第５１４堀：素晴らしき作戦 セカンド (Part2)
"Furthermore, they likely never expected a successful defense in the first place. It’s possible they deemed it necessary for Baide to fall. That’s why they appointed *that* person as the commander—to ensure they’d lose."
It was a plausible theory. I had heard about the various issues plaguing the kingdom, and Baide falling would serve as the perfect catalyst for starting a war.
"You can imagine all sorts of things from this. It was clearly the King who appointed that person as commander, so it’s obvious they’re trying to do something about Baide on a national level. I mean, they know Princess Catherine and Lady Kamishiro are here. They might be thinking of cleaning house by getting rid of the former princess who’s a nuisance, and the daughter of Duke Kamishiro, who doesn't involve herself in court politics, all to consolidate their internal power."
"……No way."
"S-surely, it couldn't go that far……"
It was a shocking revelation for Catherine and Kagura.
"Recently, Lady Catherine has been viewed as an eyesore, so they’re using the enemy to dispose of her. It’s easier to assume the Princess and Lady Kamishiro were chosen as necessary sacrifices—scapegoats—to unite the old royalist factions and the anti-war groups. Well, this is just speculation, mind you. Nothing is confirmed."
"……"
Taiki-kun added that disclaimer at the end, but the two of them couldn't offer a rebuttal. They had already been suspicious of internal betrayal themselves. Since they were the ones who brought up the fact that the Princess was being targeted and that the kingdom wanted Baide, they couldn't exactly deny it. It seemed they just hadn't realized the entire country was behind it. It was natural to assume it was just the work of a cowardly official seeking glory, but given the scale of the reinforcements we saw earlier, it couldn't have been orchestrated without the current royal family's direct orders.
Well, standing around in silence wouldn't help.
"Anyway, it’s decided that we’re moving. Let’s gather proper intelligence on the enemy from here on out. Fortunately, Baide’s defenses are sufficient, so there’s no need to worry too much."
"Y-yes, that’s right!! Baide is no longer under the Haiden territory, but the Weed territory... There is nothing, truly nothing, for me to be heartbroken over, is there……"
Catherine tried to put on a brave face, but it must be painful to realize her own motherland might have treated her this way. Kagura remained silent as well. As I was wondering what to say to them, George-dono spoke up.
"Come now, there is no need to fret so much. Now we can blow away the current royalist faction and the warmongers without any hesitation."
"He's right. Kagura, don't cry. The real battle starts now, you know?"
"I-I'm not crying!!"
Kagura finally lifted her head. I didn't actually think she was crying, but she had been so unresponsive that I was worried. I didn't want her spirit to break here.
"Good. As long as you've got that much energy, we're fine."
"If it's come to this, I'll show them!"
"That's the spirit. Let's head to your family home and secure their cooperation first."
"Yes. Let's prepare and head to my father's place quickly!!"
With that, Kagura hurried back to the lord's mansion.
"Better than being listless, I suppose. With Yuki-sama here, it should be fine. Lady Catherine, I know you are shocked and worried, but leave Baide to the Great Eagle and Weed, and focus on securing the cooperation of the old royalist faction."
"Yes. Thank you."
The two adults shook hands.
"So, Yuki-san, what do you think of my theory from earlier?"
"Well, personally, I hope you're right. It would be more troublesome if they had some other objective."
"Exactly."
"We'll have to investigate that while accompanying Kagura."
"Oh, by the way, you tried to push Lady Kamishiro onto me, didn't you?"
"Whatever could you mean? I just think it's perfectly natural for a young lady of that age to fall for a Hero."
"You're really going to say that? Then I have a plan of my own."
"Oh? And how do you plan to make me, the harem-guy, look more charming than the Hero?"
"I won't tell you. But be prepared."
"Hahaha. Give it your best shot!!"
As I was joking around with Taiki-kun, I heard the voices of Dressa and the others behind us.
"……What are you two doing?"
"Ah, it's just one of Yuki-san and Taiki-san's 'seizures'."
"Seizures?"
"Yeah. It's so pointless."
"It's not pointless!?"
"That's what Samantha and Soel-san said when they arrived, right? Yuki-san, Taiki-san."
"Guh!?"
Ria’s merciless comment made us flinch. But!! I’ve been laying the groundwork to prevent that from happening!! It’s fine, it should be fine!! Right now, Taiki-kun is ten steps ahead, not just one!! No, wait, there’s always the cliché of a forced engagement or something... things never go that smoothly. Like those tropes in the Academy...
"Ah."
"What is it?"
At that moment, Taiki-kun and I had the same epiphany. Dressa tilted her head, hearing our synchronized exclamation.
"We have *him*."
"We sure do. The 'Lucky Pervert' guy."
According to Popuri, he had been asking whether or not he should tell the truth, and since we were short on manpower, having him as a reinforcement would be welcome. As for safety, I had the charm Firia gave me, so that was no problem.
"The more insurance, the better... or rather, I suppose I have to watch over my disciple's growth."
"Indeed. I'll get in touch with him."
And so, we began preparations to head to the Kamishiro Duke’s estate.
Will Yuki and Taiki's plan succeed!?
Oh, Volume 6 is out now.
It’s ranked 2nd in the light novel category on the Tsutaya daily charts, so it seems many people are buying it.
Thank you very much.