第１７８掘：ジルバ帝国の落日 序章
**Chapter 178: The Sunset of the Zilba Empire – Prologue**
**Side: Mist**
"Oh, so this is the royal capital of the Zilba Empire."
"What do you think? It’s magnificent, isn't it? You people said you would cross swords with a nation like this. It’s not too late yet. If I intercede for you, I’m sure I can get you appointed to a general’s position."
"No, you’re an idiot, aren't you? Look at who’s talking—the Magic Sword user who literally couldn't lay a finger on me. What, do you want to get beaten into the dirt again? Kaya."
"……Leave it to me."
"I was joking!!"
We had returned to the royal capital of the Zilba Empire, accompanied by the leaders of the mercenary group led by Yuki.
"Sister, rather than making a scene over that, we need to think about how we’re going to explain the annihilation of our army to the King."
That’s right. If we just brought Yuki and his people forward and claimed we lost to a mercenary group, no one would believe us. And besides, we couldn't possibly force Yuki and his group to surrender themselves. I realized that during our days as prisoners. At first, I thought that by having our magic swords returned, we had regained our strength, but I soon learned that such power was trivial to Yuki’s mercenary group, whether we had it or not.
"Y-you’re right. But in this state, we can’t even give a proper report. Say, Yuki, would it help if you gathered some Orc heads for us, like Marly did?"
I think my sister’s suggestion is brilliant. If we did that, we could claim we intercepted a massive Orc horde, which would provide a plausible excuse for why our army was decimated...
"Eh? How do you expect to gather Orc heads inside the royal capital right now?"
"That is……"
"Besides, we’ve already arrived at the capital. It’s a bit late for that."
"……"
My sister and I were left speechless. We had been so elated at being released from captivity that we hadn't thought about what would happen once we returned. In fact, I didn't even know how to explain the situation. After all, we had traveled from that village to the outskirts of the royal capital in just three days using a vehicle called a "Marauder." Under normal circumstances, even on a fast horse, it would take a week.
We had instructed the surviving soldiers to be released and head to the city of Fael ahead of us, but... who would have thought we would reach the capital first? Because of this, we couldn't report ahead or gauge the situation; we were forced to report directly to the King immediately. Without any evidence, no one would believe us, and even if they did, we would be stripped of our magic swords and territories for such a failure.
I don't care much about the magic sword, but we had finally managed to rebuild our home territory, which had been on the brink of economic collapse. If our land were taken away now, all our hard work would be for nothing.
"You could just report a lie. Oh wait, you can't do that, can you?"
"……Obviously. Even though I’m the one who investigated Marly, there are countless people who want to become magic sword wielders or are jealous of our achievements."
"In other words, if you report a lie poorly, you’ll just be tightening the noose around your own necks."
"……Yes. If only it were something we could cover up……"
We couldn't hide the fact that 5,000 soldiers had been reduced to 1,000. The equipment and provisions we brought were also seized. By law, equipment and provisions must be returned; weapons are maintained and marked by the state, managed directly by the King, and leftover provisions are stored for future wars or disasters. Losing one or two items might be manageable, but a loss of 1,000 units is impossible to hide. It would reach the ears of those looking to trip us up soon enough.
"Hmm. So, what kind of punishment do you think you’ll face?"
"……The fact that it wasn't just a simple rout is what hurts……"
"……A forced search of the entire army in defiance of orders, followed by a defeat not by Orcs, but by a 1,500-strong mercenary group and demi-humans. And the blunder of reducing our forces to one-fifth, with most of our supplies stolen. Considering all that……"
"If we’re lucky, we’ll be demoted and stripped of our territory. If we’re unlucky, it’ll be decapitation."
"That would defeat the purpose of saving and releasing you. Tell you what, if you continue to cooperate with us, I think I can keep your heads attached to your shoulders. What do you say?"
"Is that true!?"
"……What is your objective?"
My sister is overjoyed, but I know that Yuki wouldn't do something like this out of mere pity. And this "continued cooperation"—he still hasn't told us what the point of continuing to investigate those magic swords is. I have a sinking feeling that we are getting involved in something truly outrageous. But more importantly, there is a simpler problem.
"I’m the one who brought it up, so I won't complain about your motives. If cooperating keeps us alive, that’s fine. But how do you intend to save our lives? Do you really think you can go up against a nation?"
Yes, no matter how strong Yuki’s mercenary group is, they can’t possibly take on an entire country.
"Well, I think I can. When one person holds most of the power, there are plenty of ways to exploit it. Believe it or not, that’s up to you, but you’re definitely going to be tossed aside if you do nothing, right?"
"……Being tossed aside would be the best-case scenario. Even if they take our magic swords, our past achievements are real. They can’t just exile us."
"Either we’ll be killed by those looking to trip us up, taken in by some noble, or used up as mere foot soldiers... either way, we’re as good as dead."
If we could die as soldiers, that would be a mercy. The worst-case scenario is being treated like sex slaves and ending our lives like trash.
"Then all the more reason to leave it to me. I don't need you two to do anything in particular."
"Eh?"
"No, how do you intend to solve our problems without our help?"
"That’s still a secret. For now, just show up at the royal castle in about a week, claiming you came by fast horse. You can hide yourselves for a week, right?"
"Y-yes, that shouldn't be a problem."
I couldn't understand what he was saying. I had expected him to follow our report and make a scene by challenging the King... but at this rate, we wouldn't even be able to enter the royal castle.
"Then, wait for me. My plan isn't guaranteed to succeed, so you should think of other plans too. Alright, let’s go, everyone."
"Yes!"
And so, we watched as Yuki and his group disappeared into the crowds of the royal capital.
**Side: Yuki**
"Hey, Yuki, are you sure about this? We could have used those two to guide us through the royal castle."
Labyris says this from atop my head.
"That’s true. I think hiring a separate guide would be a hassle, wouldn't it?"
Ria, standing beside me, mutters.
"It’ll be fine. Knowing Yuki-san, he’s got a plan."
Riel says, sounding incredibly confident. Seriously, why is Riel so confident?
"……So, what now?"
"What now, indeed? Besides, we’re standing out like a sore thumb because I’m here and you’ve got demi-humans with you who are hated in this place."
Kaya and Steve ask about our next move.
"True. Putting aside Steve, I don't want my wives getting weird looks. And it just so happens that some soldiers have come to guide us..."
As I turn my gaze toward the crowd, I hear a voice from the back.
"Move! I heard there’s an idiot walking around here with demi-humans without collars. Where are they!!"
Looks like someone arrogant has arrived. Is this our lucky break?
"Well, it wouldn't be good if it got out that those two sisters are cooperating with us. If it does get out, it’s better if it happens after we’ve already taken full control, right?"
"Ah, that’s true."
Tori nods in agreement.
"Fufu... Yuki, you really do think of interesting things."
Labyris is reading my mind and finding it amusing.
"Alright then, shall we head to the royal castle and have an audience with the King?"
Now that our objectives, information, and safety are somewhat secured, what’s next? And the sunset—how exactly will the Zilba Empire meet its end?