第２１６掘：お転婆姫最前線へ (Part2)
Otherwise, it seemed my father wouldn't speak to me.
"Now then, where should I begin? Ah, yes, the matter of the mercenaries you were so curious about."
"Yes, I wish to hear about that as well. They caused a disturbance right before your eyes in the audience chamber, yet they went unpunished. This reflects poorly on the prestige of the Empire."
"That would be true, if the facts were as you believe. But the reality is different. First of all, the problem was that we treated those mercenaries—no, our own kin—with such callousness."
"What do you mean by that?"
"Whether you are aware of it or not, do you know that four generations ago, a portion of the royal family set out on a journey in search of new lands?"
"I have heard a little... but I was told that those royals all perished along the way."
"In truth, they survived. They possess the royal crest from that era and the written orders issued at the time."
"It cannot be..."
"That is what the gate guards thought as well. I confirmed it personally and verified their authenticity. They merely wished to deliver their cooperation and the words of our ancestors to Zilba."
"So that was it. But surely that is no reason to impose a gag order?"
"Think. Being of former royal blood means they possess a claim to the throne. You understand that an increase in those with succession rights would lead to instability within the Zilba Empire, do you not?"
"Yes."
"That is why. Though they are descendants of the former royal family, they came to assist Zilba in accordance with their ancestors' wishes. They have no desire to bring chaos to their ancestral land. That is why I issued the gag order. Even if someone tried to hold them up as the true rulers of Zilba, it is not common knowledge, and the individuals themselves would deny it."
I see. To avoid unnecessary trouble, then.
"I understand the situation regarding the mercenaries, but what is this about me heading to General Marly?"
"That is also related. Currently, General Marly, General Olive, General Mist, and the mercenaries I just mentioned have seized the area around the city of Betan in Enaria."
"Is that true?! I wondered why you had gathered three magic sword users; you intended to launch a full-scale invasion of Enaria. And those mercenaries are involved in that as well?"
"Indeed. They successfully carved out a piece of Enaria territory, but the Enarian army has organized a recapture force and is coming to take it back in earnest. They have placed General Prism, the dual-wielding magic sword user, at the head of a massive army exceeding 100,000."
"That is... what is the total strength of General Olive and the others?"
"Including the occupation forces sent there, they barely reach 50,000."
"...You said the area around Betan, did you not?"
"Yes, and that force is currently spread thin across two cities and a fortress."
It is hopeless. This is not a situation that can be overturned.
"Even if I go, I doubt I can be of much help. Given the timeline, hasn't the offensive already begun?"
"Hahaha, as expected of one aiming to be a knight, you haven't studied the situation. Indeed, under normal circumstances, the battle would have already commenced, rendering your arrival meaningless. However, the enemy has been stalled by an unexpected disaster."
"A disaster?"
Due to that disaster, the 100,000-strong Enarian army has gone missing, and their whereabouts are unknown. However, General Marly and her forces cannot afford to search for them recklessly, so they are prioritizing the fortification of their defenses. The enemy has received this report and is likely sending reinforcements.
"I understand. You are telling me to act as a stalling force."
"Indeed. You understand, do you not?"
He is telling me to act as a decoy and buy time until the reinforcements arrive. Even though we are at war, if a royal from the enemy side seeks dialogue with a small escort, they cannot simply refuse. A great power must maintain its reputation before other nations. If they were to treat a visiting royal with contempt or kill them, they would be branded as cowards.
At worst, if I die, they can use it to temporarily boost their morale until the reinforcements arrive. Or, they could use it as a pretext for withdrawal, claiming the enemy is barbaric and does not respect the rules of war.
"Then, I shall prepare for departure immediately."
"I am counting on you. We have finally obtained a foothold in Enaria. This will be the stage to test the knightly skills you have learned to their fullest. However, do not be hasty; remain calm."