第３２４堀：作戦の提案と情報のすり合わせ (Part2)
"Well, my reputation is already at rock bottom, isn't it? Wouldn't it be better to at least show a cooperative attitude?"
"Comet, that isn't a 'cooperative attitude.' It’s just the embodiment of your personality, which is to run away from anything unpleasant. Do you understand?"
"Now, now, Lady Hifi. It is a blessing to have someone who can demonstrate their expertise in this situation, and I doubt there is anyone other than Lady Comet who could handle this role."
"…That may be true, but still. *Sigh.* Please try not to embarrass yourself. If you pull any stunts, you’ll be dragging the reputation of Lord Taizo, who stood up for you, through the mud, you know?"
"I know, I know."
...I wonder if she truly understands.
Perhaps I should use mental control on her later to ensure she stays focused on the job...
"Now, setting aside Lady Comet, what about Lady Hifi and myself? Are we to maintain this country?"
"That is correct. We cannot simply abandon the nation, and if you are to go along with our strategy, your cooperation as the face of the country is absolutely essential."
"Indeed. I have a grasp of the national power and the balance of the surrounding regions, so I should be able to help from this end. Lady Hifi, is that acceptable?"
Lord Taizo asked, gauging my reaction.
He is likely worried that I might still be harboring resentment over yesterday's duel.
"It is fine. Lord Yuki, we will cooperate with that proposal as well."
I am certainly not caving to the threat of having that footage released to the Hifi Holy Kingdom and other foreign nations.
I have simply chosen a better path forward.
Yes, because I have found a new path for humanity.
...I am being sincere, truly.
"Then, while Lady Comet begins her research into the mana depletion, our immediate priority is clearing up the misunderstandings with the various nations. So, first of all..."
"You mean Lady Laraina, correct? ...Um, am I really the one who should be going?"
I have no objections to cooperating, but I was the one who declared war with such fervor as the envoy of August. If I appear before Lady Laraina again and say, "The person from the other day was an imposter!!", will she really believe me?
"No, rather, Lady Hifi is the only suitable candidate. Neither Taizo nor Lady Comet are known to the foreign nations. The only way to increase credibility is to use the priests and soldiers who were actually guiding Lady Laraina the day before yesterday. Aside from that, perhaps some makeup to simulate an injury?"
"Do you think that will work?"
"I believe so. After all, Lady Laraina’s goal is to avoid war, and if that proves impossible, to gather information and return home. If you explain it was a misunderstanding and leak that there are subversive elements within August, I think there is a high probability of success."
"I understand how you feel, Lady Hifi. You are being asked to overturn the words you spoke with such conviction. Well, there are secondary plans, so it should be fine."
"...Lord Taizo. I understand. When shall we execute this? Tonight?"
"There is no need to be that impatient. It would be more credible if it looks like you barely made it in time for Lady Laraina’s departure tomorrow afternoon. Until then, I would like to get a handle on the number of magic swords scattered across the countries. Is that alright?"
...Phew.
Honestly, that is a relief.
I don't have the confidence to pull off a performance if told to go do it right now.
I am grateful for the extra time.
"The count?"
"Yes, the count. If even one is missing, it means there might be someone lurking somewhere with something dangerous. If a mercenary has made off with one, it will be difficult to recover, and we will need to place them under surveillance. I need you to give me the accurate numbers."
I see. Indeed, the mental control of the magic swords is not perfect, so we must consider unforeseen circumstances.
"I apologize. I do not have those documents on hand at the moment..."
"Ah, you can report the detailed confirmation and numbers later. For now, please just check if the number of magic swords recovered here in Enaria matches up."
I looked over the documents he handed me...
"Eh?"
The word escaped my lips.
"Is something wrong?"
"Was there something amiss?"
Comet, who developed the magic swords, and Lord Taizo, who proposed scattering them to the various nations, both looked at me with expressions of surprise.
"What is the matter?"
Lord Yuki asked, and the three of us slowly looked up.
"The number is too high."
"Yeah. I don't know how many were distributed, but if this many were sent to one country, I don't think there would be any left to spare for the others..."
"Lady Comet is correct. Yuki, is this number accurate?"
"Yes. We raided them and secured them. I’ve had them appraised and verified their function, so there is no mistake. Now, when you say the number is high, how high are we talking?"
"There are roughly five times as many as there should be."
Could this possibly be...
Upon hearing those words, Lord Yuki’s face twitched slightly, but he returned to a neutral expression...
"I see. Well, I suppose it wouldn't be that simple."
"Do you have any predictions?"
"No, Lady Comet. If humans try hard enough, they can do just about anything. Right, Taizo?"
"That’s right. In other words, whether it’s an organization or a country, someone has succeeded in developing magic swords and has taken the same measures as us."
"Th-then..."
If they are using the same methods...
"A massive signal fire might be lit somewhere soon. Ah, how troublesome. John!! Notify the members in each country: crush any organization possessing magic swords without mercy!! Someone other than the Hifi Holy Kingdom is producing them. Find out who it is, no matter what!!"
"Understood!!"
Why is the world like this...
...No, it just means our allies have increased.
Before we fall into despair, let us do what must be done.
Hope has not yet been extinguished.
Well, things are not progressing solely according to our own plans.
It is no wonder that other organizations could develop them.
Who is the mastermind!! With the remaining two countries yet to appear being dragged in, a fierce struggle... is about to begin, isn't it?
And Hifi, you’re one to talk.