第２３５掘：やったね、到着だ！！ (Part2)
Jessica surveyed the surroundings, and once she confirmed there were no anomalies, she opened the carriage door again. From it emerged Mist and Princess Miffy.
"It is an honor to meet you. I am Prism, serving as a General in the Enaria Army."
"Likewise, I am Agil, also a General in the Enaria Army."
Both placed a hand on their chests and bowed deeply. Well, I wasn't sure how the Enaria people performed their deepest bow, but since they were addressing royalty, it was probably something similar.
"I am humbled that the renowned General Prism herself has come to greet us. Though the distance to the royal capital is short, I ask for your protection during our journey."
"Yes, leave it to us. Everyone, take your positions! Do not cause trouble for the guards of Zilba!"
" " " Yes! " " "
As Prism gave her orders, the soldiers moved in unison. They were well-trained, unlike our goblins who were always so leisurely. As I watched the soldiers work with such crisp efficiency, Agil approached me.
"Hey. Looks like you've been safely released too."
"Yeah, but it's like this right away. They're really demanding, aren't they?"
"Well, it can't be helped. She's a General, after all."
"Speaking of which, you're just a mercenary, yet you're escorting a princess. That must be tough."
"Want to switch?"
"I'll pass."
We both laughed.
"Lord Yuki, are you acquainted with General Agil?"
"My apologies. Princess Miffy, I met him when I was negotiating with the monster army and we became acquainted then."
I had reported to Marly, Mist, and Olive, but perhaps he hadn't thought it necessary to mention it to the Princess.
"Oh, so it was thanks to General Agil that the monster army did not attack us?"
"Huh?"
"Wasn't it?"
Agil froze at Princess Miffy's question. Ah, it would be embarrassing to admit they were captured as collateral after stealing food. Well, considering the nation's pride, I suppose I could cover for him and owe him a favor.
"Strictly speaking, that's not quite right. General Agil and General Hein were present. When I arrived, the discussion seemed to have already concluded, so judging by General Agil's reaction, General Hein must have brokered the agreement."
"I see. However, there is no doubt that General Agil undertook a dangerous mission and ensured our safe passage. Thank you."
"No, as a General and as someone who lives in this land, I merely did what was expected. If this ceasefire holds, we can stop the bloodshed between our country and Zilba. We have had unfortunate clashes, but I hope we can walk the path of peace together from this point on."
"Yes, to build that peace, we must ensure the ceasefire's success."
"Though my contribution may be small, I personally will cooperate. For now, I pledge to protect you on our journey with this sword."
Agil said this, drew his magic sword, and held it before his face with both hands. I wasn't sure if he was a knight or a magic sword user, but it seemed to be a unique way of making a declaration. Honestly, I never expected Agil to be so… formidable. It seems he didn't earn his General rank for nothing.
Now, the soldiers had finished their deployment, and we re-boarded the carriage to resume our journey.
"Well, we're finally approaching the Enaria royal capital. I hope nothing goes wrong..."
For some reason, the very act of wishing for something makes it feel like a foreshadowing of trouble. I never had that kind of miraculous, flag-attracting constitution like my close friends.
Side: ???
The day has finally come. For this day, I have bled and endured since that time. My comrades are also scheduled to make their moves one after another, depending on the success or failure of my actions. Whether I fail or succeed, there is no turning back now. It is the same as that time. No, I haven't stopped moving forward since then. We have walked this far from that time.
"May this event be the last sorrow on this continent..."
As if in prayer, I gripped the sword and channeled my magic.
"Ah, guh, ugh..."
Pain shot through my entire body. My vision flickered. The pain was worse than I had anticipated. But I also felt it was natural. This magic is the embodiment of everyone's wishes.
"Hoo, hoo..."
After a period of intense pain, it finally began to subside. My treatment seems to have been correct. Now, all that remains is to begin.
"Those who desire peace and reach out for it shall perish. Rejoice, for this is not a tragedy. It is the due reward."
I began to walk down the dark path. When I see the light, it will be the signal to begin.
"The country of Enaria shall vanish on this day."
So, after reading this far, for whom do you think the "Yay, we've arrived!!" flag was intended? Now, the trampling begins!! Will Yuki and the others survive? Worry about it, won't you? Because there's a powerful enemy lurking in the shadows, who seems to be plotting something!