた。
声が震えそうだったが、他の貴族たちの目もあるので、必死でお腹に力をいれる。
「この度の戦果は非常に素晴らしいものでした。寡兵による大軍の撃破は、この国で後後まで語り継がれることでしょう。第三騎士隊から犠牲がでたのは非常に残念ですが......」
悔しさで目の奥が熱くなるのを感じるが、顔に微笑みを貼り付けて続ける。
「......この度の功績の褒美として、ヒフミ・トオノを伯爵とし、現在の領地に加えて此度の戦果である新領地を与えるものとします。意義のあるものはおりませんね?」
謁見の間、両脇に並んだ貴族たちは黙ったままだった。
積極的に賛成はしていないようだが、これほどの戦功をあげた者へ褒美を出さないわけにはいかない。それに、他国と一二三の領地に挟まれた土地など、誰も欲しいとは思わなかったということもある。
「異論はないようですね。では、亡き父王に代わり、わたくしイメラリア・トリエ・オーソングランデの名において、ヒフミ・トオノをオーソングランデ王国伯爵といたします」
まばらな拍手が聞こえてきて、一二三は無言のまま立ち上がり、ちらりとイメラリアに視線を向けてから謁見の間を出ていった。
それを見送った貴族たちは、小声で無礼だと言いつつも、イメラリアから先に退室するよう促されて出ていった。
「イメラリア様」
他の貴族たちが退室していったのを見計らい、宰相が進み出た。
「なにか」
「その......よろしかったのでしょうか?」
「他にどうしろというのです。もはやこのままこの国の防衛戦力として扱うしかないでしょう。ミダスから何やら不穏な計画の話も聞きましたが、それでも一二三様がこの国の所属であることを利用するしかないでしょう。今、彼を排除するのは不可能です」
王の玉座をチラリと見遣ってから、イメラリアは口を引き結んだ。
「わたくしを殺さずにおく理由を確認します。そしてこれから彼が何をしようとしているのかを直接聞かねばなりません。後ほど、わたくしの執務室へ来るように伝えてください」
「それは、危険なのでは......」
「どんな策でもどんな護衛が居ても、意味をなさないなら気にするだけ無駄です」
信頼する部下を失った報を聞いて、しばらく動揺していたイメラリアだったが、少しだけ落ち着いていた。自分に課された責務は、立ち止まって泣いている事を許さない。
「アイペロスはどうしたのです?」
「オーラントへ戦場視察をすると言って、今朝旅立たれました」
「勝手な事を......」
次期王としてどっしり構えていれば良いのに、とイメラリアは思った。アイペロス王子が自分に実績が無いことを母である女王に相談した事を、イメラリアは知らないし、王を継ぐのに実績が必要だという考えも無かった。
とにかく、アイペロスが戴冠をするために事態を落ち着かせることだけが、今のイメラリアの目標だったのだ。
控えの間として用意された部屋に一二三が戻ると、侍従として待っていたオリガが立ち上がって迎えた。
そこには、第三騎士隊のサブナクもいる。一二三に呼ばれた彼は、困惑の表情を浮かべていた。
「早かったな、サブナク。とりあえず座れよ」
「ぼくに何かご用ですか......?」
パジョーの最期について、サブナクはミダスの報告を聞いていた。その時は生き残りに対して害意は無いと聞いていたが、それでも裏切り者の同僚である以上、殺されるかもしれないという恐怖は払拭できない。
「そう身構えなくていい。今さっき、アロセールからローヌまでの旧ヴィシー領も俺のものになった。肩書きも伯爵だとさ」
オリガが用意した紅茶を飲む。
「おめでとうございます。一二三様を害そうとした慰謝料としては少ない気もしますが」
オリガの褒め言葉に、ああうんと適当な返事をする。真剣に聞くと止まらないからだ。
「ぼくからも、おめでとうございます。これで名実ともにオーソングランデの大貴族の一員ですね」
「肩書きはどうでもいいが、これで活動資金を稼ぐ目処が立った。だが人手が足りん」
「人手、ですか?」
サブナクは、もはや遠い昔の記憶かのように朧げにしか思い出せない、フォカロル臨時領主という事務処理地獄を思い出して、背筋に汗をかいた。
「俺の代理を任せられる奴が必要なんだよ。しばらく領地を留守にするから」
サブナクの鼓膜に、ドキドキと心音が身体の内側から聞こえてくる。
「ある程度は文官奴隷がやるから、決済と顔役だな。準備もあるし、10日くらいのうちにフォカロルへ来てくれたらいい」
すでにサブナクが呼ばれることは確定していたらしい。
パジョーの件やミダスや自分を含め、騎士隊を見逃してくれた事を考えると、とてもじゃないが断る事ができなかった。
「......わかりました......」
今回は職員もいるから以前のような地獄にはならないだろうと自分に言い聞かせ、サブナクは準備をすると言って出ていった。
「さて、後はイメラリアだな」
一二三が呟いたところで、城の侍女がイメラリアからの呼び出しだと伝えに来た。
「オリガ、第三騎士隊に手伝わせて民衆を城の前に集めてくれ。例のバルコニーが見える位置にな。そうだな、“王女から民衆へ決意表明がある”とでも言ってくれ」
「決意表明ということは......」
「ついでだから、城の中もスッキリしてやろうと思ってな」
一二三の言葉に、オリガはニッコリと笑って応じた。
Chapter 44: Points Of Authority
Because of Alyssa's pursuit the numbers of the Vichy army dwindled even more though they took flight escaping Rhone.
The offensive lasted for a few days and the activity of the border security in Rhone was arranged to resume. All was explained to the citizens of Arosel and the tidying up began. Alyssa returned to Arosel wearing a tired facial expression.
"... Sleepy" (Alyssa)
"Yes, thanks for your hard work. Sleep well." (Origa)
Having received the report from Alyssa, Origa saw her off unsteadily returning to her own room within the building of the Lord.
Origa herself had to commit herself to such things as returning the temporarily refuging citizens back to their own homes and giving orders to the soldiers left behind to clean up the city. Having her injury completely healed by the magic potion, she acted more vigorously than before.
And now she is handling her own and Hifumi's share of travel preparations.
In the briefing session with Midas, Midas had no other choice but to accept the one-sided instructions in regards to the report contents from Hifumi. The result was a report stating Pajou and the other knights of the Third Knight Unit, which Hifumi had killed, had been killed in action in the battle with Vichy.
Because it would cause a huge loss of face for the royalty, if the truth of Imeraria giving the order to assassinate another noble were to be spread, Midas gladly accepted that kind of conclusion as it was far more amicable than he had imagined it to be. Although it was wrong towards Pajou, there was no better solution without this whole situation having a dramatic impact on the princess.
But Midas' tension recurred once he heard Hifumi's words after this topic was settled.
"I will go to the royal castle soon as I have to talk with Imeraria." (Hifumi)
"Yo-You have to talk... ?" (Midas)
"No matter how you look at it, I am a noble of Orsongrande, so it is necessary to return triumphantly and give a report of the victory, I think." (Hifumi)
Like this it became a matter of Hifumi heading towards the royal capital, alongside the surviving members of the Third Knight Unit, by himself without taking any soldiers along. In order to protect the territory, all of the territorial soldiers will be left behind.
"It will be only us, so I won't particularly mind if you attack me during the trip, okay?" (Hifumi)
"You must be joking..." (Midas)
As Hifumi laughed impishly, Midas barely managed to squeeze out an answer.
resides, is called royal castle. He has been holding the throne for the long time of 50 years.
However, the one having substantial ability in the ways of politics, being his directly descending grandchild, was Belldore.
The elder king had declared to pass the crown to Belldore, who had no children of his own. Even the experiment with the magic tool, orchestrated by Vichy, was something pushed forward by Belldore for the sake of gaining moderate accomplishments.
With the authority of the king being very powerful, the order of royalty is an absolute for the few nobles of Horant as well. The standing of regular soldiers drafted from the common folk is quite low. But the gathering of funds upon the king's order for the sake of developing the magic tool had been remarkable. With the wealth that was brought about due to the magic tools, criticism from the masses was suppressed.
"How is the situation developing?" (Suprangel)
"It's going well." (Belldore)
When the king inquired with a hoarse voice, Belldore answered standing upright.
"The aggression-rising magic tool
causes the actions of the target to become sluggish. Also, the target's judgement declines sharply. Still, there are ways for practical use either way. There won't be any problems if we use it only on soldiers and make sure to have the commander make the judgments and give out directions to the soldiers." (Belldore)
As Belldore answered confidently puffing up with pride, King Suprangel nodded his head.
"Very well. It is fine to go with your results as they are. You will also give the researchers a reward to show them your generosity." (Suprangel)
Furthermore the king decided to listen to the opinion of Belldore concerning the situation in the other countries.
"... For some reason Vichy and Orsongrande seem to be noisy..." (Suprangel)
"It appears that there is a young noble of Orsongrande, having obtained the trust of the princess, acting violently and rudely. He has been bestowed the territory including the national border to Vichy. I hear he shaved off an unknown size of territory of Vichy. Isn't the battle continuing even now?" (Belldore)
"Even at the border of our country to Orsongrande there seems to be movement." (Suprangel)
"Since we have officially sided with Vichy and because even our country's soldiers are heading towards the border, they have apparently deployed their soldiers in response. They won't attempt to make contact though." (Belldore)
If they start an all-out war on this side, it will become a war at two fronts for Orsongrande. It means that while continuing the war with Vichy, Orsongrande won't start something right way. That was the common opinion shared by King and grandchild. Once the war with with Vichy ends, the reason for Horant to deploy its soldiers will vanish as well.
"Orsongrande's side has raised a set amount of military gains. Although the general outline is that it will end with Vichy's side compromising, they are more or less resisting the outcome. Putting aside their quality, Vichy has prepared a great number of soldiers." (Belldore)
After contemplating for a while about this information, the king said slowly as if chewing it thoroughly,
"Well then ... Once the state of affairs has calmed down and the soldiers deployed at the border to Orsongrande can be withdrawn, I will use the opportunity to retire from this position." (Suprangel)
"That is..." (Belldore)
"You will become the next king. It will be good for governing this country. But, show me the proof of the magic tools,
"Ha, I will make my move at once." (Belldore)
"Umu, I am waiting for the good news." (Suprangel)
For the news, of Hifumi leading the small force of Fokalore's territorial troops against the military forces of Vichy and repelling them, to circulate in Horant, a few more days were still necessary.
extremely close to the national border to Horant on Orsongrande's side.
This town has the same scale as Fokalore and, including several farm villages in its circumference, an earl called Biron is governing it.
Biron isn't particularly close to either the prince or the princess. He wasn't very well-informed about the situation taking place close to Vichy where Fokalore played a central role as his territory could also be said to be on the opposite side. Even the the request for stationing the troops of the Second Knight Unit this time was something he only reluctantly accepted due to the documents having the signature of the prince. The communication with the knight unit also only started at the time the Second Knight Unit's captain, Stifels, came to visit in order to exchange greetings. Biron's stance was "Just do whatever you want."
"Why has a knight unit come all the way to this place?" (Biron)
Without trying to conceal his dissatisfaction, Biron complained to his butler, standing close-by, as he was sitting dead tired on a sofa.
He was a still young head of a household at the age of 30 years. With the death due to illness of his father 5 years ago, he was called back home to succeed the Earlship although he had been working as bureaucrat in the capital.
Even the current circumstances, he understands that Vichy and Horant have a connection notwithstanding the lack of information. He also knew that there wasn't even any point in provoking Horant. Of course, anticipating an emergency situation, a lot more soldiers are patrolling the area close to the border than usual. He also knew well that he might have to to dispatch troops on short call.
At any rate, since quite many soldiers were deployed to another place, the maintanence of public order in the whole town started to show holes. His only wish was for the whole situation to quickly finish not caring whether the rising noble Hifumi, whose face he doesn't even know, wins or loses.
Not only that, in regards to the Second Knight Unit, turning up here recklessly and in a fighting mood, Biron was highly vigilant.
If something strange happens and hostilities with Horant unfold, he doesn't have the intention to lose, but he will feel unease about the safety of the town of Munster. His own territorial soldiers will be depleted as well.
Moreover, the Second Knight Unit is building a simple fortress in the middle between Munster and the national border. It goes even as far that they are talking about inviting Prince Ayperos there for encouragement. To begin with, due to the influence of the princess' popularity, Prince Ayperos has a thin presence with the plain achievements he has earned. Biron can do nothing but sigh.
"I guess it is a suggestion by the queen, but doesn't she understand that starting a war here will cause his evaluation to pummel even more?" (Biron)
Or, do they have some certain plan for victory or tools able to make it happen, I wonder? Biron pondered about that. But if there were such things, it would be impossible for that haughty, over-confident Stifels to stay silent about it.
"If that new viscount called Hifumi or something like that is able to defeat Vichy at an early stage, then..." (Biron)
It reached the point that Biron thought to join Princess Imeraria's faction, if he gets involved in the movements of the prince and the Second Knight Unit, although he kept a neutral stance before.
Suppressing the quivering of her legs seeing that figure, Imeraria talked about the recognition of his services while standing in the audience room.
Her voice seemed to shake, but since the eyes of the other nobles rested on her, she desperately put strength into her stomach.
"Your military gains on this occasion were very splendid. Crushing a large army with such a small force is something that will be handed down to future generation in this country. It is extremely regrettable that the Third Knight Unit suffered such victims, but..." (Imeraria)
Although she senses how the inner part of her eyes is heating up due to bitterness, she keeps pasting a smile on her face.
"... As reward for his achievements this time, Hifumi Touno shall become an earl and be given new territory in addition to the territory gained as result of the war. Does anyone have an objection to this decree?" (Imeraria)
The nobles, lined up on both sides of the audience hall, remained silent.
It doesn't look like they are giving their active support to this decree, but there is no way to not confer any reward in light of this much distinguished war service. Besides they didn't think anyone would want something like a region placed in-between Hifumi's territory and a foreign country.
"It doesn't seem that there is an objection. So be it. As replacement for my deceased father, the king, I, in my name as Imeraria Torie Orsongrande, grant Hifumi Touno the title of earl of the Orsongrande kingdom." (Imeraria)
Sporadic applause could be heard. Hifumi got up remaining silent and left the audience hall after turning a fleeting glance at Imeraria.
While seeing him off and whispering in low voices about this impoliteness, the nobles left the hall before being prompted to do so by Imeraria.
"Imeraria-sama." (Prime Minister)
Choosing the time when the other nobles had departed the hall, the prime minister stepped forward.
"What is it?" (Imeraria)
"That is... was it alright to do that?" (Prime Minister)magic
"What else did you expect me to do? There is no way that this country's defense war potential can deal with him anymore. I have also heard about Hifumi's turbulent kind of plan from Midas, but nevertheless there is no other choice but to use the fact that Hifumi-sama is affiliated to this country. Currently it is impossible to eliminate him." (Imeraria)
After looking fleetingly at the king's throne Imeraria tugged her pursed lips.
"Confirm the reason why he isn't killing me. And then don't fail to ask him directly what he is planning to do from now on. Please come to my office later on and give me a report." (Imeraria)
"That is, because it is dangerous..." (Prime Minister)
"It will be futile to worry about plans or guards if it is meaningless." (Imeraria)
Hearing about the news of having lost a trusted subordinate, Imeraria felt shaken for a short while, calming down only slightly. It would be intolerable for her to stop her own assigned duty for something like weeping.
"What is Ayperos doing?" (Imeraria)
"I was told he departed this morning to observe the battlefield at Horant." (Prime Minister)
"Such a selfish thing..." (Imeraria)
, Imeraria thought. Prince Ayperos, having no accomplishments of his own, had consulted with his mother, the queen, without Imeraria knowing about it. She didn't consider it to be necessary for the next king to be accomplished either.
Anyways, as the situation had to only settle down for the sake of crowning Ayperos, this was Imeraria's current goal.
With Hifumi returning to the antechamber of the room prepared for him, Origa, waiting as chamberlain, stood up and greeted him.
Sabnak of the Third Knight Unit is present there as well. Having been summoned by Hifumi, he wore a bewildered facial expression.
"You are early, Sabnak. Take a seat for the time being." (Hifumi)
"What business do you have with me... ?" (Sabnak)
Sabnak had been informed by Midas about Pajou's final moments. On that occasion he was told that there is no malice regarding his survival, but as he still has betrayed his colleagues, he can't sweep away his dread of possibly being killed.
"It's fine to not have such formal posture. Just now I have also taken hold of the old Vichy territory ranging from Rhone to Arosel. I have also obtained the rank of earl." (Hifumi)
He drank the tea Origa had prepared.
"Congratulations. Though it feels lacking as compensation for trying to harm Hifumi-sama." (Origa)
Towards Origa's words of praise, Hifumi gives an appropriate answer with "Ah, yes." He has stopped listening to her seriously.
"From me likewise, congratulations. With this you are in name and reality a member of the greater nobles of Orsongrande." (Sabnak)
"I don't give a damn about the title, but there is hope that we can earn the necessary funds for our activities with this. But there aren't enough helping hands." (Hifumi)
"Helping hands?" (Sabnak)
Sabnak, not wanting to recall the only vague memories of an already remote past, remembers the hell of paperwork called temporary feudal lord of Fokalore and cold sweat runs down his spine.
"It is necessary to entrust the acting of a proxy for me to someone since I will be absent from the territory for a while." (Hifumi)
In his eardrums Sabnak can hear the *doki doki* of his heart from within his body.
"Since the civil official slaves can handle it to a certain degree, it will be settled by acting as boss. Everything has been prepared as well, so it will be good if you come to Fokalore for around 10 days." (Hifumi)
It has already been decided to designate Sabnak.
Including the case with Pajou, Midas, and himself, and considering the matter of turning a blind eye towards the Knight Unit, Sabnak simply wasn't able to refuse.
"... Understood..." (Sabnak)
Convincing himself that it won't turn into such a hell like previously this time around as there are even staff members, Sabnak told them that he had to prepare and left.
"Well then, all that is left now is Imeraria." (Hifumi)
Just as Hifumi muttered this, a white maid enters and tells him that he has been called by Imeraria.
"Origa, gather the populace in front of the castle by having the Third Knight Unit assist you. It has to be a place where they can see the balcony we talked about before. Ah, yea, also tell them "There is an important announcement for the people from the princess."" (Hifumi)
"Important announcement is it..." (Origa)
"While we are at it, I think it will be refreshing for those in the castle as well." (Hifumi)
Origa responded to Hifumi's words with a smile and laughter.
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