第２８６堀：空の旅 (Part3)
"Understood. Wai-chan, can you land at that spot in the grassland where the path is?"
Side: Yuki
*Gyaaaas.*
Wai-chan let out a cry and began a gradual descent toward the ground. In the early days, she used to dive straight down, which earned her a stern scolding from Kuro-chan and the others. They told her to think more about Princess Aslin and the others. While there are times when a steep dive is tactically sound, we’re carrying passengers, after all.
"Everyone, scout the area around the landing zone."
"Understood!"
As I gave the order, everyone drew their weapons and began monitoring the grassland. It’s common knowledge in our world, but the moments during takeoff, landing, or disembarking are when you’re most vulnerable. That’s exactly when you’re most likely to be targeted and suffer heavy losses. Well, whether the lack of caution during those famous WWII landing operations should even be called "lack of caution" is debatable—perhaps the defenders who managed to survive that hail of artillery and support bombing were simply superhuman. If you look only at the results, those famous landings were successful, but if you look at the details, some might argue otherwise. It’s a history stained with blood, but it provides lessons for our own safety. I’ll be grateful for that much, at least.
In the distance, I could see people gathering at the entrance of the village, watching us. If we hadn't sent word ahead, they would have fled instantly.
As I was thinking about that, the ground drew near.
"Landing sequence. We deploy immediately upon touchdown."
"Understood!"
*Thump.*
With that sound, the carriage settled onto the ground. The door opened instantly, and everyone moved out. This was to avoid being wiped out by concentrated fire by staying in the vehicle too long. I don't think anything could pierce Wai-chan’s hide or the carriage’s armor, but it’s best to be cautious.
"This is Rabbit, area clear."
"Forest, area clear."
"White, area clear."
Those reports came from my wives. For the record, Rabbit, Forest, and White are code names. They correspond to Ratz, Eris, and Deryu, respectively—I think the origins are self-explanatory. You might think code names are pointless if it’s obvious who is who, but that’s only from our perspective. To an enemy, being called by a code name makes them wonder who is moving and suggests the presence of a separate detachment. Steve and his group use numbers, but I figured cute code names would be better for my wives.
Oh, and regarding the weaponry: in situations like this, everyone is equipped with firearms. Eoid and Amanda were skeptical at first, but they believed me when I called them "magic wands." Yeah, the word "magic" is incredibly convenient. Of course, my wives have practiced with firearms, and Eris and Ratz even possess skills that would allow them to hold their own in Steve’s special forces. Tori, Riel, and Kaya—who aren't here—also handle them quite well, thanks to the heightened senses of their beastman heritage.
Basically, we stick to swords and bows to match the continent’s civilization, but in places where we might be ambushed or in emergencies, we pull firearms from our item boxes. In the end, a sharp "It’s magic" is all the explanation we need. Seraria seems to like the "gun and sword" stylish aesthetic, but I’ve asked her to stop because it’s not practical for real combat.
As for who has the most aptitude for these guns? That would be Eris. Known as a person of the forest, she spent her time hunting and using the bow as her primary weapon; she excels at sniping with a sniper rifle. Her skill is "beautiful," reminiscent of a white sniper. During the raid on Enaria, she fought exclusively with bow and arrow, but I suspect that if she’d had a firearm back then, every enemy in her line of sight would have been dispatched in an instant.
Of course, the bullets are designed for humans, so they aren't as effective against the monsters of this world. But that’s where magic comes in—by enhancing the power or adding explosive properties, a single round can easily be brought up to the firepower of a grenade.
"This is Blue. Someone is riding toward us from the village."
That report came from Rurua, and everyone turned their attention that way. A man wearing armor far too grand for a village was riding a magnificent horse toward us.
"Cleena, is that...?"
"Hmm. An August soldier. Judging by his attire, I’d say he’s a member of the Royal Guard."
"I see. Switch to standard gear. It’s likely a welcoming party of some sort. But don’t let your guard down."
"Understood!"
My wives immediately swapped their firearms for swords, spears, and staves. Before long, the knight-like man arrived and dismounted.
"I bear no hostility! By imperial decree, I am Vixen, Vice Captain of the August Royal Guard, tasked with guiding you all! I must confirm: are you the party of Dragon Knight Amanda from the Lancer Magic Academy?!"
He wasn't exactly a "pretty boy," but he had a sturdy build and a clear, commanding voice. He looked to be just past thirty, a real "nice middle-aged man." However, a silence followed his declaration.
"...Amanda. You were the one called, so you need to answer."
"Ehh!? Ah, y-yes!! That is correct!!"
Eris, who was nearby acting as Amanda’s escort, prompted her, and she replied in a panic. Vixen looked at us with a puzzled expression. I gave a slight bow, and he seemed to understand our intentions, nodding back immediately.
"Lady Amanda, may I approach you?"
"Yes!! It is okayyy!!"
She stumbled over her words. Well, it’s probably her first time talking to someone of such high status. Having received permission, Vixen approached Amanda while keeping a wary eye on Wai-chan. It’s scary, after all—you never know when she might decide to take a bite.
"Once again, a pleasure to meet you. I am Vixen, Vice Captain of the August Royal Guard."
"H-hello. I am Amanda!!"
"My apologies. Amanda was born to a commoner family and isn't used to such formalities. I hope you can forgive any lack of etiquette."