第１９８掘：街を任される理由
**Chapter 198: The Reason for Being Entrusted with a City**
**Side: Yuki**
The Marauder cruised lazily across the wilderness. Behind us, the goblins were riding on other Marauders, trailing in our wake.
"What a truly convenient vehicle," Mist remarked, sitting in the passenger seat.
Well, to anyone in this world, it’s an unconventional mode of transport. It’s faster and has more endurance than a horse, and its rugged defensive capabilities mean it won't budge for just anything. It’s been so long I almost forgot, but since it can run over a troll, it has plenty of offensive power, too.
On Earth, it would be nothing more than a transport vehicle, but thanks to the "Item Box" magic and the logistics skills we’ve developed, the Marauder can function effectively as a cargo hauler. We’ve been researching a fusion of science and magic, and results like this are the easiest to understand. Everything develops best when you maintain a balance. Not that I’m saying specializing is bad, but still.
Anyway, that’s not the point. We are currently heading toward our destination city. The 2,500 soldiers scheduled for deployment are traveling with us, but they can’t keep up with the vehicles and will arrive a few days later. We have to go ahead to prepare for their arrival and negotiate with the city’s representatives and the lord.
We already have soldiers stationed there who issued a surrender ultimatum, but complex political matters require Mist or us to handle them. Honestly, what kind of tragedy is it that I have to play politician in someone else’s land?
"So, the city we’re being put in charge of is called Betan, right?"
"Yes. In terms of scale, it’s larger than the city of Fail."
"Why is Mist going to the smaller city? I thought for sure you’d take the larger one."
That’s right—for some reason, we’ve been assigned the larger city. Normally, Mist, being part of the regular military, should be the one governing it. It’s already strange enough that a mercenary unit is governing a city in the first place.
"That is a precaution, just in case," Mist replied.
"Ah, you mean in case the enemy attacks, or if the surroundings turn out to be hostile?"
"I appreciate your quick understanding. There are two points we must be wary of: the enemy’s liberation army, and the possibility of an uprising or betrayal within the city. Neither of these two cities suffered significant damage in the recent conflict. In a sense, their political judgment was excellent. However, that is exactly what makes them a source of anxiety for us."
"So, you chose us because we have the breakthrough power—or rather, the ability to escape if the city turns against us?"
"Exactly. I don't have the confidence to escape a large city safely with only a small number of troops. So, I apologize, but I will be heading to the smaller city."
"I see. I get the reasoning. But if we start making requests or voicing opinions to the city, I’m worried they’ll start harboring resentment."
"Furthermore, there is a possibility they will demand supplies or financial support from us."
"Because they’ll claim the war left the city impoverished?"
"Yes. They might not openly rebel, but they will certainly try to probe how we intend to treat them. I cannot leave those kinds of adjustments to my older sister or Marly-sama."
"Ah, the supplies are going to run dry, aren't they?"
The fields of expertise are completely different. It’s at a level where it’s better to leave it to us. If they get hung up on face and pride, they might lose the fruits of their victory. Well, we don't have any "face" to begin with, considering the whole thing started because they lost to us.
"That is why it’s a mercenary unit."
"From what I’ve heard, it sounds like we don't have much discretionary power anyway. So, we were the optimal choice?"
"Yes. We know that you and your group hold immense authority, Yuki, but the locals don't. They won't think that mere hired mercenaries possess that much power."
"They’ll just think we’re here as simple monitors."
"Exactly. However, I will tell the lord to follow your instructions. The rest depends on how you handle it."
"I see."
As we talked, the vehicle reached the city of Betan in less than four hours.
"The speed is truly staggering."
"Don't worry about that. We need to stop here, or the locals are going to start getting bloodthirsty."
Soldiers were pouring out of the city gates.
"Oh, right. Let’s get out for now. What’s going on? We should have had soldiers stationed here in advance."
"No, they probably just delivered the message and weren't believed."
"Ah, that might be it. My subordinate over there is bowing his head desperately."
Looking closely, one of our soldiers in armor was shouting something frantically at the soldiers coming out of the gate, while another was bowing repeatedly toward us. Poor guy.
With no other choice, Mist, myself, Ria, Jessica, and Tori stepped out of the vehicle and headed toward the gate.
"Mist-sama, I am terribly sorry!! The people of Betan seem to be wary of the vehicles."
"My apologies as well; I lacked consideration. I’ve caused you trouble."
"The casual chat is fine, but can you do something about these bloodthirsty guys? Or should I just wipe them out?"
While Mist was hearing the situation, we had been surrounded. It seemed they were doubting whether we were truly the "Magic Sword User" and her associates.
"Please, don't do that. They’ve already surrendered; doing that would make it meaningless."
Mist said this, drew her magic sword, and released a stream of water straight into the air. The soldiers watching began to murmur.
"As you can see, I am the Magic Sword User, Mist. I have come to speak with the lord. Open the way!"
At that declaration, the soldiers stepped back, and the path to the gate opened. Standing at the end of the path, right at the gate, was a man.
"I have been waiting for you, Mist-sama. I apologize for the rudeness of my soldiers. We were in a state of war until recently, so I ask for your forgiveness."
The man rattled off his words quickly as Mist approached, bowing his head. He looked well-groomed, so he was likely...
"No, I lacked consideration as well. This reaction is understandable. May I ask your name?"
"Yes, thank you for your mercy. I am Horst Arnes, the lord who governs this city and region."
As expected, the lord. But to have no guards nearby—is he brave, or is this all calculated?
"I have confirmed your intention to surrender. I have an order for you immediately."
"Yes. As long as no harm comes to the people of this city, I will do anything."
"From this point forward, you will follow Yuki and his mercenary unit to protect and prosper this city."
"...What does that mean?"
He was clearly surprised, looking back and forth between me and Mist as if wondering if this was a joke.
"Exactly as I said. They will be the representatives of the garrison stationed here in Betan. I am heading to Sweit, so I leave it to you. Even though they are mercenaries, they are quite knowledgeable, so I don't expect them to ask for anything unreasonable. If there are any problems, send a messenger to Sweit."
"I-I see."
He had a complicated expression—not quite convinced, but unable to refuse. It’s no wonder; anyone would be bewildered to be told a mercenary unit is taking over their city.
"I will head to Sweit now. I will send regular reports, so Yuki-san, I leave this place to you."
"Eh?"
"Yeah, leave it to me. You take care of things over there, too."
"Yes, then I leave it in your hands."
Leaving the stunned lord behind, she boarded the Marauder driven by Britt and sped off.
"Well, that’s how it is. Nice to meet you, Horst Arnes-san."
"Ah, yes. A pleasure to meet you."
"For now, it’s awkward talking here. Is there somewhere else we can go? I’m sure we both have plenty to discuss."
"That is true. It seems you, Yuki-dono, are to be our negotiating partner."
"Go easy on me."
"Likewise. Now then, please bring the vehicles in the back as well; I shall guide you."
As expected of someone called "capable," he switched gears quickly. Now then, what are we supposed to do in this city? Whatever it is, I have to listen to what Horst Arnes has to say first.
"You heard him. Be careful not to run over any soldiers."
*"Roger. Leave it to me."*
I heard Riel’s carefree voice over the call.
"Well, it’ll work out somehow. In the worst case, we can just crush them."
"I don't know if Riel’s voice relaxed you, but please don't say things like that. You actually have the power to do it, so it gives me the chills."
Beside me, Jessica gave a strained smile.
"I’m joking. Besides, Jessica, if you really wanted to, you could do it too."
"I know, but it doesn't feel real at all."
"I suppose that’s true."
Talking like that, we entered the city, guided by the lord.
So, Yuki and his group were dispatched to the city as a wall. Well, if they’re calculating our actual strength, it’s the best possible arrangement. Mist seems like a solid girl. And I wonder what kind of person this lord, Horst Arnes, really is! What will happen to the city?! What will be the fate of Yuki and his group?!
Probably, nothing will change at all.