第４６３堀：混迷する状況 (Part1)
### Chapter 463: A Confusing Situation
**Side: Taiki, Hero King of Ranks**
I knew they were approaching thanks to the dungeon’s surveillance, but I followed the primitive procedure of receiving official contact through the gate. This was a method devised by Taizo-san and Yuki-san to ensure the enemy wouldn't realize we could monitor their situation remotely, keeping all our cards hidden.
There was a risk to the soldiers, but I managed to restrain myself after being told that if things came to that, we would have no reason to hold back against people who didn't even know the most basic manners.
Suppressing my impatience, I received the report from the soldiers, read the official letter, and headed toward the gate with my Royal Guards—walking slowly, not running.
Upon arriving, I found the "Idiot Princess" who had caused us so much trouble, along with the jealous, muscle-brained Nogosh.
...But something was off.
Comet-san was crouching down, hiding her face, with Nonoa-san leaning in to support her. The Idiot Princess and the muscle-brain were looking at the two of them with worried expressions.
I didn't quite understand the situation. Was Comet-san feeling unwell?
"Ah, Taiki!"
Just as I was wondering how to address them, the Idiot Princess noticed me and called out my name. I’m not close enough to you to be called by my first name without honorifics, you brat.
"Prepare an inn for us immediately!! Nonoa-sama's disciple is feeling unwell!!"
I’m under no obligation to take orders from you. However, Comet-san is one of our own; it’s possible she was attacked by Nogosh or someone else without me knowing. Judging by the Idiot Princess's reaction, she probably didn't do anything herself.
Well, Hifi-san would be worried, so I should get Comet-san to safety immediately.
"...Understood. Then, please hand over your disciple to us."
"Hah!? It’s obvious we’ll be coming with you!! You traitorous coward!! Just like you destroyed the country, you intend to leave a defenseless woman alone and kill her in secret, don't you!!"
...Shut up, you Idiot Princess. That person is a Lich; she’s already dead! And if I really wanted to kill you, I’d wipe this entire area off the map! Don't underestimate the sheer absurdity of Yuki-san’s members!
Besides, you don't even seem to understand your own position. The Royal Guards behind me are radiating killing intent. My own gut is boiling with rage, but I have to endure it. I need to crush Nogosh in a duel, retrieve the sword, execute Leia, and capture the Idiot Princess as she tries to flee, beating her into total submission.
Moving now would be a mistake. Patience. Just patience.
"Understood. Everyone, please come this way."
"Hmph. You have absolutely no manners. That’s why you’re a rebel."
"Don't think you can catch me off guard, you know? It would be shameful for a Hero to use a sneak attack and lose his head, wouldn't it?"
...Seriously, can't I just finish them off right here? Why are they so confident?
*“Taiki-kun, calm down. It’s extremely unpleasant, but that role should be mine.”*
My anger instantly subsided. The voice coming through the call was quiet, yet filled with rage. It was Taizo-san. Oh, if he’s that worked up just from the sound of their voices, their destruction is already sealed. There will be no salvation, and no mercy.
*“Ah, Taiki-kun. I’ve figured out what’s up with Comet. It might have been unpleasant for you and Taizo-san, but to Comet, it seems she only heard it as a full-blown comedy routine. She contacted me via call. She said the exchange just now was enough to make her stomach ache from laughing.”*
With that report from Yuki-san, my energy completely drained away.
...Ah, so that’s what it was. Indeed, they just look like a couple of posturing idiots. Well, I suppose that’s typical for them. *Sigh*, I don't need to take the bait of their provocations.
"This way. We can't have any disturbances, so I will have soldiers stationed here to keep watch."
"Hmph. Coward."
Say whatever you want. This is your last supper, after all. I’ll endure it.
...Somehow, I feel like I’m the villain here, but that’s just my imagination, right?
Despite the irritation, the Idiot Princess and the muscle-brain didn't cause any trouble and stayed quietly at the inn. I was grateful for that, as it allowed me to maintain contact with headquarters.
"Why are they being so quiet..."
*“Probably because they don't grasp their own situation, or they think they can handle it regardless.”*
"Either way, they’re total airheads. It’s annoying. By the way, what did you think of the Dojigiri from your end?"
That’s right—the biggest problem here is the Dojigiri. The seal on that thing breaking is the most troublesome part. The Idiot Princess and the muscle-brain are out of the question from the start.
*“Taizo-san and I are of the opinion that the seal hasn't been broken yet. The idiot kept flashing the sword around; it was like watching a child.”*
"I agree."
They were exactly like children with a new toy. It’s a wonder they could call themselves gods of the sword.
*“In that sense, I can understand the talk about them being possessed. Oh, by the way, John reported that about 500 monsters were marching from the direction they invaded Ranks from, and he’s already disposed of all of them.”*
"So there was a separate unit after all. What was their target?"
*“We’ve confirmed their marching direction. 300 toward the Ranks royal capital, 200 toward this village. A two-pronged attack.”*
"I see. It’s a relief John and the others were there."
*“Well, we had predicted it. They said it was easy since they used firearms to eliminate them.”*
I suppose so. In this world, they’re still stuck with swords, bows, and magic.
*“Steve and Kirika have also reached the deepest part of Bicks’s dungeon. They’re on standby, ready to extract the core and seize it at any moment.”*
"It feels like we’ve solidified the perimeter well. All that’s left is tomorrow’s duel and the execution. Will it be alright?"
*“That part, I don't know. It’s Taizo-san who’s dueling, not me. Well, I don't think he’ll lose. He’ll probably use a nullification skill, so a sneak attack is impossible. The only thing we have to watch out for is Bicks using a projectile weapon, but...”*
"No, that guy doesn't have the arm strength or the muscle to use a projectile weapon. He’s just a spoiled prince, after all."
*“True. The fact that he didn't bring any guards makes it easier for us to monitor him, which is a relief.”*
"And what is Taizo-san doing?"
*“He went to sleep a while ago. Said he’s preparing for tomorrow. He ate, took a bath, and went to bed, just like usual.”*
"He hasn't changed. Or rather, he’s living a healthier life than usual."
*“Taizo-san seems to treat pulling all-nighters as the default. Well, he’s doing his best tomorrow, so we’ll be on watch tonight. That said, Taiki-kun, you should get some rest too. You’re the commander, after all. Depending on how the duel goes tomorrow, there’s no guarantee the enemy won't try something.”*
"I know. But I’m a bit nervous, so I can't sleep."
*“Ah, the type who can't sleep before a picnic?”*
"Who knows? Anyway, I’m just feeling a bit... restless."
*“Well, for Ranks, this is the climax, after all.”*
"Ah, that reminds me, I was curious about this—why didn't the kings of each country ask anything about the sealing of Shuten-doji?"
*“They have zero prior knowledge. Ranks was the first to suffer damage, so in a way, they probably thought it would be easier to move. They’d be satisfied if the monsters, Nogosh, and Bicks were all just killed off.”*
"Is that so..."
As we talked, sleepiness finally set in. I crawled into my futon, waiting for the day of the execution.
The next day was clear. A cloudless, sunny day.
Hmm, is a clear sky on the day of an execution something to be happy about?