第２９２堀：密談 (Part3)
"That is not all. Considering that Samantha, who should have no connection to this, is also tagging along, it is safe to say that Roday also has some sort of link to that mercenary group."
A mercenary group backed by the three major powers and the Academy?
What on earth would one have to do to make such a thing possible?
Under normal circumstances, they would have been absorbed by one of the nations...
No, however, the teacher is right. If each and every one of them is on the same level as Principal Popuri, they are simply impossible to suppress.
On the same level as the Principal, who is said to surpass even the Magic Sword Users.
Did they decide that trying to forcefully absorb them would result in painful losses?
But how did they determine they possessed such capability?
I find it hard to believe that every country has someone with skills like the teacher.
No, wait... there were rumors that seemed to prove their strength.
"...If I recall, there were those far-fetched stories about them storming the royal castle in Zilba, and slaughtering a powerful monster during the Enaria raid."
"Indeed there were. Well, it is my personal opinion, but I suspect those were all facts."
"I had assumed the Zilba incident was just a rumor, and the Enaria incident was merely propaganda to show their own military strength."
"Ah, I see. As you say, Princess."
For some reason, the teacher agrees with my assessment.
"No, isn't it a fact that the mercenary group did all of it?"
"That is what it ultimately boiled down to. The mercenary group is now considered distant blood relatives of Zilba and Enaria. Therefore, the storming of the Zilba royal castle becomes an internal family matter, and the slaughter of the powerful monster in Enaria becomes a feat performed by their own kin."
"Ah. I see."
I found myself responding just like the teacher.
But, it is certainly true.
They didn't twist the facts; they simply changed the roles of the actors so that the reality would suit their needs.
The storming of the Zilba royal castle may have happened, but since it was done by "family," it becomes a mere rumor.
The Enaria raid, too, is now considered a success by their own forces, so it isn't wrong as propaganda.
"However, they are opponents they have no choice but to treat that way, aren't they? That mercenary group."
"It would seem so. They were likely shown overwhelming, uncontrollable power right before their eyes. So, they granted them the status of kin—relatives without succession rights—even if the 'collar' they put on them has almost no effect. If they didn't, their own national reputation would fall to the ground."
"That is true. A mere mercenary group, one that stormed a royal castle and prevented a raid on a royal capital. No matter how you look at it, vassal states and neighboring countries would see it as an opportunity and raise their flags in rebellion."
The five major powers currently in existence, plus the Beastman nation, are the greatest states on this continent.
However, that is not maintained solely by military might or governance.
It is maintained precisely because there is an authority that justifies it.
If they are looked down upon, no one will listen to them, regardless of how much power they have.
They must have taken such drastic, bizarre actions—like calling a mercenary group 'family'—just to preserve that authority.
"But I have never heard any rumors of such a powerful mercenary group."
"I asked them about that myself. Even though they are called a mercenary group, as you can see, they are the type that travels between nations, studies various documents, and searches for treasures. They likely haven't had any flashy military achievements."
"Ah, now that you mention it, they did say something like that. But where did they acquire that strength?"
"Well, that is the one thing I cannot fathom."
We both take a moment to sip our tea and catch our breath.
Outside, it has already grown dark, and the stars are shining brilliantly.
"By the way, are the guests eating?"
"Yes. They said they were looking forward to August's cuisine."
"Hmm. For now, there is no hostility. If we act too tense around such people, it might only make them wary."
"That is true. It is best to act as calmly and normally as possible."
"As usual"... is it?
"Then, starting tomorrow, I will handle the mercenary group."
"That is..."
"It shouldn't be a problem. Even if it's just a facade, they are blood relatives of the royal families of both Zilba and Enaria. If I don't handle them, there is a possibility that I will face pressure from those two nations and the Academy."
"...That possibility is quite high."
"But what shall we do about Amanda?"
"In that case, I will have her accompany us. Vixen said something about promising to show them around the city. I will take over that duty. In terms of standing, Yuki and his group are Amanda's escorts. No one can complain if we act together. The original plan was to separate them from their escorts to investigate them, but since the escort duty is more important... how troublesome."
"A troublesome situation has arisen while His Majesty is away."
"Yes. But why did Father have to go on a regional inspection at a time like this? It's not as if it's the front lines."
"...He must have had his reasons. He has the Magic Sword User Laraina with him, so there shouldn't be any major problems."
"That is the problem! He took one of August's strongest assets to the provinces. And in exchange, he called me back from the border!"
"...Princess. Could it be that he is suggesting you find a marriage partner?"
...Come to think of it, I recall something about a matchmaking proposal in a message.
The teacher didn't miss me looking away.
"Sigh. I understand your desire to fulfill your role as a leader on the front lines, Princess, but isn't it more important to ensure the survival of the nation by not letting the royal bloodline die out?"
"I, I know that. But there is no one I like."
"I haven't heard of any matchmaking talks, though? Did you just push them aside because you heard about the Dragon Knight's visit?"
"N-no! I was properly preparing for the matchmaking. I was investigating the candidates thoroughly!!"
Yes, I had neatly bundled the matchmaking letters with string and tossed them into a shelf in my office. So I wouldn't lose them!
"Then, who is the candidate?"
"...A Duke."
"Which Duke's son is it?"
...I don't know.
"Sigh. This is more of a problem than the Dragon Knight or the mercenary group."
"What are you saying? My younger brother will inherit the throne, so there shouldn't be any problem."
"What nation has royalty that encourages being an old maid?!"
"Y-you called me an old maid, Teacher!!"
"Honestly. Even my daughter has found a man. That flat-chested girl, mind you."
"Guh."
It is true; I keep hearing that my other friends have gotten married.
Those I could call my best friends at the Academy are now all mothers of one or two children.
...Am I truly an old maid?
No, that can't be.
My figure... my chest is large, my waist is trim, and I have a shapely rear.
I should be overflowing with feminine charm...
Then why haven't I been able to get married?
"I just haven't had the chance to meet anyone!! Yes, that must be it!! So, once this matter is settled, I will actively accept the matchmaking..."
"Oh, so you've finally decided?"
"But before that, I have to properly resolve this situation, so first, I will go and inform Amanda-kohai and Yuki and the others about tomorrow's schedule. Yes, that's what I'll do!!"
With that, I dash out of the room.
"Ah, she ran away!?"
No, this was by no means running away. It was a strategic retreat!
This princess is quite the character.
It's rare to find someone who is just a simple fool.
It's more of a case of being led astray.