第１９７掘：砦攻略後の話 (Part2)
I have Jessica with me, and in this New Continent, she is our greatest confidante and our mediator for local culture.
Therefore, sending Jessica away is out of the question.
Besides, nominally, Jessica is the Zilba Empire’s liaison to me; she cannot leave my side.
So, I have no pawns to spare.
"That is why I would like to ask you, Yuki-san, to take charge of one city, while I handle the other."
"……I suppose that’s the only way."
"Yes. Marly-sama and Olive-ane-sama are exceptionally strong in battle, but they are completely lost when it comes to these matters. I did consider sending Hivia, but given the need for combat prowess, name recognition, and status, it is more convenient for me to go myself."
"I’m not sure if it’s a good idea to entrust one of the cities to us, though."
"I believe the possibility of Yuki-san and your group being wiped out is effectively zero. Besides, wouldn't it be convenient for gathering the information Jessica has been collecting?"
"So you’ve thought that far ahead, huh? Well, that’s a passing grade. Alright, since you’ve earned that passing grade, take fifty of the goblin troops with you. Britt will be in command, so maintaining contact with us will be easy."
"R-really!? That is incredibly reassuring!"
It’s not like I can easily gather information with just goblins alone.
If they stay as Mist’s aides, they should be able to collect plenty of information about the city where Mist is stationed.
And as a fighting force, they are top-tier. Even a single goblin under Britt’s command wouldn't lose in a one-on-one fight against a Magic Sword User.
If they are allowed to use magic and firearms, they wouldn't lose even in a three-on-one situation.
Actually, the enemy probably wouldn't even be able to get close.
I have to worry about things like assassinations, but if they’ve reached the point where they have to resort to assassinating a goblin, they’re already finished. They wouldn't be caught off guard that easily.
Naturally, they will have no issues acting as bodyguards, either.
"But will the local lords and nobles accept us mercenaries?"
"I will send word ahead regarding that. Currently, you are officially mercenaries employed directly by the Zilba King. Honestly, the authority you have been granted is higher than our own. We have been told that if any issues arise, you are free to do whatever you deem necessary."
"Whatever I deem necessary, huh……"
That King is quite calculating.
He’s trying to gauge our capabilities in this area as well.
This proposal to entrust us with a city—Mist brought the details here, but the direction had clearly been decided by the King from the very beginning.
"I understand. We’ll begin preparations. When do we leave?"
"I would like to depart in two days, if possible."
"That’s fine. Write down the supplies you need. After all, we’re leaving this fortress."
"A-ah, yes!! Right away!"
Mist ran off to list the supplies that would cause a riot if they ran out.
"So, you used the excuse of replenishment supplies—which we can transport easily at any time—to chase Mist-sama out of the room?"
Jessica seemed to realize that I had intentionally chased Mist out of the room.
As Jessica said, with tools that can move faster than a Marauder horse and our ability to transport massive amounts of cargo via Item Box, resupplying this fortress is something we can do easily at any time.
Honestly, with a Marauder, I could make two round trips between the Zilba Imperial Capital, our base in the Demi-human village, and this fortress in a single day.
Though, between unloading supplies and chatting, it would realistically only be one round trip.
"You heard what we were talking about. They’re saying they’ll entrust a city to us."
"Yes, I believe that is an exceptional level of treatment."
"As expected of Yuki-san."
Both Jessica and Ria spoke as if it were a matter of course.
"I need to discuss the coordination for that. Do you intend to turn the city we’re entrusted with into something like Weed?"
"……" "……"
If we did that, that city would definitely draw the eyes of Zilba, Enaria, and every other nation.
And naturally, all eyes would be on us, the ones governing it.
Furthermore……
"I don’t want to waste time on such troublesome matters!!"
My wives are due to give birth soon, and Weed’s first anniversary is coming up, too!!
Those things are much more important to me!!
"Ah, that’s right. Everyone is due to give birth soon, and it’s Weed’s first anniversary, isn't it?"
Ria seemed to share the same sentiment and agreed with me.
"……Are neither of you worried about an offensive from the Enaria Holy Kingdom?"
"……Eh, that’s not a problem at all, is it?"
They’re only at the level of Holy Sword Users, and while they might try underhanded tactics like assassination, even that wouldn't work against a Doppelganger.
In the first place, our foundations are just too different; they aren't even worth considering.
If an army comes, we’ll just mercilessly annihilate them from long range.
I won’t be holding back.
"Sigh, it seems I really have come to a place far beyond the reach of the Princess."
Well then, we are going to enter another country’s city in grand fashion.
I wonder what kind of hardships await Yuki and his group!!
Will the Enaria Holy Kingdom move its army to take this fortress!!
Will Yuki and the others be able to return to Weed safely!!
Most readers are probably thinking that none of that is the real issue!!
I agree.
Weed’s founding, the first-anniversary festival, and my wives’ births are far more important.