第２００掘：相手の動向 (Part2)
"No, there's something off about the talk of the Holy Sword. Let's gather information on that separately."
"…I agree. And what was the other topic?"
"Since we're on the subject of swords, I heard the Holy Kingdom of Enaria has Magic Sword users. Do you know anything about that?"
"Yes, the Holy Kingdom of Enaria possesses five Magic Swords and four Magic Sword users."
"Huh? Does that mean one sword is currently without a wielder?"
"No, one person is wielding two of them simultaneously."
"I see."
Dual-wielding Magic Swords, huh?
As a personal combat asset, it’s a flashy gimmick, but wouldn't it be strategically more convenient to have one person per sword?
"What!? But isn't it a rule that one person can only handle one Magic Sword?"
Jessica exclaimed in surprise beside me.
I’ve never heard of such a rule. Well, I suppose such "common knowledge" tropes exist.
"Is that how it is in the Zilba Empire as well? It is supposed to be the same in our Holy Kingdom of Enaria, but there was one exception. It happened by chance during a Magic Sword selection ceremony. The ceremony itself was open to the public, and they were desperate to boost national strength by having as many women as possible try their hand at it."
Well, since they say one user is worth ten thousand soldiers, I can see why they’d be desperate to find wielders.
"As I mentioned earlier, I was stationed in the royal capital until about fifteen years ago, so this would have been about seventeen years ago. A young girl grabbed the hilt of a sword as if it were a toy. Well, that happens often at these ceremonies. If a child is found to be a Magic Sword user, their family becomes wealthy overnight."
"And that girl pulled the sword out easily?"
"Ah, no. The condition for the selection ceremony is to grasp the sword and manifest its power. The moment she touched it, a gale-force wind erupted, blowing out the torches and scattering the decorations."
"That's quite a selection process. Isn't that dangerous?"
"Indeed, it was the first time we'd seen a reaction of that scale. But I digress. The venue was in utter chaos because a Magic Sword user had been found. The girl herself didn't understand what was happening and, in her panic, tried to flee, but she accidentally brushed against another Magic Sword nearby..."
"And she made that one react, too?"
"Yes. Suddenly, the ground began to cave in and heave upward. It was a disaster."
Oh boy, a terrain-altering type—the bane of tanks.
"If that was seventeen years ago, that dual-wielder has been using those swords for quite a long time."
"Indeed. After that, she began serving on the front lines. Her relentless string of victories contributed greatly to the current prosperity of the Holy Kingdom of Enaria. It is said that a quarter of the kingdom's current territory was carved out by that dual-wielder."
"That's impressive. While we're at it, may I have the name and appearance of this dual-wielder?"
She seems to hold a lot of information; it wouldn't hurt to keep an eye on her.
"I don't mind. Her name is Prism Alcanciel. As for her appearance... I believe she is twenty-three this year? She is a stunning beauty with a gentle personality. There is only one strange thing about her—her hair."
"Her hair?"
"Yes. It is normally white, but it changes color when she uses her Magic Swords. I wouldn't say it changes violently, but it takes on a faint, rainbow-like hue, shifting between the seven colors."
...A name that’s a mix of English and French, and a rainbow-themed color shift.
Is this a joke?
...Regardless, I’ll need to investigate this "Rainbow" woman on my own.
For now, I need to hear about the city and decide how to handle the defense. I don't have the luxury of gathering information forever. To buy that time, I need to establish a secure base.
Ugh, splitting Steve and Britt up was a mistake. Now I have to do the heavy lifting myself.
"Achoo!"
"How unrefined. Please don't get snot on the documents."
"Hey, show some concern, Zargis!"
"Yes, yes. So, what's wrong? Don't tell me it's a cold!? If so, for the sake of my own safety, I request permission to return to Weed...!!"
"That's not it. Just get back to work. Maybe the Boss is gossiping about us or something."
"Achoo!"
"Are you catching a cold, Britt?"
"No, someone must be talking about me. Lady Mist, please rest assured, the escort is under control."
"Yes, I'm counting on you."
Well then, I’ve gathered the intel on the trouble ahead!
Though, for the time being, it’s the city’s turn!