第１７掘：いろんな意味でNDK？ (Part1)
CHAPTER 17: NDK in More Ways Than One?
NDK in More Ways Than One?
side: Seraria, Know Roschur
I never imagined I would find myself on a stage, performing in a play.
I dislike this farce, but for Elju's sake, it's no problem.
My sister is my treasure.
And soon, it will be my turn. Three monitors are before me: one showing the damn old man, another the soldiers within the dungeon, and the last one…
"Lord Loire!! A, a state of emergency!! Please return to the castle!! The King, the Princess has been assassinated!! The castle is in utter chaos!!"
"W, what!? The King…!? And the Princess too!? I understand, I will gather the soldiers and return immediately!! I apologize, but I would like you to deliver a message that Loire will return to the royal capital at once!!"
"Leave it to me. Then, please excuse me!!"
Yes, the last monitor showed Loire, who was waiting outside the dungeon.
Yuki had designated small creatures for protection and reconnaissance… How cunning.
I am reminded that he is a strong individual, but in a completely different direction than myself.
However, Yuki's plan continues. He is deliberately showing this footage to the soldiers inside the dungeon.
Unaware of this, Loire smiles smugly after seeing off the messenger at his post.
"Lord Loire, with this, Roschur is as good as ours."
"Indeed. For the Holy Kingdom of Litea, it would have been enough to simply eliminate Princess Elju, but that would be too simple. I must also receive significant benefits for my cooperation!! This country, as a reward."
"However, what shall we do about the soldiers left behind in the dungeon?"
"Abandon them. They will likely die if left as they are. Even if they were to join forces with Princess Elju in the dungeon, there would be nothing they could do. If they manage to reach the royal capital, we will simply capture and execute them."
"As foolish soldiers who have been charmed by the Dungeon Master?"
"Indeed, you understand well!! Well, even if they were to join forces, there is no way the Princess will reach the royal capital."
"Oh? How so?"
"Hehehe, well, that's a pleasure for later. Now, as planned, good news has reached us. We will be busy from now on. Those who remained in the royal capital saw the King's assassination. And then, returning from conquering the dungeon for the King, with great sacrifice, is this Loire!!"
"The soldiers' sacrifice was also planned, wasn't it? With this, your position will be secure once you return to the royal capital."
"Precisely. Everything is as foreseen!!"
…Foolish. I never expected him to reveal so much so openly.
However, in a sense, this is precisely the kind of place where one can speak so openly.
After all, the approximately 500 soldiers remaining here are likely under Loire's influence.
"…King Roschur, hey, how do you feel right now?"
"…Don't say such things…"
"Well, get your mental state back before Seraria and the others return. Then, I'll leave the rest to Elju and Seraria."
With that, Yuki looks at Elju and me.
We nod in return.
Now, for the main event.
"Did you hear, soldiers of Roschur!! This is the truth!! You have all been dancing to Loire's scheme!! I will not hold you accountable for what has happened so far. Rather, I will thank you for your loyalty!! And I, Seraria Know Roschur, and…"
"If you believe the words of Elju Lau Roschur, then raise your swords!!"
The other side of the monitor falls silent, but one soldier steps forward and raises his sword… It's the captain of my direct unit… Qual.
"My loyalty lies with Roschur and Lady Seraria!!"
"『『『Oooohhhhhhh!!』』』"
And as if reacting to that voice, the soldiers raise their voices and their swords.
"Qual, we will head to your location. And then we will advance to the royal capital. We will take Loire's head!!"
"Yes!! Understood!!"
Then, as Elju and I reached the soldiers' location, we found the Captain of the Royal Guard… Ares Lester, handing his sword to Qual and kneeling before us.
"Qual, what is this?"
"Yes, Captain Ares of the Royal Guard regrets his failure to stop Loire's machinations and seeks punishment."
"…Ares."
"Yes, I will accept any punishment. It is as if I helped in the murder of my father and elder sister. I do not mind if my head is severed here."
"I will not execute you."
"…Why…"
"You must have heard Loire's conversation earlier. It is true that my father and sister… the King and Princess are likely dead. But the country is not over yet!! Ares… why did you take up that sword!! Was it a sword only to protect the King!!"
"That…"
"It is for the people, is it not. To protect the country, to protect the King, is for the people. If that feeling remains, take up your sword again, Ares!!"
"Yes, I swear that this sword will now be wielded for the sake of the country, the Princess, and the people!!"
*Sigh*, I managed to push through. I'm not good at giving speeches in place of that damn old man.
"Heh, as expected, you've grown, Seraria. You're quite cool."
"Ho, Seraria has grown this much, has she."
"Fufufu, would you like to try becoming Queen in my stead?"
*Tch*, I made it so only my voice could be heard in case of emergency, but it's so annoying!!
side: Aria, Ras Roschur
"Well, now it's our turn."
"Yes, Father."
We have received reports of Seraria's march and the incident.
All that remains is to deal with Loire.
Yes, we prevented the assassination, but we were told that Loire might escape or make excuses, so we accepted a certain proposal.
"I can't believe we have to fake our deaths."
"However, I believe it is an effective strategy. If we do not capture Loire here, it will leave many lingering troubles. Once captured, even if Loire himself does not confess, we can attach any charges and execute him."
As we were talking, a soldier came to report.