第４４４堀：勇者と魔物？ (Part1)
### Chapter 444: The Hero and the Monster?
**Side: Taiki, King of the Reborn Ranks, known as the Hero King**
*"Hero King Taiki. I’ve heard the situation from Shera. We are also mobilizing our military to get a grasp on the situation. However, your territory is close to the Kingdom of Swords. It’s unwise to disperse your troops for reconnaissance recklessly. I am sending a scouting unit from our side, so for now, hold your ground and focus on defense. Don’t you dare do anything rash, alright?"*
The one gently admonishing me is Teague, the next King of Gartz—one of Yuki-san’s wives, and the older brother of that rabbit-eared little girl, Shera.
"……Yes."
Teague-san is right.
If the opponent is that Idiot Princess, she will undoubtedly do exactly what we fear most. It’s easy to imagine that if I were to split up my forces for a search, she would pick them off one by one.
*"……I know it’s painful. But please, hold on. We are finishing our formation now, and we’ll send them through the gate to your location shortly."*
"……Thank you very much."
*"You aren't at fault. No one expected that princess to flee to a Dungeon Master, nor did we think she would possess the power of a Dungeon Master. It hasn't been confirmed yet that there have been any casualties."*
That’s right.
Calm down.
It hasn't been confirmed that the Idiot Princess has laid a hand on the citizens yet.
I really have to thank Teague-san. Because of Yuki-san’s report, I was about to send out a search party without thinking.
So, stay calm.
If I issue the order, the soldiers of Ranks will move. I shouldn't speak carelessly. As Teague-san said, I should coordinate with the reinforcements.
After all, there is a possibility that the Idiot Princess has obtained the power of a Dungeon Master. If I move in small numbers, the chances of being wiped out are high.
"Damn it. I really thought she had fled to another country."
I had assumed that when I lost track of the Idiot Princess, she had escaped to one of the countries with which she had established friendly relations. I had convinced myself that she was just playing the victim to get them to hide her. I thought I couldn't catch her because she had fled to a distant country that didn't know the truth about her.
"Your Majesty. The reconnaissance unit is ready. We can depart at any time."
"Your Majesty. It seems the warnings to the neighboring countries have been delivered successfully. We have received replies from each via courier."
The ones who entered the room were Ruth, my partner, and Keenog, my chancellor.
"Ruth. Stay on standby for now. We will coordinate with the reinforcements from Gartz to check on the villages."
"Yes, sir!!"
"Keenog. How were the reactions from the other countries?"
"Honestly speaking, while every country expressed surprise and stated they would bolster their defenses, I could not reveal the matter of the Dungeon Master. I could only say that they were attacking out of personal vendetta, so I fear their sense of crisis is lacking."
As Keenog said, I could only tell the King of the Kingdom of Swords that the Idiot Princess was whispering lies to incite an attack. Mentioning the Dungeon Master would lead to all sorts of complications. The lack of a sense of crisis likely stems from the fact that the Kingdom of Swords has been strangely quiet for the last forty years, causing the surrounding nations to let their guard down, despite the kingdom's historically bellicose nature.
If she moves while utilizing the monster-taming abilities of a Dungeon Master, the damage will be catastrophic. Fortunately—though I feel bad for the countries bordering the Kingdom of Swords—Ranks is separated from them by another nation, so if they march openly, their movements will be very easy to track.
That’s why I must ensure the safety of the surrounding areas first. Without fail.
"However, Your Majesty is calmer than I expected."
As I was thinking this, I heard Ruth mutter that, and I looked up.
"Indeed. I am happy to see you gaining the dignity of a true king. If it were the you from a while ago, you would have jumped out to lead the vanguard yourself."
To Ruth’s comment, Keenog—who had taught me the common sense of this world so thoroughly—replied happily. I owe a lot to these two. Ruth taught me the mindset required in this world, and Keenog provided the knowledge; both were indispensable.
"I know how to grasp the situation before acting. I’ve always been like that, haven't I?"
"Yes, you were like that before, but how should I put it... you’ve mellowed out compared to the past..."
"Indeed. Your Majesty was brilliant from the moment you were summoned as a Hero, but now, you seem to handle matters with much more composure."
"Ah..."
Now that they mention it, I can see why.
"I suppose it’s because I’ve been taught so much by Yuki-san and Taizo-san."
Yuki-san is, needless to say, out of this world, and Taizo-san is... well, he’s something else too. No, I mean that in a good way.
"Indeed, meeting Yuki-dono and receiving his guidance was a blessing for Your Majesty."
"Quite so. And Taizo-dono, a distant relative, is also a magnificent man. If it weren't for the fact that he has a country to lead, I would have loved to welcome him to our nation as your uncle with great fanfare."
That’s right.
Thanks to meeting those two, I felt like I wasn't alone. I had secretly wondered if I was the only one struggling and crying out in this unreasonable world, but there were people like Yuki-san and Taizo-san working just as hard. I think that’s what saved me.
"You're right. As Keenog says, Taizo-san is like an uncle to me. Then, I guess Yuki-san is like a big brother?"
"Haha, that is wonderful."
"You would be unstoppable."
As we were laughing together, one more person entered the room.
"Taiki-sama, excuse me."
"Airi. Is something wrong?"
"Yes. General John and General Mino-chan have arrived from Yuki-sama’s place with their subordinates."
"Understood. I’m heading there now. Ruth, come with me. Keenog, I leave this place to you."
" "Yes, sir!!" "
"What about you, Airi?"
"I’m coming too. I’m worried about my mother and father, too."
"……Understood."
Airi’s parents still run an inn in a rural town. Of course, I suggested they come to the royal castle at first, but they refused flatly.
*"This is my castle!! Do you think I’d just abandon it? So, no. Taiki, take care of my daughter, will you? Also, do some advertising for this inn while you're at it."*
That was their attitude, so all I could do was send guards to protect them. I’m quite worried about their safety. They would make excellent hostages for that Idiot Princess. I’ve already sent people to confirm their safety, but I suppose Airi can’t just sit still either. If it’s John or Mino-chan, they should be able to gather information quite easily.