第３４４堀：事情把握ともう１人 (Part1)
Chapter 344: Grasping the Situation and One More Person
Side: Yuki
When the two of them went to mediate the argument between the King and the Chancellor—or rather, the brother and sister—I had wondered what kind of scene it would turn into, but the atmosphere seemed better than I had expected.
Well, there’s no way for me, currently waiting in the guest room, to know what’s happening at this very moment... though it wouldn't be impossible to check, but peeking would be in poor taste.
After such a long time apart, they surely have plenty to talk about, and many things they wouldn't want others to overhear.
If, by some chance, the conversation soured and they turned hostile, I’d know soon enough. And if those two were to die because of it, the parties involved have already accepted that possibility, so I have no intention of interfering.
If a disturbance were to break out, I could just take advantage of the chaos to forcefully deal with the Holy Sword or the old dungeon.
"I wonder if those two are okay..."
"…They’re fine. They were just playing around, no matter how you look at it."
"Yeah. That’s how it looked to me, too. So, Riel, it’s okay."
"You’re right. I’m sure they’re getting along by now."
"I certainly hope so."
No, no, that’s impossible. If they could make up that quickly, they wouldn't have been at odds in the first place.
I couldn't exactly say that to Riel, so I just went along with what everyone else was saying.
Oh, by the way, the demi-human members who came here have been given the green light to show their animal ears and elf ears. There’s no need to hide them, and it’s better to act as our true selves to be treated in a friendly manner, so I decided to let them show their features.
I had expected Runou, Samantha’s older sister, to voice some complaints, but it seems she doesn't hold such prejudices; she treated us just like anyone else, which was a surprise. Well, Samantha accepted it easily too, so I suppose that’s just how their family is. It makes things easier for us, so I’m grateful.
"…However, I am surprised. I never imagined that among the demi-humans accompanying you, there would be acquaintances of His Majesty Whiteforest. I had been wondering why there were so many unnecessary companions, but now I understand."
Acquaintances? They’re blood relatives—brother and sister—but saying that would likely lead to all sorts of international complications, so I explained to Runou that they were just acquaintances.
"Well, something like that. I didn't expect them to be acquaintances of His Majesty either."
"Still, thanks to that, it seems our future discussions will proceed smoothly, which is a great help."
"I certainly hope so."
"But I was surprised by General Stong’s misunderstanding. Thinking those two were Holy Sword users... Certainly, there were Holy Sword users among the demi-humans in the distant past. I’ve heard that elves are long-lived and that people from those days still live today, but they are quite advanced in age. I’ve heard that Vice Principal Lara of the Academy has been alive since the legendary era, yet she looks to be in her thirties. But those two are at most in their late teens. It must be a case of mistaken identity or perhaps they are blood relatives. They didn't have a Holy Sword, nor a Magic Sword, after all."
"Well, they must have just looked that much alike."
"I suppose so. ...If I found someone who looked exactly like Samantha, I would certainly act the same way."
Hahaha.
So, the immortality granted by embedding the dungeon core into Hifie is coming in handy here. If it were discovered that those two were Holy Sword users, it would only stir up more unrest in every nation. We’re already busy enough trying to uncover the secret maneuvers of the Ex Kingdom; I don't need this on top of it.
...In that sense, it was a dangerous moment. From now on, I’ll have the Holy Sword users wear disguises. You never know what kind of route information might leak through. They could be used as bait, but they are wild cards that could destabilize nations. I’ll avoid using them as much as possible and keep them hidden.
"Phew. This tea is delicious, though."
"I am glad it suits your palate. These tea leaves are grown in the climate of Whiteforest; they have a warming effect on the body and are well-loved by the common folk."
"It’s a cold season, so this would make a good souvenir for my father and mother. Could you spare some of these leaves later? The regular quality, not too expensive, would be fine."
"Certainly."
Runou handled the exchange with the maid, and we sipped our tea leisurely while waiting for the two to return.
About an hour passed, and in the end, the two never returned, and we were called to a different guest room instead.
"My guests, I apologize for the wait."
The one who greeted us was a white fox-kin woman. She was the one who had been pinned down by Kaya back then.
"It is a bit late for introductions, but I am Heena, the Chancellor of Whiteforest. And this is..."
"I am the King of this Whiteforest, Refest Whiteforest I."
The elf man sitting in the luxurious chair at the back spoke. I see, so these two are the younger sister and older brother of those two. ...They look similar if you say they do, and you wouldn't know if you were told they were strangers. That’s about the extent of it.
For now, I was guided to a chair by the assistant and sat down. Wait, isn't this woman the one who looks most like Kaya?
"Now, guests. What is your business in coming here during such a harsh season?"
"Yes. A very serious problem has occurred in Roday, the Lancer Magic Academy, and August, which is why we have come here. The details are in these letters of introduction."
As I said that, Runou handed over Roday’s letter, and Samantha handed over the Lancer Magic Academy’s letter to the assistant, who then passed them to the Chancellor for verification.
"Indeed, these are the wax seals of Roday and the Lancer Magic Academy. I shall review the contents."
The Chancellor read through them fluently, confirmed there were no issues, and handed the letters to the King. ...She didn't show any surprise on her face. Did she hear the contents from the two of them beforehand, or is that just her nature? The King didn't show any change in expression as he read them either.
"I see. ...This is indeed a grave situation. Chancellor."
"Yes. I will immediately organize a search party and confirm if there is any illegal possession of Magic Swords."
"Good. ...However, I need some time to confirm the Holy Sword."
"May I ask why?"
"Because it is strictly sealed. There is a possibility that those who are maneuvering in the shadows are waiting for this very moment. I cannot simply unlock the door and check it immediately. Given the nature of the object, I must consult with my senior vassals, and we must ensure security is tight when we open it. Furthermore, to me, it is a memento of them."
"…Your Majesty, are you..."
"Yes. I have seen those girls, the Holy Sword users, with my own eyes. Their power, their character, their thoughts, and their wishes..."
Ah, that’s right. We have all the living members gathered, but four of them died in the battle against Peace. ...In that sense, they have had a more precious experience than us, and it must be a very important memento to them.
"However, though it will take time, I will certainly confirm it. It will take about a week to prepare, so if you can wait until then, you are welcome to spend your time in Whiteforest. I wish to treat you as guests."
"Thank you. Given the circumstances, we have been strictly ordered to confirm the presence or absence of the Holy Sword, so we will gratefully accept your offer."
"Very well. You must be tired from your long journey. We can discuss the details tomorrow; I will have you guided to your rooms, so please rest well."
"We are grateful."
"Oh, excuse me, but you are Lord Yuki, correct? I would like to thank you for bringing my family here, so would you mind speaking with me privately later?"
"Yes, I don't mind."
"I see. Then I will send a messenger once my work is finished; we shall meet again then."
"Understood."
I see. It seems I’m the one managing the group, and those two had enough leeway to talk after all.