第３２９堀：突入作戦と成果 (Part2)
"Indeed. Thinking about this alone is getting me nowhere. It’s a blessing to have fellow wives to rely on. Very well, I shall meet with Princess Inis, explain the situation, and have her lend us the name and uniforms of a suitable unit. I leave the selection of the strike team to you."
"Understood. Please take care."
Hmm.
...Am I not working quite hard lately?
Perhaps it’s because I haven't been able to make much of a splash in the New Continent due to pregnancy, childbirth, and raising the children.
I’ll have to make sure Yuki praises me later.
"I have also confirmed this with Raiya and Yuki-dono. What Deryu-dono says is perfectly reasonable. In fact, given our current state, having you handle the diversion and the actual legwork is a tremendous help. However, between the incident with Cleena and the rudeness shown previously, why are you being so cooperative with us? If I may be blunt, no matter how I look at it, the impression our kingdom of August gives is far from favorable. Even to me, as one of their own..."
Hmm.
This is my first time speaking to her face-to-face like this, but she’s quite sharp, isn't she?
She’s several times more capable than I was when I was a princess.
Wait, I shouldn't get distracted. I need to answer.
"It’s simple. Our names are already well-known at the Academy and in Enaria. If people assume that the places we pass through are being crushed, then the ones who will be targeted are..."
"I see. That makes sense. It certainly would look like we are obstructing them. In that case, there is a high probability that Yuki-dono’s mercenary company will be targeted. So, you intend to draw their attention here once, to confirm whether or not your presence is known to them?"
Her mind is quick.
With old Feigel by her side, they have a system in place to correct any issues that might arise.
She even understands the vulnerability of trying to think through things entirely on her own.
"Now then, Feigel. Is there a unit that would be convenient for lending their name and uniforms to Deryu-dono and her group?"
"Hmm. Using the Princess's Royal Guard to crack down on a group of criminals would be a bit excessive. It’s more of a military matter than a police matter... Ah, there is a department that deals with the illicit use of magic tools, which has a fair amount of renown in terms of public security."
"Ah, that one. That would make it perfectly natural for them to be visiting a place rumored to be storing magic swords, and they have enough of a reputation. Then, their uniforms it is."
"How shall we handle the explanation? If we tell the unit that Deryu-dono’s mercenary group is taking their place, it will hurt their pride. Even if they are busy and shorthanded, they won't take it well."
"True... Then let’s say that Deryu-dono and her group are conducting an investigation at my request. My own personal discretion. And since the result is that magic swords were discovered, we can frame it as delegating the subsequent suppression to them."
"That shouldn't pose a problem. As for how to handle those who try to flee while Deryu-dono’s group is storming the place..."
"I already know the location. I can just have my Royal Guard stationed around the perimeter. I'll have them wear plain clothes."
"That should work perfectly."
They make a good team.
I don't see any issues with the current plan either.
"Well, I think it will be fine. But Deryu-dono, if things get dangerous, we cannot intervene openly, you understand?"
"I am aware. This operation includes verifying how much they know about us, so it would be meaningless if soldiers from the Princess's side were to show up. Besides, if it gets too dangerous, we’ll just run away."
"I see. As long as you don't do anything reckless, that is fine. If anything were to happen to you, Cleena and Yuki-dono would likely be furious."
Indeed.
They would be furious.
And if Yuki gets angry, there’s no telling how much damage will be done.
It might not be the simple, obvious kind of destruction, but I fear I might wake up to find everything simply... gone.
His way of doing things is just on a completely different wavelength.
Though, for me, it is quite reliable.
Now then, since we’ve settled on the path of cooperation, all that’s left is to quickly get the uniforms and carry out the plan tonight.
...I suppose I'll leave Yuyu in Kirue's care.
Truly, the problems of this world are always getting in our way...
Late at night, the time for the operation was drawing near.