第３９３堀：騙し騙され演技合戦 (Part2)
"...Yeah. This is a more difficult situation than I anticipated. Honestly, I feel it would be safer to pull them over to our side. I’ll consult with Yuki and the others. If bowing my head once is all it takes to protect their happiness, that’s a small price to pay.
Well, I don’t know how much value Yuki and the others place on a head that’s been bowed as many times as mine, but... I should look for other bargaining chips just in case.
"Right this way. I’ve already cleared it with them, so please, go ahead."
It seems I’ve reached my destination while lost in thought.
I suppose having us open the door ourselves is part of the performance.
...It’s a bit late for this, but what should I really do?
Maybe I should act suspicious? Since there are people here who were thought to be dead, that would be the natural reaction. Plus, it would be nice if I could find a chance to attack my master.
I open the door and step inside. Standing next to Noble are Hifi and my master.
"Forgive me for calling you out so late. There was someone I wanted you to meet as soon as possible."
Noble is looking at us and Hifi’s group with a beaming smile, but...
"Excuse me, King Noble. Are you truly saying these two are Hifi and my master, Comet?"
"W-well, yes? Is there a problem?"
"...No, I suppose they do look identical. However, now that I know you are a god, Your Majesty, I cannot accept them as the real deal simply because they resemble them. If you’ll excuse me..."
I say this and immediately cast a Fire Arrow spell without an incantation, firing it straight at them.
"W-wait!?"
Noble seems surprised by my sudden action, but it’s already too late.
The spell doesn't hit them, of course—it’s dispersed by my master’s defensive magic.
Tch. I didn't really expect them to just take it.
"Noble. Popuri’s concern is only natural. I shall clear up these doubts myself."
"Is that so? Just don't start a magical duel. The castle won't survive it."
"I understand. That’s fine with you too, right, Popuri?"
"...I have no desire to cause trouble for the King’s guests, so if you can provide an explanation that satisfies me, I will listen. Especially regarding why my master, Comet, appears to be nothing more than an emotionless doll."
It seems the initial hook worked perfectly.
Noble and the Chancellor, acting as mediators, were whispering to each other about whether they’d messed up the introduction, and they no longer had the composure to see through our act. They were flinching at every word of our conversation.
Noble clearly wants both sides to cooperate, so he understands that forced suppression is a last resort.
With that, I pretend to listen to the history Hifi is recounting.
...It’s quite taxing to listen seriously to things I already know.
Moreover, it’s all an act. To avoid making my master or the others suspicious, I’ve moved to the window as Hifi instructed, but my master is just standing there with her eyes closed, not moving.
...At a glance, it looks like she’s keeping a sharp lookout with her eyes closed, but she’s actually sleeping.
She’s bored, so she’s sleeping. It’s a special skill she developed during her days of endless research—the ability to sleep anywhere, in any state.
I’m sleepy too, you know!!
Then, after a hellish, sleep-inducing performance of an explanation, I finally speak up.
"...I understand the situation. You know things that only we would know. You must be the real ones."
"I see!! That’s wonderful!! In that case, let’s work together from now on..."
"Your Majesty, not yet. Just as you tested me, we should test Hifi and my master. From what I hear, my master’s sense of self is already gone, and she is like a mere doll. Hifi is maintaining the dungeon through her. This alone doesn't tell us how much power they truly possess."
"...Hmm. You have a point. Chancellor, do you have any suggestions?"
"Hmm. Honestly, having the power of the Hifi Holy Kingdom is enough, but as Popuri says, measuring their strength is necessary. If we don't understand the limits of what they can do, it could lead to failure."
"But how do we measure it? We already have the physical proof of their technical skill in the form of the Holy and Magic swords. What else is there to compare..."
"How about a dungeon battle?"
"A dungeon battle?"
"Yes. Even though we’ve given up on it, we’ve been making preparations. We can’t bring the total force of all the monsters in the dungeon, but why don't we gather a certain amount and have a match?"
"...I see. We could gauge the power we’ve both been accumulating. But wouldn't having monsters fight in an internal conflict be a waste of DP? I know there are gates for traveling between dungeons, but installing them costs a fortune. I’ve only ever heard of them; I’ve never installed one myself. Who would pay for that potentially wasted expense?"
"I will cover it. When Comet was alive, she traveled between many dungeons."
"...That’s true. Very well, the installation is settled, but what about the monsters..."
"Wait a moment, Your Majesty. A word in your ear."
"What is it? ...Hmm, hmm. I see. Very well. It pains me to reduce our military strength, but this will lead to future improvements in our capabilities, so I have no reason to refuse. I accept your proposal."
Good, they took the bait.
I wonder what they were talking about, though?
Ah, maybe the collection of magic stones?
It’s more efficient to collect magic stones from monsters to produce magic swords.
It’s still too early to tell them that. Makes sense, makes sense.
Now, all that’s left is to wait for the main event.
Yes, I’ve finally secured an agreement for a joint exercise.
The countdown to the collapse has begun.
With three parties and three different agendas—wanting to pull them in, wanting to silence them, and hoping the acting doesn't fall apart.
Well, don't mind the fact that my ambitions are getting lower and lower.
In this world, it’s easier to stay motivated when your goals are close and clear, right?
Like, "I'm having yakiniku for dinner, so let's finish work quickly," or "I'm going to buy a new game on the way home."
A little bit of comfort is necessary to live life.
So, I’m not wrong for looking forward to "Labyrinth of Refrain: Coven of Dusk" coming out tomorrow.
It was made by Nippon Ichi Software, who created the WIZ-style grind-heavy games.
The content is plentiful, and the levels are off the charts. It’s guaranteed to be interesting!! In Disgaea, 9999 is just the beginning.
And "Story of Seasons: Trio of Towns," yeah, that’s reliably fun. I like the opening song.
Ah, but for me, "precious friends" probably just means "money."
Because, after all, isn't Story of Seasons a story about making money? Marriage? Ah, that’s just a bonus.