第３６１堀：敵の正体 (Part1)
**Chapter 361: The Enemy’s True Identity**
**Side: Hifi**
*Scritch, scratch…*
Only that sound echoed through the room. How many times had I signed these documents now? My wrists and fingertips were starting to ache. When I mentioned this to Yuki-dono, he asked if I was a "manga artist," but since I don't know what a "manga" is, I’ll have to ask him to teach me sometime. He warned me to be careful of something called tendonitis, but the mental exhaustion from doing the same task over and over is far worse… Well, I suppose it’s a situation of my own making, so I have no right to complain.
Currently, the Hifi Holy Kingdom is in the midst of a massive crisis. The truth is that I, the supreme leader, had been replaced by an impostor—or so the story goes. In reality, there was no replacement; I had genuinely intended to wage war against the other nations and destroy them. However, after discussions with Yuki-dono and Luna-sama, we agreed to seek a peaceful path.
The fact that I clashed with Yuki-dono and lost was merely to gauge each other's strength; I certainly didn't lose in earnest. Yes, next time—no, *definitely* next time—I will win. …I’m serious, you know?
*Knock, knock.*
Someone was at the door. I set down my pen and granted permission to enter.
"Excuse me."
It was Taizo-dono. He is my right-hand man, a hero from another world, and his strategic intellect and technical skills are second to none, rivaling even Comet’s. …Though, unlike Yuki-dono or Taiki-dono, he is a bit too rigid, which is his only flaw. Regardless, he manages the military and is working hard to resolve the current crisis. Comet, on the other hand, is constantly holed up in Yuki-dono’s laboratory and never returns. Honestly, I wish she would at least send word about whether she’s eating there or here. I wish she’d consider the person cooking and waiting for her.
"A large number of letters have arrived from August."
"Yes. Thank you. Please leave them there."
More paperwork… But besides that, Taizo-dono was still holding a separate piece of parchment.
"Taizo-dono? What is that?"
"Yes. This also arrived addressed to Hifi-dono, but the sender is unknown, and the contents are unclear."
"What do you mean? Can’t you just break the seal?"
It looked like a simple rolled-up parchment tied with a string. I found it strange that Taizo-dono hadn't checked it himself, especially since I’ve authorized him to review documents.
"As you will see, it is sealed with powerful magic. I have a feeling that if I try to force it open, something problematic might occur."
"…Show me."
"It might be dangerous, though?"
"Contact Yuki-dono and the others. Ensure they can arrive immediately in case of an emergency. Taizo-dono, please withdraw."
"Understood."
Once I confirmed Taizo-dono had left, I reached out to examine the parchment.
"…This magic power. Could it be?"
*It can't be,* I thought, even as I untied the string. It was a spell that could only be undone by someone with a certain level of magical power. The moment the string fell away, the parchment floated into the air, and a voice began to emanate from it.
*『Greetings. Long time no see? Or perhaps, nice to meet you? To my fellow kin Hifi, and the Dungeon Master Comet.』*
"You are!!"
*『Ah, let me say this first: this is a one-way message, so even if you ask questions, I won't hear them. Well, you probably figured that out since it’s a letter.』*
"Guh…"
He read me like a book. But this intuition…
*『I had high expectations for your movements, but it seems you lost your steam halfway through. Well, that’s typical of Hifi, I suppose. Regardless, if you won't do it, I’ve decided to do it myself. In that regard, I’m offloading some unpleasant tasks onto you. You don't think it’d be a sin to cooperate, do you? It’s not a bad deal. With this, the peaceful world you desired will finally arrive. Four hundred years ago, I couldn't do anything because of my own weakening and the interference of Comet’s inventions, but things are different now. I am now the Overlord of the Ex Kingdom, Noble de Ex. I am also a Dungeon Master, and I have plenty of fame, national power, and DP. If you just come to me, the world you wished for will be as good as yours. Bring this letter to the Royal Castle of Ex. I look forward to a favorable reply. From the former God of War, Noble.』*
As if the letter had finished its purpose, the parchment lost its power and fell onto the desk.
"There were still gods left who hadn't vanished… And of all people, it had to be Noble."
The God of War, Noble. Unlike me, he didn't hide away. Even after being weakened, he stood on the front lines for the sake of Luna-sama and the country, eventually losing his life in the Demon King’s war as a mere human. Though his name wasn't as famous as the thirteen Holy Sword users, he was a brilliant commander who held off a force of 50,000 monsters with only 3,000 men during an invasion.
"Taizo-dono, are you there?"
"Yes, I am here."
"The contents of this parchment are beyond my personal judgment. I will consult with Yuki-dono and the others immediately. I will head there after finishing the high-priority documents for the Holy Kingdom, so could you gather them beforehand?"
"Understood."
Taizo-dono immediately moved to act. I couldn't decide this on my own. I had to contact Yuki-dono and determine how to handle this…
"…This won't be simple, Yuki-dono."
Despite my anxiety, I had to finish my work before I could move, so I returned to the paperwork.
"…At such a busy time. I wish he would consider the time and place."
It’s strange—I’m feeling irritated at having more work added to my plate, even though this is clearly a major event. …Have I been influenced by Yuki-dono’s methods and personality, for better or worse?
"Hmm. Things have gotten interesting in more ways than one."
That was Yuki-dono’s lackluster response after seeing the parchment.
"It has not 'gotten interesting.' This is a major crisis. The opponent possesses the abilities of both a god and a Dungeon Master. We should withdraw for now and reorganize our forces."
I tried to convey the gravity of the situation, but…
"No. There’s no need to withdraw. The letter is addressed to you and Comet, not us. He hasn't laid a finger on Mauve and the others, so my team doesn't need to pull back. If you have scouts in the Ex capital, you should probably pull them out, though."
"…What do you mean by that?"
"Sigh. Taizo-san, if you would."
"Understood."
For some reason, Yuki-dono sighed and left the explanation to Taizo-dono. Was there something wrong?
"It is likely that Hifi-dono is too flustered by the mention of an old acquaintance to notice. Let us examine the contents of the parchment once more."
Taizo-dono brought the parchment before me.
"The letter is primarily an invitation for Hifi-dono and Comet-dono to the Royal Capital of Ex. Is that correct?"
"Yes."
"In other words, as Yuki-kun said, this is an invitation, but it could also be a trap."
"Exactly. If we refuse, the Holy Kingdom might be the first to be crushed by Ex. After all, the opponent is the God of War, Noble, who achieved incredible feats even when weakened."
"Yes, I have heard the stories. He must be a master of strategy. Unlike humans, monsters don't collapse easily just because their supply lines are cut or their commander is defeated. However, our names are nowhere in this letter. This indicates that the opponent does not know about me or Yuki-kun and the others."
"Why are you so certain of that?"
"If he knew of the connection between Hifi-dono and Yuki-kun, he would have included a word or two about it. And if he had captured Mauve-dono and the others, that would have been useful leverage to draw you in. Yet, Mauve-dono and his team are still safe. There is no surveillance on them."
"…Then, is the goal to eliminate us?"