第３７８堀：キャッスルアタックと忙しい裏方 (Part1)
**Chapter 378: Castle Attack and the Busy Backstage**
**Side: Kirika**
Well then, will today’s clear weather be a blessing or a curse for us...?
No, I shouldn't think that the success or failure of our mission depends on the weather.
Only those who act without giving up until the very end can achieve anything.
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with relying on the gods, but the thought of leaving things to luck without putting in any effort is chilling.
Besides, the gods in Weed wear tracksuits—a truly unrefined look—so praying to them feels a bit... off.
Today, there is a ceremony at the royal castle to welcome the Principal and the Dragon Knight. Yet, the royal capital of Ex doesn't feel particularly chaotic; it seems to be greeting the morning just as it always does.
For the past few days, I have been walking around the capital of Ex, posing as a traveler separate from Mauve-san and the others, conducting an investigation of the city.
Not in my assassin’s garb, but in... well, let’s just say it’s the attire of a traveler common in the New Continent.
"Common" usually refers to the clothes we wear in Weed, so being seen in these rags as my "normal" street clothes is quite offensive.
Still, even though I am an undead, I am a woman with a proper sense of self. Naturally, I use magic to mask the scent of death. It would be a dead giveaway if I smelled, wouldn't it? Since I bear the name of an assassin, I pay close attention to such details.
For now, today promises to be quite busy, so let’s make sure our final briefing is solid.
"Oh, Kirika."
"Greetings. I’ve taken the liberty of letting myself in."
With that, I make contact with Mauve-san and the others, who are also infiltrating the capital.
Naturally, we didn't do anything as conspicuous as entering through the front of the inn or knocking on the door.
In this place, we are supposed to be strangers to one another.
"How were the guards outside?"
"The same as always. Three of them are watching from the usual spots. There have been no reinforcements, so they don't seem particularly interested in Princess Dressa's movements."
"That’s good news. Then we can proceed with our usual routine of training and eating without any issues."
"Yes, please do so. I received word from the Master to that effect as well..."
As we were talking, a message came through from the Master himself.
*『Yo. Morning. You’re all gathered, I see.』*
"Oh, morning to you."
"Yes, good morning."
The Master’s voice sounded as calm as ever, and there didn't seem to be any problems for the moment.
*『Well then, I don’t know how much you’ve discussed, but I need you to provide me with some intel as well.』*
"Sure thing. Though, there’s not much to report. Kirika checked the surveillance outside and reported no reinforcements or signs of tension, so it seems we haven't been discovered."
"For my part, there was some commotion yesterday when the dragon arrived, but today is quiet. There’s almost no talk of the ceremony. I only heard some castle soldiers chatting about it at a tavern."
"Ah, I haven't heard much about the Wyvern either. Just a bit of information leaked by the Rosetta Mercenary Corps, but no signs of panic."
*『I see. No changes to the plan, then. Steve and his team have finished their positioning, so Mauve and the others should carry on as usual.』*
"Got it."
*『However, since everyone except Mauve is undercover, be prepared to act as a diversion if something happens. Keep that in mind.』*
"Roger that. Any specifics?"
*『Depends on the situation. I’ll contact you if it comes to that.』*
"I hope that 'if' never comes."
Indeed, if that happens, it means one of us—or all of us—is in a pinch. I’d rather avoid that.
*『And Kirika, like Steve, I need you to gather as much internal information as possible while Popuri and the others are drawing their attention.』*
"Understood."
"Hm? Wait a second. Is that all for now? We aren't going to make a big move?"
*『The goal this time is strictly information gathering. The big moves come after Hifi and the others arrive. Well, if the information we gather requires immediate action, that’s a possibility, but unlike before, there’s a very high chance the opponent has a Dungeon Master, and we don't have Luna acting as a mediator. We have to earn our intel with our own feet.』*
"Ah, right. That’s why we’re infiltrating. I’ve been training so much lately I almost forgot."
*『Have you gone senile, old man?』*
"I haven't gone senile!"
*『Well, that’s beside the point. Kirika, infiltrate the castle as planned. Focus on suspicious areas, the armory, and documents.』*
"Understood."
*『I have to coordinate with Steve’s team, so I’ll leave the rest to you.』*
With that, the conversation ended. I left Mauve-san’s room and stood by, ready to infiltrate at any moment.
The infiltration route had already been decided and verified several times, and there had been no reaction from the enemy.
I’m not sure whether to be happy about the lack of reaction or to be on guard.
I would prefer the answer to be that our technology is simply superior to theirs, making us undetectable...
Well, this information-gathering mission is meant to confirm exactly that.
We have Mauve-san and the others acting as a diversion, so I have some support if things go south.
The rest is up to me.
*『Steve’s team is beginning the infiltration. Kirika, you start your operation as well.』*
Finally, the moment arrived.
"Understood. Beginning infiltration."
My equipment is the same as Steve’s team; using optical camouflage, I walk right through the gate.
Since Popuri-san and the others are holding their ceremony today, there don't seem to be any visitors for audiences, but that doesn't mean the castle is completely empty.
There are supplies being brought in and castle staff coming and going.
In that fashion, I succeeded in infiltrating without anyone noticing. Now, the question is where to gather information. We decided to start with the lowest-risk areas.
While mapping the interior, I first investigate the castle's structure.
Since I don't know where anything is, I have to start by learning the layout.
Important areas like the King’s chambers and the treasury are guarded by soldiers, so I mark those on my map and leave them for later.
...However, it’s not very challenging.
I pass by soldiers in the hallways, but they don't react to me at all.
No emergency alerts have come in, so Popuri-san and Steve’s team must be doing a great job.
Now that I’ve surveyed most of the general area, it’s time for the suspicious spots.
The King’s chambers and offices are guarded, so perhaps the armory or the dungeons in the basement?
Just as I was thinking this, I saw something take flight from the ground outside the window, and at the same time, I heard a roar of cheers.
Flapping its wings and soaring through the sky is the Wyvern.
I can see Amanda-san on its back.
It seems they are playing their roles perfectly.
"Oh, that’s amazing. So that’s a Dragon Knight."
"Truly a spectacular sight."
Suddenly, I hear voices and turn around to see the soldiers who were guarding the office heading toward the window.
No, to be precise, they are coming to get a better look at the Wyvern.
This is my chance.
I slip into the office as the soldiers leave, confirm that no one is around, pick the lock, and sneak inside.
If this were Weed, with its electronic and magical security, I wouldn't have been able to do this, but it seems they are still quite behind in that regard.