第３２９堀：突入作戦と成果 (Part3)
"Now then, Kirika. How does it look?"
"The targets are showing no unusual movement."
"Good, then we proceed as planned?"
"Yes."
Checking the map via my Call function, I see nothing out of the ordinary. No external contacts, either.
"But, why is the Princess here?"
"I was the one who gave the go-ahead, after all. It wouldn't do for the person in charge to be absent."
"That outfit... I'm surprised you managed to get your hands on it."
Princess Inis, who had insisted on tagging along, was dressed in the coarse, rough-spun clothes of a commoner. Her hair was pulled back carelessly and tied with a cheap, flimsy string.
"Heh, I often slip out into the city like this. There are certain pieces of information you can only gather when you aren't wearing your crown."
"That sounds like a massive headache for old Feigel and your staff."
"Let’s not be so stiff. Now, how do we strike?"
"Actually, we aren't going to 'strike' them."
"Exactly. We'll use this."
I held up a small pouch.
"What is that?"
"A sleeping agent. A liquid that induces slumber, contained in a small vial. If we slip this through the windows into their rooms..."
"The lot inside will be fast asleep, then?"
"Precisely. And if anyone happens to be awake, we’ll simply knock them out."
"A magnificent strategy. And this sleeping agent... I’ve never heard of anything so potent. I know of herbal remedies for the restless, but a concoction that can put a fully conscious person to sleep?"
"I’m afraid I can’t reveal the source of this."
"I understand. This only strengthens my resolve that crossing swords with Yuki’s mercenary group is a fool’s errand. I feel like we’d be taken out before we even realized what happened."
Her assessment is correct. She knows how to keep a proper distance. She’s truly a clever one.
Well, she’s likely just wary of us gauging her capabilities or stealing important items, but I won't let her know that I’ve seen through her.
"I’ve finished dispersing it through the two windows and the door. Ten minutes should be more than enough for it to take full effect."
"Good. We wait ten minutes, then we storm the place. We’ll secure the important evidence, and leave the rest to the unit that lent us these uniforms."
"That would be a great help. By the way, how long will they be under?"
"There’s some individual variation, but they won't be waking up for an hour or two."
"I see. Then even if we take our time looking around, we’ll have plenty of time before the reinforcements arrive."
"Exactly. I think we’ll be fine. Just... keep the nature of the medicine to yourself, if you would."
"Naturally. We’ll just report that we knocked them out ourselves."
We passed the ten minutes with such idle chatter. I opened the Call screen in stealth mode to verify. I can’t see anyone not included in Yuki’s designated protection, but staring at a single point would tip off anyone sharp enough to realize I’m using magical or skill-based detection, so I usually avoid using it like this.
...It seems, according to the markers, everyone has stopped moving. The display has shifted to purple, indicating a status ailment.
I won't let my guard down, but the skills of a Dungeon Master, capable of laying an enemy’s information bare like this, are truly terrifying. It really goes to show just how foolish everyone other than Yuki has been... my younger brother included.
"Well then, it’s time."
"Right. Let’s go. Don't fall behind, Princess."
"I know. I won't be a burden."
We nodded to each other and slipped into the warehouse. We were both wearing masks to avoid the effects of the medicine, which, combined with the uniform caps, did a good job of obscuring our faces. I had provided a mask for the Princess as well.
Entering the building, we immediately checked on the people slumped nearby.
"They’re sound asleep here. How about you?"
"They are sleeping soundly on this side as well."
"Same here. It’s working."
"What shall we do? Should we tie them up?"
"Hmm. Let’s quickly bundle them up and tie them to the pillars."
"Understood. I’ll handle that. Deryu-sama, Princess Inis, you two head to the back to investigate."
"Understood."
"I leave it to you, Kirika-dono."
The two of us headed into the back rooms. Fortunately, the warehouse structure was simple: the main storage area, a small room that appeared to be an office, and a basement for storage. We headed to the small room first, where we expected to find records. Three people were fast asleep inside.
"That really is an effective medicine."
"Indeed."
In truth, I had used wind magic to ensure the vapor circulated thoroughly. It was nothing more than a gentle breeze, so they likely never noticed. My husband is quite talented at these little tricks that combine magic and science.
We quickly tied them up and searched the documents left in plain sight, but there was nothing particularly noteworthy.
"...Are the magic swords really stored here?"
"The main stash must be in the basement. But honestly, these guys are nothing but small-time thugs."
"I agree. It feels almost absurd."
Up until now, the opponents we’ve faced were the type who needed magic swords just to fight on par with regular soldiers. Why would they be in the hands of people like this?
No matter. Next is the basement. They had gone to the trouble of hiding the entrance with a complex arrangement of lumber, so I suppose I can expect something.
Descending into the basement, we found a man dressed in fine clothes—quite different from the thugs above—slumped on the floor.
"Who is this?"
"Do you recognize him?"
"He’s a thief named Hyde, currently wanted within the August kingdom. He uses a different type of magic every time, which makes him a nuisance to catch, and he’s managed to slip away every time. I wondered how he was doing it... so he was receiving magic swords here."
I see. So there were some skilled individuals among them after all.
"First things first, let’s find those swords."
We quickly tied up Hyde and pulled down one of the stacked wooden crates to look inside...
"They’re really here."
"What? Did you doubt me?"
"No, that’s not what I meant. It’s just hard to believe there are so many magic swords in one place."
"I see. Don't touch them carelessly. You’ve heard the reports about people being controlled by strange arts, haven't you?"
"I know. I’ll call the magic enforcement unit and my own royal guard immediately, just as planned. With this much physical evidence, there will be no problem taking action. I’ll be right back."
With that, the Princess dashed out of the basement. I stayed behind to continue the search. This thief, Hyde—he seems to be dressed much better than a typical bandit. His weapons and armor are well-worn, but he hasn't neglected their maintenance.
"Hm? Is this a letter?"
I opened it and read the contents.
*'I shall grant you higher-precision magic swords. Continue to serve as my hands and feet and excel in your duties. To the thief Hyde, from the Great Hegemon, Noble de Ex.'*
Well, well. Of the remaining two countries, one is a human nation. This is quite clear—the Kingdom of Ex.
Now, should I believe this? Is it a bluff? Given the scale, it wouldn't be strange for a nation to be backing them, but... no, I don't have enough information to draw a conclusion on my own. It’s too early.
Regardless, we’ve achieved a certain level of success.