第６２６堀：獣人美人刑事純情派 学生誘拐事件 状況証拠 (Part2)
In what world does one combine a sightseeing tour with the desecration of a church? I wanted to ask that very question, yet the answer stood right before me.
For us, however, it was a godsend. By acting on his own initiative and settling matters through his own means, Heiden would not be forced into a direct confrontation with the Haile Church.
"Actually, this is much easier," Yuki remarked. "There’s no need for formal protests. We just drop in an elite squad and smash the place to pieces. That’s all it takes. Then, if we spread rumors that it was the work of monsters, the Haile Church will be paralyzed. If they really are in league with the Circle of Wisdom, they’ll be forced to hunt down their own 'monsters' just to save face."
I was struck by how effortlessly he devised such schemes. His mind worked with a terrifying, ruthless efficiency.
"But Yuki-san," Riel interjected, "if that’s the case, shouldn't we have just forcibly investigated the Haile Church in the royal capital from the start?"
"It wasn't that simple, Riel. Right now, we have the deep trust of Sota-san, the Princess, the King, and the Academy Principal. But if we had pulled a stunt like that at the beginning, we would have been branded as enemies of Heiden instantly."
"He is correct," the Princess added softly. "Had you suggested attacking the Haile Church without proof back then, I would have done everything in my power to stop you."
"It’s all about timing and circumstances," Yuki said, a sharp glint in his eyes. "I’ve spent this time cutting off their escape routes. Once I present the evidence, no one will have grounds to complain. Right?"
He turned his gaze toward the Princess and Her Highness Stasia.
"…Yes. We would have no complaints," the Princess replied.
"I have no objections either," Stasia said. "However, should anything go wrong, we will be unable to shield you. You must understand that…"
"Ah, don't worry about that. When I personally step out, it’s only to deliver the finishing blow. If my subordinates are clumsy enough to get caught midway, they’ll be treated as nothing more than common thieves. I have no use for such incompetence."
Yuki spoke the words with a cold finality. It was hard to believe such a statement came from a man who supposedly cherished his followers. Yet, for one who stood above others, it was a pragmatic, perhaps even necessary, judgment.
As I tried to reconcile these two sides of him, a voice suddenly rang out.
"In that case, we’ll be the ones to gather the evidence in Ohnock!"
"Indeed. It is the one place we cannot afford to overlook. We shall go," another added.
"…Leave it to us."
For some reason, Riel and the other wives had volunteered for the infiltration of the Ohnock branch of the Haile Church. These were not mere subordinates; they were his family. Surely he wouldn't allow them to walk into such danger…
"Fine. I’ll leave it to you. Make it a grand show," Yuki said.
"Understood!" they replied in unison.
"Wait, just a moment!" I cried out. "You’re putting Tori and the others in danger! I can’t allow this! Why on earth would you send your own wives?"
If anything happened to them, the political fallout alone could put Heiden in grave peril.
"Actually, Ohnock is the one place where they can sightsee openly," Yuki explained calmly. "It would be a waste not to exploit that. While Tori and the others are being guided through the church by Kagura’s group, Steve and his men will raid the place. That way, no one can suspect their involvement. In fact, we might even use it to build their reputation."
"What do you mean by that…?"
"Think about it. The wives 'rescue' the clergy and the visitors from a group of bandits. Their reputation will soar. And once Kagura and the others reveal themselves as the Shrine Maidens of the Spirits, they’ll have a perfect reason to visit the grand cathedral. The Church will practically beg them to come. It’ll be like a living recreation of the legends of the Three Houses."
"…I see. Public support would certainly make that possible," I admitted. "But doesn't that mean Tori and the others are essentially acting as decoys for Solo and his group? If the enemy is looking for people with high magical power…"
I trailed off as the realization hit me.
Decoys? He was using his own wives as bait?
I wasn't the only one; the Princess, the Principal, and my sister all fell into a stunned silence as they grasped his intent.
"Fortunately, no one outside of this room knows their true identities yet," Yuki continued. "They haven't participated in any academy classes, so they’re just seen as acquaintances of the students. If the enemy reaches out for them, they’ve fallen right into my trap. The moment they lay a finger on my wives, I have my casus belli. From then on, the gloves come off. With Steve and his unit providing backup, securing further evidence will be a breeze."
"…However, this issue concerns Heiden and Findal…"
The Princess managed to speak, her voice trembling. She likely wanted to argue that leaving the entire matter of the Haile Church to Weed was problematic on many levels.
"Your side can't exactly make a move openly, can you?" Yuki countered. "The Haile Church likely knows your elite forces' capabilities. You’re paralyzed. In that case, it’s faster if we handle it. Am I wrong?"
"……"
To leave the fate of one's nation in the hands of another country was a bitter pill to swallow. Nothing was set in stone yet, but the momentum was undeniable.
"Alright. We move tomorrow at noon. Sorry, but Tori, your academy debut is postponed, and the rotation is frozen. Is that okay?"
"That’s fine!"
"I don't mind."
"…I will crush that church."
Personally, I couldn't shake the feeling that the town of Ohnock was destined for total devastation tomorrow.
And so, the three beauties prepared to descend upon the all-but-guilty Ohnock branch of the Haile Church, adopting the personas of hard-boiled rogue agents.
What lies ahead? Yuki has finally cast off his restraints, ready to act with total impunity. What dark schemes will the mid-tier "Paper Faction" weave in the shadows?