第１８８掘：調べもの
**Dungeon 188: Research**
I’ve been feeling under the weather for a while now. I don’t have a fever, but I just feel sluggish. My apologies for the delay in updating.
Now, on with the story.
***
**Research**
**Side: Yuki**
The strategy meeting I am currently attending as a representative has devolved into a heated dispute.
It’s not that the Zilba Empire’s front lines have collapsed or that the enemy is closing in, but rather, everyone is arguing over where to deploy our forces.
"Damn it! We should be asking Yuki and his group to support the Western Army first..."
"Don't be an idiot! If anyone needs support, it’s the Northern Army, which has been in a stalemate for ages!"
They are arguing fiercely over where to place us.
As part of the settlement for the previous incident, I managed to secure freedom of movement within the Zilba Empire, a personal permit from the King himself, and promises of support. Naturally, I also have free rein to use the archives in this castle. I’m staying away from classified materials, though. Those usually contain troublesome secrets that get people dragged into messes, so it’s best to keep my hands off. I’ve wondered if secrets about magic swords or Dungeon Masters might be hidden there, but if that were the case, magic swords would already be mass-produced, and the problems of dungeon-based tactics and mana depletion would have been solved. So, for now, I’m leaving it alone.
Aside from that, we received a decent amount of reparations. In terms of value, it’s enough for an individual to live comfortably for ten years, or enough to sustain a mercenary group for about a year if we’re frugal.
This meeting is separate from that; it’s about a request for us. This gives us a legitimate excuse to receive support from the Zilba Empire’s headquarters and travel to the provinces without getting any dirty looks. Naturally, there’s a stigma attached to participating in the war, but we’ve secured permission for free movement and a certain degree of discretion regarding the results of our own military achievements. In other words, if we take prisoners, we can do as we please with them. If a massacre were to occur, we’d be in a position to stop it, so it really is "free movement" in the truest sense.
Everyone was surprised that we managed to push through such outrageous demands, but for a ruler, there’s no point in having a newly conquered territory if the inhabitants, property, and fields are ruined. In this continent, the losing side is usually trampled, but since that’s just a way for the soldiers to vent their frustrations, it’s a welcome relief for those in power if someone can actually stop it. It’s better to squeeze taxes out of them in the long run than to exploit them once and be done with it. Normally, no one could stop the soldiers, but we’re different.
"…How utterly ridiculous. Do they think the eight people and one creature this man brought can turn the tide of the war? These desk-bound fools who know nothing of the front lines."
"Indeed. I returned here because of the King’s emergency summons, only to find it was just to decide who gets to take these mercenaries along..."
The first to speak was General Yokiel Gjipper, who is in charge of the Western Army. He’s a large, sturdy man. He has a beard, but it’s neatly trimmed rather than scruffy, giving him the look of a "nice middle-aged man."
The second was General Row Mavek, who leads the Northern Army. He’s younger than General Yokiel, but his gaze is sharp. He’s of average height and build—taller than me, but not exactly "large"—yet he carries a heavy presence. If I saw either of them back in Japan, I wouldn't just look away; I’d run.
"In that case, Your Majesty, may I take these mercenaries—or rather, Yuki and his group—with me?"
That suggestion came from Marly. She had been recalled from the front lines where she was attacking the neighboring Holy Kingdom of Enaria to attend this meeting. Naturally, she was already informed of the outcome of her duel with me.
"Hah! That might be just right for Marly-dono. After all, she was defeated by a magic sword. It should be quite reassuring to have them."
"I don't know the truth behind that story, but I have no objection to Marly-dono taking them. Bringing in outside units is likely to cause problems. If they are already acquaintances, it will be easier to manage."
General Yokiel’s comment was a blatant provocation, but General Row’s opinion was perfectly reasonable.
"Hmm. Row’s point is valid. It seems Yokiel isn't exactly welcoming them. Very well, let’s go with Marly’s request."
Well, that went about as expected. Now, our mercenary group will be accompanying Marly’s army. It’s a relief for us, too, since we already know her and it’ll be easier to operate. Dealing with allies who might drag us down—or having to deal with reactions like those from Generals Yokiel and Row—is a hassle. If we got bogged down in that, our original plans would only drift further away.
"So, we’re with Marly, then. When do we depart?"
"Indeed. I want your mercenary group to support the offensive against the Holy Kingdom of Enaria."
I figured as much. Being told to follow an army instead of being stationed for defense means they want us to use our strength to get things done.
"Regarding the departure, I want you to follow Marly’s lead."
"Understood. And when do we return?"
"Well, I’d like you to return immediately, but I suppose that won't be possible, will it?"
"Yeah, I need to contact the unit we left at the ruins and decide how many people to bring along."
As we were confirming the details, the King chimed in as if he’d just remembered something.
"Oh, I almost forgot. You don't intend to take your entire force, do you?"
"Hm? No, I won't. We have a defense unit at the ruins, after all."
"Then, could you dispatch a few units to the Royal Capital? I will pay for their expenses and wages."
"I don't mind, but for what purpose? To raise their level?"
"You are as perceptive as ever. Yes. I want them to train by sparring with your mercenary group. Can you do it?"
"I have no reason to refuse. The pay is good, too. Well, we’ll have to discuss the details later."
"Indeed. My apologies, Marly, but please wait three days for the departure."
"Yes, that is fine."
And just like that, our future was decided. As for where we are now...
"I see. So that’s the plan."
As soon as Tori replied, the room fell into silence. We are in the archives of the Zilba Royal Castle. It’s not a fancy "library," just a place where various books and the history of the Zilba Empire are kept haphazardly. But since there’s a decent collection, we’re using human-wave tactics to search through it.
"However, in three days, we’ll have to split into the departure group and the research group."
Right, the meeting decided to split our forces. We have to decide who stays here to do the research, or if we should bring in a research team from Weed to do it instead. Personally, I want to bring in a research team. I don’t want to split up my wives—our greatest strength—just for research.
"I definitely want to be in the departure group!!"
Riel, who had been sprawled out in a mountain of books, barked and jumped up. Well, it is basically just filing paperwork...
"By the way, have we found any notable information in these documents...?"
"I’m sorry. There’s nothing particularly useful yet."
Shera emerged from between the bookshelves, clutching a large book.
"I didn't expect to find information that easily. Maybe it’s better to read through history books and fairy tales to see if we can spot anything strange."
"...What do you mean by that?"
Labyris also emerged, carrying several books.
"Stories, especially fairy tales, are usually summaries of lessons or events that actually happened. It might be interesting to compare them with the Zilba Empire’s history books."
"...Um, I don't really get it."
"There’s information that gets intentionally omitted. Things that are written in detail in stories but are completely absent from history books."
"I see, so you mean they’re suspicious in a reverse sort of way. That what’s written isn't the only information available."
"Exactly as Shera says. Just look at things from various perspectives."
As I said that, I heard the sound of multiple people running from the back of the bookshelves.
"Big Brother!!"
"Onii-chan!!"
"What’s wrong?"
"We found a story about the thirteen holy swords!!"
Holy swords? Could it be related to the magic swords? And thirteen? Couldn't they have settled for seven or something? Like a "Let’s go collect them!" kind of vibe.
I looked at the book Aslin and Firia brought. The cover was tattered, barely legible. By the way, I had Runa teach me how to read the language used on the continent where the Zilba Empire is located.
"This... it’s been used quite a bit."
I carefully turned the cover, making sure the book wouldn't fall apart. The content was simple. Thirteen holy swords were handed down by the gods, and the people who received them used them to build a single nation. However, that prosperity did not last long; the thirteen holy swords scattered across the world, waiting for the day they would be gathered again. It is written that only then will peace return to the continent.
...I need to check if this is common knowledge. Regardless, magic swords are involved in a strange way again. It’s a good thing I didn't dismantle them carelessly.
So, the thirteen holy swords. I won't make the comment that there are too many of them!
Well then, what does this lead to? Could it really be unrelated to the magic swords?