第５５７堀：大掃除開始 (Part1)
**Chapter 557: The Great Cleanup Begins**
**The Great Cleanup Begins**
**Side: Yuki**
"Clay. How did it go?"
A room is projected in the air. The people shown within are Tarcram and Clay.
"...My apologies. Both operations failed. Furthermore, the summoning orbs led by the Haiden and Baide units under my command have been seized."
"What did you say!?"
At this point, showing any more would be problematic, so Vilia stops the recording as originally planned. Naturally, there is no need to confirm anything further.
Everyone in the audience chamber turns looks of utter contempt toward Tarcram, who had previously denied any involvement at the top of his lungs. After all, he had just moments ago tried to discard Clay to save his own skin.
King Haiden opens his mouth, his expression blank, as if to say there is no room left for excuses.
Man, the "crime-proving combo" using recorded footage is just too easy. There are no personal information protection laws here, so it’s simple to set up. In Japan, even if you could use it as evidence, you’d likely get dragged in yourself for stalking or privacy infringement. In that sense, I love this other world. Well, even on Earth, if you have an organization or a nation backing you, the chances of getting hauled in are slim, but still.
It’s just like a security camera in the middle of town. As I’m thinking this, the situation progresses.
"Now, everyone. There is no need for further questioning. Seize those two."
"Yes, sir!"
As the soldiers move to apprehend Tarcram under King Haiden’s orders, Tarcram, who had been silent, makes a move.
"Don't move!! Do you not see what this is!?"
What Tarcram pulls from his robe is a Magic Gear—the "summoning orb" the group has been talking about. As planned, once he was cornered, he reached for the Magic Gear he brought with him.
"Damn it, everyone is getting in the way of my noble goal!! That’s enough!! You are all unnecessary!! Come forth, warriors of the otherworld!!"
As Tarcram theatrically holds the Magic Gear above his head, it begins to glow. Numerous magic circles appear at his feet, and as expected, Lizardmen are summoned—or rather, teleported—in.
It went well.
However, looking at them now, it seems that only biologically living creatures that can survive without magic stones can exist in this region. Since magical lifeforms cannot survive without magic stones, the environment must be similar to the If Continent in terms of sensation.
Well, it’s better than the 20x load on the magic we use, but since the Dungeon DP consumption rate was 5,000 times that of the Rogari Continent, it’s basically a wash. That said, I negotiated with Luna to drop it to 2x, so this new continent might be easier to operate in overall.
"W-what is that!?"
"C-could those be monsters!?"
"Tarcram!! You traitor! Have you sided with the Demon Lord!?"
The people of this land, who have never seen such things, are flustered by the Lizardmen. Their physique is impressive, with an average height of two meters, towering over the soldiers and emitting an overwhelming sense of pressure.
In Weed, we make good use of their sturdy frames by treating them as heavy infantry. They are particularly useful for their resilience in harsh environments and their amphibious nature.
"Heh heh heh, I’ll kill you all!! Do it!!"
Tarcram laughs defiantly and gives the order. The Lizardmen move in unison.
"M-meet them!! Protect His Majesty and the Princesses!!"
"Y-yes, sir!!"
The brave soldiers, despite knowing they likely cannot win, grit their teeth and try to fulfill their duty. But rather than throwing their lives away, the Lizardmen simply run straight past them toward the doors.
"H-huh?"
It wasn't just the soldiers who let out that confused sound; Tarcram, who summoned them, was just as shocked. It makes sense—the Lizardmen he thought would attack everyone simply fled.
To the soldiers facing them, it looked like they were running away, but to the soldiers guarding the doors of the audience chamber, it looked like they were charging straight at them.
"G-get into position!!"
"Y-yes, sir!!"
They ready their spears and shields, but unfortunately, that’s not enough to stop the Lizardmen.
*CRASH! THUD!*
The soldiers are blown away in a single exchange. The Lizardmen scatter into the castle, and screams begin to echo from all directions.
Actually, this was also part of the plan. This ensures everyone recognizes that the dummy Magic Gear Tarcram possesses is a dangerous item. If monsters are rampaging through the castle, they can't deny it anymore. The Lizardmen will vanish in five minutes, and I’ve given them tools to escape if they feel they’re in danger, so there’s no problem.
Meanwhile, the audience chamber has gone quiet, despite the chaos in the castle. Of course it has. The monsters Tarcram so eagerly summoned didn't protect him; they just bolted. In other words, there is nothing left to protect the fool. Clay has already been subdued by Dressa, so he truly has no moves left.
"Seize that man!!"
"Yes, sir!"
Under King Haiden’s renewed order, the fool is finally apprehended.
"D-damn it!? L-let go of me!!"
"Oh, we’ll let you talk plenty later. I have a mountain of questions for you. Take him away!!"
"Yes, sir!"
Tarcram, having lost his earlier bravado, is dragged away quite easily.
"Gather the troops!! My niece informed me of Tarcram’s actions in advance, and we have already investigated the others who possess these so-called summoning orbs!! We will root out the Demon Lord’s subordinates nesting in Haiden!! Messenger!! Tell the standby units that the time has come!!"
"Yes, sir!"
Following that declaration, the people begin to move busily. The audience chamber transforms into a command center, and detailed orders are issued: sealing the gates, gathering troops, arresting the nobles on the list, and recovering the Magic Gears.
"My, things are proceeding exactly as we anticipated."
"Indeed. I would be grateful if it were always this easy."
"For now, it seems we have no part to play. Shall we have some sweets?"
"Oh, I’d love some."
"May I join you as well?"
Both of them seem relaxed enough to enjoy some snacks, and they readily accept my proposal. That’s the dignity of an adult, I suppose. Now, let’s see... I’m in the mood for a cream puff today. A double-cream type with both custard and whipped cream. It’s a polarizing choice, but I don't really care what these two old guys think.
"Here you go."
"Ho. This is a food I’ve never seen before."
"Indeed. How does one eat this? Lady Deryu?"
Duke Kamishiro asks Deryu, who has already grabbed a cream puff. Usually, it would be Ria, but she’s busy pouring tea and can’t stuff her face with a cream puff right now. By the way, Taiki, Eoid, and Amanda are still waiting at the Duke’s estate, just in case the fool tries to attack.
"Hm? There’s no particular etiquette to it. You could cut it with a knife and fork to eat it elegantly, but it’s a hassle to wash extra dishes. Just hold it in your hand and take a bite like this. *Nom nom.* Mmm, delicious. The trick is to taste the cream and the pastry at the same time."
"I see. This is a convenient snack. And it is indeed delicious."
"My, the food culture of Weed is truly enviable."
"Here we are. Tea is served."
"Ah, thank you, Lady Ria. Please, have a cream puff, Georgin-san."
"Thank you very much. *Nom.*"