第６４０堀：各々方、討ち入りでござる (Part2)
That is why I’ve intentionally limited the escorts for Princess Carrie and Princess Stasia to women only. Moreover, they all appear to be young girls. Amanda is participating at the request of Principal Popuri, and since Eoid is a man, he has no right to join. Agil is helping out here, wanting to build up some credit with the Haiden, Findal, and Haire churches. Well, I suppose Popuri is also hoping that sending Amanda will serve as a foothold for future friendly relations. Naturally, Principal Popuri herself has already returned due to her own work commitments.
By the way, Taiki and Taizo are waiting at the academy. I am one of them as well. Or rather, since I am the head of the operation headquarters, I cannot go to the front lines.
"Princess Carrie will command the negotiation team. Princess Stasia will provide support, and Kagura and the others are to present the evidence when called upon to testify."
"Yes!"
After hearing the response from Princess Carrie and the others, I turn my attention to the escort members.
"I’m leaving the command of the escort team to Agil."
"Oh? You’re sure about me?"
"Rurua is in the medical unit, and the four of them—Vilia, Dressa, Hiiro, and Amanda—lack command experience, so I don't have many options. Given the location, it’s not the place for on-the-job training. I think you, as a general with plenty of experience, are the best fit."
"That is perfectly logical. Well, I assume you’ll be flexible with me on various things in return?"
"Within the limits of what I and Weed can do, at least."
"You always have a way with words, Yuki. Well, fine. Leave the escort command to me. I suppose the priority is the safety of the negotiation team, including Princess Carrie?"
"I’m counting on you for that. And if I may add, please protect yourselves as well. If anything happens to you or Amanda, that would be a problem in its own right."
"Understood. Well, I don't think there's anyone out there who can get past the defensive capabilities of the rings you gave us. Still, they are a bunch of lunatics, so we will remain fully vigilant."
As expected, Agil responds without showing any particular agitation. I had considered making Agil the vice-commander, but since Vilia and Dressa themselves requested that Agil take the lead, this is how it turned out. It seems Vilia and Dressa are well aware of their own lack of command experience and are feeling hesitant. Up until now, they’ve only operated in small groups with close friends under my direct instructions. They must be intimidated by an operation involving such a large number of people. I suppose I’ll have to have them practice that sort of thing someday.
Well, that aside, next is...
"Steve’s squad, you’re on covert escort duty and monitoring various locations. Any issues?"
"Everything is fine for now, boss."
"And the Magic Gear setup?"
"It’s already installed in the torture chamber. If they hesitate to guide us, we can pop out from the inside and show them the way anytime."
"Good."
So, the stage is set for a false-flag operation. Now, all that remains is to wait for my signal...
"Alright. The operation begins tomorrow morning at 0600. Until then, everyone is to get plenty of rest."
"Yes!"
With that, the meeting is dismissed. Kagura and the others leave with tense expressions.
"...Say, isn't it actually worse to give them too much time to think?"
Taiki speaks to me, clearly harboring the same anxiety as I am.
"Even so, we can't exactly move the operation up."
"I suppose we just have to believe this will be a good experience for the youngsters."
"Well, I suppose you're right."
Taiki nods at the words from me and Taizo. I understand how he feels, though. You can't sleep the night before an entrance exam or before your first job interview—though I suppose it depends on the person. Compared to that, the role Kagura and the others have taken on is directly tied to the lives and deaths of many people, so the pressure must be immeasurable.
"Well, we'll just have to let the youngsters endure this stomach-churning time, while we wait for the report from Britt’s squad."
After saying that, I move to a separate room where Duke Kamishiro, the Academy Principal, and Jorgin are already waiting.
"...It seems everyone is here. Give me your report."
"Understood. First, I'll start with the conclusion: The Cupel Cathedral is completely guilty. We discovered a massive amount of Magic Gear being transported into a hidden underground warehouse. As Jorgin-dono testified, there is no doubt that the people coming from the Cupel Cathedral are insane. The cause is currently unknown, however. On the surface, they are just a normal church."
"What about the torture chambers and such?"
"We haven't discovered anything that blood-curdling as of yet."
Well, there are still many unknowns.
"Understood. Continue the surveillance until the main headquarters is cleared. Also, if the transport of Magic Gear is confirmed, intercept and recover it. We want to avoid having those seeds of chaos scattered about."
"Understood. What shall we do with the transport personnel?"
"...Killing them or letting them escape is a hassle. Let's go with swapping the contents of the cargo. Call off the raid and swap the goods secretly at night. If you use magic, you should be able to do it without being noticed."
"Understood."
"Make sure you keep a firm grasp on where they are being transported to."
With that settled, we went about our business until the operation, returning home just a little past our usual time. Without a doubt, the raid is coming soon.
Now, what fate awaits Kagura and the others!?
Will Yuki be able to grasp the enemy's movements!?
Well, that aside, come to think of it, did we have a Chushingura last year?