第４９７堀：活路を模索する (Part2)
"Well, they generally don't have a taste for bloodshed. But that doesn't apply to those who refuse to listen to reason, does it? You saw it yourself—we suppressed both them and the Empire in one fell swoop. If you're counting on Yuki-sama’s leniency, you’d best stop. There likely won't be a next time."
"I understand. However, for the time being, the territory is officially under Haiden’s jurisdiction, not Weed’s, isn't it? That’s why I thought I could claim the Imperial army retreated, send the reinforcements home, and then steer the negotiations with Weed toward my family’s estate."
"…I see. But you and the Princess are technically prisoners, aren't you? The other magic students as well. How do you intend to explain that?"
"…We can continue to claim it’s a field exercise. As for the Princess, if we say she is still undergoing treatment, they should be satisfied. I believe she would nod along if I asked for her cooperation in that regard."
*Assuming that airhead would go along with it.*
"It’s plausible, I suppose. But there is one problem."
"…And what might that be?"
"I have no reason to bow my head to Haiden. My loyalty now lies with Weed. I understand your struggle, but I have absolutely no motive to work for Haiden’s sake. I couldn't care less about being recognized for repelling the Empire at this late stage. Even if they attack, with Yuki-sama and the others here, victory is guaranteed, and cutting off supply lines is meaningless. Personally, I’d prefer it if Haiden continued to butt heads with Weed. Haiden has no future as it is. In that case, I believe Weed—a power worthy of trust—should be the one to rule over Haiden. Your proposal is nothing more than stalling for time. Even if you avoid a conflict with Weed this time, what then? The hardliners in the royal palace won't change their stance. Eventually, the family you speak of will be dragged into this anyway. What do you intend to do to stop that?"
"…"
"In that case, wouldn't it be better to send a letter to your family telling them to submit to Weed?"
*…Ultimately, that’s the only way, but I still feel like there must be another option…*
As I desperately racked my brain for a way to convince Catherine-sama, a man’s voice suddenly cut through the air.
"Hey now. Don't go making plans to increase our territory; it's a hassle. We don't have the manpower. We don't even want it. And besides, stop bullying her so much."
"Yes. I played a bit too much."
"Eh?"
Before I knew it, Yuki, along with his guards Cleena and Samantha, were standing right in front of us.
*When did they get here!?*
"I heard the conversation. Well, it’s not a bad strategy for avoiding war. If we drag the imprisoned Queen out, wouldn't that suppress the hardliners?"
"That would be impossible. She has been kept in solitary confinement all this time. However, if the Kamishiro Ducal House were to lend us their strength, it might be a different story."
"Eh? Eh? Eh?"
I feel like the conversation is suddenly moving forward at breakneck speed. No, wait—first of all, where did Yuki and the others even come from?
"I see. If we bring Kagura’s family to our side, the subsequent developments become unpredictable. Haiden would be split right down the middle between the Old Royalist faction and the current one, then?"
"What a joke. If Yuki-sama were to lend his hand, the result would already be decided."
"…I need to make sure Catherine understands that my abilities are finite."
"Oh, but Cleena-san and Samantha-san have told me that your 'finite' limits aren't something that would be reached by a situation like this. Isn't that right, you two?"
"Mm. If Yuki felt like it, he could take on all the surrounding countries at once and still not lose."
"Literally, he could handle it all by himself. Even I can imagine that, so there must be even more impressive ways to do it."
"…I’m not going to do anything that troublesome. I’m seriously short on manpower. *Sigh*, well, whatever. We’ll adopt Kagura’s plan. We’ll ask Haiden’s reinforcements to head home, and in the meantime, we’ll build a connection with Kagura’s family. Let’s start there. Agreed?"
"Yes!" "Yes!" "Yes!"
"Wait a minute! Don't just ignore me and move the conversation along!"
"No, Kagura’s plan was accepted, so I’m not ignoring you, am I?"
"No, that’s not what I meant… U-um, about that…"
"About that? This? Ah, you mean the signature. Catherine, make sure you cooperate with her."
"Yes, understood. I shall certainly see to it that a connection with the Kamishiro house is established."
"THAT’S NOT WHAT I MEANT!! Where did you people even come from!!"
*Yes, that’s the question! And what are these people, anyway!?*
*If anything, they seem even less capable of rational conversation than the Princess! Tell me, who exactly are Yuki and his group? Are they really heroes from a fairy tale?*
"No, I just used a Teleportation Ring."
"What is that!? There’s no way something like that exists—"
"You saw me teleport instantly at the beginning, didn't you?"
"…"
*…Damn it, why is it so impossible to talk to these people using common sense? Oh, Haire-sama, my Goddess, why have you bestowed such a trial upon me!!*
And so, to settle things "peacefully," the coup d'état plan was activated.
The Princess is a hassle, so I’m leaving her be.
I’ll explain the reason why I can use the Teleportation Ring, but keep in mind it only works for movement within the dungeon. I haven't returned to Weed. Using it to shorten travel time within Baide is perfectly fine. It’s a system where if a gate is connected to another dungeon, you can teleport there as well. The gates and the dungeons act as fixed coordinates.
Also, some people seem to be under the mistaken impression that my villa in Baide is located in the middle of the city, but it is quite clearly inside the dungeon. Considering the safety of my wives and children, a villa in the middle of the city is out of the question.