第２９６堀：打ち合わせ (Part2)
"That’s how it is. If we make the proposal, they won't deny it. However, I’d like to avoid being incorporated as a fighting force."
『I don't think they’d be foolish enough to try that. If they did something like that now, they’d end up in conflict with the Academy as well. They’ll avoid backing themselves into a corner. Anyway, that’s fine. The most important thing is whether Amanda and Eoid can return safely.』
As the Principal, Popuri didn't like the idea of students who hadn't even graduated yet heading off to war.
Well, that’s only natural.
Neither of them were "Single Numbers," and they were truly just novices who had only just begun to improve under our guidance.
Under normal circumstances, this would be the kind of order that essentially tells someone to go die.
"I think that part will be fine. As long as the two of them don't go rogue."
『...If they do go rogue, stop them, even if you have to knock them out. Their safety is the condition.』
"I can't take responsibility for the possibility of their minds breaking after seeing the battlefield, though."
『That can't be helped. Well, that’s something everyone tends to experience eventually.』
No, in my hometown, no one has ever experienced anything like that.
『Or rather, I can't even imagine a situation where you all would lose. The difference in strength is such that mass-producing Magic Swords or Holy Swords wouldn't change anything. The main point of this discussion is the fact that you’ve spoken with me, the Principal, and how we’re going to approach August regarding cooperation.』
Exactly.
Since we are technically a mercenary group acting as escorts, we can’t just head out on our own accord.
Since this involves combat in another country, the proper way for a mercenary group to operate is to fall under someone else’s command. After all, we wouldn't get paid otherwise.
In our case, we don't really need the money, so we need permission to bypass that and act freely.
If we were to disrupt the front lines without permission, August might label us as enemies, and if our true combat strength were to be revealed by chance, there would undoubtedly be those desperate enough to try and absorb us.
After all, the situation on the ground is likely a disaster. Literally.
『Yes. Well, from what I’ve heard, Yuki-dono and your group will handle the troublesome parts, so there’s no problem. Come to think of it, what is the name of the country that declared war?』
"That hasn't come up yet. Being one of the surrounding nations might just mean they are a representative."
『I see. So, you’re going to go ask for the details directly, including the matter of the Dragon Knight, Amanda.』
"That’s it. For now, the conversation for the negotiation will be conducted using the magical communication device I had planned to hand over during the negotiations, so please participate in the meeting, Popuri. Originally, I had planned to run this by Feigel-san first and keep it confidential, but..."
To those who understand them, these communication networks are worth an incredible amount.
They overturn the very concept of war as it has existed in this world until now.
That is why I wanted to be cautious about handing over these tools.
As for Roday, I’ve already spoken to Samantha’s father, the Duke, in private, just as I did with the video.
I haven't handed them over to Zilba or Enaria yet.
Because we made such a conspicuous scene and caused such a ruckus, there is lingering hostility, and I can't just hand them over carelessly.
No, it would be easy to suppress evil deeds or attacks using the communication devices, but that would only make the positions of Zilba and Enaria worse.
Communication interception is a given, after all.
If they were to use the "collared toys" we gave them to conspire and try to defeat us, only to suffer a total defeat, it would just be adding shame to injury. No matter how the country tries to maneuver, they would be left with no choice but to rub salt into their own wounds.
It would be fine if we were planning to take over Zilba and Enaria, but we don't have the time to spare for that.
That’s why I couldn't hand over these communication devices until things cooled down a bit.
I wanted to run it by Feigel-san in private first, but...
『There is no other choice at this point. If we hold back, we don't know what kind of damage will occur in the battle against the enemy that declared war. It would be very bad for us at the Academy, who manage the Forest of Monsters. And for me, who is involved with her, as well. If that’s the case, it is not wrong to hope for an early resolution by dispatching someone who can resolve the situation.』
"I see. Popuri supports participating as well. Then, let’s get moving."
As I said that and stood up, everyone else stood up as well.
"Alright. Everyone, we’re about to have some trouble. I know it’s going to get busy, but I’m counting on you."
"Yes!"
The information is still insufficient, so I can't say for sure, but in the worst-case scenario, I might need to call Steve and the monster unit to scatter them.
I’ll pray that they aren't that troublesome of an opponent.
...Though, the one I’m praying to is that useless goddess.
"Oh, that’s right. I have to wake those two up."
"Yes. I’ll wake them up right away."
Eris approached Amanda and Eoid, who were fast asleep thanks to the hypnosis magic.
Then, she took a deep breath and...
"WAKE UUUUUUP!!"
"Hya-wa!"
"Whoa!"
She woke them up with a rare, loud shout.
I mean, I’m just cutting off the magical supply, so they should wake up if you just shake them.
"I understand you’re tired from the journey. So, I’ll let it slide that you fell asleep because your research in the library was boring. However, please stop doing strange things."
Told that, the two realized something and pulled their hands back.
...Eoid’s hand was on Amanda’s chest.
...Amanda’s hand was near Eoid’s crotch.
Ah, these horny brats.
Young people these days are truly disgraceful.
Reaching out to places like that unconsciously.
If Taiki-kun were here, he’d be screaming, "This is a declaration of war against those without partners!! This is unforgivable!!" or something like that.
Well, he’d probably be dragged away by Airi-san afterward.
"N-No, it’s not like that!! We were just touching, we didn't do anything!!"
"T-That’s right!! I only do things with Eoid at night!!"
...I feel bad for these two lovebirds, but I’ll have them grasp the current situation on the way back to the royal castle.
And, as is customary, we ended up having to restrain the two of them as they shouted and dragged them along.
Now, as those who have read the main story know, things have become quite troublesome.
We will be mobilizing all the connections and knowledge we’ve built up in the New Continent to deal with this.
It’s become even more troublesome than the Holy Sword users.
We are already in a state of war, after all.
And how will we stick our necks into another country’s war and solve the problem?!