第２２８掘：各国の動き (Part2)
"Currently, we are forcing reinforcements to Betan. However, if a ceasefire is achieved, Princess Miffy's reputation will soar, boosting morale. Furthermore, the fact that we have secured Betan will remain, and we can then return those forced reinforcements to their original posts."
"Indeed. If they ignore the ceasefire and attack us, their reputation will plummet. As a nation holding vast territories, Enaria should not do such a thing. The problem is whether they will quietly accept the ceasefire while we still hold Betan..."
That is the issue: whether Enaria will agree to a ceasefire. Currently, the forces that fell into the ruins have retreated along with the reinforcements, but their losses are minimal. If they resupply, there is a possibility they will attack again soon.
"...It is a hopeful observation, but there is the army of monsters. Since both sides face the possibility of being interfered with, I believe they cannot ignore this ceasefire."
As Air says, that is the logical conclusion. However, we have invaded Enaria and seized the Betan region. That granary zone is highly profitable, so it is doubtful they would let it go, even in these circumstances.
"We need to make a move from our side... But what should we do?"
"...It is difficult to say, but we could have Miffy head to the ceasefire negotiations and offer her as a bride to Enaria... My apologies, I have overstepped."
"No, that is fine. In fact, it is a good idea. I sent Miffy there to buy time in the first place. Even if she is of the lowest rank, she is still Zilba royalty. If we offer her in marriage, Enaria cannot easily refuse. But a hostage alone is not enough. That granary zone is worth that much. I do not know how long this ceasefire with Enaria will last, but the longer it holds, the better, as it saves us from having to commit more troops."
"Yes, but..."
"Hmm. In that case, let us release the captured Holy Sword User along with their sword. It is a pity that we cannot uncover the secrets of the so-called Holy Sword, but it is better to prioritize the ceasefire now. With that, we can also establish a cooperative relationship with Enaria to deal with the monster army."
"I see. If we return the captured magic—no, the Holy Sword User—to Enaria, combined with the marriage proposal for Princess Miffy, they will have no choice but to accept."
"Very well. Air, take the orders directly to Miffy and proceed with this plan for the ceasefire."
"Understood!"
"The peace treaty will likely be signed in the Holy Capital of Enaria. To be safe, ask Yuki and his mercenary group to provide security. That way, we can ensure that Miffy and the Holy Sword User are not assassinated by the hawks on their side, which would cause the ceasefire to collapse."
"Understood!"
In a sense, I must thank the monster army. If this ceasefire is achieved, our vigilance toward Enaria can be significantly lowered, allowing us to focus our strength on other invasions.
"...Miffy, fulfill your duties as royalty."
***
**Side: Tori**
Together with Riel, I hurriedly contacted the relevant parties. When it happened with Seraria and Rurua, the city was in an uproar for a day, turning into an impromptu festival. Anticipating this, we were kept busy reporting the current situation to the government office and ensuring they were prepared for the festivities.
I finished the contacts and returned to the hospital, but...
"I wonder if it's time yet... Will everyone give birth safely? The children... Ohhh..."
Yuki-san was pacing back and forth in the hallway.
"...Is he at it again?"
"...Looks like it."
"...Still the same."
I heard Kaya's voice from the side. When I turned, I saw her sighing as she watched Yuki-san.
"...Yuki is incredibly soft when it comes to us and the children."
"That's for sure. The only other time I saw him this panicked was with Seraria and Rurua."
"But it makes me happy. It shows how much he worries about us."
When I said that, both of them nodded happily.
"But it's getting annoying now."
"Yeah. He's going to get in the way."
"True. It's a pity, but if he hears everyone's cries, he'll just be a nuisance... Yuki-san."
The three of us reached the same conclusion.
"Tori, Riel, Kaya, thanks for your hard work! But it's not time yet. Man, is there nothing I can do? Anything at all! Isn't there some way I can help everyone!?"
Yuki-san grabbed my shoulders desperately.
"U-um, Yuki-san, p-please calm down!?"
"Yes, yes, let's calm down."
"...Yuki, sleep."
"Eh?"
Kaya quickly cast a sleep spell, and Yuki-san lost consciousness instantly. I caught him as he collapsed.
"Please don't push yourself. We'll handle your share of the work."
"Come on, time for a nap."
"...Riel, don't sleep with Yuki. We're going to help the others."
We laid Yuki-san in an empty hospital room as before, and while dragging Riel along, we went to help welcome the new lives.
"Wait, my ears, don't pull my ears!? Only Yuki-san is allowed to touch themーーー!!"
The movements of the various nations are all in the palm of someone's hand.
And, it's on sale today!!
However, I'm in Fukuoka, Kyushu, so it'll be about two days late for me.
I'll wait for next week's release.
If you'd like, please pick up the published version!
It includes a special chapter about the dungeon area before Yuki arrived!!
The bonus SS is about the time when Steve and the others were Goblins A, B, and C.
It seems to be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis at Gamers, Toranoana, Animate, etc., so if you're nearby, you might want to aim for those.
Finally, Yuki will not be present for the birth of the children!!