第１６６掘：動き出す者とどうでもいい者 (Part1)
**Dig 166: Those Who Move and Those Who Don't Care**
**Side: Marly Heat, Zilba Empire: Wind Princess Knight**
"That concludes my report."
"Hmm. Your hard work on this expedition is noted. However, an Orc... that is a more troublesome creature than the usual demi-humans."
"Indeed. To think they could take down the Wind Princess Knight's adjutant, even with a surprise attack."
"Hey, do not speak so insensitively in front of Marly."
"Ah, my apologies."
"Do not worry. The adjutant was Jessica, was she not? I remember her well. She had the skill to trade blows with a Magic Sword User several times even without a magic sword of her own, and she was sharp-witted. It is a loss of a valuable asset."
"To be held in such high regard by Your Majesty... I am sure Jessica would be pleased to hear that."
I returned to the capital of the Zilba Empire and delivered a report that was, as planned, a fabrication.
It saddens me, but with this, Jessica is officially dead.
However, even if I told the truth, given the strength of that place, any half-hearted military force would only meet the same fate as I did.
"Your Majesty, I have a proposal."
"What is it? Speak."
"During this rescue, the demi-humans were scattered by the Orcs, and we were the ones who struck the Orc down. However, I find it unlikely that there was only one."
"Indeed. Whether it be goblins or kobolds, monsters of that sort usually travel in packs."
"Therefore, I believe we should prioritize the ongoing conflicts with other nations for now, while issuing a warning for the region where the Orc appeared and focusing on defensive measures."
"I see. You are suggesting it would be unwise to recall the legions currently engaged in battle just to deal with an Orc?"
"Yes. My subordinates were taken out, albeit by surprise. If there are more Orcs, any ordinary force would suffer catastrophic losses."
"So, if we are to do it, we should prepare our posture and strike all at once. You believe the surrounding villages and towns can hold out if we prioritize defense until then?"
"Yes. The Orc only appeared after we approached the forest. If we do not make contact, they likely will not leave the woods. Even if they do, if the towns maintain a defensive stance, our reinforcements will arrive in time."
"I believe the Wind Princess Knight is correct. Recalling the legions currently deployed to various fronts is not a wise move given the current war situation."
Good. The ministers are nodding along with my statement.
This should prevent us from sending an insufficient number of troops and getting wiped out.
Furthermore, by buying time, if the demi-humans return to their village, I can simply use the excuse that they returned because the Orc is gone.
What remains is how to rescue Jessica... but what exactly is Yuki looking for? If I knew that, I could negotiate for her release.
As for that, I have no choice but to wait; Jessica, being a prisoner, will surely find a way to contact me.
"Marly, your work was commendable. You should rest in the capital for a while. Afterward, rejoin the suspended invasion operation against the Enaria Holy Kingdom."
"Yes, sir!"
I gave my response and was about to leave the audience chamber when a problem arose.
"Excuse me, Your Majesty."
"Sister, that is rude."
Two Magic Sword Users entered the room.
"Oh, Marly-sama, you look well. I heard through the grapevine that you took down an Orc."
"But I also heard that your subordinate, Jessica, was taken out."
"...That is correct."
"My, my. To lose such an important soldier granted by His Majesty to an Orc just because of a moment of carelessness? That won't do, will it?"
"My sister is right."
The one called sister, wearing red dress armor and wielding a flame magic sword, is Olive Melt.
And the one calling her sister, wearing blue dress armor and wielding a water magic sword, is Mist Melt.
As their names suggest, they are sisters and both are Magic Sword Users.
They were originally common nobles, but when both sisters simultaneously showed aptitude for the magic swords possessed by the Zilba Empire, they rose through the ranks rapidly.
They have the skill to back it up, having performed well in battles thus far, and like me, they command their own small-scale military units.
But, unfortunately, perhaps due to their intense ambition, they constantly cause friction with those around them. Like now, they often pick fights with me, despite my higher standing.
"Now, now, both of you. This matter was unavoidable. So, do you have a report?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. We have captured the fortress you ordered us to take, so we have returned."
"What!? It has only been about two months since then!?"
"It was simple. The fortress's moat was filled with water, so it was easy with my magic sword."
"Yes, after Mist intimidated the soldiers preparing their defensive formation inside, I thought it felt a bit cold, so I burned them out. They came running outside."
"We struck them down and took the fortress."
"Ho, as expected of the sisters."
Yes, these sisters are only strong when they cooperate. Individually, they are no match for me.
"You two should also rest in the capital for a while. I will give you your next mission later..."
"Your Majesty, may I express a wish regarding our next mission?"
"Hm? What is it? Speak."
"Regarding the Orc that took down Marly-sama's subordinate—let us go to subjugate it. We happen to be free."
"Wait, Olive. It has been decided that we will wait until we have gathered a sufficient force for that matter."
I hurriedly tried to stop Olive's suggestion. If I didn't, things would get complicated.
"Is that so, Your Majesty?"
"Indeed. We do not know how many Orcs there are. It would be unwise to provoke them carelessly. That is why we decided to gather a proper force before taking action."
"Then, let us take on the defensive and reconnaissance duties. That will make the later annihilation battle easier, and I don't think there will be any worry about villages or towns being attacked by Orcs."
"That is true..."
Damn it. Mist is calmly presenting a proposal that is difficult to deny.
"Will you do it?"
"Yes. As soon as our leave is over, we will gather our troops and depart. We have twice as many soldiers as Marly-sama, and since we heard about the surprise attack, I don't think we will be caught off guard."
"That is true. Very well! I order the two of you to handle the defense and reconnaissance related to the Orcs!!"
" "Yes, sir!!" "
I've been had.
As those two bowed their heads, they looked toward me and smiled.