第３３７堀：最後は全部持っていく (Part2)
"…Come to think of it, I’ve heard the name 'Sword King of Roday' before. But like Samantha, I just assumed it was a rumor, a tall tale, or something from the distant past."
"As Cleena-sama says, we’ve made sure to treat it as a thing of the past—a mere rumor or a fairy tale. It’s to protect His Majesty’s life, after all. …Well, I only heard it from Huge-sama myself, so I never imagined it would actually go this far."
With that, everyone turned their eyes toward the Sword King.
"Damn it!! Who the hell are you?!"
"What’s this? You set up a base right under the castle walls, and you don't even know who I am?"
"How should I know?!"
Normally, no one would expect a King to personally lead a raid. If things went poorly, he might even be mistaken for a common bandit.
…Hmm. I should probably exercise some restraint. I made a mental note of that, burning the scene into my memory.
Ah, it doesn't look like the King is in any danger of losing to these thugs, so there’s no need to worry.
"Samantha!!"
Just as I was watching the situation unfold, a voice called out from behind.
"Runo-oneesama!?"
Running toward us was a beauty with a chest that rivaled Samantha’s, though her hair was straight.
…It seems Samantha’s chest is indeed a result of abnormal development rather than just genetics. That means it wouldn't be strange for my own chest to eventually catch up to Master Eris, Master Rurua, or Samantha.
"Oh my, the King really did show up, didn't he? Say, Yuki-chan, are you recording this?"
"Of course I am."
"Yes! Now I can watch my husband’s dashing figure whenever I want!!"
"…Mother. I don't really understand the context, but please save the lovey-dovey talk for later. And you, that man there. You’re Yuki, the one who 'damaged' Samantha, aren't you?"
"Damaged…?"
"No excuses. I’ll be hearing a full explanation from you later. Samantha, my subordinates will be here soon. Don't let a single enemy pass."
"U-um, Oneesama. Regarding Yuki-sama, we need to follow proper procedure…"
"Quiet!! Since when do you need to follow procedure to talk to your sister?!"
…It seems Samantha’s sister has a bit of a sister complex. This is going to be a headache.
"Is that uniform from the Royal Capital’s Magic Guard!? Damn it, you gave us away because of you!!"
"You idiot. You’re already checkmated. Right, Huge?"
"…*Sigh*. You’re a cruel man, too. Fine, Your Majesty, please finish this quickly."
As Duke Huge said that, the realization finally dawned on the thug’s face, followed by sheer astonishment.
"Th-the Sword King!? Wh-why are you here!?"
"Intuition."
A moment of silence followed, filled only by the sound of the wind blowing through the broken door.
"…Damn you!!"
"Oh? You’re coming? Then…"
*THWACK!!*
With a single strike from the flat of his blade, the thug was knocked out cold. Probably.
As expected of the Sword King, his speed was extraordinary. But he slowed down just before impact, so I don't think he’s dead.
"Alright. Runo’s here, too. I’ll leave the rest to you. Is the cargo safe?"
"You were rampaging without a care in the world!! Damn it, Runo, sorry, but could you search the warehouse here…"
"Sure thing. Yuki-san, I’ve secured the cargo."
"Yes. It was kept separate in the back warehouse, so there’s no damage. Though, the path is a bit cluttered. Ria, let’s clear it."
"Yeah, sure."
Jessica and Ria swung their swords, blowing away the obstructive rubble.
"…!?"
The Roday officials looked on in shock.
"Yo. Good work. Now, miss, the cargo His Majesty mentioned is in the back, so please be careful while transporting it."
"Ah, y-yes…"
Ria and Jessica rejoined us under the bewildered gazes of the Roday officials.
"…Yuki. Is this alright? I don't think they realized Jessica and Ria’s true strength, but they definitely recognize them as formidable now."
"Samantha’s sister, and seeing the King’s recklessness—I think this will serve as a good deterrent."
"…Fair point."
"Indeed. Oneesama tends to be a bit too overprotective of me, so this is good medicine for her."
"Let’s head back and have some tea. I hear they have tea leaves that are a specialty of Roday."
"Yay! Jessica, I’m looking forward to it."
"Yes. It was worth the effort to ensure we could enjoy a relaxing cup of tea."
And so, leaving the stunned King and his entourage behind, we headed back to the castle ahead of them.
"Say, Huge. Who are these people in Yuki’s mercenary group? He’s a mage himself, right?"
"Who knows. Honestly, even I can’t quite gauge them. But I know their character, and I trust them. As long as we don't betray them, we’ll be fine. They’ll definitely protect my daughter."
"Yeah, that’s true. Well, that’s no problem then!! Later, I’m going to challenge those two—Jessica and Ria, was it?—to a sword duel!!"
"Who gave you permission to do that?! Go write your apology report!!"
"Indeed. Did you really think you could play around after causing all this trouble?"
"Gah, Ronri!? Huge!? What’s with those ropes…"
" "Get in line for your punishment!!" "
"Oh, Mother. Who is that man named Yuki? He doesn't seem like the type of person who could keep two such skilled female swordsmen by his side…"
"My, my. It seems Samantha has a better eye for men than you do. That’s why you’re still unmarried… *Sigh*."
"What do you mean by 'sigh'!? I-I have an eye for men, too!!"
…Hmm. The world is truly vast. There are all sorts of people and all sorts of sides to them.
I’ll continue to watch over things by Yuki’s side, seeing all that there is to see.
For now, we’ve easily seized the magic sword stockpile.
On the very first day.
Yeah, this country is something else.
And the story continues.