第３０９堀：話し合い 表 (Part1)
**Chapter 309: The Discussion (Public)**
**Side: Laraina, Affiliation: August Kingdom, Magic Sword User**
"Please, this way."
With those words, the priest of the Holy Kingdom of Hifi began walking toward the back of the corridor. We followed in their footsteps. My nerves had been frayed throughout the journey here, but now, the real trial was about to begin.
The group heading to the negotiation table consisted of myself, the Dragon Knight Amanda, Samantha, Cleena, Jessica, and Eris. Yuki, Taiki, Ria, and Eoid remained behind to guard the wyverns.
Despite having sent word ahead, the residents showed no signs of panic, even though we had arrived at the Holy Capital directly by wyvern. In fact, many had gathered, eager to catch a glimpse of the dragons. Even the priest guiding us showed no signs of tension. It was as if they were completely unaware that a war was currently underway.
*Could it be,* I wondered, *just as His Majesty suggested, that those 500 soldiers were a trap laid by some other nation?*
As we walked down the hall, the people we passed showed no hostility; they simply smiled and bowed as we went by. Every time I saw that, the very image of "war" felt like it was slipping away from my mind. Would we be able to return without incident? Could peace be maintained? I found myself clinging to such hopes.
"I am so glad you could make it, Laraina."
In the room we were ushered into sat the leader of the Holy Kingdom of Hifi, the Holy Maiden Hifi—a woman who had been bestowed the name of the deity she served. While "Holy Maiden" sounded like an ostentatious title, she possessed healing powers worthy of the name; people suffering from grave illnesses traveled from all over the world just to seek her treatment.
Yet, she did not use that power to seek status or fame. Her current position was chosen through the unbelievable method of being nominated by every single citizen of the Holy Kingdom, and as if to prove that trust, her healing made no distinction between rich and poor. She saved lives out of pure altruism. It was said that the only time her priorities shifted was when the nation itself was in jeopardy.
That was precisely why His Majesty felt such a sense of incongruity regarding this conflict. Throughout my journey here, that feeling had only grown. I felt relieved that we hadn't attacked Hifi in a fit of rage. After all, she was still the head of Hifi, and there was no logical reason for her to incite a war. It was only natural to assume that some third party was pulling the strings from the shadows. I was truly glad that no unnecessary blood had been shed.
"I am truly grateful that you were able to accommodate our sudden visit."
"Not at all. We have been well-cared for by August, so it is only natural."
Hearing those words, I was convinced. The Holy Kingdom of Hifi was not our enemy. That was exactly why I had to convey the details of this situation clearly.
"I believe the general gist has been conveyed through our advance notice, but..."
"You mean the report that soldiers claiming to be from the Holy Kingdom of Hifi attacked August?"
"Yes. However, it seems that was a mistake..."
But my words were cut short.
"No. There is no mistake. They were indeed soldiers of the Holy Kingdom of Hifi," she said, smiling brightly.
"Eh?"
My understanding couldn't keep up. What did she just say? Why would she say something like that with such a smile? Did I mishear? Yes, that must be it, I must have misheard...
"You did not mishear. I shall declare it myself, right here and now: The Holy Kingdom of Hifi hereby declares war on the August Kingdom."
Her smile did not waver. That sight made me feel an intense, irrational anger.
"Holy Maiden Hifi!! Do you even understand what you are saying?!"
I reflexively shouted, slamming my hand against the table.
"Yes, I understand perfectly. Do you understand your own position? I will not be holding back next time. Do not expect such coincidences as 'flying dragons' to happen again."
"...You really do know about that battle, don't you?"
"A force of over a thousand struggling to defend against a mere 500 soldiers. That is quite a heavy burden for a 'great nation' to bear, isn't it?"
She really did know. To be able to name the numbers and the situation so accurately... she must have received a report. *Calm down. Stay calm.* Nothing had deviated from my predictions. This was one of the scenarios I had anticipated. I had to remain composed and question her true intentions.
"...I have received your declaration of war."
"That is good. Please, turn back immediately and tell August VIII that I am coming for his head."
*...Why can she say such things with a smile?* It was sickening. Why, why was this so sickening? I desperately suppressed that feeling of nausea and opened my mouth.
"I apologize for the late introduction, but this is the Dragon Knight Amanda, who commands those wyverns."
"N-nice to meet you."
"Yes, nice to meet you. You don't need to be so nervous. You will be able to leave here safely. After all, once we topple August, we will be toppling the Academy as well. Please tell that to the Principal."
She spoke to Amanda, who was stiff with tension, in a casual, gentle tone. Yet, the content was horrific. She was declaring open hostility without a moment's hesitation, even toward Amanda, a Dragon Knight from the Academy whom we had brought along as a deterrent.
"A shut-in worthy of being Comet's lapdog. I'll be sure to drag you out, too. Tell that to Popuri."
She then gave a message addressed directly to the Principal, the Great Mage Popuri, with a smile. The sheer abnormality of it left Amanda looking like she was about to cry, though she still nodded mechanically.
"...I suppose it is my turn. I am Samantha, a student from Roday and the daughter of a ducal house."
"Yes, thank you for the introduction. Please, tell your home country of Roday that the Holy Kingdom of Hifi's intention to conquer August remains unchanged."
"We might intervene, you know?"
"If you can, please do. That is, if you can find a benefit in deploying troops to the opposite side of the continent, past the Academy. You seem quite busy with your own internal affairs, after all."
"...Should I take that as a declaration of war against Roday as well?"
"Yes. In any case, it is obvious that we would clash after we topple August. Please convey the same to the knight from Zilba over there."
"Understood. My name is Jessica. I may serve as a negotiator in the future. I look forward to working with you then."
"Yes, I look forward to it as well."
I didn't know what her goal was. Why would she pick a fight with the envoys of great nations like this? It was true that we couldn't immediately invade the Holy Kingdom of Hifi, but if we were mocked to this extent, a military deployment would become inevitable. Even if their new weapons were powerful, there was no way a Holy Kingdom so vastly inferior in manpower and resources could win.
I had to ask. Why had the Holy Kingdom of Hifi, previously a friendly nation, taken such actions? Was there any hint that could lead to a ceasefire?
"I understand the intentions of the Holy Kingdom of Hifi. However, I have a question."
"Yes. If it is something I can answer, I shall."
"What is your purpose in taking these actions? Your country—no, the Holy Kingdom of Hifi—was supposed to hold the salvation of the people as its highest virtue. Why have you, the Holy Maiden Hifi, the leader and representative of this nation, chosen a path that will result in the blood of so many people being shed? I cannot accept this. Please, tell me. What is your goal, your reason for this? Perhaps there is a misunderstanding between us. Let us start by clearing that up. If we do that, perhaps we can avoid this conflict..."
Yes, I wanted to hope. I wanted to believe that this conflict was just an unfortunate misunderstanding that could be avoided. I wanted to cling to that.
But before I could finish my plea...
"That is unbearable to listen to. It's obvious, isn't it?"
That chilling voice came from her, the smile now completely gone from her face.