第１６７掘：いま忙しいの (Part2)
Well, Jessica has been attending classes in Weed, studying things that blow away all her previous common sense.
She already possesses strength that surpasses the Princess, and Narjia has forged and gifted her a sword even stronger than that so-called "Magic Sword."
The look on her face when she was handed that blade was...
"Are you thinking of something rude?"
"I was. About the face you made when you got that sword."
"Ah, Jessica-san started crying, didn't she? 'Is it really alright for a prisoner to receive such a sword?'—wasn't that it?"
"Please stop talking about that!! It couldn't be helped, that sword was just that incredible!!"
"Even so, its performance is still lower than my own sword."
"That goes without saying!! What are you supposed to do when given a sword equal to or better than a Hero's!!"
"No, just live your life normally. Like me."
"How could I possibly do that!! Hah, anyway, which army is on the move?"
Tch, she changed the subject.
Well, usually, an army moving toward you would be a major problem.
"It is as Jessica-san predicted. Olive and Mist. Their numbers are roughly double ours, and their official pretext is defense against Orcs and reconnaissance."
"No, it's Olive and Mist, remember."
"If it's just a 'pretext,' does that mean they have another objective?"
"Yes. According to what I heard from Marly-san, it seems their goal is to spread 'true information' and bring us under their control."
"No, what part of that is 'true information'?"
I know you can't stop people from talking, but word of us defeating the Princess's 2,500 with only 150 should have reached them by now...
"They likely interpreted it in a way that was convenient for them, calling it a surprise attack. Unless they experience it firsthand, it's impossible for them to gauge the strength of Yuki and the others. And as I said before, Olive and Mist are highly ambitious. They believe that if they defeat the opponent the Princess failed against, their reputation will rise, and they will also gain a force as formidable as you, Yuki."
"I see. They were crushed head-on, but they closed their ears to the inconvenient facts. Or rather, they only picked up the information they could understand."
"So, what will you do?"
Come to think of it, I want to analyze that magic sword soon.
Since they're coming right to us, should I just wipe them out?
But I also want information on how they're used. If that thing is truly made from a Dungeon Core, or is one itself, I have a bad feeling about taking it from the current wielder.
In that case, I need to capture Olive and Mist alive.
"Alright. We'll capture Olive and Mist and use them for magic research experiments. So, just like with the Princess..."
I use a call to summon the hero of the previous battle.
"What is it?"
"Steve, about two months from now, two magic sword users like the Princess are coming with 5,000 soldiers."
"Ugh, a battle? But for that, you can just leave it to the Generals or the Beastmen. I'm getting tired of dealing with those hot-blooded idiots."
"I see. Alright, I've decided. From now on, Steve, you are to lead the Beastmen and repel these magic sword users."
"Hah!?"
"Well, to be specific, it'll be perfect for making those hot-blooded types listen to you."
"Ah, I see. Just let them charge in, save them when they're in a pinch, and teach them that our word is absolute, right?"
"Yup. I'll leave the adjustments to you."
"Hey, hey, repelling them is one thing, but..."
Ah, I said "repel" on impulse. I need to correct that.
"Oh, my bad. Not repel—capture, please."
"Don't ask for the impossible!! Even though the Beastmen are gathering, we're still in the middle of expanding the village to increase our capacity!? Right now, we only have about 500 combat-ready personnel at most!!"
"Oh, they've gathered, have they? Well, it's only 10 times our number, so do your best. At worst, I'll hold the magic sword users back."
"You promise?"
"Yeah, I don't lie."
"What's with that shady tone?"
"That's why you can handle the budget coordination yourself; I'm busy with magic research."
"Gahhh!! You didn't lie, but you just dumped the most troublesome task on me!? War budgets mean direct negotiations with Seraria-ane-san, getting it approved by Eris-ane-san's accounting department, and ordering supplies from Ratz-ane-san—it's a paperwork hell, isn't it!?"
"You could always pay for it out of your own salary, you know?"
"My meager pay won't cover that!! Besides, if the General just spoke up, it would be approved in an instant!!"
"Nah, it's not quite that simple. You have to prepare the documents and go through the proper channels. Well, I might fix a few minor mistakes here and there."
After all, they are my wives.
"Damn it, fine, I'll do it. If I refuse, you'll just put me in a magic research trial, right?"
"Oh, you know me well. I've got an observation study on how long monsters can remain active with zero magic power, and I was thinking of using Steve for..."
"I have work to do, excuse me!!"
Tch, he ran away.
"...I think I understand the meaning of the words Steve said during that battle."
Jessica stared at the door Steve had fled through, looking somewhat sad.
I wonder what they talked about?
Steve sets off!!
And will Jessica head to the front lines!!
Can Olive and Mist become true enemies!!
Will Yuki really help out!!
Stay tuned!!