第２９９堀：始まるは情報戦 (Part1)
**Chapter 299: The Information War Begins**
**Side: Yuki**
We had finished listening to Princess Inis explain the areas she wanted us to scout, and we were just about to begin preparations for our departure.
"If possible, please save my father."
"Yes. We shall do our best to make that happen."
"I’m counting on you."
The princess bowed deeply as she said this. She certainly knows how to carry herself. Was everything up until now just an act, or perhaps a calculated misdirection? If so, she’s a woman who’s hard to read.
"And... I’m sorry. One last thing, Cleena."
"……What?"
"You are married to Yuki-dono, aren't you?"
"Yes. I’m already a married woman."
"I want you to listen without getting angry. The original plan was to conscript you and use that to force the cooperation of Amanda-kohai and Yuki-dono’s group by any means necessary."
"……"
Cleena’s expression froze, and magical energy began to gather around her. I hurriedly pulled her into an embrace to calm her down.
"……That’s the lowest thing I’ve ever heard."
The magical energy dissipated, but Cleena spat those words at the princess.
"Hey, Cleena!! My deepest apologies, Princess."
Feigel-san panicked and apologized for his daughter’s rudeness, but the princess shook her head as if to say it didn't matter.
"No, it is fine. I would be furious too if someone tried to use me as bait to send those around me into a death trap."
"……I have no intention of being a shackle on Yuki. If it comes to that, I would rather die here and now."
Cleena seemed serious; she began to form a sword out of ice magic and moved it toward her own neck. But everyone, myself included, stopped her.
"Yes, yes. Let’s calm down, Cleena. Your big brother doesn't want anything like that."
"That’s right. Master wants you to live together with him. That is the wrong choice to make."
"It’s okay, Cleena. I’ll blow away anyone who would order a little sister-figure to do something so cruel."
That came from Ratz, Rurua, and Eris. Eris, in particular, seemed frustrated by the negotiations with the higher-ups, or perhaps she was just genuinely angry that someone had made her little sister-figure look like that; she looked ready to blow the royal castle to smithereens right then and there.
"No, no! Cleena-oneechan said she would teach me how to study!!"
"That’s right!! You promised, so you can’t die!!"
"That’s right. Cleena is family now. If anyone tries to lay a hand on her, I won't hold back, you know?"
Aslin and Firia were clinging to her with teary eyes, while Labyris glared at the princess with clear hostility. It was about time I stepped in before the royal castle actually got blown up.
"Princess Inis. Is there a reason you went out of your way to say that here? It’s not like this is a situation where you’d benefit from buying resentment."
When I asked that, the princess nodded.
"True. But I did try to use Cleena. As a political judgment for the sake of the country, it was logical, but as an individual, it is something I never wanted to do. I thought that by saying it directly, I at least had the responsibility to face the criticism and the glares."
"I understand that you are punishing yourself, Princess Inis. Setting aside your consideration and self-satisfaction, what is the main point you needed to tell us?"
"Self-satisfaction, you say... You really don't mince words. Well, I can't deny it. As for the 'consideration,' as a reward for your cooperation, I will formally recognize the marriage between Cleena and Yuki-dono, and I guarantee that she will not be subject to conscription from August."
I see. She’s saying she will set Cleena free from this affair. Since we are technically acting on Popuri’s request, the one who should be paying the reward for a change in contract is Popuri, not the princess. By bringing this up and suggesting that Cleena could be used as a bargaining chip, she was showing that she would crush that possibility—or at least cooperate if things went south.
Well, if anyone tried to mess with Cleena, it wouldn't just be me; the members of Weed would declare war on them. It would be a sea of fire. Literally.
"Thank you for your consideration."
"Thank you, Princess."
"I had base thoughts, so this is only natural. However, the fact remains that I am throwing you into a dangerous mission. Cleena, return safely. And of course, that goes for your husband, Yuki-dono, as well."
"Mm. It’s fine. We plan to have children and be happy."
"Well, we will do our best."
Then, the princess bowed her head to Eoid and Amanda.
"Likewise. Please forgive me for being unable to find any other way than sending newlyweds, Amanda-kohai and Eoid-kohai, to the battlefield. And please, return safely."
"Yes!! It’s fine!! I want to talk more with Inis-senpai!!"
"Participating in the battle, even as scouts, is our own choice. I will definitely protect Amanda. Please do not worry, Inis-senpai."
"Thank you. Now, I hate to rush you, but please head to the barracks, bring Vixen with you, and head out for reconnaissance as planned."
"「Yes!!」"
The two replied energetically. I suppose that’s better than them going to their first battlefield reluctantly.
"……I should probably be grateful they have the motivation."
"Indeed."
Watching the two leave, the princess made a complicated face, and Feigel-san replied with a similar expression.
"Now, Master. The orders and the letter..."
Through Feigel-san, she handed us the orders to prove our mission and a letter to present to the King, just in case.
"Please, I leave those young people in your care. And please, make Cleena happy."
"……Master."
"Yes. I will definitely make Cleena happy. When we eventually hold a proper ceremony, please, do attend."
"Ah, I look forward to it. Now, return safely, my son-in-law."
Seeing the two off, we followed after Amanda and Eoid. Eris had gone with the two who had rushed out, so she was likely lecturing them on the way; we would catch up soon. Or so I thought, but...
『Yuki-san. It’s Milly. Are you busy? I was gathering information at the shop by the gate where the barracks are, and...』
I received a message from Milly. I signaled the others, sent Ratz ahead to join Eris, Amanda, and Eoid, and had them meet Vixen-san to get the talk out of the way. If she’s contacting me like this, it means she has information of some significance. I couldn't put this off.
"I’m fine. So, you got some information?"
『Yes. I don't know how reliable it is, but there was information I had to let you know. About the magic sword and the fire staff you mentioned, Yuki-san.』
"Did a soldier come to the shop and talk about it?"
『No. Actually, there was a mercenary who went to the Holy Kingdom of Hifie as a merchant’s escort...』
I see, information from a mercenary. That might be more straightforward and unbiased than what a soldier would say.
『First, regarding the magic sword, I heard that it can be used by someone who isn't a woman. Apparently, a male soldier from the Holy Kingdom of Hifie actually demonstrated it. And he supposedly couldn't even use magic to begin with.』
"That’s about what I expected. I don't know the trick behind it, but if they can't make it usable by anyone, they won't have the military strength to wage war, even with a pile of magic swords."
Still, it’s a result to have heard it as information. If the stories from mercenaries match those of soldiers, we can assume the magic swords are truly being used without restriction. Well, gathering and updating information is the basic rule.
『I also heard about the fire staff. And this is the biggest problem.』
"Is it a gun?"
"「「Eh!?」」"
My random guess caused my wives to gasp in surprise.
『……Did you notice?』
"No, not at all. Just a guess."
"「「「Ehh—」」」"
A chorus of exasperated voices spread around me.