第１８３掘：ジルバ帝国の落日 餌を撒く章
### Dungeon 183: The Sunset of the Zilba Empire – The Chapter of Casting the Bait
**Side: Aslin**
My big brother is amazing.
I mean, everything about him is just incredible!
Today, we went to meet the King of the Zilba Empire on the new continent.
Normally, it would be impossible to get an audience, but Big Brother just walked straight into the castle like it was nothing.
And then, the King actually came out to see us. We even had a proper conversation.
When Big Brother told him it was troublesome and that he needed to take better care of his subordinates, the King just nodded.
He was a King who actually listened. He was a bit scary, though—the feeling was different from Seraria-onee-sama’s father.
So, after listening to Big Brother, the King decided to gather his high-ranking officials for a meeting.
Apparently, making decisions all by himself causes all sorts of problems, and since it’ll take a little time, we’re staying at the castle for the three days the talks are expected to last.
"I'm bored..."
"Me too..."
"...Well, even if we're waiting in the castle, moving around clumsily will only cause trouble. You don't want to inconvenience Yuki, do you, you two?"
" "Nope." "
Today is the first night.
That said, we just ate the food they served—which wasn't very good, by the way—and now we’re just relaxing in our room.
Since it’s my first time in a castle, I want to look around, but I won't do anything that might bother Big Brother.
"I see. Shall we ask Yuki-san for permission to look around the castle tomorrow?"
"Is that okay, Shera-chan?"
"Yes. It’s the first castle for both of you. I’ve seen so many that it doesn't feel very fresh to me, but it should be a good experience for you two."
"...That's true. If we ask Yuki, he'll give us permission."
" "Yay!" "
Yay!
If Shera-chan and Labyris-chan say it’s okay, we can go sightseeing.
"Well, to be honest, I think you’ll be disappointed. Usually, people are astonished by the development of Weed, so..."
"That’s fine, isn't it? As Shera said, this is the first time for Aslin and Firia, so it’ll be fun. Well, the difference between here and Weed is so vast that it won't last long. There aren't even any toilets or baths."
"Ah, now that you mention it, there's no bath today. Even as a Doppel, I want to keep myself clean..."
"Just slip out of your Doppel form and enjoy a nice open-air bath at home."
"That’s the only way, isn't it..."
The two of them look a little disappointed. I wonder why?
"So, Aslin, what do you want to go see?"
"Hmm, hmm, let's see. I want to see the garden. I bet it’s beautiful."
"Oh, I agree. I want to see the weapons in the castle."
"Firia-chan, you’re so passionate about blacksmithing."
"Yes! Unlike Aslin, I’m not that good at cooking, so I’ll help Big Brother by blacksmithing!"
"If it’s you, Firia-chan, I’m sure you’ll become an amazing blacksmith."
After all, she always helps out at the forge and makes our weapons. I think she might even become as good as Narjia-san someday.
"Yaaawn..."
"Fnyuu... I’m sleepy, as expected."
"Fufu, you two got a bit too excited today."
Just as Labyris-chan said, I think I got a little too excited being in a castle for the first time.
I’m so sleepy...
"Yuki said to take it easy, so go to sleep. We’ll explore the castle plenty tomorrow."
" "Okay!" "
We said that and crawled into the bed for the first time.
We’ve always slept on futons, and when we were slaves, we slept on the floor.
"It’s not as fluffy and soft as a futon..."
"Ugh, the blanket is heavy..."
"Just put up with it."
"That’s right. Everything outside of Weed is usually like this. Even this is considered high-class, but it’s sad to compare it to home."
" "Ugh..." "
We both voiced our complaints, but we didn't really mean it.
We wouldn't do anything to trouble Big Brother.
It’s just the kind of communication that only Labyris-chan and Shera-chan can have with us.
"Alright, time to sleep."
"Yes, we’ll sleep with you, so let’s just bear with it."
" "Okay." "
That’s how the four of us slept together in the big bed.
"It’s just like always..."
"It is..."
Ah, I’m getting so sleepy...
***
**Side: Labyris**
"Looks like they’re asleep."
I heard Shera’s voice.
Shera and I are sleeping on the ends, with Aslin and Firia in the middle.
"Indeed. They must be tired from being in an unfamiliar place."
Since the Doppels are sleeping soundly, their main bodies must be fast asleep too.
Since they didn't eat over there, they’ll have to eat their fill tomorrow.
"Yes, they don't seem used to this. But, Labyris, have you had an experience like this before?"
"Who knows?"
"I see. If that’s what you say, then that’s fine. But what do you think?"
"About what?"
"The three-day limit Yuki-san gave."
"Ah, that."
Yuki set a three-day time limit for the Zilba Empire’s people.
I haven't heard the reason yet, but...
"Three days is far too short. Even if this continent were connected by gates like Weed, it’s mostly horses here. The armies currently on expeditions are likely led by people in important positions within the Zilba Empire. Demanding a conclusion without even giving them time to be recalled is a recipe for disaster. Yuki-san couldn't possibly be unaware of that..."
"True. It’s impossible to handle everything in just three days. Even if these three days go well, if we come back to this castle later, we might be treated as nuisances—or worse, have swords pointed at us."
"Yes, it’s almost certain that someone will oppose him and act on their own."
"You’re right, Shera. But do you think the opposition would disappear if he gave them a week, a month, or even a year?"
"That... would be impossible. This time, it’s a direct assault, which isn't like Yuki-san at all. Usually, by the time people realize what’s happening, it’s already over. That was the case with us, the Demon King subjugation, and everything else..."
"...Perhaps this is also a setup. You know that for Yuki, carrying the burden of a country is nothing but a chore, right?"
"Yes. In Yuki-san’s position, countries are just pawns, and managing them himself would be foolish. Even Weed, which could be called his base, is just a place to gather DP, and the actual management is left almost entirely to us and the residents."
"Exactly. I’ve only caught glimpses of Yuki’s heart, but I think this situation is intentional. Including the three-day deadline."
"Intentional?"
"I was surprised he brought us along. If he wanted to show his strength and force them to submit, or negotiate as equals, he would need to be on good terms with them, right?"
"That goes without saying."
"But he brought girls like us, and even Tori and the others, who are Beastmen that are often hated."
"In other words, the goal was to use force from the beginning?"
"No, I think he intends to use us as bait to get a complete grip on their weaknesses."
"Grip their weaknesses... is it?"
"Yes, to the point where they can't even offer a rebuttal. Anyway, let’s stop talking and go to sleep."
"Ah, you're right. If what Labyris says is true, there will be quite a commotion tomorrow."
With that, we closed our eyes.
In my fading consciousness, I found myself looking forward to seeing what Yuki was planning to do.
The bait has already been cast.
Next up is the fishing.