第１４掘：協力者
Chapter 14: Collaborators
It has been about a week today.
The total evaluation score has exceeded 10,000 points, and there are 5,000 favorites registered!
Well, I don't know if that's amazing or not.
The rankings have also been consistently high every day.
My thanks to everyone.
I'm not sure if it will be a good commemoration, but I'm thinking of introducing the characters with my own illustrations next time.
Please enjoy.
Collaborators
Side: ???
"Shall we have you explain the current situation from the beginning, including the collaborators and how the assassination was prevented, so these two can follow the conversation? Though, I'm impressed you managed to prevent it; I thought there was a 90% chance of failure."
"Don't be ridiculous! Were you planning to let Princess Aria die?!"
Inside a flat screen called a monitor, Seraria, the Second Princess of this country, was lunging at the man who had just spoken. So, it was true that Mauve and his companions were involved with the princess.
"I said I'd explain. Elju and Oriel, please hold that drill down so we can proceed. That's how it is. If you carelessly ignore this princess, it won't be a conversation, so it might be troublesome, but let's start from the beginning."
"Please, Sister, calm down."
"Seraria, I admit Yuki is irritating, but we won't make progress, so please restrain yourself."
And I felt relieved at her sight as she pulled Seraria away. Elju von Roschur. A true Saintess who received the blessing from Lilishe, unlike my fake self.
This whole incident was orchestrated to assassinate Elju von Roschur.
"Hahaha! What an energetic princess! She's quite different from Princess Elju."
Mauve laughed. I've heard from him how he met the princess, but for him to be able to get along like this after such an incident is both a strength and a weakness.
"Be quiet! You said your name was Mauve, didn't you? I've heard about your actions from Elju. No matter how much Elju forgives you, I won't. When we meet, let me punch you a hundred times!"
"What?! Shouldn't it be just one punch?! Well, I guess that's necessary with the princess's slender arms?"
"You said it. This princess with slender arms is a Level 63 Valkyrie."
"Gah?! You're higher level than me, and a female-only vanguard class?! Wait, if I get punched a hundred times without resisting, I'll die!"
"Oh, it's fine. Just like Elju was treated, I'll heal you and keep punching you. Fufufufufufu..."
Yes, this is why Seraria is called a martial artist. Even I, meeting her for the first time, was surprised by her profession. And in reality, she's no mere ornament. She's a battle goddess who has cut down both monsters and people, and has stood on battlefields, living up to her profession.
"Whether it's a comedy routine or an execution, please start the story."
But who is this man? From the conversation, it seems he is leading the discussion. The princess is a party involved, and Mauve and his companions helped me. But who exactly is this man?
"Alright, Princess. For now, the hundred punches are on hold. I request a reduced sentence."
"Denied. Now, tell us the full story."
For now, it seems my turn to speak is still a while away. I also want to hear the details of this incident.
"Right, where should I start..."
"Mauve, please start from after I fled with Elju and Seraria."
"I wasn't there at that time. If I had been, would I have gotten some leniency?"
"No. Rather, be glad that I was almost unconscious from poison at the time. If I could have moved, I think I would have beaten you all to death."
"Oh, scary. Well then, I'll explain from around that point."
Side: Mauve at the time
"Hey, this is my first time at this guild. Are there any notable jobs available?"
I had split from Raiya and the others to look for slaves, but Yuki contacted me saying, "I'll check out your taste in women," so I was hesitant to buy slaves alone and planned to involve Raiya and the others.
"Yuki's unwanted fantasy seems to have come true. If this is the case, I need to investigate thoroughly. As instructed, I'll monitor the army's movements. You go to the adventurer's guild and gather information."
And that's how I ended up here. But things are getting really suspicious. It doesn't look like it'll end with just killing some petty schemer.
As I was thinking that, the guild receptionist answered me.
"Let's see, quests are somewhat biased by guild rank, but for all ranks, the quest volume at this branch is as usual. By the way, excuse me, but what is your rank? I can't help you without knowing."
"Oops, my bad. Here."
I pulled out my guild card from my pocket. A guild card is a convenient item that records accepted quests, monsters defeated, can store money, and can only be used by me.
When I told Yuki about this guild card, he said, "Tch, it's superior to the other world in some ways. This is why fantasy worlds are..." I guess he didn't have guild cards in his hometown, which must have been inconvenient.
"Oh! You're Mauve! The Guard Hero!"
When the receptionist raised her voice, everyone in the guild turned their attention to me.
"Hey, hey, is that Mauve, *the* Mauve?"
"Guild cards can't be faked, so it must be the Guard Hero."
"What's this Guard Hero thing?"
"You don't know? Though they're completely hostile now, a town in the Gartz Kingdom was attacked by a horde of monsters. At the time, the lord's main soldiers were away fighting bandits, and the town was apparently on the verge of destruction."
"Ah, and at that time, one man stepped forward, rallied the adventurers who were there, and successfully defended it."
They were talking about my younger days. Honestly, normally I'd put my hand on the counter and shut them up, but this time it's different; this makes things easier.
"Um, I heard Mauve was exclusive to that town..."
What, they didn't know about it here? They should have pushed it forward with Princess Elju as their banner.
"...Well, that town was lost in the recent war."
"What?! Wait a minute! I haven't heard any such information! P-Please wait, I'll go talk to the Guild Master!"
What's going on? Guilds can generally exchange information closely. I've heard there are communication crystals, though not like this monitor. The guild's main headquarters is in the Litea Holy Nation, right?
For now, information from the guild alone isn't enough. I guess I'll ask some fellow adventurers around here.
"Hey, got a moment? I want to ask something."
"Oh, sure. It's an honor to talk to a Rank 8 adventurer like you. So, what do you want to know?"
"Yeah, the situation of the recent war. As you know, I'm a Rank 8, and I was exclusive to a certain town. I came out after a long time, and there's a war, right? I don't have much information here. I'll pay handsomely."
Saying that, I pulled out my wallet. Information is important for adventurers, so you buy it even with money.
"I see, for that much, I don't need money. It seems a certain village in the Gartz Kingdom was being treated terribly, and the Saintess here offered salvation to that village. She saved the village, but the Gartz Kingdom claimed it was an act of invasion, called her a fake Saintess, and the King of Roschur, who had done justice, was enraged and started a war to liberate his people from the Gartz Kingdom."
Whoa, so that's the story here. But the princess is completely framed. No, I knew that, but this is no longer just a petty schemer.
"Mauve, the Guild Master is calling for you. Please come this way."
"Oops, sorry. Take this."
"No, it's fine."
"Don't worry about it, you have to be proper about these things."
"...Thanks. I'll become an adventurer like you."
"No, you really shouldn't try to be like me..."
Saying that, I met with the Guild Master.
"My apologies, after inquiring with headquarters, we found your testimony was correct, but a problem has arisen."
"What kind of problem?"
"I suppose I can tell you. Have you heard of communication crystals?"
"Yeah, I heard they're convenient tools for quick contact."
"That's right, but there's the problem. Those communication crystals are only used by the guild. Meaning, guilds can easily contact each other."
"Hmm, what's the problem with that?"
"Normally there's no problem, but in a war between nations like this, it's very troublesome. Because contact can be made so quickly, there's a possibility that the guild could be suspected of being a spy."
"Yeah, that makes sense."
It makes sense when he puts it that way. If contact can be made easily, then if movements of the enemy can be reported constantly, like me and Yuki, it becomes easier to respond. If the enemy knows the guild has that, of course they'll be wary.
"So, we're taking measures against that problem. Communication crystals are only connected to the guild headquarters... that is, the Litea Holy Nation. When a war breaks out, communication from guild branches in the warring countries is disabled."
"I see, so that's how the guild proves it's not involved in the war."
"Exactly, I'm glad you understand. And then there's you. Don't go asking around about this anymore. You'll be suspected of being a spy. Normally, adventurers from that country would take quests in that country and participate as mercenaries, but from your town, it's closer to flee here."
"Yeah, I fled here because it was closer. Understood, I'll stop asking around."
"Please do. We'll tell them here that you escaped hardship and came here. Also, we'll make sure you're not called for quests that involve participating in the war, as it would be difficult for you."
"Thank you, I'm indebted."
"Don't worry about it. Are your companions safe?"
"We're staying at an inn together in this royal capital."
"I see, that's at least some salvation. Don't get reckless out of despair."
I've already passed that stage, though...
And so, after gathering information, I met up with Raiya and the others.
"I see, I understand the guild's story."
"I've heard that story from my father. Adventurers aside, guilds absolutely don't interfere in national disputes."
Raiya and Curse were both convinced by the information I brought. With Curse, the lord's son, backing it up, it's pretty much confirmed.
"How about your side? Is the castle in a panic after the princess was kidnapped?"
"Well, yeah. But there's an interesting story."
"What is it?"
"Oriel fled, and it's been about half a day now. Yet this kingdom is already gathering soldiers."
"That's not strange, is it? The princess was kidnapped, regardless of the truth."
"But all the soldiers gathered are elite units. They're all strong individuals who would normally be sent to the front lines against the Gartz Kingdom."
"Isn't it a coincidence? They'd gather for a strategy meeting, wouldn't they?"
"Well, let's agree that the gathering was a coincidence. But what if I told you they're already preparing for an expedition?"
"...Their actions are too fast."
"Yeah, I don't know where they were planning to go. But it's too much. So, where do you think this army is going?"
"Well, they have to pursue the princess now, right?"
"Right. For now, let's go back to the inn and contact Yuki. I don't think he'd be easily defeated, but it's an army he's up against, so it'll be different."
Saying that, we returned to the inn to make contact.
"Hmm, things are getting troublesome."
"Yeah."
"We don't have enough information to make a definitive statement yet. Also, contact me when the army moves, and count their approximate numbers."
"Understood, I'll contact you then."
"And about that army, find out who's leading it... no, check if there are any strange people mixed in."
"Strange people? What do you mean?"
"Well, people who wouldn't normally participate in the army. Like ministers, merchants, or envo from other countries. If there are such people, it's probably to create a pretext."
"Pretext? For moving the army?"
"No, no, it's a pretext for taking over the country later. A justification, perhaps?"
"Sorry, I don't understand. Explain it to me."
Then Curse, who had been listening beside me, nodded in understanding.
"Mauve, this is what Yuki is saying: 'If you can prevent the assassination of the royal family, please do so.'"
"Exactly."
"Now, if that suspicious person joins this advance, and the royal family is assassinated in the meantime, that suspicious person who went with the advance will naturally be declared innocent."
"Well, they weren't at the scene. Or rather, they wouldn't even be suspected, would they?"
"Ah, that's the aim. You can just hire someone for the assassination. Then, upon receiving news of the assassination, if they immediately return with some soldiers, that person's reputation will soar. They'll be called a loyal minister who serves His Majesty, the greatest kingdom in this country, or something like that."
"Right."
"Moreover, those who returned with them are the royal guards and elites of this country. These royal guards and elites will inevitably face some criticism for leaving the capital empty and causing the king's death. If that suspicious person protects them, the royal guards and elites will naturally side with that suspicious person. In such a situation, the royal family would be completely absent. There might be blood relatives, but their influence would be virtually nonexistent, as they would have done nothing in this incident. So, if this happens, inevitably..."
"That suspicious person will seize power?"
"Yes, and with the military elites under their control. Is that about right?"
Saying that, Curse looked to Yuki on the monitor for confirmation.
"Yeah, pretty much the same as my thoughts. Excellent, want to switch places as Dungeon Master?"
"I refuse. Being unable to go outside carelessly would be like going back to being the young master of a former lord."
"That's a shame. However, to thwart the opponent's move, we have to prevent the assassination..."
"...That's a tough one."
I didn't understand why the two of them were troubled. Because...
"Isn't it simple? Just meet the king and tell him he's going to be assassinated!"
"..."
"..."
Yuki and Curse were looking at me with white eyes. Why? Did I say something strange?
As I was thinking that, Raiya put a hand on my shoulder and said,
"Think carefully. We have no acquaintance or connection with the king whatsoever. If we were to talk about assassination, we'd be imprisoned for lèse-majesté. Worse, we might be framed for regicide by those shadowy figures and executed."
Oh, so that's it. Ugh, why do they use such troublesome methods?
"Then, couldn't we just sneak in at night and act as bodyguards?"
"That's the worst-case scenario, but the chances of protecting him are quite low."
"Let's gather a map of the castle beforehand as much as possible."
"Well, the assassination won't happen immediately after the advance begins. We have some time, but it will still be difficult."
"Even if we try to rely on royal connections, that action itself would be seen as an assassination attempt."
"So, that's how it is, Mauve. Don't go sniffing around carelessly. For a while, just buy slaves or go shopping. Oh, and if the army moves, don't forget to report it, as I said before."
With that, the conversation ended for the day, and everyone went about their business. The next day, the army began its advance. Just as Yuki said, a suspicious individual was among the marching troops.
"Minister Loire... he's pretty much the mastermind behind this plan. If there's an even deeper force behind him, we can't deal with it now. That said, if we can stop Loire, even the hidden force would have no choice but to withdraw."
"Well, that's about all the information I have. There are around 2,000 people, so make sure you survive."
"Yeah, I'm considering fleeing too. Though I might use it for dungeon testing. Also, let me know if enemy reinforcements appear."
"Alright, leave it to me."
With that, the report was over, and I went back to my shopping.
By the way, Raiya and Curse each had things to do, so they wouldn't accompany me shopping... Ugh, at this rate, my taste in slaves will become *my* taste.
As I was wandering around town, something like a common scene for young people was unfolding.
"Ah, I have important business. I-I can't accompany you!"
"Huh? What's the big deal?"
"Yeah, yeah, let's have some fun with us?"
"Those big breasts are meant to be used, you know?"
...Hmm, I was young once too, but I don't think I was that stupid. Well, I was strangely broken until recently, though.
Indeed, her breasts were large. Melons, no, watermelons? Truly deserving of the word "extra-large"! But even though my wife is gone, I was a married man. Perhaps because that love still remained, I didn't feel particularly happy.
"Alright, alright, young ones, that's enough. It's unsightly."
"Huh?"
"What are you talking about, old man?"
"We're Rank 4 adventurers, you know? Do you understand what that means?"
"Ah, ah... help..."
She must have looked at my appearance and thought I was weak. Well, I do look like an old man.
But for some reason, I feel like I've seen her somewhere before?
She resembles Princess Elju? No, her hair is blue, and her chest is overwhelmingly larger... What could it be, the atmosphere?
"Hey, are you listening, old man?!"
"He's ignoring us!"
"Let's get him!"
The young men lunged at me. But just a little more.
"Now, excuse me, young lady, have we met somewhere before?"
The three of them were already on the ground.
Side: ???
"I see, that's how you met... and she's the collaborator."
As the man's eyes turned to me, the gazes of the others also gathered on me.
"Yes, from here on, I will speak."
I stepped forward.
"Before that, an introduction. I have come from the Litea Holy Nation. My name is Rurua. My former name was Rurua Litea... I was known as the Saintess of Litea."
Saying that, I removed my hood and glasses.
※I was a bit hesitant about replying to comments.
This time, I have replied to all of them. I apologize for the delay in my responses.