第１６２掘：交渉……の前にひと騒動。 (Part2)
However, for a demi-human with a hot temper and a deep-seated grudge against humans, that reaction is only natural.
I understand how they feel, but choosing that path will only lead to their demise.
The elders tasked with the persuasion must have it rough. As I thought, a position where one can take things easy is the best, isn't it?
"Ah, Yuki-san, welcome back. Marly-san has finally calmed down."
Shera reports to me the moment I return.
Among us, Shera has dealt with royal affairs far more than I have, so in terms of field command, she possesses the most charisma among the expedition members.
I’m not incapable of it myself, but since our policy in this New Continent is to avoid using "convenient tools" as much as possible, Shera, who is well-versed in such matters, is more skilled than I am.
"I see. Then, shall we go see her?"
"Yes, please. She’s terrified of us, so we can't get through to her. If it’s you or Ria-san, whom she’s already acquainted with, perhaps a conversation will be possible."
"Terrified?"
"Yes. After all, they were completely annihilated by an enemy less than a tenth of their size. Furthermore, it seems Marly-san fought Steve-san directly, so she has realized the sheer gap in their power."
"I can understand that, but is it really acceptable for a general to be like that?"
"It isn't, but I suppose it can't be helped. Based on the soldiers we've treated and the intelligence you've gathered, Yuki-san, it seems Marly-san has never known defeat until now. I imagine everything she had built up has crumbled away in an instant."
Is this the side effect of relying solely on magic swords to boost one's level?
She must have fought opponents who were on par with her or slightly stronger, but we are, quite literally, outside the norm.
"For now, I'll just go and meet her. Ria, I'm going to swap with the doppelganger who met the princess, so why don't you head over first?"
"That sounds good. Since we are both women, I'll go ahead and try to talk to her. In my stead, Shera-san, please guard Yuki-san."
"Leave it to me."
"Geez, can't you take the guards off me?"
" "Absolutely not." "
I wonder just how much they intend to coddle me.
There are times when I want to be alone, though I do get some downtime by myself at home.
But the moment I step outside, Ria sticks to me. I’m sure I could shake her off if I really tried, but I’d definitely get an earful afterward.
I should hurry and swap with the doppelganger—no, wait, it’s a swap from a doppelganger to another doppelganger...
It’s complicated. I suppose it just means that in the New Continent, I have a doppelganger who looks exactly like me, and another one used for disguises.
Anyway, stop thinking about such foolish things and get to Ria.
If I keep Shera occupied with guarding me, the other departments will come to a standstill.
"Yo. Ria, how is it?"
"Ah, Yuki-san."
"Agh!! So you were the commander of this mercenary group!! And just how did you overtake us?!"
Ria effortlessly captures the princess as she tries to lunge at me.
"Gueh."
"Marly-san, you are a prisoner, after all. Please refrain from acting that way toward our leader. If you do it again, your head and body might just part ways."
"Nngghhh..."
Hmm, she looks energetic enough.
Things in the village are what they are, but I wonder if we can finally move forward with the negotiations?
Now then, what kind of terms should I propose?
As expected, there were some who demanded unreasonable things.
But given the grudges and bitterness they’ve harbored until now, it’s understandable.
Well, I won't be showing any mercy, so they’d better be careful!
Also, I’m definitely taking a break tomorrow. Or rather, instead of just resting, I’m thinking of announcing some titles that I’ve left half-written.
I have some unpublished works and stories from the past. Some of them are quite outrageous in terms of the timeline, haha.