第１９１掘：魔剣姉妹の処遇 (Part2)
"I have never heard of an external mercenary unit granted near-total autonomy, discretionary rights over spoils of war, and the official backing of the Zilba Empire—authority that even surpasses us Magic Sword Users."
Though I was skeptical, they intended to fulfill their duties as a mercenary unit, having accepted the job of supporting Marly’s invasion of the Holy Kingdom of Enaria.
"…You are as outrageous as ever. Now, what about our situation?"
My older sister asked about our most pressing concern, though she sounded utterly exasperated.
"Ah, that. Well, for the sake of appearances, there will be no official announcements or punishments. The lost personnel and supplies won't be mentioned either. It’s being processed as a battle against a group of Orcs."
"…Is this a response to the scramble for our replacements and the actions of other nations?"
"Spot on. Though I suppose Mist is the one who figured that out, right?"
"…That is correct."
"I thought so. Even if there’s no public punishment, the entire upper echelon knows about this blunder. If you return to the Zilba royal capital without any achievements, those who are dissatisfied—even with the King and us keeping a close eye on them—will inevitably come after you."
"That is certainly true."
"So, the order is for the two of you to link up with Marly, take the remaining 1,000 soldiers, and assist in the invasion of the Holy Kingdom of Enaria to secure a victory."
I see. So, this is meant to be a way to restore trust and credibility. To make those in the upper echelons who underestimate us reconsider, there is no better proof than results on the battlefield.
"With this, you two are officially no longer my prisoners. You will receive orders from the King through me and Marly, allowing you to move the army formally. You won't have to go to the royal castle to report your failures anymore. The next time you come to the capital, it will be to report your success in the Enaria invasion."
"…Do you truly believe we can win?"
"Who knows? The battlefield is unpredictable. But from your perspective, you have to give it your all, don't you?"
"You don't think for a second that we'll lose, do you? …But for us, this is a relief."
"Yes, sister."
Indeed, if they are on our side, our combat strength is beyond reproach. It is important for us to achieve results, but Yuki and his people would also be in trouble if we were ousted, so they will surely assist us in ways that suit our convenience.
"Then, we shall place our trust in you."
"If we can have your help, there is no way we can lose. Besides, you will help us in ways that benefit us, won't you?"
When I asked that, Yuki made a slightly complicated expression.
"Well, it’s true that I’d be in trouble if you were ousted. I’ll take various measures to prevent that, but I can’t do everything. I can’t make you fly, for instance."
" " "You definitely can!" " "
Immediate retorts came from Ria, Jessica, and Kaya nearby.
Wait, they can fly…!?
" "Jessica!?" "
"Did you only just realize?"
Why are you back in the royal capital so nonchalantly!?
"I have been granted the role of negotiator with Yuki by the King, so I am here on duty."
"…Yuki is quite the taskmaster."
"…I won't deny that."
"That’s a terrible thing to say."
Regardless, our necks have been saved. Or rather, we have to work hard from here on out, but I was relieved that we had managed to overcome the immediate crisis.
Next is the Holy Kingdom of Enaria… there should be multiple Magic Sword Users there, just like us. Even with Yuki’s power, it won't be easy.
And so, the Magic Sword sisters were dispatched as reinforcements for the invasion of the Holy Kingdom of Enaria. Even so, Yuki remained as laid-back as ever. Well, to anyone who doesn't know him, the sight of three Magic Sword Users must look like a terrifying threat!