第５５５堀：方針決定 (Part2)
"I also believe the Princess's reasoning is correct. We cannot afford to deal with Haire right now."
Both Highnesses of Findall and Kagura agreed.
That left only Georgin and Duke Kamishiro...
"Ideally, that is the best course of action. However, the reality is a matter of how we go about achieving it," Georgin said, his expression tightening with difficulty.
Indeed, saying it is easy, but this requires quite a bit of tedious maneuvering.
"Indeed. First, assuming we ask Yuki-sama and his group to handle the retrieval of the letters, what do you intend to do regarding the charges to arrest Takram and his cohorts? Before that, this is a matter that must be cleared with His Majesty. How do you intend to meet with His Majesty without being discovered? We are not yet in a position to walk openly through Haiden."
As Duke Kamishiro pointed out, even if they wanted to arrest Takram and his group, they were, for the time being, subjects of Haiden. To apprehend them, the King's order was indispensable. To obtain that, they had to meet the King and explain the situation. But if they went to meet the King, there was a risk that their movements would be exposed, allowing the culprits to flee.
Under normal circumstances, that is.
"Takram's crimes are clear. Thanks to the recordings and audio captured by Yuki-sama's group, the attempted assassination and kidnapping against us are undeniable, and we can sufficiently apply charges of high treason. Furthermore, with the testimonies of myself, the Duke, and Kagura, it will be airtight."
Exactly. There was no shortage of evidence.
"It seems Takram intends to head to the castle tomorrow with Clay to whisper falsehoods into His Majesty's ear, frame Catherine-sama as a traitor, and solidify the situation before we arrive in the Haiden capital. That is our window of opportunity. It pains me to rely on Yuki-sama and his group for everything, but since they have already opened a gate to the Haiden capital, it might be best for us to arrive from Weed tomorrow and confront them right in front of Takram and Clay while they are busy spinning their lies."
Yeah. It’s a classic trope in movies, but it’s also effective.
"There is no possibility of interference, I assume?"
"If Yuki-sama and his group are accompanying us, our safety is guaranteed. Moreover, there is no better occasion to ensure they understand the true nature of Weed."
"Indeed. If Takram and Clay choose to attack us, we would be more than happy to oblige. If I may be so bold, it would be incredibly convenient if they used the dummies Yuki-sama left behind to cause a scene, but that is for Takram and his lot to decide tomorrow."
I think that part will be fine. According to John’s report, that guy Takram is carrying around a Magic Gear. Clay might run if he runs into us, but Takram will surely use it. I’m certain of it.
By the way, while the dummies are indeed summoned, I’ve given them orders to flee from the start, so they’ll run away immediately. And they are set to vanish after five minutes. In other words, the dummies can’t be used as combat assets even if they summon monsters. They’ve been tracked, and they’ve become easy-to-understand harmless weapons—no, let’s call them magic tricks.
For the record, the ones who cooperated were the Lizardmen from the mud-swamp region, the ones Clay summoned a while back. They are the type of wild monsters that can actually hold a conversation, so through Aslin, we decided to hire them. Apparently, life in the wild is harsh, and their employment conditions were simply food and a place to live. It’s tough everywhere, isn't it?
"And my sister will witness the scene as well."
"Hmm. So the conclusion is tomorrow? In that case, Georgin, why not come along? Princess Carrie, unfortunately, my face is not widely known. There is a possibility they won't believe I am a Princess of Findall. However, if it were you, Georgin..."
"I am grateful for the offer, but it cannot be called perfectly safe. What are your thoughts on that, Georgin-dono? You are a General of Findall whose name is famous even in our country. It is not just Takram’s 'Assembly of Wisdom'—there will be others plotting unnecessary schemes."
"Nonsense. With Yuki-sama and his group present, there should be no such worries. I shall refrain from acting on my own. It is a major arrest, after all, and if I can convey the events of the scene directly to His Majesty, there is nothing better."
"I see. Then, I look forward to your assistance tomorrow."
"It seems it will be nothing more than a spectator sport for me. However, there is one problem."
"And what is that?"
"Yuki-sama and his group will become even busier. This operation is predicated on relying on Weed for the majority of it, after all."
" " "Ah." " "
In contrast to the three who finally realized this fact, Georgin and Duke Kamishiro looked at me with wry smiles.
That’s right. I’m going to be working through the night from here on out!!
I have to tell Steve and John to handle the letter retrieval and shut out Haire’s connections, dispatch surveillance to the Haire Church, and prepare for the raid on Haiden Castle—well, a lot of things.
It’s great that the conversation moved quickly, but that leaves very little preparation time!!
Ah, I have a feeling Haiden is targeting my fatigue after all.
For now, the operation to kick out the idiots while keeping Haire a secret has been decided.
What will happen to the Haiden capital in the next installment!?
Also, among the readers, who do you think is the most decent god in Aulorit? Or was there even one?