第６３５堀：選別と方針転換 (Part1)
**Chapter 635: Selection and a Change of Plans**
**Side: Stasia Findal – First Princess of the Findal Empire, the Iron-Masked General**
“...Um, I look forward to working with you!!”
The one bowing her head toward me was Lady Kagura Kamishiro.
She is the top student of the Haiden Magic Academy and a diplomat for Weed. She is a multi-talented woman who has been through a lot, including once being our adversary. I heard that this time, she was caught up in the secret maneuverings of the Haile Church and was nearly killed. I also heard she collapsed after witnessing the horrific situation firsthand.
I called her a woman, but hearing that report reminded me that she is still a student. Yes, she is a student for whom collapsing under such stress would be perfectly natural.
Considering that, I think she has done remarkably well. Even if she was holed up in a city, she held out for over a week with only five thousand soldiers against an army of a hundred thousand led by my brothers, George and Georgin. That alone is proof of her rare talent.
Of course, she had Carrie’s support, but that doesn't change the fact that Lady Kagura gave it her all. That is why, seeing her greet us so earnestly here, I find myself worried that she might be overextending herself. It is only natural that Carrie and Lord Yuki are concerned.
If she were a soldier, I would reprimand her and reassign her, but she is still just a student. I can’t help but wonder why we are burdening her with such heavy responsibilities.
However, the situation has not improved. In fact, it is precisely because of who they are that their help is necessary.
“No, Lady Kagura. I look forward to working with you as well. There are many things we cannot judge on our own. Have you been briefed on the nature of the work?”
“Y-Yes! I was told that while Lord Yuki and the others conduct a covert investigation of the Haile Church’s headquarters, our task is to verify whether any of the personnel have ties to the nobility.”
“Correct. Originally, the plan was to cut down anyone who got in the way. However, if we kill priests who were formerly nobles, it could potentially put Haiden and Findal in a difficult position depending on the circumstances.”
“I also heard that you are considering using those former nobles to our advantage,” Kagura added.
“Precisely. By utilizing priests of noble birth, we can publicly declare that only a faction of the Haile Church has gone rogue. It carries more weight. This will also ensure the safety of Haiden and Findal.”
As we exchanged greetings, more people began to gather.
Led by Carrie, the group included the Headmaster of the Haiden Magic Academy, Duke Kamishiro—Kagura’s father—and students like Mikos, Solo, and Georgin. These were individuals well-versed in the nobility of various nations. Finally, Lord Yuki arrived.
“Alright, is everyone here?”
Everyone nodded at his question.
Standing behind him were General Steve and Vice-General Britt, the commanders of the unit that Carrie and I would accompany during the infiltration. They are exceptionally capable. I have trained with them several times; while Weed’s technological prowess is certainly amazing, their ability to master that technology and command their forces is staggering.
I doubt there are many in my own country who can move as effectively as General Steve or Vice-General Britt. In my personal opinion, Georgin is perhaps the only one who could put up a good fight against them. That is why I feel at ease regarding this infiltration mission.
We leave nothing to chance, preparing thoroughly to ensure the operation is executed steadily. This may seem like common sense, but it is actually quite difficult to achieve.
As these thoughts crossed my mind, Lord Yuki began his explanation.
“I believe you all understand that this screening of former noble priests is meant to prevent Weed, Haiden, and Findal from being isolated in the international community. Initially, I figured we’d just quietly eliminate the idiots within the Haile Church and be done with it, but things have changed. We need to assert our legitimacy and win over reliable figures within the Church. Now, some might say, ‘Who cares as long as we don’t get caught?’ but in these matters, you have to plan for the worst-case scenario where things *do* come to light. Furthermore, seeing how they’ve already extended their reach into Haiden and Findal, we can’t say other countries are safe. In fact, their influence has almost certainly spread. If things go south, we could be looking at a conflict between nations absorbed by the Intermediate God Faction and those that aren't.”
Indeed. That is the worst-case scenario.
It could be a repeat of the conflict between Goddess Luna and the Intermediate God Faction from five hundred years ago. If that happens, chaos involving numerous nations is inevitable. If "Magic Gear"—those cursed items capable of summoning monsters—are unleashed on the battlefield, there is no telling how much damage will be dealt to nations unfamiliar with such creatures.
Even if that worst-case scenario occurs, we can minimize the damage if we increase the number of allies on our side. While we should strive to prevent such an event, it is necessary for a leader to consider what to do if things go wrong.
“Well, rather than worrying about such complicated things, just think of it as making sure we don't involve innocent people. The big shots of the countries can handle the heavy thinking. You students should take it easy.”
When he said that, I finally noticed.
The faces of Kagura, Mikos, and Solo had turned pale.
“Lord Yuki! Had you not told them the details?! Duke Kamishiro, you as well?!”
Even as I stood up and raised my voice, neither Lord Yuki nor Duke Kamishiro seemed particularly surprised.
“Well, I wasn't going to tell them beforehand. This is a state secret, after all.”
“Princess Stasia. I thank you for your concern for my daughter and her schoolmates, who perhaps lack sufficient resolve. However, this is something they desired. They said they would do it—that they wanted to be of use if they could.”
That may be true, but they are students...
“Sister Stasia. We appreciate your kindness, but we have already made up our minds. As a general, surely you understand that better than anyone?” Carrie said.
“Urgh...”
It was true. Though Kagura and the others were pale, there was no fear in their eyes.
“Hahaha, Princess Stasia. Your expressions have become quite lively lately. It gladdens me to see it,” Duke Kamishiro remarked.
“Hmph. Regardless, it will be nothing but a nuisance if you collapse. If you feel unwell, say so immediately.”
“““Yes!”””
“Fufu. Now, to work. As you’ve heard, this is a very important task. Look closely at the photographs and make your judgments.”
With that, we all began reviewing the images General Steve and his team had captured during their preliminary investigation.
Fortunately, we didn't spot anyone who looked like royalty, but as expected, we saw many who appeared to be former nobles. While we lacked definitive proof, the video footage showed several individuals whose movements were unmistakably those of the aristocracy.
Amidst this, Lord Yuki suddenly muttered.
“Come to think of it, the head of the Haile Church at the headquarters... what was his title again? The Archbishop?”
“Yes. To be precise, he is Enor VIII,” the Duke replied.
“Enor? Is that a bloodline name?”
“No, it is a title passed down. The actual descendants of Lord Enor reside in the church in Haiden as one of our Three Great Houses. And as you likely heard from Lord Sota, the Kamishiro family began when Lord Sota and Lord Enor married. Though, from what I’ve heard of the details, it seems Lord Enor and Lord Haiden were constantly fighting over Lord Sota’s affections.”
That was exactly right. And that was precisely why Haiden’s standing had remained so strong from the nation's founding until today.